Practice

Many people are not gaining the full benefit they could from Social Security. And in many cases, financial advisors don't know enough about how the program works to help their clients. Yet it will continue to be a key part of many clients' retirement income.

Technology has advanced and financial products are more complex, but the success of a program still depends on getting the right people-just don't expect perfection

A run-down of the stories in this issue, beginning with the cover story, which details how to offer wealth management with a personal touch.

Our legal analyst explores one state's new rules on employment agreements.

A few simple steps will help you meet the money management needs of each customer.

A run down of hirings and promotions, including advisor team Andrew Cappello and Christie Roberts moving to Merrill Lynch from Morgan Stanley.

As the baby boomer generation closes in on retirement, many are preparing to give a substantial portion of their wealth on charitable causes.

Advisors look to 401(k) plans as fertile ground for business.

Political wrangling over the so-called "fiscal cliff," the potential expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts coupled with sharp reductions in federal spending, has stimulated many a conversation about the resulting financial planning implications.

European sovereign debt concerns and the U.S. debt-ceiling debacle spurred market volatility, pushing investors toward index-based equity funds.