Employee benefits

This rise of the so-called grey divorce has created a number of uncommon and complex issues for retirement accounts.

Seniors can claim tax deductions for payments made on their homes, allowing them to reduce their tax burden when they retire.

Similar products are stockpiling unprecedented levels of new cash as investors look to alternative assets for growth and income.

It is important for entrepreneurs to have an exit strategy and to take control of their debt.

Ill-prepared investors are advised to vigorously plan their expenses and aggressively save in their 401(k)s and IRAs.

Developing a comprehensive plan can help "avoid the negative compound interest effect in a declining market."

More clients are opting to work after they retire "to stay active and contribute professionally while also supplementing their income.”

The Avantax Wealth Management parent views HK Financial as another way of working with CPAs and tax professionals branching into the field.

While some tax-planning tasks can be time-sensitive, the challenge is to tackle the others that aren’t in a calculated fashion, an expert explains.

The Secure Act was designed to expand retirement savers’ options but it has subsequently all-but-eliminated the stretch IRA for beneficiaries. It's on advisors to make clients aware of the major change.

For starters, wage income earned by those working past their full retirement age can boost tax bills and medical insurance costs.

“By and large, many simply have not yet saved enough to retire comfortably.”

Knowledgeably navigating 401(k) and IRA movements can have a massive impact on tax burdens — and the client relationship.

Higher-than-anticipated health-care costs are among the most unexpected expenditures clients face in retirement.

With astute maneuvering, advisors can add money to a clients’ college-fund kitty without jeopardizing financial aid.

Financial planners should at least consider modeling early retirement to prepare clients for the possibility of uncertainty, says Morningstar.

"Keep records and watch the statute of limitations. The usual IRS statute of limitations is three years after you file your tax return," an expert writes.

Contributing to these accounts makes sense for clients who anticipate higher tax rates in the future.

Don't neglect the FAFSA and other ideas to help families with annual incomes of more than $300,000.

Clients should understand Medicare, Social Security and 401(k) changes that will impact on their retirement savings and income.