Employee benefits

Investors prizing Princeton University bonds have fueled gains relative to top-graded municipal debt.

A 529 owned by a grandparent doesn’t count as an asset on the standard financial aid form but planning is necessary to avoid an aid reduction when money is withdrawn to pay college bills.

Advisors say their own family experiences offer lessons for clients. And sometimes the reverse is true, as well.

As summer comes to a close, we're taking a look back at some of the hottest stories this season. Whether you were on vacation or busy working -- maybe you just finally have time to catch up on reading over the long weekend -- we've gathered the summer's top stories all in one place.

As Roth 401(k) plans continue to spread, young workers increasingly are voting to go Roth. In the first quarter of 2013, 10% of all participants in Wells Fargo-administered defined contribution plans contributed to a Roth 401(k), when available, up from 8.9% a year earlier. Leading the way were employees under age 30: 16.9% chose the Roth route, a jump from 15.2% participation in last year’s first quarter. (Only 4% of participants in their 60s chose the Roth version this year.)

The tax-advantaged plan was supposed to help average Americans save for their children's college education. Today, advisors are increasingly recommending them as an estate planning tool for the wealthy.

In the wake of this week's landmark gay rights decision from the Supreme Court, financial advisors have as many questions as answers for their same-sex clients about how the ruling with impact their wealth management, tax and estate planning.

As Congress reconsiders various tax breaks it voted into existence (home mortgage deductions, etc.), could 529s come in for increased scrutiny and possible elimination?

As Congress looks to raise revenue by eliminating tax exemptions, could 529s, which cost the government nearly $2 billion a year in lost revenue, be on the chopping block?

T. Rowe Price Group has no immediate plans to begin offering active exchange-traded funds, the Baltimore Business Journal reports.

Wilmington Trust and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company are joining hands for a new suite of retirement funds.

Among the many provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, Coverdell education savings account tax benefits were made permanent. Thus, ESAs have caught up with 529 plans, which were awarded permanent tax preferences in the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Does this mean ESAs can play a vital in clients’ education planning?

Two-thirds of active U.S. equity assets are managed by defined contribution investment only managers, says a new joint report from FUSE Research Network and BrightScope.

Neuberger Berman Group has announced it will begin offering a zero-sales-charge share class.

New may not always be better, but it is what the retirement industry needs right now.

So how do Americans really feel about retirement saving and investing?

Assets held in 529 college savings plans increased 16.7% last year as the largest state plans continued to attract the bulk of assets.

What's State Street Global Advisor's next big destination for expanding its retirement business? 

Word to the wise sponsor when it comes to target-date funds: No, not any QDIA will do, and bigger companies aren't always better.

Charles Schwab Corporation continues to tout low fees with the announcement of first-year results for Schwab Index Advantage.