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Open Exam Prep

Ran Chen, EA, CFP®

Open Exam Prep: Mastering Financial Exams

The path to becoming a certified financial professional is known for its difficulty, and finding high-quality, accessible study material shouldn't be the hardest part.

Created by Ran Chen—an AI application enthusiast, Financial Advisor, and holder of the EA (Tax), Life Insurance, Series 6/63/65, and CFP® designations—this podcast was born from personal experience. Having navigated these challenging exams himself, Ran realized the need for better resources and created Open Exam Prep as a free solution for aspiring professionals.

Each episode breaks down complex major exam topics into clear, digestible lessons, covering everything from tax planning and estate strategies to retirement solutions and investment principles. Whether you’re studying during your commute, workout, or downtime, we are here to guide you—one question, one topic, one victory at a time.

Visit for more content: https://open-exam-prep.com/

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  • October 17 · 3 min

    [Series 66] 24, Traditional and Roth IRA Decisions

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: * Core tax differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs under federal tax law. * Contribution eligibility, income phase-out rules, and aggregate annual contribution limits. * Distribution requirements, including RMD rules at age 73 for Traditional IRAs and Roth exemptions. * How an IAR evaluates current versus projected retirement tax brackets to recommend the appropriate IRA strategy. * Common exam traps involving workplace plan participation and excess contribution penalties. This episode is an independent preparation resource for the Series 66 exam. Access comprehensive practice materials and video guides at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds

  • October 16 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 23, Capital Gains Cost Basis and After-Tax Returns

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • How to calculate capital gains cost basis including purchase price and acquisition costs. • The tax distinction between short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains based on holding period. • Differences between inherited step-up cost basis and gifted carryover cost basis. • Step-by-step methods for computing net after-tax return on taxable investment portfolios. • Common exam pitfalls when distinguishing ordinary tax brackets from preferential long-term capital gains rates. For independent Series 66 study materials and practice support, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409

  • October 15 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 22, Active Passive Growth and Value Strategies

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - Distinctions between active management aiming for index outperform and passive management tracking benchmark indices - Key financial tradeoffs regarding portfolio turnover, transaction costs, management fees, and tax efficiency - Characteristics of growth equity strategies, including high price-to-earnings ratios and earnings retention - Characteristics of value equity strategies, including low price-to-earnings ratios and higher dividend yields - Exam application strategies and fiduciary duties under state and federal securities laws This independent study resource helps candidates master portfolio management strategies for the Series 66 exam. For interactive practice and updates, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026: - https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf - https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 14 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 21, Diversification Correlation and Rebalancing

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How diversification reduces unsystematic risk without eliminating market risk. - How correlation coefficients range from -1.0 to +1.0 and affect risk reduction. - Why any correlation coefficient below +1.0 provides diversification benefits. - How calendar and corridor rebalancing strategies restore target asset allocation. - How investment adviser representatives evaluate overall portfolio risk under fiduciary standards. OpenExamPrep provides independent study tools for the Series 66 exam. Practice questions and study guides are available at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and video resources at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 13 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 20, Strategic vs Tactical Asset Allocation

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • The core framework of strategic asset allocation as a long-term passive baseline strategy. • How tactical asset allocation operates as an active short-term portfolio overlay. • Why strategic rebalancing differs from tactical market timing and sector rotation. • How an investment adviser representative applies discretionary authority during asset shifts. • A simple decision rule to easily classify portfolio management strategies on the exam. This independent study resource is designed for candidates preparing for the Series 66 examination. Access additional preparation materials at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch video tutorials on https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 - https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf - https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

  • October 12 · 3 min

    [Series 66] 19, Time Horizons Liquidity and Life Events

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • How time horizons differ between a client's overall life stage and specific goal-based capital allocations. • The definition of liquidity and why illiquid investments are unsuitable for short-term liabilities. • Key life events that require an investment adviser representative to update a client investment profile. • Why recommending equity investments for short-term capital needs is a frequent exam trap. • A simple decision rule for matching liquidity needs to timeframe constraints under fiduciary standards. This podcast is an independent study resource for Series 66 exam preparation. For additional practice tools and video content, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 • https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf • https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 11 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 18, Risk Tolerance vs Risk Capacity

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: * The fundamental psychological definition of risk tolerance and how it reflects client comfort with market volatility. * The quantitative definition of risk capacity and how it is measured through concrete financial metrics. * Why financial risk capacity acts as the absolute upper ceiling for investment recommendations. * How to avoid exam traps involving client written waivers or explicit requests for speculative risks. * A simple decision rule to distinguish psychological feelings from financial limits on exam day. Prepare for your exam independently with our comprehensive practice tools at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

  • October 10 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 17, Building a Client Investment Profile

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: * How to collect both financial and non-financial data when building a client profile for the Series 66 exam. * The regulatory distinctions between federal law, Uniform Securities Act rules, and firm policy regarding client recommendations. * Why immediate high-interest liabilities and client ethical restrictions must take priority over generic asset allocation strategies. * How the definitions and fiduciary duties of investment advisers and investment adviser representatives differ from broker-dealers and agents. * A simple decision rule, FACTS, to evaluate client profile intake before rendering investment advice. This episode provides independent preparation for the Series 66 exam. For practice questions and study tools, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 * https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf * https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

  • October 9 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 16, Individuals Businesses Trusts and Estates

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - Key tax and liability distinctions among sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, C corporations, and S corporations. - Restrictions governing S corporations, including the maximum shareholder limit and single class of stock requirement. - Differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts regarding grantor control and estate inclusion. - Characteristics distinguishing simple trusts from complex trusts on the Series 66 exam. - Essential fiduciary rules for verifying legal authority when opening and managing trust and estate accounts. This independent study resource is designed for candidates preparing for the Series 66 exam. Practice more questions at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 - https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf - https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

  • October 8 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 15, Options Structured Products and Digital Assets

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: * How options contracts function as derivative securities for hedging and income strategies on the Series 66 exam * The structural mechanics of structured products combining fixed-income instruments with derivative payoff features * Key risk factors of principal-protected notes including issuer credit risk, illiquidity, and capped returns * How regulatory standards and the Howey test evaluate digital assets as potential securities under federal and state law * A clear decision rule to evaluate structured product risk and avoid common exam traps This independent educational episode provides Series 66 exam preparation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASAA or FINRA. For interactive practice questions and study tools, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 * https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf * https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 7 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 14, Annuities and Life Insurance Tradeoffs

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • Differences between fixed, variable, whole, universal, and term insurance contracts. • Longevity risk vs premature death protection decision framework. • Taxation of non-qualified annuity distributions under LIFO rules. • Federal tax guidelines for Section 1035 tax-free insurance exchanges. • NASAA model rules regarding suitability and variable product recommendations. For independent exam preparation resources, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 6 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 13, REITs Private Funds and Liquidity

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • How REITs qualify for pass-through tax treatment under federal law by meeting asset, income, and distribution requirements. • Why REITs pass through income and dividends but never pass through tax losses to individual shareholders. • Key differences in liquidity risk across exchange-traded, non-traded, and private REITs. • Investment Company Act of 1940 private fund exclusions under Section 3(c)(1) and Section 3(c)(7). • Fiduciary suitability obligations for investment adviser representatives evaluating client liquidity needs. Prepare for the Series 66 exam with independent study resources. Test your knowledge with free practice questions at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch detailed video lessons at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 5 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 12, ETFs UITs and Closed-End Funds

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • Distinctions between open-end funds, closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts (UITs) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. • How closed-end fund shares trade on secondary markets at market prices that may reflect a premium or discount to NAV. • The structure of UITs as unmanaged portfolios with fixed termination dates and no ongoing investment adviser. • Key trading features of ETFs, including intraday exchange pricing, margin eligibility, and tax efficiency. • How to apply state law and federal regulatory definitions when evaluating investment recommendations for Series 66 clients. Prepare for the Series 66 exam with independent study tools at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and subscribe to video lessons on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 • NASAA Series 66 Exam Content Outline: https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf • SEC Fast Answers - Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): https://www.sec.gov/investment/fast-answers/answersetfhtm.html

  • October 4 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 11, Mutual Funds Share Classes and Fees

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • Differences between Class A, Class B, and Class C mutual fund share classes. • How Letter of Intent (LOI) and Rights of Accumulation (ROA) help investors achieve breakpoints. • Eligible related parties for combining account balances under mutual fund breakpoint rules. • Why siblings and adult relatives are excluded from breakpoint account aggregation. • Key suitability decision rules for recommending share classes on the Series 66 exam. Prepare for the Series 66 exam with interactive tools and question banks at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch video tutorials on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 • https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66 • https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-products/mutual-funds/breakpoints • https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf

  • October 3 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 10, Common Preferred and Convertible Stock

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • Characteristics and voting rights of common stock versus preferred stock. • How cumulative, straight, participating, and callable preferred stock function. • Mechanics of convertible preferred stock and calculating conversion parity. • Corporate liquidation priority across debt, preferred, and common equity. • Key test traps surrounding cumulative preferred stock and cumulative voting. For additional study materials, practice questions, and exam preparation support, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep. Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

  • October 2 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 9, Credit Risk and Callable Bonds

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • How credit rating scales define investment-grade versus speculative debt categories. • Why bond issuers exercise call features when prevailing interest rates decline. • The difference between call risk, reinvestment risk, and call protection. • How to apply the yield-to-worst rule for premium and discount callable bonds. • Disclosures required under NASAA model rules and state fiduciary standards. This podcast is an independent study resource for Series 66 candidates. Practice questions and additional study aids are available at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and video lessons are available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 • https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf • https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • October 1 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 8, Bond Pricing Yields and Duration

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: * How inverse price-yield relationships impact bond valuation when interest rates move. * How to calculate current yield and rank yield metrics using the bond seesaw model. * The critical distinction between bond maturity and duration in assessing price volatility. * Why zero-coupon bonds carry higher duration than coupon-paying bonds of the same maturity. * How investment adviser representatives use duration to manage client interest rate risk. Prepare for your Series 66 examination with independent prep tools at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and video walkthroughs at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 * https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/ * https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • September 30 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 7, Cash Equivalents and Deposit Protection

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: • Key characteristics of cash equivalents such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and short-term CDs. • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage limits of $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category. • Securities Investor Protection Corporation protection limits of $500,000 total per customer capacity, with a $250,000 cash sub-cap. • Why money market mutual funds are classified as securities under SIPC coverage rather than cash. • Critical distinctions between FDIC bank deposit insurance, SIPC brokerage liquidation protection, and market loss risk. This podcast is an independent study tool for candidates preparing for the Series 66 exam. Access additional practice tools and questions at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and watch video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/ https://www.sipc.org/for-investors/what-sipc-protects

  • September 29 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 6, Alpha Beta and the Sharpe Ratio

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How Beta measures systematic market risk relative to a benchmark index - How to calculate CAPM expected return and evaluate Alpha - Why high raw returns do not always equal positive Alpha or strong performance - How the Sharpe Ratio uses Standard Deviation to measure total risk-adjusted return - Practical decision rules for answering risk and return questions on the Series 66 exam Prepare for your exam with independent practice tools available at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and video guides at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 - https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf - https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series66

  • September 28 · 4 min

    [Series 66] 5, Mean Standard Deviation and Correlation

    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How arithmetic mean and expected return measure central tendencies in investment analysis. - Why standard deviation represents total risk, incorporating both systematic and unsystematic volatility. - The meaning of correlation coefficients ranging from minus one point zero to plus one point zero. - How combining assets with negative correlation provides maximum portfolio risk reduction. - Key exam traps regarding statistical risk measures and portfolio diversification principles. This episode provides independent study materials for Series 66 test preparation. Practice questions and video tutorials are available at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/series66 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep . Sources checked: September 14, 2026 https://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Series-66-Outline-June-2023.pdf https://www.nasaa.org/exams/general-exam-information/series-66-exam-content-outline/

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