You can quickly switch out imagery without losing its placement and animations by right-clicking on the image and selecting "Replace Image". This will ensure it is placed in the correct layer and location and also apply any animations that were on the original image.
Once you create one question, you can easliy duplicate it for the other sections by selecting all of the elements in the layers panel and use the keyboard shortcut CMD + C to copy and CMD + V to paste.
We used a final hotspot with a unique interaction to reset the quiz. To accomplish this we have an interaction to show all of the "Content" layers, and hide all of the "Correct" and "Wrong" layers.
Each question is made up of 3 different layer groups - 1 for content, 1 for if they answer the question correctly, and 1 for if they get the question wrong. Simply set up the hotspots to show the "wrong" layer group for the incorrect answers, and the "correct" layer group for the right answers.
To achieve the cascading text effect in this section, we created four different text boxes and then used a "Fade in Up" animation with a small delay difference between the objects.
Pro tip: Easily copy and paste animations by right clicking on the animated object and selecting "Copy Animation".
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Templates - Tech Quiz
This quiz template is a great way to get your customers interacting with your content in a fun and interesting way. You can serve up different pieces of information based on their answers all without needing to know a line of code.
Verify licensing status and investor complaints about registered securities firms and brokers by searching FINRA’s BrokerCheck at https://brokercheck.finra.org.
Search https://www.investor.gov/ for an investment professional’s background and registration status, including certain disciplinary actions.
Find your state securities regulator at www.nasaa.org to access extensive employment, disciplinary and registration information about a broker or investment advisor.
Check out commodities, futures or foreign exchange dealers at www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet.
Use the SEC’s Edgar database to research securities at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Research bond offerings on FINRA’s Market Data Center at
finra-markets.morningstar.com/BondCenter.
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Question 4/9
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D. All these red flags should prompt concern
Unusually high rates of return typically indicate a high-risk investment. Investigate all risk-free promises; legitimate investments aren’t guaranteed against loss. Pushing to “invest now” is a high-pressure tactic used to get money before investors can change their minds or seek more information.
The correct answer is...
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
Question 2/9
My 10-year-old's private school tuition is an eligible 529 expense.
Question 2/9
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You’re right, that’s a myth.
Go to next question...
B. Probably pass, because there’s no such thing as a “free” lunch
Some financial seminars are legitimate.
But a year-long probe by federal and state regulators of 110 securities firms and branch offices offering free-lunch seminars found that 100% of them were instead sales presentations; 50% featured exaggerated or misleading claims; and 36% involved either unsuitable or fraudulent recommendations. Investment advice seminars prompt the most complaints to federal consumer watchdogs than any other type of investment-related fraud.
The correct answer is...
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
Sign up and enjoy, because your club has a good reputation when it comes to sponsoring events
It’s a use-it-or-lose-it plan.
Get started!
you know about
How much do you know
about 529 education
savings plans?
Nearly eight in 10 families today are saving for their children’s higher education, and about half of those that are say they currently have a 529 plan in place to do so.
529 plans provide a tax-advantaged way to save for college and other education expenses. Money in the accounts grows tax-deferred and can be withdrawn tax-free, as long as funds are used for qualified expenses.
Those are the basics, but can you separate myth from fact when it comes to the details? Test yourself with our 10-question quiz.
Myth?
Probably pass, because there’s no such thing as a “free” lunch
B
Consider it as a way to swap investing ideas among golf buddies
C
Risk-free and guaranteed against loss
B
Must invest now to get best deal
C
High rate of return
A
All of the above
D
There are a number of ways to preserve the account benefits even if your child doesn’t need them for college.
For example, you may transfer the account by changing
the beneficiary to another family member, such as a younger sibling. Or if your child earns a partial scholarship, leaving unspent funds in a 529, you can withdraw up to the amount of the award without penalty or see if you can use the money tax-free for other eligible college expenses.
You can also use 529 funds for continuing education or a certificate program at an eligible institution. And you can always leave the account as is for your child to spend later. There’s no time or age limit for using the money.
If all else fails and you end up using the money for nonqualified expenses, you’ll owe income tax on any earnings, plus a 10% penalty.
Question 1/10
Question 2/9
That's the correct answer!
D. All these red flags should prompt concern
Go to next question...
It might be legitimate, why not investigate?
B
Yes, it’s a scam
A
Investment choices in the account are locked in for the duration.
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Whenever you hear or read the term “prime bank,” watch out. This is one of the oldest scams in the book. Criminals go to great lengths to make their pitches sound legitimate. They sometimes claim that regulatory officials would deny knowledge of such financial instruments, according to the SEC. The reality is these financial instruments don't exist.
A. Yes, it's a scam
Go to next question...
That's the correct answer!
A. Yes, it's a scam
Go to next question...
Question 6/10
Funds from a 529 plan can
be used to pay for more than
just tuition and fees.
A single man near retirement age who’s expecting pension income
B
A widowed, elderly woman reliant on Social Security income
C
A single, middle-aged woman with a college education and a high income
A
A married, middle-aged man with college-level education and a moderate income
D
Question 6/9
That's the correct answer!
Contrary to popular belief, investment victims tend to be male, married, have some college education and make $50,000 or more, according to the AARP Foundation National Fraud Victim Study.
D. A married, middle-aged man with college-level education and a moderate income
Go to next question...
Question 6/9
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Go to next question...
No, the broker’s probably just busy and hasn’t had a chance to follow up with the paperwork
B
Yes, because this might be an illegal pitch for unregistered securities
A
Parent- or student-owned
529 plans are considered a
parental asset in college
financial aid calculations.
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Go to next question...
That's the
correct answer!
A. Yes, because this might be an illegal pitch for unregistered securities
Go to next question...
Question 8/10
Our sophomore is opting to
live off campus next year. I can withdraw money from our 529
as an eligible expense to help pay the rent for an apartment nearby.
The reciprocity tactic
B
A normal, give-and-take negotiation
C
A great deal
A
Question 8/9
That's the correct answer!
Reciprocity is a frequent persuasion tactic used by investment fraudsters. The idea is to make you feel obliged to return a favor by offering you a gift or other incentive in the hopes of landing a big payoff.
B. The reciprocity tactic
Go to next question...
Question 8/9
Sorry, that's the
wrong answer!
Go to next question...
A pump and dump scheme
B
Phantom riches
A
The only person who can open a
529 plan for their child is a parent.
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Pump and dump stock scams typically involve smaller, unknown companies, and their goal is to deceptively inflate the price of a stock through false and misleading hype – which creates fake demand. If investors buy in, the price jumps until the fraudsters dump their shares by selling them at peak prices. After the hype ends, the price falls dramatically – often leaving the unknowing investors with worthless stock.
B. A pump and dump scheme
Continue for more information
That's the correct answer!
Continue for more information
Question 4/9
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Investor fraud routinely follows on the heels of natural disasters, according to FINRA. Although some communication you may receive could be true, much of it could simply be exploiting weather events to hype questionable opportunities. FINRA cautions investors to be wary of sky-high price targets or claims of super-fast growth, and to be skeptical of facts or sources bolstering claims of a potential price run-up. Mentions of contracts with federal agencies or well-known companies are red flags. Don’t be swayed when everyday corporate developments, such as contracting with a supplier, are presented as major events.
B. Continue to ignore the unsolicited pitches based on your suspicions that the claims are inflated
Go to next question...
Question 4/9
That's the correct answer!
B. Continue to ignore the unsolicited pitches based on your suspicions that the claims are inflated
Go to next question...
Every year during hurricane season, you get a few texts and emails touting stocks associated with clean-up, rebuilding and natural disaster technology. The potential sounds solid – with major companies and federal government agencies mentioned prominently. You think it over and decide to:
Continue to ignore the unsolicited pitches based on your suspicions that the claims are inflated
B
Consider taking a chance on what may be a one-time opportunity
A
Keeping up with the Joneses
B
Social consensus
A
“I’ve looked it over and honestly, everyone’s getting in on this one. You know Carrie and Craig from church? They’ve invested.”
This is an example of:
Sorry, that's the wrong answer!
The correct answer is...
Con artists will often use the social con-sensus tactic to commit affinity fraud.
It relies on the fact that some people are more likely to invest in something if others they know and trust are doing it. Affinity fraud often targets members of the same religious or professional group. By leading you to believe that other savvy investors
and friends are already on board, fraudsters try to persuade you into handing over your funds, too.
A. Social consensus
Go to next question...
That's the
correct answer!
A. Social consensus
Go to next question...
An honest tip
C
D. A married, middle-aged man with college-level education and a moderate income
A. Yes, because this might be an illegal pitch for unregistered securities
An opportunity to get in on the alternative energy market
C
B. A pump and dump scheme
Compare 529 plans by state and by features at the College Savings Plans Network, www.collegesavings.org
Check out IRS Publication 970,
“Tax Benefits for Education,” www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf
Use FINRA’s 529 Expense Analyzer tool, https://tools.finra.org/529_calculator/main
© September 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors Inc.
With a few exceptions, securities must be registered with regulators before being offered to the public. In the case of a stock or mutual fund, that registration will include documentation called a prospectus; for bonds, it will include an offering circular
or statement. Both will have important information about the risks of the in-vestment and the financial health of
the issuer. If your broker doesn’t send
the information, look for it in the SEC’s electronic database, called EDGAR, at https://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
For bonds, check the bonds section
of FINRA’s Market Data Center, at finramarkets.morningstar.com/BondCenter.
4
4
Financial Fraud and Fraud Susceptibility in the United States, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, September 2013.
Report of Examinations of Securities Firms Providing “Free Lunch” Sales Seminars, SEC, NASAA and FINRA, 2007.
Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, Federal Trade Commission, 2018.
National Fraud Victim Study, AARP Foundation, 2011.
1
2
3
4
Sources: FINRA, SEC, FTC, NASAA, AARP, Investor Protection Trust, Kiplinger.com.
•
3 Resources For More Information
•
•
•
•
•
Question 1/10
Question 3/9
Question 3/9
Question 3/9
Question 5/9
Question 5/10
Question 5/9
Question 7/10
Question 7/9
Question 7/9
Question 9/10
Question 9/9
Question 9/9
Unusually high rates of return typically indicate a high-risk investment. Investigate all risk-free promises; legitimate investments aren’t guaranteed against loss. Pushing to “invest now” is a high-pressure tactic used to get money before investors can change their minds or seek more information.
4
1
Question 1/9
Question 1/9
Some financial seminars are legitimate. But a year-long probe
by federal and state regulators of 110 securities firms and branch offices offering free-lunch seminars found that 100% of them were instead sales presentations; 50% featured ex-aggerated or misleading claims;
and 36% involved either unsuitable
or fraudulent recommendations. Investment advice seminars prompt the most complaints to federal consumer watchdogs than any other type of investment-related fraud.
B. Probably pass, because there’s no such thing as a “free” lunch
3
2
3
2
Whenever you hear or read the term “prime bank,” watch out.
This is one of the oldest scams in the book. Criminals go to great lengths to make their pitches sound legitimate. They sometimes claim that regulatory officials would deny knowledge of such financial instruments, according to the SEC. The reality is these financial instruments don't exist.
Investor fraud routinely follows on the heels of natural disasters, according to FINRA. Although some communication you may receive could be true, much of it could simply be exploiting weather events to hype questionable opportunities. FINRA cautions investors to be wary of sky-high price targets or claims of super-fast growth, and to be skeptical of facts or sources bolstering claims of a potential price run-up. Mentions of contracts with federal agencies or well-known companies are
red flags. Don’t be swayed when every-
day corporate developments, such as contracting with a supplier, are presented as major events.
Con artists will often use the social consensus tactic to commit affinity fraud. It relies on the fact that some people are more likely to invest in something if others they know and trust are doing it. Affinity fraud often targets members of the same religious or professional group. By leading you to believe that other savvy investors and friends are already on board, fraud-sters try to persuade you into handing over your funds, too.
Contrary to popular belief, investment victims tend to be male, married, have some college education and make $50,000 or more, according to the AARP Foundation National Fraud Victim Study.
4
With a few exceptions, securities must be registered with regulators before being offered to the public. In the case of a stock
or mutual fund, that registration will include documentation called a prospectus; for bonds, it will include an offering circular
or statement. Both will have important information about the risks of the investment and the financial health of the issuer. If your broker doesn’t send the information, look for it in the SEC’s electronic database, called EDGAR, at https://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. For bonds, check the bonds section
of FINRA’s Market Data Center, at
finra-markets.morningstar.com/BondCenter.
Pump and dump stock scams typically involve smaller, unknown companies, and their goal is to deceptively inflate the price of a stock through false and misleading hype – which creates fake demand. If investors buy in, the price jumps until the fraudsters dump their shares by selling them at peak prices. After the hype ends, the price falls dramatically – often leaving the un-knowing investors with worthless stock.
Question 1/10
Fact?
Myth?
Fact?
Myth?
Question 2/10
Fact?
Myth?
Question 3/10
Fact?
Myth?
If I open a 529 for my child,
she’ll have to select a college
in the state in which the
account was opened.
Myth?
Fact?
Myth?
Fact?
Myth?
Fact?
Myth?
Fact?
A 529 is only a federal tax-free investment growth plan, not a state-tax benefit.
Question 4/10
My child dropped a class halfway through the college semester and
got a tuition refund. I can deposit
that money right back into the
529 for future use without penalty.
Question 10/10
Myth?
Fact?
Myth?
Fact?
State of College Savings Survey, College Savings Foundation, 2018.
College Savings Indicator Study, Fidelity Investments, 2018.
Sources: College Savings Plans Network, National Association of State Treasurers; “Tax Benefits for Education,” IRS Publication 970; “529 Plans: Questions and Answers,” IRS.gov; “IRS offers guidance on recent 529 education savings plan changes,” IRS.gov; College Savings Foundation; Savingforcollege.com; Fidelity Investments; Kiplinger.com.
Question 1/10
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Go to next question...
There are a number of ways to preserve the account benefits even if your child doesn’t need them for college.
For example, you may transfer the account by changing the beneficiary to another family member, such as a younger sibling. Or if your child earns a partial scholarship, leaving unspent funds in a 529, you can withdraw up to the amount of the award without penalty or see if you can use the money tax-free for other eligible college expenses.
You can also use 529 funds for continuing education or a certificate program at an eligible institution. And you can always leave the account as is for your child to spend later. There’s no time or age limit for using the money.
If all else fails and you end up using the money for nonqualified expenses, you’ll owe income tax on any earnings, plus a 10% penalty.
Question 2/10
You’re right, that’s a fact.
Go to next question...
Starting last year, 529 plan owners can use the funds to pay up to $10,000 a year for tuition at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school (K-12). The $10,000 amount is per student, so if the student is the beneficiary of several accounts, he or she can receive $10,000 from all accounts combined. Many parents are unaware of this change — an expansion of 529 rules
under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Before you start using your 529 plan to pay K-12 tuition, check your state’s rules. Although most states conform with federal law, a few charge taxes or penalties for such pre-college withdrawals.
Question 2/10
Sorry, that’s a fact.
Go to next question...
Starting last year, 529 plan owners can use the funds to pay up to $10,000 a year for tuition at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school (K-12). The $10,000 amount is per student, so if the student is the beneficiary of several accounts, he or she can receive $10,000 from all accounts combined. Many parents are unaware of this change — an expansion of 529 rules
under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Before you start using your 529 plan to pay K-12 tuition, check your state’s rules. Although most states conform with federal law,
a few charge taxes or penalties for such pre-college withdrawals.
Go to next question...
Question 3/10
You’re right, that’s a myth.
Each 529 plan offers its own range of investment options, commonly including age-based or target-date strategies,
or a mix of funds to help build a portfolio that makes sense for your situation. Whatever you choose, you may make investment adjustments twice each calendar year. You can change allocations for new money coming in as many times as you want and adjust your strategy if you change an account’s beneficiary.
Question 3/10
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Go to next question...
Question 4/10
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Federal law establishes 529s’ tax-preferred status, but state governments administer them. So in addition to federal tax-free investment growth, you may also qualify for an additional state-tax benefit. Today, 34 states and the District of Columbia offer residents a tax deduction for 529 plan contributions. Many states, but not all, require that you invest in your home state's plan to qualify; six states currently offer a tax break for contributing to any 529 plan including out-of-state plans. Because you’re not bound to your state’s 529 and many plans offer additional benefits, it’s important to consider all your options. Sometimes there may be advantages to choosing your home-state plan, such as matching grants and scholarships. Aim to balance any state-tax savings with the quality of its plan and total costs involved.
Question 5/10
You’re right, that’s a myth.
Students can use 529 funds for any college or university eligible for Title IV federal student aid — in any state and even at many institutions outside the U.S. In addition, students can participate in certificate programs or attend vocational-technical schools at eligible educational institutions.
Question 5/10
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Students can use 529 funds for any college or university eligible for Title IV federal student aid — in any state and even at many institutions outside the U.S. In addition, students can participate in certificate programs or attend vocational-technical schools at eligible educational institutions.
Go to next question...
Go to next question...
Go to next question...
Question 6/10
You’re right, that’s a fact.
Qualified education expenses include the cost of tuition, fees, room and board (if a student is enrolled at least
half-time), books, supplies and computer equipment (including any software or printer that’s required as part
of the course of study).
Question 6/10
Sorry, that’s a fact.
Qualified education expenses include the cost of tuition, fees, room and board (if a student is enrolled at least
half-time), books, supplies and computer equipment (including any software or printer that’s required as part
of the course of study).
Go to next question...
Question 7/10
You’re right, that’s a fact.
With 529 plans, your account is considered an asset of the account owner (If a 529 is owned by a dependent student,
it also counts as a parental asset). 529 plan balances are included on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are factored into financial aid formulas. But when a school calculates a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), a maximum of 5.64% of parental assets are counted. This is quite favorable compared with student assets, which are counted at 20%. All in all, however, a higher EFC generally means less in financial aid.
Go to next question...
Question 7/10
Sorry, that’s a fact.
With 529 plans, your account is considered an asset of the account owner (If a 529 is owned by a dependent student,
it also counts as a parental asset). 529 plan balances are included on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are factored into financial aid formulas. But when a school calculates a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), a maximum of 5.64% of parental assets are counted. This is quite favorable compared with student assets, which are counted at 20%. All in all, however, a higher EFC generally means less in financial aid.
Go to next question...
Go to next question...
Question 8/10
You’re right, that’s a fact.
If your child is enrolled at least half-time at a college or vocational school, you can withdraw the cost of rent
for an off-campus apartment up to the college’s limits.
This amount is typically the room-and-board allowance listed under the school’s calculation of the total cost
of attendance.
Go to next question...
Question 8/10
Sorry, that’s a fact.
If your child is enrolled at least half-time at a college or vocational school, you can withdraw the cost of rent for
an off-campus apartment up to the college’s limits. This amount is typically the room-and-board allowance listed under the school’s calculation of the total cost of attendance.
Question 9/10
You’re right, that’s a fact.
A change under the 2015 Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act added a special rule for 529 beneficiaries who receive a refund of tuition or other qualified education expenses, such as when a class is dropped mid-semester.
If the student “recontributes” the refund to his or her
529 plan within 60 days, the refund is tax-free.
Go to next question...
Question 9/10
Sorry, that’s a fact.
A change under the 2015 Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act added a special rule for 529 beneficiaries who receive a refund of tuition or other qualified education expenses, such as when a class is dropped mid-semester.
If the student “recontributes” the refund to his or her
529 plan within 60 days, the refund is tax-free.
Go to next question...
Question 10/10
You’re right, that’s a myth.
Almost anyone (a mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend) can open a 529 college savings plan account. But there are a few things to consider. Having a grandparent open and fund an account is good because grandparents’ assets are not reportable on FAFSA. However, distributions from a grandparent-owned 529 plan may be subject to reporting on the FAFSA as student income. Additionally, the account owner — whoever it is — maintains legal control over the account.
Go to next question...
Question 4/10
You’re right, that’s a myth.
Federal law establishes 529s’ tax-preferred status, but state governments administer them. So in addition to federal tax-free investment growth, you may also qualify for an additional state-tax benefit. Today, 34 states and
the District of Columbia offer residents a tax deduction for 529 plan contributions. Many states, but not all, require that you invest in your home state's plan to qualify; six states currently offer a tax break for contributing to any 529 plan including out-of-state plans. Because you’re not bound to your state’s 529 and many plans offer additional benefits, it’s important to consider all your options. Sometimes there may be advantages to choosing your home-state plan, such as matching grants and scholarships. Aim to balance any state-tax savings with the quality of its plan and total costs involved.
Continue for more resources...
Question 10/10
Each 529 plan offers its own range of investment options, commonly including age-based or target-date strategies,
or a mix of funds to help build a portfolio that makes sense for your situation. Whatever you choose, you may make investment adjustments twice each calendar year. You can change allocations for new money coming in as many times as you want and adjust your strategy if you change an account’s beneficiary.
Go to next question...
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Almost anyone (a mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend) can open a 529 college savings plan account. But there are a few things to consider. Having a grandparent open and fund an account is good because grandparents’ assets are not reportable on FAFSA. However, distributions from a grandparent-owned 529 plan may be subject to reporting on the FAFSA as student income. Additionally, the account owner — whoever it is — maintains legal control over the account.
Continue for more resources...
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