Practice and Client Management News

Financial Planning's Practice and Client Management coverage includes essential advisor-level strategy and operational insight for firms and solo practitioners. Read how elite advisors build retention-driven practices, manage high net worth relationships and operationalize growth frameworks that go beyond rudimentary 101 topics. Learn the latest financial planning news from expert reporting and analysis that matters to industry leaders.

Commission-based compensation

Who’s benefiting most from commission-free trades?

While advisors have embraced cheaper trades, the move may have long term effects on strategies for client portfolios.

By Sean Allocca
Former Associate Editor

January 2
College planning

Avoid the FAFSA tripwire with grandparent-owned 529 plans

With astute maneuvering, advisors can add money to a clients’ college-fund kitty without jeopardizing financial aid.

By Donald Jay Korn

January 2
College savings plans

How to help clients pay less for college

Don't neglect the FAFSA and other ideas to help families with annual incomes of more than $300,000.

By Ingrid Case

December 30
Recruiting

Biggest advisor moves of 2019: $62B in mega recruits

More often than not, wirehouses were on the losing side of these moves.

By Andrew Welsch
Former Managing Editor

December 30
Retirement scan

Numbers that older workers and retirees need to know in 2020

Clients should understand Medicare, Social Security and 401(k) changes that will impact on their retirement savings and income.

By Paola Peralta
Associate Editor

December 27
Wealth Think From 401(k)s to stretch IRAs, what the Secure Act means for clients

This recently passed bill is groundbreaking retirement legislation and will substantially alter the landscape for employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual savers.

December 27

Dan Collins

Commonwealth Financial Network
Recruiting

Wells Fargo Finet poaches $419M advisors

The additions came amid a revamping of the firm’s independent advisor compensation.

By Paola Peralta
Associate Editor

December 24

Resources

The latest Financial Planning research and discussion:

Web Seminar A holistic approach to delivering advisor alpha

Markets will move. Strategies will evolve. But the real differentiator? How you show up for your clients.

Partner Insights from eMoney Advisor
Advisor strategies
On-Demand Web Seminar Quarterly Outlook Briefing
Web Seminar The art of asking questions

Asking the right questions is at the heart of every meaningful financial conversation—but how do you know what to ask and when?

Partner Insights from eMoney Advisor

Practice & Client Management: Key Questions & Analysis

How should financial advisors rethink client management as they grow their practices?

As advisory firms grow, client management often shifts from ad-hoc relationship handling to processes focused on segmentation, service models and long-term retention. Coverage in this area reflects how advisors are operationalizing client experience as a core business discipline.

What operational challenges are most important in advisor-client relationships?

Advisors face increasing pressure from capacity constraints, rising client expectations and the need to balance personalization with scale. Practice and client management reporting highlights where firms are finding success to maintain service quality while expanding.

How are advisors adapting communication strategies to changing client expectations?

Client communication strategies are evolving as advisors respond to demographic shifts, digital expectations and heightened demand for transparency. Read how firms are adjusting cadence, channels and messaging.

How does client management impact long-term practice value?

Effective client management is often viewed as a driver of enterprise value. Client management is a key area of focus for retention, referrals and succession outcomes. Learn how client experience strategy directly to firm durability and valuation.