Client strategies

A majority of Cicily Maton's clients come to her when a pile of money falls into their laps. But unusual circumstances create special issues.

Michelle Smith explains the advantage of specializing in divorce planning.

One advisor’s story of discovering a fundamental truth: Personality fit is crucial to achieve professional success

6 things to know about rebalancing; Get these things right in your planning; Creative ways to cut your 401(k) fees

Use investors’ habits and mental preconceptions to tailor financial plans that will work well for them individually.

Collecting Social Security benefits on your ex-spouse's record; No need to worry about Social Security; How a mini-retirement can rejuvenate your career

Trying to woo Hispanic clients? Talk to them about simple, low- or no-risk investment products.

Do retirees take the right amount of risk?; An overlooked vehicle for retirement savings; People don't realize they have self-directed brokerage accounts

Persistence angle adds to active-passive debate; Best ways to snag a job in retirement; Are you as healthy as your 401(k)?

Why your awesome 401(k) is still not as good as cash; Ignore this savings plan at your peril; Will benefits continue to increase if you wait past 70?

After listening to advisors pitch their businesses, a panel of investors explained what works. Advisor and consultant Ron Carson shares the most important takeaways.

Customize your income-replacement rate; options for required IRA distributions; finding an identity beyond the workplace

Many U.S. households are not adequately prepared for retirement, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve that found 31% of non-retired respondents indicating they have no retirement savings or pension, including 19% of those ages 55 to 64.

Is the American dream still alive; Social Security earnings test is not a tax; How to manage health care costs

Fed policy and your retirement portfolio; Can you file-and-suspend at 62; Unexpected consequences of early retirement

4 reasons not to panic about Social Security; The role of bonds in a portfolio; Education trumps retirement for single parents, and that's a cause for concern

A pair of new studies released this week find that planners' biggest concerns now center on a potential equity market downturn.

Many advisors have not formalized their client communication practices, a misstep that could hamper long-term business success, according to a recent FPA study.

Merrill Lynch's expanding financial boot camp deepens relationships by helping wealthy clients ensure that the family fortune lasts beyond this generation and the next.

6 ways new tax law benefits sustainable retirement; Who has the best retirement plan; Avoid rollovers of IRA CDs