Katie Kuehner-Hebert

Planners should emotionally prepare clients nearing retirement for the significant and abrupt changes that will occur after working full time for decades.

Sometimes it makes sense for clients to collect Social Security before full retirement age, even if it temporarily reduces benefits.

Some clients prefer to buy income-producing properties outright rather than invest in real estate investment trusts.

How planners can best advise clients wanting – or having – to work longer.

Hybrid annuities can be a good choice for investors who still need growth but don't have 30 years to invest in the public markets.

Advisors should review their employment contracts and other documents to make sure they won't incur liability for taking client information.

Advisors should check to see if both their old firm and new affiliated firm have signed on to the industry protocol for taking client information.

What do you really need in your software toolkit when going independent and what types of technology can wait?

Advisors must determine what kind of help they need at the outset.

Advisors need to determine ahead of time how they are going to make ends meet for at least two years as they build their businesses.