Investment insights

Bill Gross said he wouldn't hire Ben S. Bernanke as an advisor. He'd rather read the former Federal Reserve Chairman's blogs and tweets.

If clients need to scramble to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, that's just one red flag they haven't saved enough: Plus, some investors can't wait for higher interest rates.

By overlooking the federal program, advisors may be skewing asset allocations of their clients' retirement portfolios.

An alternate to the Sharpe ratio could help advisors calculate how much pain investors must endure for each unit of gain. Here's how to run the numbers.

For advisors to really help their clients, they need to get them to truly understand investing odds and focus on process rather than outcomes, IMCA attendees were told.

For clients who want retirement income with minimal equity risk, advisors should recognize the 'mortality credit' advantage that the pooled funds in an immediate annuity can offer.

Missing the deadline for enrollment brings a penalty of 10% of the Part B premium for every year not enrolled--and in some cases, it's for life.

Retirement investors could post attractive returns amid high interest rates with high quality intermediate-term bonds: Plus, top mutual funds for 401(k) retirement savings.

A recent rule change has enhanced the appeal of these products. Here's what advisors need to know.

Advisors see buying opportunities, but recent volatility has left clients hesitant to up allocations.

Four investments clients can make completely tax-free; Plus, how the mega-rich avoid paying taxes.

Gen Xers can save in their 401(k) plans for a longer period of time compared with baby boomers, and can expect higher tax-deferred investment growth; Plus, the best and worst states for retirement.

Target date funds charge higher fees and don't perform well during a financial crisis; Plus, three great freebies for retirees.

After years of low interest rates and rising stock markets, once-conservative strategies might actually be putting investors in risky situations. Here's where some income investors are going wrong.

Future retirees whose non-Social Security income exceeds $80,000 would see benefit cuts under a proposal by the New Jersey governor; Plus, why Roth IRA tax tricks won't rescue an investor's retirement.

Because the various fund sponsors report data inconsistently and often with delays, it's hard to get a clean comparison between rival offerings.

Entrepreneurs who are operating abroad need to take advantage of qualified retirement accounts for their business; Plus, why Social Security reform will never happen.

Nearly 60% of retirees started collecting Social Security before they reached full retirement age, reducing benefits by as much as 30%, according to a survey.

With the following funds up more than 25% in three months, clients may be eager to get in. But advisors won't be so easily swayed.

Investors are being prompted to ask some tough questions on the value their advisors bring, as well as training and compensation; Plus, how to build a tax-efficient portfolio for clients.