Portfolio

Spousal election to treat an IRA inherited from a deceased spouse as the surviving spouse's own IRA may not be made until after the death of the first spouse; Plus, Some Americans leave tens of thousands of Social Security benefits on the table.

This list will appeal to advisors looking for new ideas, practices and perspectives to consider for the new year.

Share documents with clients and collaborate securely online through document vaults.

The Financial Stability Oversight Council was characterized as an enigmatic interagency body that has not provided enough rationale for designating certain financial firms as a threat to the economy.

Scott Minerd, global chief investment officer at Guggenheim Partners, predicts 10% to 15% of junk bond funds may face high withdrawals as more investors worry about getting their money back.

Advisors may want to take a close look now at these potential funds, which could rise above the competition for their different ways of investing in the dividends universe.

An anticipated rate hike has led some advisors to rethink fixed-income allocations.

There are some specific challenges when making this key transition.

If there are subsequent rate hikes in the coming years, clients will feel an effect; Plus, why falling gold and oil prices shouldn't be a concern for older clients.

Such tools can help advisors more easily assess clients’ risk tolerance.