Client strategies

There are appealing methods to shift investments “upstream” to aging parents or “downstream” to grown children.

Equities have rallied more than 20% from March lows, but remain well below 2020 highs.

Under the new act, some can take out as much as $100,000 from retirement plans early without penalty.

Recipients of Social Security benefits, as well as railroad retirement and veterans benefits recipients, will need to act fast.

There’s more money at stake when executing trades in current market uncertainty.

A rule designed to prevent simple deduction abuses brings significant complexity to planning.

The IRS now says some unwanted RMDs can be undone, eliminating the tax bill

As clients expect more from their planners, companies that service advisors are doing what they can to help. A little Tiger King doesn’t hurt, either.

As financial professionals we are not immune to anxiety — we are just informed and that’s a value-add for clients.

These direct payments are intended to provide direct assistance to American taxpayers who have lost wages, jobs or opportunities because of COVID-19. But there is some fine print.

Proponents make them a standing core equity holding, but not all advisors are sold. One calls them "marketing schemes."

From Roth conversions to QHFDs: The coronavirus pandemic is forcing difficult questions, and clients rightfully are looking for answers that advisors are uniquely suited to provide.

The Internal Revenue Service is postponing the date for filing gift tax and generation-skipping transfer tax returns and making payments until July 15 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Can a home equity line of credit offer clients a bridge loan for troubled times? Says one, “I’m going to call those people and rehire them.”

Turning loss into profit in down markets can seem like magic to some clients.

Emulating traditional advisors, digital advisors are moving in the direction of planning offerings and advisor-client contact (albeit virtual).

The Secure Act eliminated a popular retirement planning feature. Here are strategies to help clients mitigate the tax hit.

Some clients can get an extension on paying taxes of up to $1 million and corporations can defer tax payments of up to $10 million.

First, prove you’re listening; then make sure they know you’re taking action to protect their portfolios.

Convenience accounts, power of attorney, trusts: The benefits and drawbacks are legion. Here's a guide.