Investment insights

"This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Doesn't mean we like it. It wasn't a great start to my week, I can tell you that," says Scott Tiras, an independent advisor affiliated with Ameriprise.

Planners worry about client fatigue if the downdraft drags on.

A 55-year-old client who decides to withdraw from his 401(k) account with his former employer may be exempt from paying the penalty if he is totally and permanently disabled and has an IRS levy; Plus, wallet-friendly travel tips for retirees.

Despite a sudden market correction, I didn't hear from panicked investors. That's because I've made them understand in these situations you must work through the pain to profit.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index roared back from the brink of its first correction in nearly four years even as the rout in all but the riskiest of global assets worsened.

Emotions might get the best of some investors in light of all the bad news. Here are the strategies I've used to guide my clients since the market correction began.

Advisors can show their worth by making time to help clients understand how to manage the unexpected.

A wave of selling gripped global markets as the rout in all but the safest assets deepened.

Clients are understandably worried, but smart advisors can calm their nerves. Here’s how.

Laddering is a good fixed-income strategy that will enable clients to earn higher yields and protect them from rate increases; Plus, how retirees can make money in the sharing economy.

Couples need to plan on how they will claim their Social Security retirement benefits if one of them is receiving disability benefits or has a public pension to avoid complications; Plus, what happens to Social Security benefits after a guardian dies.

The federal government is calling on comments for its proposal to allow Medicare to cover physicians' fees for discussing end-of-life issues with beneficiaries; Plus, how to transfer inherited IRAs.

Retirees who can no longer afford to settle their debts because of job loss, business failure and other misfortunes may seek a one-time-payment settlement with their creditors; Plus, ways in which retirees can tap their portfolio using various strategies.

Taking a required minimum distribution from a retirement account to satisfy the RMD of another account is allowed only if both accounts are traditional noninherited IRAs or noninherited 403(b) plans; Plus, how to decide between a 401(k) and an IRA when saving for retirement.

A 1035 Exchange is a good option for clients who wish to replace their old annuity with a new policy that offers a better package; Plus, a three-step plan to getting the retirement income clients need.

An inherited IRA partly financed with nondeductible contributions requires careful record keeping. Plus, how tax deferrals promise millennials a great retirement.

Dividends that increase consistently over the long-term also have their pay-offs over shorter cycles.

Why retirees whose premiums that are not deducted from Social Security payments can expect an increase next year; Plus, explaining the menu of income annuity features and options.

Nearly a dozen Democratic state senators express their concerns over the Obama administration's proposed changes to the fiduciary standard; plus the crazy way Social Security punishes spouses who claim early benefits.

Clients may want to consider the impacts of headline risk on securities before pulling out of municipal bond investments.