Financial planning

U.S. House Republicans are proposing a 7.7% cut to the IRS budget, setting the boundaries for a budget standoff over the next few months.

The retirement account faces three significant forces that will shape its future: regulatory reform, demographics and expanded coverage. See how they're likely to play out.

For clients who want to benefit from M&A, one option is to invest in sectors that are in the hot areas of activity. Another is to buy ETFs that zero in on the stocks of companies engaged in acquisitions.

Pershing will give advisors digital tools; Capitol One gets in the game with a hybrid robo plan.

Divorce is increasing among people aged 50 and up, which affects lifestyle and financial independence; Plus, 401(k) mistakes to avoid.

It was only the second time in a decade that the funds have shrunk at the start of June, in part because it coincides with a period when investors get paid from maturing debt and interest.

First-quarter annuity sales fell to $52.7 billion, a 6.9% decrease from the previous quarter.

The advisor business has evolved to meet industry innovations and will continue to do so, even with the advance of automated investment advisories.

The lobby group's proposal calls for more disclosure, but does not mandate all material facts be revealed, or that the client truly grasp the pertinent issues, writes Ron Rhoades.

The newly formed team joins the Wells Fargo Advisor Financial Network with over 65 years of combined experience.

Education loans accounted for 30% of installment debt for pre-retirees in the 55 to 64 age bracket, according to a LIMRA survey; Plus, 5 signs your clients rely too much on Social Security.

Financial Planning unveils its annual list of the industry's biggest independent broker-dealers.

Planners agree that the strategy is a boon for high-income clients, but controversy swirls around the issue of timing.

Children still like paper statements, but Mom and Dad's reliance on plastic has meant less loose change ending up in the piggy bank. Mobile banking is hot, but peer-to-peer payments are off to a bit of a slow start.

Even if you still want to enjoy stepping back, consider what your practice needs to keep performing at an optimal level.

Clients need to embrace new ways of learning in retirement because the deeply ingrained ways from earlier in life are less effective in later years; Plus, 4 ways clients are sabotaging their retirement in their 30s.

As robo advisor firms rush to offer customers rock bottom fees, some fintech players say this business model is unsustainable unless companies scale up, acquire massive AUM or offer premium features.

Here are six new dividend-oriented ETFs and how they can pay off for your clients.

With a combination of the proper technology and the best practices for sharing relevant content, advisors can easily build their business network.

Some RIAs cut fees in their efforts to turn prospects into clients. But doing this can be a trap that negatively affects the perceived -- and real -- value of a business.