Financial Planning Fundamentals Program for CLU – Learn More

Financial Planning Fundamentals
Program for CLU® Certification

Launch your Financial Planning Career

Member Pricing
$1,600*
Register Now
Content on-demand | Streamlined content – Flexible learning – Online learning | Customizable study schedules 

*Plus tax for Advocis Members. Non-Members pay $3,200 + tax.

Ready to take the first step toward earning the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation? Start with our three foundational courses designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to excel in financial planning.

Foundations of Financial Planning

This course introduces learners to the field of financial planning. We begin by discussing the value of financial planning and the key trends that impact financial plans and the financial services industry. The six-step financial planning process, used universally amongst planners, is fundamental to the practice of financial planning. This course explains each stage of the financial planning process and its importance and contribution to a financial plan.

 

Assisting clients to bridge the gap between their current situation and their financial goals is critical to the practice of financial planning. This cannot be done without a solid understanding of time value of money calculations. Financial planners must be able to interpret the results of financial planning calculations to assess their client’s progress towards their financial goals.

 

The use of credit and debt is the only way most Canadians can earn a post-secondary education and purchase a house. Without a solid understanding of credit mandates, lending options, the impact of simple vs. compound interest on borrowing money, and the characteristics and suitability of common credit facilities, financial planners are unable to guide their clients toward the repayment of debt and the realization of their financial goals.

 

The final section of the textbook introduces learners to the Canadian Tax System. The focus of this chapter is on the application of tax rates for individuals as well as explanations of the types of income received by Canadian taxpayers.

Features 

  • Downloadable PDF of Course Content 
  • Sample Exam Questions 
  • Customizable Study Schedule 

CE Credits 

  • The Institute for Advanced Financial Education: 10 
  • Alberta Insurance Council: 10 Life; 10 A&S 
  • Insurance Council of Manitoba: 10 
  • Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 10 
  • MFDA: 10 
  • CIRO / OCRI: 10 

Investment Planning & Economics

This comprehensive course in investment planning begins with the taxation of interest, dividends, and capital gains. The taxation of investments is fundamental knowledge for financial advisors and planners.

 

In addition to a good foundation in taxation, understanding economics is crucial for investment planning. It helps explain the forces that drive financial markets and influence investment outcomes.

 

The ways that individuals think, feel, and act towards money can have a great impact on the outcome of their investments. Financial planners who understand human behaviour can better guide clients, manage expectations, and provide recommendations.

Having established a foundational understanding of the taxation of investments, key economic principles, and the role of human behaviour in financial decision-making, we delve into the core elements of investing by exploring the structure and function of financial markets as well as investment risks and returns. Over several chapters, we examine asset classes, the importance of asset allocation and diversification, the selection of assets, and investment structures.

 

The course is rounded out with chapters dedicated to investment styles, buying and selling techniques, leveraged investing, securities regulation in Canada, and consumer protection agencies.

 

Features 

  • Downloadable PDF of Course Content 
  • Sample Exam Questions 
  • Customizable Study Schedule 

CE Credits 

  • The Institute for Advanced Financial Education: 20 
  • Alberta Insurance Council: 20 Life; 20 A&S 
  • Insurance Council of Manitoba: 20 
  • Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 20 
  • MFDA: 20 
  • CIRO / OCRI: 20 

Retirement Planning & Gov't Benefits

Retirement planning is the process of helping clients define what their retirement will look like, determining the cost of this lifestyle, and developing strategies for them to accumulate enough assets to be able to achieve their goals.


In this course, we examine the calculations needed to assist clients to determine their retirement income needs, the registered savings plans available to Canadians, such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Tax-Free Savings Plans, and Registered Education & Disability Savings Plans and retirement payout plans, including Registered Retirement Income Funds, employer-sponsored plans and government pension plans.


This course concludes with a chapter on other government benefits such as Employment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, Canada Child Benefit, and the Child Disability Benefit.


Features 

  • Downloadable PDF of Course Content 
  • Sample Exam Questions 
  • Customizable Study Schedule 

CE Credits 

  • The Institute for Advanced Financial Education: 22 
  • Alberta Insurance Council: 22 Life; 22 A&S 
  • Insurance Council of Manitoba: 22 
  • Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 22 
  • MFDA: 20 
  • CIRO / OCRI: 20 

Launch your Financial Planning Career

Member Pricing
$1,600*
Register Now
Content on-demand | Streamlined content – Flexible learning – Online learning | Customizable study schedules 

*Plus tax for Advocis Members. Non-Members pay $3,200 + tax.

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