Practice

Talk coffee, not college savings plans. That avoids potential compliance issues. Besides, visitors to social media sites are coming to learn about who you are, not what you sell.

After Ann Hughes took over a struggling annuities wirehouse division, she learned six lessons about loyalty and success that every financial advisor can apply to their practice.

Advisors should encourage their clients to take advantage of current gifting opportunities, now that individuals can give others cash gifts up to $13,000 tax-free.

Majority of workers surveyed plan to put off retirement until after 65, and then find retirement work.

Successful advisors have more efficient practices, they keep up to speed on products and trends, are better positioned to withstand uncertain markets, and they are better prepared to handle specific economic challenges like low interest rates, according to Cara Farchione, manager of retirement solutions for Raymond James.

Pending legislative decisions around the fiduciary requirement for all advisors is not a threatening issue, Raymond James Financial Services Chairman Dick Averitt told a packed general session at its National Conference for Professional Development on Monday.

Legacy expert attorneys Danielle and Andy Mayoras say the saga surrounding the estate of one-time child TV star Gary Coleman provides yet another learning opportunity for advisors and their estate planning clients.

Jeffrey C. Boucek has joined Segal Rogerscasey’s Atlanta office as senior vice president, focusing on consulting, client relationship management and new business development.

Morningstar, Inc. recently filed a comment letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission urging the regulator to require target-date series to provide more details on how the investments are managed and structured.

The head of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority said he’d like to see regular reviews of broker operations, to find and address potential conflicts of interest.