IRAs

Clients should consider switching to a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) as investment growth and distributions are not subject to tax.

Although clients pay taxes on the contributions they make, they can still expect tax savings as their money grows tax-free and future distributions are exempt from taxes.

Investors are advised to reduce their risk capacity and get their portfolio ready for the distribution phase once they are within five years of their retirement.

Clients in this situation will need to gather a lot of paperwork, including at least eight certified copies of the spouse's death certificate for life insurance, among other reasons.

High-net-worth clients can be baffled by a number of trust vehicles that minimize the tax liability on IRAs. Here’s how advisers can guide them.

Anticipation of auto enrollment features is expected to change the way advisers serve their clients.

Here's why filing for Social Security benefits at the wrong time may mean a less fulfilling retirement.

An adviser's strategy puts a distribution to work to potentially lower what clients owe the government for their IRAs and Social Security income. Plus, momentum investing is tempting again (just watch out for the capital gains expense), and a look at the efficiency and payoffs of preferred stocks.

Tax-wise strategies for charitable contributions can take a 180-degree turn when it comes time to create an estate plan.

A typically "balanced" portfolio (with 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds) yielded a return of 4% or more just 66% of the time.

As many as 30% of accounts are either abandoned or lost because many providers can no longer locate the account holders.

Advisers and clients may think it doesn't matter which account makes the distribution, as long as the total calculated amount is taken from some account. They are wrong.

Investing in more bonds for a short period is a good strategy for retirement savers to curb the sequence of return risk.

High front-end fees, complex payouts and a lack of dividend income are among the reasons.

Now may be the best time for retirees to make charitable donations, do a Roth conversion, and incur more qualified medical expenses to meet the threshold and qualify for a tax deduction.

Investors should take market volatility as an opportunity to engage in year-end tax planning that includes strategies such as tax-loss harvesting.

Clients fare just as well, and possibly better, with their other investments by developing the same savings habits of these retirement accounts. Plus, getting more out of munis.

Investments in certain closed-end funds or preferred shares are strategies clients should consider to make their savings last, an industry expert says.

How advisers can prepare for renewed interest in alternatives.

The early decision stops advisers from earning commissions on products that will also generate fees through the firm's Investment Advisory Program.