401(k)

It's key for an advisor to have a firm grasp of clients' long-term goals, how much they are spending now and how much they plan to spend in the future.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office conducted a nearly four-year study. Here are the key findings from its exhaustive report.

This fringe benefit can take the weight off of the company's human resources department, allow employees to experience the benefits of financial planning and even allow advisors to prospect for new clients.

The GAO investigated industry disclosures and conducted undercover calls to evaluate "where issues around conflicts of interest and investment advice stand today."

The litigation comes amid heated debate over a Department of Labor rule meant to prevent excessive fees on sales of insurance products.

If those savings in defined contribution plans are offset by debt, employees may find themselves worse off than when they started.

The news on retirement isn't all bad. Last year Americans saved more in their 401(k)s than ever before, according to new research from Vanguard.

Many plan participants told the U.S. Government Accountability Office they didn't understand their four main options — or the potential tax consequences.

High-earning participants in the expanding universe of retirement plans offer a wellspring of potential clients for firms and advisors.

The products carry more risk and subtleties than the underlying notion of a simple 'glide path' to retirement.