Financial planning

The federal government is calling on comments for its proposal to allow Medicare to cover physicians' fees for discussing end-of-life issues with beneficiaries; Plus, how to transfer inherited IRAs.

People are looking at social security more strategically… it's heavily nuanced [and] if you make the wrong decision it has significant implications for the future," Howard Schneider, president, Practical Perspectives.

Following a surprising multimillion-dollar deal, the industry is regaining an appreciation for tapping all of a client's financial data, an ability long relegated to personal finance management software providers.

Betterment data scientist Sam Swift asks advisors: "How do you know how much you've helped [clients] with your advice?"

Advisors, brokers and other industry insiders weighed in on the Labor Department's fiduciary proposal, laying out what they say are the benefits and pitfalls of the forthcoming rule.

The new recruits join Dynasty's newly formed Summit Trail Advisors and are the latest to leave the British bank's wealth management unit before its merger with Stifel.

Advisors, brokers and other industry insiders weighed in on the Labor Department's fiduciary proposal, laying out what they say are the benefits and pitfalls of the forthcoming rule.

Retirees who can no longer afford to settle their debts because of job loss, business failure and other misfortunes may seek a one-time-payment settlement with their creditors; Plus, ways in which retirees can tap their portfolio using various strategies.

Fiduciary advocates question the math behind the opponents' estimate, calling it an "Alice in Wonderland report" without backing.

Marzano Capital Group joins LPL-affiliated recruiting firm Independent Advisor Alliance.

Advisors who listen attentively build better connections with clients.

Taking a required minimum distribution from a retirement account to satisfy the RMD of another account is allowed only if both accounts are traditional noninherited IRAs or noninherited 403(b) plans; Plus, how to decide between a 401(k) and an IRA when saving for retirement.

Five executives were recently named to lead wealth management units at Associated Bank, Bank of the West, First Midwest Bank and Union Bank. Find out who they are and what their new roles entail.

While much of the financial industry is undergoing transformation, the traditional brokerage industry has resisted technological change so far. But newcomers offering mobile options for customers show there is a faster, low-cost alternative.

Noyes makes a new addition in an effort to grow the firm's network of financial advisors.

Planners need another skill set to help their clients cope with major life events.

Morgan Stanley advisors managing $2 billion in assets joined UBS. But the wirehouse wasn't the only winner last month in the competition for top talent. See this move and more in our latest recruiting roundup.

A 1035 Exchange is a good option for clients who wish to replace their old annuity with a new policy that offers a better package; Plus, a three-step plan to getting the retirement income clients need.

The government aims to reduce the "magnitude of the injury" to clients from conflicted advice, Timothy Hauser, the official who chaired the hearings on Capitol Hill, tells Financial Planning.

An inherited IRA partly financed with nondeductible contributions requires careful record keeping. Plus, how tax deferrals promise millennials a great retirement.