Online Course
Retirement Planning
Overview
Retirement Planning is used to address specific as well as general financial planning for employers and/or their employees. This course will help students understand how to determine those needs and match up appropriate retirement plans. We will discuss the steps in the planning process and learn how to develop recommendations for retirement plans for individuals and small businesses. By the end of this course, students will be better prepared to match specific retirement objectives to the appropriate retirement plan. Students will further their understanding of the necessity of a financial calculator. Therefore, students should understand that a financial calculator is a necessary tool for this course.
Apr & Nov
Traditional Track Schedule
Prerequisites
While there are no special degree requirements to participate in the FSU Certificate in Financial Planning program, the level of instruction is that of an upper-division college course. A bachelor’s degree is a condition of CFP® certification, although not a requirement to be able to sit for the Certification Examination.
We strongly recommend that students complete Introduction to Financial Planning prior to taking this course.
Basic computer literacy including: the ability to connect to the Internet and navigate the web using search engines and links, the ability to use online communication tools including email and discussion boards, the ability to send and receive email attachments, and the ability to navigate software including saving and opening files to and from specific locations.
Online Fast Track Program
March & August
Accelerate your journey through financial planning with our fast-track program, designed to cover key concepts and practical skills in a condensed time frame. Ideal for those seeking to gain expertise quickly without compromising on depth and quality.
Course Materials
TEXTBOOKS
Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits – 20th Edition
James F. Dalton and Michael A. Dalton
ISBN: 978-1-957511-16-0
Published by: Money Education
FSU 20% discount available when purchased through the publisher, contact FSU CFP Program Director for the promo code, https://www.money-education.com/texts/retirement-planning
Optional Textbook
Financial Calculator Essentials
Author: Joseph M Gillice, CPA, CFP®
ISBN10: 0-9820884
ISBN13: 978-0-9820884-1-8
Published by: Dalton Education
e-book available at: https://dalton-education.com/products/financial-calculator-essentials-ebook
Textbook available at: https://dalton-education.com/products/financial-calculator-essentials-textbook
This textbook will cover the use of the following financial calculators:
- Hewlett Packard 12C
- Texas Instruments BA-II-Plus
- Hewlett Packard 17BII Plus
- Hewlett Packard 10B II
Financial Calculator: To see an exhaustive list of all the approved financial calculators that can be used on the CFP Board Exam please read the Calculator Policy for CFP® Examination.
Instructor
M. Kathryn (Kate) Clark, AIF®, CFP®, CPFA
Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
Kate Clark is the Managing Partner at Cypress Capital, bringing over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. Since starting her career in 2007, Kate has held key positions at First Franklin Financial, AMB Wealth, and Barnes Capital Group before founding Cypress Capital in 2018. In 2024, Kate was named an InvestmentNews: Rising Star Honoree.
Kate has obtained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designations, and holds a Series 7 securities license through LPL Financial, a Series 66 securities license through both Cypress Capital and LPL Financial, as well as insurance licenses for Variable Life, Variable Annuities, Fixed Life, Fixed Annuities, Health, and Disability Insurance.
Kate earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and a Certificate of Financial Planning from Florida State University. She has shared her expertise as a guest lecturer for the Retirement Planning Today Series at Florida State University, part of the Financial Educators Network, in 2008 and 2009.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kate resides with her husband on their family farm, where they raise cattle and care for their two rescued dachshunds. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.
Kate is deeply committed to community involvement, having volunteered her time with several organizations. She has served as a Board Member for the Community Foundation of North Florida and The Gadsden Arts Center and Museum. Kate has served on the LPL Financial Ambassador Council, representing the 22,000+ LPL Advisors nationwide. She is also actively involved in the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and is a proud graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 33.
Instructor
Erin McCarty, CPFA®, CFP®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Erin McCarty is a Partner with Cypress Capital. She began her career in 2015 while pursuing a degree in Finance at Florida State University. Before joining Cypress Capital, Erin gained valuable experience as an Associate at prominent firms, including Stifel Financial, Morgan Stanley, and LPL Financial.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Certificate of Financial Planning from Florida State University. She has earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Additionally, Erin holds a Series 7 securities license through LPL Financial, a Series 66 securities license through Cypress Capital, as well as insurance licenses for Variable Life, Variable Annuities, Fixed Life, and Fixed Annuities.
Residing in Tallahassee with her husband, Connor, and their two rescue dogs, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors—whether running, soaking up the sun, or enjoying the water. She is also an active member of the Tallahassee community and has been volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend since 2017, where she is proudly matched with her “little sister,” a relationship she deeply cherishes.
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