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Open Exam Prep

Open Exam Prep

Written by: Ran Chen EA CFP®
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About this listen

 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/Copyright 2026 Ran Chen, EA, CFP® Education
Episodes
  • [Series 6] 23, Employer Retirement Plans

    [Series 6] 23, Employer Retirement Plans
    Mar 1 2026
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and CFP designation. He is passionate about opening up information to help everyone prepare better for financial certification exams. This episode covers content for the Series 6 Exam. In this episode you will learn: - The primary differences between 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plans. - How employer matching contributions are calculated and function as a key benefit. - The critical distinction between cliff vesting and graded vesting schedules. - A common exam trap: vesting only applies to employer contributions, not your own. - A memorable mnemonic to distinguish which plan type is for corporations, non-profits, or government entities. For more resources visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ and connect on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/chenran818
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    4 mins
  • [Series 6] 22, Roth IRA Rules

    [Series 6] 22, Roth IRA Rules
    Feb 28 2026
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and CFP designation. He is passionate about opening up information to help everyone prepare better for financial certification exams. This episode covers content for the Series 6 Exam. In this episode you will learn: - The difference between after-tax contributions and tax-free qualified distributions in a Roth IRA. - The two critical requirements for a qualified distribution: being age 59 ½ and satisfying the five-year holding period. - How the five-year holding period is calculated and why its start date is a common exam trap. - How income limitations can prevent direct contributions and how backdoor Roth conversions work as a solution. - The specific ordering rules for withdrawals (contributions, conversions, earnings) and how they are tested. For more resources visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ and connect on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/chenran818
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    4 mins
  • [Series 6] 21, Traditional IRA Rules

    [Series 6] 21, Traditional IRA Rules
    Feb 27 2026
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and CFP designation. He is passionate about opening up information to help everyone prepare better for financial certification exams. This episode covers content for the Series 6 Exam. In this episode you will learn: - The 2024 contribution limits and catch-up provisions for Traditional IRAs. - How income and workplace plan participation affect the tax-deductibility of contributions. - The age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) as updated by the SECURE 2.0 Act. - The standard 10% penalty for early withdrawals and how it is applied. - A helpful mnemonic (HIM-DEAD) to remember the key exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty. For more resources visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ and connect on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/chenran818
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    4 mins
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