Clients are likely to overlook the possibility of portfolio failure, unexpected financial responsibility and health issues.

The U.S. ranks poorly among 14 developed nations, with U.S. females having the shortest life spans and U.S. males the second shortest.

Even when they have a retirement plan, it is likely to be astronomically more expensive than those offered by large companies.

The one-size-fits-all approach may not suit everyone as circumstances vary. Investors may consider a managed account, plus a robo, which is an inexpensive alternative.

Though some say the rule's future is in doubt, the firm is going ahead with sweeping changes it hopes will make its advisers more competitive.

The 401(k) and IRA rollover business is going through its own phase of disruption.

Recent announcements from the bank open an opportunity for CEO Timothy Sloan to take a public leadership position on the issue of financial industry compensation.

The amount a client gets back from the government can go right into an IRA for added benefits now and in the future. Plus, keep a parent's savings alive, even if they're not.

That's just one solution among several that will help prepare your firm for success now and in the future, columnist Bob Veres says.

With the full retirement age increased, the advantages of waiting until age 70 have been somewhat diminished.

The planner, joining from Robertson Stephens, also has worked for UBS and Merrill Lynch.

Proponents of defined-contribution plans envisioned them as supplements to defined benefit plans; they didn't anticipate that 401(k)s would largely replace pensions.

The new recruit, who started with the wirehouse's predecessor firm Smith Barney, has been in the industry since the late 1990s.

Succession planning is thwarted by most bankers' high-handed attitude that they own the client relationship. Realities on the ground are more nuanced.

The bank implemented the program to compensate advisers as they transition their books to other advisers, while ensuring that their clients are left in good hands.

Advisers at a bank may have to shift to another channel for a few years before retirement, says contributor Rick Rummage.

When advisers quit, banks lose revenue even when they hire replacements. The present value of that lost revenue averaged $2 million, according to a study by Kehrer Bielan.

Here's how clients can get around income limits and continue making contributions. Plus, tips for updating a client's financial plan now and dramatically increasing wealth after the IRS gets paid.

On average, workers in 2015 put 6.8% of their salaries into 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, according to a recent survey.