Online Course
Investment Planning
Overview
This course provides a broad view of financial concepts and instruments while exploring modern portfolio theory and the investment process.
Forms of risk are examined in detail, with particular emphasis on the distinction between systematic and unsystematic risk. The investment process is discussed in the context of an efficient-market environment, with a focus on designing and integrating investment vehicles into portfolios intended to meet client needs and objectives.
Topics and practice skills include financial markets, sources of financial information, balance sheets, financial ratios, valuation methods, and financial calculations.
Covers the CFP Board’s Principal Knowledge Topics E.33–41.
Traditional Schedule
April & October
Fast Track
May & December
Prerequisites
Academic Preparation
There are no special degree requirements to participate in the FSU Certificate in Financial Planning program, although instruction is presented at the level of an upper-division college course.
A bachelor’s degree is a condition of CFP® certification, but it is not required in order to sit for the Certification Examination.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete Introduction to Financial Planning before taking this course.
Computer & Calculator Skills
Students should have basic computer literacy, including the ability to:
- Connect to the internet and navigate the web.
- Use email and online discussion tools.
- Send and receive email attachments.
- Save, open, and manage files using common software.
Financial calculator: Extensive calculator use is an integral part of this course. Students should be at least moderately proficient with a financial calculator before beginning.
Online Fast Track Program
May & December
Accelerate your progress through financial planning with a condensed program designed to cover key concepts and practical skills without sacrificing the depth of the traditional curriculum.
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Investments: An Introduction — 13th Edition
Author: Herbert B. Mayo
ISBN: 978-0357127957
Publisher: Cengage
The textbook is available through many online retailers, including the publisher.
Optional Calculator Textbook
Financial Calculator Essentials
Author: Joseph M. Gillice, CPA, CFP®
ISBN-10: 0-9820884
ISBN-13: 978-0-9820884-1-8
Publisher: Dalton Education
This resource covers the use of the:
- Hewlett Packard 12C
- Texas Instruments BA-II-Plus
- Hewlett Packard 17BII Plus
- Hewlett Packard 10B II
E-book | Print textbook | CFP® Examination Calculator Policy
Instructor
Bruce Hagan, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
Bruce Hagan has taught in FSU’s CFP program and is a practicing CFP® professional who provides investment planning services to individuals and small businesses. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
Hagan is president of RAI Investments, an independent full-service investment-planning firm in Tallahassee, Florida. He holds FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 51, and 66 licenses.
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