A CFP professional is structuring a financial plan for a married couple. The husband wants to prioritize early retirement for himself, while the wife is focused on saving for their children's post-secondary education. The professional owns shares in a company that offers a unique RESP product. What is the most appropriate action for the professional?

Question: A CFP professional is structuring a financial plan for a married couple. The husband wants to prioritize early retirement for himself, while the wife is focused on saving for their children's post-secondary education. The professional owns shares in a company that offers a unique RESP product. What is the most appropriate action for the professional?

Answer options: ✅ Disclose the ownership of shares in the RESP company to the couple and discuss alternative options tailored to both their goals.

• Prioritize the husband's retirement goal, as he approached the professional first.
• Recommend the RESP product without disclosing the ownership, as it might be a good fit for their children's education.
• Advise them to divorce to pursue their separate financial goals more effectively.

Correct answer: Disclose the ownership of shares in the RESP company to the couple and discuss alternative options tailored to both their goals.

Explanation: The CFP professional must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as owning shares in a product provider, to ensure transparency and uphold their fiduciary duty to act in the clients' combined best interests.