Author: Securities Institute Staff

What You Need to Know On your exam you could be expected to identify the investment objectives of mutual funds bsed solely on the expense ratios provided in the test question. In this post and video taken directly from our video training classes, we will show you how to answer these questions correctly.  The mutual... "Understanding Mutual Fund Expense Ratios for Your Securities Exam"

In this article we are going to take a deep dive into the rules and regulations of 529 plans.Securities exam takers should master this material to ensure success. If you are preparing for the SIE Exam, Series 7, Series 10, or Series 65 Exam, you can expect to encounter questions covering 529 plans. Types of... "Understanding 529 Plans: Rules, Regulations and Key Exam Insights"

Understanding the types of risks involved in investing is a critical component of preparing for your upcoming securities exam.One cannot make a suitable recommendation to a client without mastering the risks associated with that investment. Saving and investing are not the same. In a savings account, the only risk is that the money will lose... "Investment Risk: A Complete Guide for Securities Exam Prep"

In this article we are going to review the types of activities that may be performed by non-registered individuals who are subject to the fingerprint requirements of FINRA. While these individuals are not required to become licensed to perform the permitted activities, their roles often provide access to sensitive information and documents. A non-registered fingerprint... "Understanding the Role of Non-Registered Fingerprint (NRF) Individuals"

In this article and accompanying video we will review everything you need to know about how option exercise and assignments work for the SIE & Series 7 Exam We will start off with a vital fact about counterparty risk. Counterparty risk occurs when the seller of the option cannot meet their obligations under the terms... "Option Exercise & Assignment"

Test takers often feel overwhelmed when preparing to take exams. Being required to pass two or more exams may seem even more challenging. Getting Started with the SIE & Series 7 exam.  In this video and article we will provide you with the essential first steps to begin your preparation. Both exams require serious commitment... "SIE & Series 7 Exam – Getting Started"

If you’re gearing up for the Series 79 exam, expect clean, number-driven questions that test whether you can compute—and correctly interpret—P/E and PEG. Here’s exactly how they show up and how to nail them fast. Step 1 — Calculate the P/E Ratio Let’s look at an example of SIA. SIA is trading at $50 per... "How the PE & PEG Ratios Are Tested on the Series 79 Exam"

One of the calculations you will need to know for your series 79 exam is how an acquisition impacts the enterprise value of the acquiring company. Let’s take a look at how an acquisition can impact the enterprise value of the acquiring company. The way the deal is paid for—whether in cash, debt, equity, or... "How an Acquisition Impacts Enterprise Value"

Here we explain how the use of futures contracts lower the cost of capital to farmers and as a result lowers prices in the marketplace. Let’s take the scenario of a farmer who needs to obtain capital to cover operating expenses.  And he goes down to his local banker and perhaps his banker is named... "How Farmers Cut Costs and Reduce Risk"

One of the most important concepts you’ll encounter on the Series 3 exam is the distinction between hedgers and speculators in the futures markets. If you’re struggling to fully grasp the difference, a simple real-world example might help bring it to life.  Hedging Explained Through Auto Insurance Imagine you go to a car dealership and... "Understanding Hedgers and Speculators for the Series 3 Exam: A Real-World Analogy"