30 Days 30 Ways To A Better Risk And Wealth Management Strategy

An annuity offers the investor income for life -- for a price. Considering the return on investment, how do annuities compare to bonds?

Some academics maintain that if a client obtains an immediate annuity, it pays an income stream for life and the individual is less likely to outlive his or her money. But of course, many planners often see issues with this in real-life situations.

Breaking out of the traditional allocation model to include a much broader range of investment categories and using relative strength principals to reallocate frequently may be one way to achieve stronger results for clients.

Recent studies have found that as people age, many lose their ability to make sound financial decisions. So what can be done to safeguard elderly clients’ hard earned assets?

Increased taxes on long-term capital gains has renewed interest in trusts that can sell donated assets, avoid tax, and pay a stream of income to the donors.

Some planners have implemented online capabilities to serve an increasingly tech-hungry public. But how much tech is enough – and does too much get in the way of good planning?

What could cause the dollar to fall and inflation to rise? Planners should keep their eyes on three potential triggers.

A 529 owned by a grandparent doesn’t count as an asset on the standard financial aid form but planning is necessary to avoid an aid reduction when money is withdrawn to pay college bills.

Marital divorce is by definition an adversarial process, but from a financial standpoint it works out better for both parties if it’s also a cooperative one.

To report a capital loss yet retain a position in the relinquished asset, clients can double up in November and sell the original holding after waiting more than 30 days.

Essential elements of a risk-based plan include a thorough analysis of future cash flows combined with in-depth conversations regarding the client’s priorities and goals for a variety of scenarios including death, disability, long-term care, property losses and civil suits.

While the traditional way of gauging a client’s tolerance for risk is typically determined using a basic questionnaire, there’s another method that’s just as – if not more – reliable.

With stocks increasingly expensive and bond returns paltry -- what’s an advisor to do?

Health insurance questions may dominate this year’s conversation, as the Affordable Care Act’s effects become widespread, but advisors should help clients with other key areas as well.

For those nearing retirement, a market downturn may be something they simply can’t afford to endure. Without enough time to make up for the damage to their portfolios, they won’t be able to afford the retirement lifestyle they had envisioned.

Many clients believe there will come a time when estate tax is again a concern and liquidity will be needed.

From now to December 7, seniors can decide whether to look for flexibility in original Medicare or cost savings in a private Medicare Advantage plan.

Married clients can arbitrage Social Security benefits for maximum long-term payouts.

There’s been a steady increase in opportunities for overseas investment and clients’ willingness to include international investments in their portfolios.