Financial planning

They may be reluctant to have their financial information transmitted electronically.

Inflation is just one of the risks that annuity investors face since higher prices could lower the purchasing power of annuity payments; Plus, changing strategies for Social Security.

It may seem harmless, a client suggests about a plan to sell back an advisor's foreclosed property. Bad idea, says attorney Alan Foxman.

Similar to mutual funds, but for a fraction of the price, collective investment trusts can make a big difference to a portfolio.

Snowden Lane's newest wirehouse recruits opened a California office for the independent firm.

Sky-high prices at recent art auctions – in one case up to $170.4 million – may have some wealthy, art-enthusiast clients seeing painted visions of dollar signs.

Some clients may be better off claiming benefits early if they are younger than their spouse and expect a shorter life span because of medical problems; Plus, what clients need to know about annuities.

Create a performance management process to get the most from staff members.

Over the years, Financial Planning has been striving to make the annual RIA Leaders list ever more rigorous, weeding out advisory firms that take commission, have registered reps, are owned by big stakeholders. This year’s ranking calls out the most successful independent, fee-only players who have been able to say no to the big offers -- at least so far.

Advisors should assess critical assets of the service agreement beforehand.

Disruptive entrepreneurs could set their sights on the financial advisory worlds.

Advisors and firms will struggle with multiple and possibly conflicting standards should the Labor Department move forward with its fiduciary proposal, the industry group warned.

Some question whether the CFP’s election of fi360’s Blaine Aikin as 2017 chairman is beneficial or potentially harmful to constituents.

A new study claims it’s better to buy whole life than to buy term insurance and invest the difference. What are you telling your clients?

Woe to the client whose advisor fails to detect these common errors.

Advisors can help clients know the limits on gift-giving to avoid the tax implications. Plus, year-end tax saving moves, and seven ways to lower your client's taxable income.

Investors should move to protect their money rather than reach for higher returns next year as central bank efforts to stimulate the global economy set the stage for markets to ultimately fall.

A strong identity these days must include a robust and engaging digital presence.

The Wall Street Journal offered opposing opinions on the recent Social Security changes, and specifically whether the file-and-suspend claiming strategy constituted a loophole.

Critics say the new congressional efforts do not adequately address conflicts in the retirement sector, which they say must be eliminated or mitigated, not merely disclosed.