Lee Conrad

Just 37% of baby boomers are confident in their financial preparations for retirement—and that number keeps falling.

Those who do use advisors are scrutinizing the guidance they get and realizing that true value is more than just investment returns.

European investors also turned negative, although their pessimism was less pronounced. Asian institutional investors grew slightly more optimistic.

The system isn’t falling apart, but clients in their 60s have more personal concerns at heart—and you need to be able to answer their questions.

The self-directed channel hasn’t been as bad as expected for traditional advisors. And there may even be some opportunity left.

Few bank executives could state a clear and comprehensive wealth strategy. And most had trouble identifying something about their wealth management efforts that was unique.

Banks need to keep their customers in mind as just one constituency when designing their compensation plans for advisors

The two Monday morning sessions at the Bank Insurance & Securities Association’s annual conference were billed as “Market Perspectives” and they lived up to the name.

If there was a theme to the opening sessions of the Bank Insurance & Securities Association’s annual conference in Florida on Sunday, it could be characterized as moderation.

BIC Editor Lee Conrad outlines the conference sessions that piqued his interest.

Half of defined contribution participants still do not know how much they pay in fees and expenses—the same level as last year.

The Social Security System will be a significant source of retirement income for anyone over the age of 40. And it most likely will continue for decades, provided it gets tweaked and changed along the way. But that’s an important caveat. It needs to be changed.

Sales of deferred income annuities grew to more than $1 billion in 2012. But they are still a minor portion of the overall market, representing less than one percent of total annuity sales.

There is a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about Social Security. With the right knowledge, you’ll be able to help your clients as they struggle with their own fears of outliving their money.

The number of health savings accounts and high-deductible accounts has increased to 13.5 million

Affinity says the relationship should help it grow and increase productivity

Many financial advisors lack the skills to address basic issues like setting realistic expectations or educating investors on what retirement even involves

A lack of benefits for employees at small businesses is not exactly new, but the numbers are getting worse.

Sales were primarily driven by indexed universal life, which rose 39% for the quarter and 32% year to date.

The new practice management program includes retirement seminars, educational materials with action plans, online tools and a structured framework that financial advisors can follow with their clients, the company said.