Two University of Missouri students earned second place in the Financial Planning Challenge at the Financial Planning Association’s 25th annual meeting in Las Vegas Nov. 3-5. This marks the first time Mizzou has fielded a team in the national competition.

Personal Financial Planning students Ian Mueller and Lindsay Peters, both seniors, represented Mizzou in the three-phase contest, which tested technical knowledge, communication skills and teamwork.

In the first phase, the pair developed a 55-page comprehensive financial plan based on a detailed client case study. Their plan addressed cash flow, insurance, investments, retirement, tax and estate planning needs, and included actionable recommendations.

The second phase required a 20-minute oral presentation before a panel of judges. Mueller and Peters created professional-quality slides and delivered a well-rehearsed summary of their plan, demonstrating both technical expertise and strong presentation skills.

The final phase was a quiz-bowl-style competition covering topics from the Certified Financial Planner exam. Mueller and Peters placed first in this round after winning a tiebreaker against Texas A&M.

Preparing for the challenge required many hours outside of class. The students devoted significant time to refining their financial plan, rehearsing their presentation and studying for the quiz bowl.

Faculty advisor Jim Green played a key role in assembling the team, mentoring the students and managing logistics. Robyn Eschenbrenner also contributed by staffing a booth at the conference to promote Mizzou’s graduate offerings in Personal Financial Planning and supporting students attending the event.