LearningHub+

Your Learning Journey Professional Workbook

Quality Local Learning starts with you!

Foreword The financial planning profession offers many options, such as choosing a specialty, selecting a business model, and deciding how to attract and interact with clients. But when it comes to continuing education, we mostly get the same thing over and over: lecture after lecture after lecture.

We all learn differently, and just because we're in the same profession doesn't mean we all absorb info the same way. So, how great would it be if, as financial planning professionals, we had different options—variety in how we learn, from different types of content and presenter styles?

This idea led to the creation of FPAAZ LearningHub+. Following the initial curiosity of James D. Schwartz, we experimented with different content and presentation styles to see what worked best.

Over time, we realized this model could help any FPA chapter or professional group improve rigor + engagement in the learning experience.

LearningHub+ is all about YOU: your career, your ambitions, your motivations, and your learning style. You deserve top-notch local learning from your FPA chapter. This workbook will help you identify ways to create your best learning experience. Once you understand how to take charge of your own learning journey, you’ll be able to make any content, format, or presenter feel more engaging and effective.

Are you ready to begin? Let’s go!

Copyright 2025 © by FPAAZ and Melissa Kemp, CFP® Professional

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Remember when learning was fun?

The joy of reading so immense you couldn't put the book down?

Projects so engrossing time raced by?

A sense of pride and accomplishment from solving a problem?

The kind of bonding with others through a journey of shared discovery that lasts a lifetime?

At FPAAZ, we believe Lifelong Learning should be both enjoyable and empowering.

Utilize this workbook to recapture the joy in your personal learning journey. The exercises may seem like child’s play, but that’s where the magic is!

Our Vision | FPAAZ is the essential hub of our financial planning community.

Our Mission | We empower financial planners by connecting them with the resources necessary to elevate their community impact.

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Inside Your Journey

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Financial Planner Lifecycle

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Where Are You Now?

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Your Lifelong Learning Journey

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Your Ambitions

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Financial Planner Ambitions

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Your Short- & Long-Term Goals

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Connecting Your Ambitions to Others

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How FPAAZ Can Support You

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Adult Learning and You

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Why Do You Pursue Lifelong Learning

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Lifelong Leaning Checklists

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Connecting Ambitions to Learning

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Your Learning Preferences

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Adult Learning Styles

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Putting it to Work for You

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Your Key to Rigorous + Engaging Learning

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Customize Your Lifelong Learning Journey

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Resources and References

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Your Journey LearningHub+ produces rigorous + engaging content relevant to all stages of your professional lifecycle.

As you grow and change, so do your learning needs.

Your Lifecycle

Awareness, Interest, Pursuit

Alumni

FINANCIAL PLANNER LIFECYCLE

Second Career

Early Career

Mid Career

Late Career

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Your Journey

Where are you on your journey?

What is YOUR current situation

What are YOUR next steps

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Your Ambitions What ambitions are most pressing NOW… and as you move forward?

Your Ambitions (to name just a few)

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Your learning journey directly supports your goals and ambitions.

Your Ambitions

What are YOUR ambitions?

Short-Term Goals (both personal and professional)

Long-Term Plans

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Many ambitions are complementary to each other. By expanding your network of connections, your learning journey can support others’ goals and vice versa.

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Your ambitions don’t exist in a vacuum!

Arizona Estate Planning

SOTO LAW FIRM

Protecting Families & Their Assets We offer a comprehensive range of services that prioritize your peace of mind, safeguard your legacy and protect your interests. We understand that each client has their unique financial situation, family dynamics and personal aspirations, and we tailor our approach to suit your specific needs and goals.

OUR SERVICES • Customized Estate Planning • Tax Planning • Wealth Preservation Solutions • Business Succession Planning • Probate and Estate Administration • Asset Protection • Charitable Planning • Privacy Solutions

Tempe Office 4500 S Lakeshore Dr Ste 595 Tempe, Arizona 85282 (480) 456-6267

|

Scottsdale Office 7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd Ste 300 Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

www.sotolawfirm.com

|

info@sotolawfirm.com

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WORKBOOK

Take a moment to reflect on a connection you made recently.

Connecting with other financial professionals can advance you along your learning journey so that you reach your ambitions sooner and more confidently… While giving you the satisfaction of helping others do the same.

How did it come about?

What are some ways you are actively pursing connections in your day-today activities (both professional and personal)?

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Your Ambitions

LearningHub

Adult Learning and YOU

of American Adults consider  themselves lifelong learners

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FINANCIAL PLANNING PROFESSIONALS VALUE LIFELONG LEARNING

Why do you pursue Life Long Learning?

What inspires YOU to learn?

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Adult Learning and YOU

LearningHub

Valued Partner: Your ad could be here in our next edition.

See ad specs and submission instructions on page 26.

Relate ad copy to: •

How your approach to adult learning is innovative, fun, and inspiring.

•

How your company/product/service can connect them to the resources necessary to elevate their community impact.

Your Company LOGO

Your Company Name Jane Doe, CFP O | (222)321-4567 C | (222)456-1234 jdoe@company.com

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Which of these PROFESSIONAL learning activities have you done in the last 12 months?

Check all that apply, and/or list a number for any activity you’ve done multiple times.

Read a ‘how –to’ magazine, consumer magazine, or other

 publication related to some area of professional interest

Attended a course related to your professional interest or

 career

Attended a meeting to learn new information (eg: professional as-

 sociation, study group, professional support group) 

Attended a convention/conference to learn something of professional interest (eg: continuing education or credentialing)

 Taken an online course for a professional interest

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Adult Learning and YOU

LearningHub

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Which of these PERSONAL learning activities have you done in the last 12 months?

Check all that apply, and/or list a number for any activity you’ve done multiple times.

Read a ‘how –to’ magazine, consumer magazine, or other

 publication related to some area of personal interest

 Taken a course related to your personal interest or hobbies Attended a meeting to learn new information (eg: book club, sports

 club, health related support group)

Attended a convention/conference to learn something of personal

 interest (eg: garden show, recreational convention)  Taken an online course for a personal interest

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Valued Partner: Your ad could be here in our next edition.

See ad specs and submission instructions on page 26.

Relate ad copy to: •

•

How your approach to adult learning is innovative, fun, and inspiring.

How your company/product/service can connect them to the resources necessary to elevate their community impact.

Your Company Name Jane Doe, CFP O | (222)321-4567 C | (222)456-1234 jdoe@company.com 19

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What career goals or ambitions inspire you to seek out opportunities for professional learning?

Check all that apply.

 To learn, maintain, or improve job skills  To obtain/maintain a license or certification  For the purpose of earning a raise or a promotion  In order to change jobs or career paths  To make yourself more valuable to your employer  To pursue professional curiosity with your discretionary time  Other ambition or goal

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74% of adults have chosen to take a class for personal interest.

WHILE ONLY

36% of adults have chosen to take a class for professional interest.j Why such a large difference?

...simply for the JOY of learning?  No  Not sure  Yes

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Adult Learning and YOU

If Professional Development content was consistently more rigorous + engaging, would you consume more…

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We all learn differently.

Recognize yourself?

When you were a child, and your time was your own, how did you spend it? Check the boxes for any and all of the things you loved.

Better yet, rank them in order of preference!



I loved building & puzzling problems out.



I loved to read, write and/or draw.



I loved dancing and being active.



I loved group projects.

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When you understand the hows, whats, wheres and whens of your learning preferences, you can use that information to make all learning—both professional and personal— more rigorous + engaging.



I loved talking over ideas with others.



I loved quiet time and exploring on my own.



I loved singing and acting things out.



I loved all kinds of things.

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Adult Learning and YOU

Learn more AND retain more by customizing your learning journey!

Chances are, the things you enjoy directly correlate with the way you like to learn.

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Adult Learning Styles Visual

Musical / Auditory

You prefer to use pictures, diagrams, images and spatial understanding to help you learn.

You prefer using sounds or music or even rhythms to help you learn.

Physical / Kinesthetic

Combination Your learning style is a combination of two or more of these styles.

Learning Styles Logical / Mathematical

Most people can learn in multiple styles, but generally have one that work best for them.

You use your hands, body and sense of touch to help you learn.

You might “act” things out.

Do you know your preference?

Social You like to learn new things as part of a group.

Explaining your understanding to a group helps you learn.

Learning is easier for you if you use logic, reasoning, systems and sequences.

Verbal

Solitary You like to work alone.

You use self-study and prefer your own company when learning.

Words are your strong point! You prefer to use words both in speech and in writing.

Note: This is one of many models tested and accepted by academic theory experts.

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1 | Visual If you see something, your brain processes it faster and it sticks longer.

2 | Musical/Auditory Jingles and sounds and rhymes come quickly to memory and stick longer than less pleasing sounds.

3 | Physical/Kinesthetic If you are moving while you are learning, your brain is fired up and ready to retain information. If you can see it AND say it, that works better than doing either separately.

4 | Social Activity, noise, multiple sources and presenters help keep your attention and aid in retention and recall.

5 | Solitary A quiet, calm, focused presence and atmosphere aid your ability to learn and capture new information.

6 | Verbal If you say or repeat something, your brain processes it faster and you are more likely to recall it later.

7 | Logical/Mathematical Flow charts, proof points, spreadsheets, diagrams that move chronologically create order and make things stick for you.

OR | Do you combine 2 or more of these somewhat equally?

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Adult Learning and YOU

y ks

What is your preference?

Ad Spec Sheet

FPAAZ Valued Partners: Want to be a part of our the next LearningHub+ Workbook?

Here’s how...

All ads should conform to the following guidelines: File Types: PDF, JPEG or TIFF, high-resolution file (300dpi or higher). Files received in any other format will not be accepted.

File Size: 6.775 w x 9.14 h (full page), full bleed okay Submission deadline: TBD; or submit ASAP for premium placement Submit to: Lisa Binsfeld (binsfeld.lisa@gmail.com); Re: FPA Learning Hub ad [company name] Ad space is included for all current Chapter Partners and Catalysts as of 1/23/25 at/above $3,000 annual funding commitment, concurrent with their Partner and Catalysts anniversary dates. Subsequent ad uploads are anticipated every 6 months.

Questions?

Content/eligibility: Melissa Kemp (CEO@fpaaz.org) Specs: Lisa Binsfeld (binsfeld.lisa@gmail.com)

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WORKBOOK

Lifelong Learning Available Here!



I loved building & puzzling problems out.

Logical/Mathematic



I loved to read, write and/or draw.

Visual



I loved dancing and being active.

Physical/Kinesthetic



I loved group projects.

Social



I loved talking over ideas with others.

Verbal



I loved quiet time and exploring on my own.

Solitary



I loved singing and acting things out.

Musical/Auditory



I loved all kinds of things.

Combination

Great! I’m a _________________ learner. So what?

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Adult Learning and YOU

LearningHub

Now… Put it to work for YOU YOUR Journey

I am:

YOUR ambitions:

I want:

YOUR Learning Style: For example:

1. Your are in the early part of your career. You want to grow your client base with the goal of eventually starting your own practice. You are a solitary learner.

Building a practice requires interacting with others, so after you participate in a course or function, give yourself some downtime to absorb what you’ve learned.

Look for webinars and self-study options when possible.

2. You have been in this business awhile, but have no plans to slow down. You want to stay savvy to serve your clients and selectively attract new ones. You are a kinesthetic/physical learner.

Seek out programming that allows you to explore a new facet or side interest.

While attending a course, in-person or online, find opportunities to move—even if it means standing at the back of the room and pacing! Consider listening to webinars while out walking or invest in a treadmill desk.

3.

You are easing out of the business. You’d like to mentor young financial planners so as to transition your clients, and because you enjoy building up others. You are a visual learner.

Approach required coursework from the framework of what you can take away to teach to others. Take notes or diagram as you are learning. When possible, print out transcripts and slide shows ahead of presentations, so you can read along.

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Your key to discovering learning experiences that maximize RIGOR + ENGAGEMENT regardless of format or content.

Going back to the types of learning content and formats you have consumed along your journey –take a few moments to list the ones that have had the greatest impact, and why that is so.

Were they rigorous + engaging? Did they tap into your personal learning style, either in content or format?

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Putting it to Work

Place along your journey + your ambitions + your learning style

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Takeaway: CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY with these tips.

Experiment to find your own… and have a little fun in the process!

Visual | Sit closer to the screen/projection, have a pen/paper to take notes.

Musical/Auditory | Pay attention to room acoustics and sound. Choose seating where you will be able to hear clearly.

Physical/Kinesthetic | Experiment with standing and moving about as you learn. Consume online content while walking.

Social | Be purposeful in seeking out other course participants to review materials.

Solitary | Webinars may be just your thing. Use seminar breaks to find a quiet spot to ponder information while it’s fresh.

Verbal | Ask questions! Post-learning, read your notes out loud.

Logical/Mathematical | See if you can capture what you’re learning with a flowchart or and equation.

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I

 Download this workbook and complete the exercises.

 Put what you’ve learned to use! Ahead of your next professional

development activity, use the TIPS on the opposite page to prepare a strategy to maximize enjoyment and long-term retention.

Afterwards, pause and reflect — did your advance preparation improve your perception of rigor + engagement?

 Share this link for this workbook with others in your network.

Compare/contrast lifecycles, ambitions, learning drivers and styles. How can you help each other? How can you help your [firm/chapter/organization] provide Quality Local Learning for you?

 Visit the FPAAZ Connect! calendar to identify chapter learning

events that appeal to your ambitions and learning preferences.

 Request the LearningHub+ Presenters' Checklist - an idea list to

help you produce Quality Local Learning for others when you are presenting information.

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Putting it to Work

Ready to make ALL your learning Rigorous + Engaging?

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Resources & References FPA Arizona does not seek to compete with academic researchers regarding pedagogy or androgogy. Rather, we seek to offer our professional community pragmatic ideas to help them craft their best learning experience. Sharing resources and exercises around learning styles might guide our workbook users to explore and discover their learning preferences and increase their satisfaction over time with their chosen continuing education options.

Crafting the exercises included in this workbook required our own journey of exploration.

These are some of the references we found most helpful.

Where footnoted: (1) LIFELONG LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY. Pew Research Center, Washington D.C. (03.16.2016) Other sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1192524 – Learning Style Preferences among College Students https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/036012799267846 Learning Style Preferences among Older Adults https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00078.2010 Learning Style Preferences and sex, status, and course performance. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220671.1995.9941181 A Meta-Analytic Validation of the Dunn and Dunn Model of Learning-Style Preferences

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Thank you...

LearningHub+ benefited from the dedicated efforts of many Lifelong Learning volunteers over many years. We can’t possibly identify them all – this partial list includes the most active professional volunteers doing program planning during the time frame of LearningHub+ development.

James D. Schwartz William Cerynik

Ken Osborn

Cassandra Fernandez Thornock

Darin Shebesta

Steve Hazel

Dale Walters

Evan Nuttal

James Hargrave

Joyce Rolfes

Brian Trouette

Matt Vian

James Graham

Craig Waugh

Jeff Kluve

Suzie Eyrich

Sam DiPietro

Robyn Gerke

Gregory Burr

Erin Itkoe

Dan VanDusen

Katrina Lessard

Mary Zimmerman

Your Journey. Your Ambitions. Achieved.

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Your Learning Journey Professional Workbook

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