Financial planning

Firms' cyber defenses are in SEC's crosshairs, and the commission is looking to tap an outside group to help police the RIA sector.

Expanded scope for litigation is a cause for concern among wealth management firms, experts say.

Advisors should report their performance in a way that articulates value and proves they are worth the expense, says Dynasty Partners CIO Scott Welch.

A merger or acquisition is a critical move, and many don’t work out. Are you ready to make the jump?

The rule could "very much professionalize an industry that very much needs it," says Robert Johnson, president of the planning school.

Despite the many benefits that IRAs offer, many people do not use them as a retirement saving tool; plus, what parents should know about Social Security.

Advisors can get a helpful best-practices checklist, which may also help build client relationships, from the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard.

The flexibility and broad selection of a regular investment account could outweigh the tax advantages of a 529 plan for funding higher education.

Why can’t your RIA operations be as beautifully integrated as the functions on your mobile?

A number of seniors opt to relocate in retirement to live closer to their adult children and grandchildren; plus, three ETFs to fund a happy retirement.

"We've got great momentum," says Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network president Kent Christian.

Michael Donnelly was sentenced for defrauding elderly clients of about $2 million, which he used to make car payments, pay his children's private school tuition and other expenses.

Edward Jones and Raymond James, among others, are steering clear.

Parthemer worked with pro athletes and frequented South Beach clubs with rap stars.

Does the newest iteration of a favorite advisor tool stand up to scrutiny? Our tech columnist takes it for a test drive.

It doesn't necessarily make sense to pay off student loans early if that means foregoing saving for retirement; plus, how the life-expectancy gap between rich and poor skews Social Security.

Richard Ketchum, former critic of the rule, calls the final version "much better" than the earlier proposal. But he still wants to see the SEC develop a uniform standard.

Advisors should be “prepared to defend their recommendations,” the low-cost planning pioneer says, and predicts the demise of high-fee products.

Find out what complications arise when family members co-own real estate investments. Plus, strategies that make paying taxes optional and tax breaks for hiring new employees.

In a succession play, Advisor Financial Services gets snapped up by Retirement Advisors of America.