Financial planning

Self-directed investors gave a thumbs up to Charles Schwab, Vanguard, Fidelity and T. Rowe Price in a satisfaction survey of investment firms by J.D. Power. Some firms didn’t fare as well.

The wirehouse advisor moved to the independent channel at Wells Fargo.

While gifting can have important benefits, not every client will be in favor of it, no matter how many good reasons exist.

It takes a lot for some of the smaller players to match the revenues of the industry giants. But it may be even harder for the big players to keep up when it comes to rates of growth. See which independent B-Ds reported the biggest revenue growth rates from 2013 to 2014.

Seventy-nine of 126 public pension plans decided to lower their return assumptions in the years after the financial crisis in 2008; Plus, five common Medicare mistakes to avoid.

The ranks of the ultrawealthy are graying, and many are trying to figure out what their legacy will be.

Regulators will be paying close attention to whether advisors properly safeguard the interests of elderly clients. Here's what to watch for.

Benefits grow approximately 8% for each year between 62 and 70 that clients delay filing for Social Security, and future benefits will include cost of living increases. So why aren't clients taking advantage?

401(k) plans increasingly resemble the traditional pensions that guarantee a steady income for workers in retirement; Plus, personal finance tips for Americans considering retiring overseas.

Mutual funds and ETFs with overlapping holdings cloud the waters for rules aimed at tax-loss harvesting in individual securities. Be sure you're not putting clients at risk.

The time for advisors to discuss cognitive impairment is when clients are still healthy.

The time for advisors to discuss cognitive impairment is when clients are still healthy.

Assisting the elderly in resisting financial abusers is often challenging because the perpetrators may be the clients' own relatives.

Instruction should focus on the specific needs of the elderly, including how to spot and deal with cognitive decline or financial abuse.

Several of Steve Janachowski's clients are wealthy professionals with high incomes, but a lot of retirement uncertainty.

Saving on taxes during a liquidity event: Plus, how to get a double dose of tax-deferred savings, and when doing nothing is a client's best strategy.

Retirees who consider downsizing need to know that such a move doesn't always end up with savings; Plus, three steps to a safer retirement stash.

Enhanced programs will likely include financial planners. The initiative follows earlier legislation prompted by a Financial Planning investigation.

Advisors have an opportunity to play a pivotal role if they help clients crunch realistic numbers about their future financial obligations for elderly parents.

The generation gap may not be as wide when it comes to young recruits and their elder counterparts.