Portfolio

Tax benefits of homeownership are overstated, study finds; plus proposed changes that put Roth IRA advantages at risk and five takeaways on retirement from the midterm elections.

Studies show that helping clients plan their charitable giving can strengthen planners' relationships -- and their businesses.

Stocks that have suddenly become predominant in a client's portfolio are prime candidates for a charitable donation.

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy certification is designed for individuals in a range of fields. Advisors say the designation has helped elevate their conversations with wealthy and philanthropically-minded clients.

How clients and other taxpayers can act to reduce their income taxes, sell stocks for tax-loss harvesting, and recoup overpaid net investment income taxes.

With a wider gap in tax rates, moving reported income among family members could have a big payoff. Advisors should consider a few if these strategies.

"There's not one thing [RCS] is not willing to look at," CEO Michael Weil said in response to a Wall Street analyst's question about breaking the company apart.

The business is changing, says Jonathan Burkan, a wealth advisor with UBS. It's not just stocks and bonds anymore, and that means advisors must do a better job of helping clients think about estate, tax and retirement planning -- not just about the market.

Despite the sector's underperformance this year, your clients may still want to consider U.S. small-cap funds over the long term.

Legg Mason attracted $5.1 billion into its bond funds in October, the most in more than seven years, after the departure of Bill Gross from Pimco prompted investors to reallocate billions of dollars.