Financial planning

Pension plans grew 89% over the last 10 years, while GDP increased just 42%; Plus, provision in budget proposal that would prevent high-income workers from contributing to their 401(k) plans.

From confusing benchmarks to fictional 'income,' some advisors are deceiving clients about their financial health.

The deal boosts Stifel's advisor force by one-third to about 2,800 advisors -- and readies the firm to grow its business in the independent channel.

A few guidelines can help advisors identify the sectors and companies likely to be tomorrow's standout dividend payers before they're obvious.

The president insists that fiduciary requirements must apply to brokers working in the retirement space to protect investors from conflicted advice.

The plunge in oil prices has claimed another prominent victim.

If accomplished, the DOL's new fiduciary rules could be a much needed game changer at a time when Americans need help.

As controversial fiduciary proposal to curb conflicted retirement advice heads to White House for review, insiders see exemptions permitting commonplace brokerage business models.

Clients who are financially knowledgeable incurred annual investment returns that are 1.3% higher compared with those who are not; Plus, the disadvantages of a retirement buckets strategy.

The White House plans to throw its full weight behind a Department of Labor proposal to make it harder for brokers to push higher-fee mutual funds or other expensive retirement investment products.

The CFP Board has released two new advertisements for its public awareness campaign -- but is the message clear enough?

Converting a traditional Roth IRA for the benefit of heirs doesn't always work as planned. Help your clients run the numbers.

A group of plaintiffs are suing the Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration, and the District of Columbia, claiming the federal government is continuing to hold onto their tax refunds to pay for supposed overpayments of Social Security benefits decades ago.

A former executive at the REIT giant co-founded by Nicholas Schorsch has dropped a suit accusing the company of firing her for blowing the whistle on financial improprieties.

Paul McCulley is leaving Pacific Investment Management less than a year after rejoining the firm, a departure that further diminishes the influence of co-founder Bill Gross at the $1.68 trillion money manager.

Experts recommend that employers be more flexible with workers who borrow money from their 401(k) plans, such as giving more time for repayment or allowing loans to be rolled over to the next employer's plan.

A Stifel-Sterne Agee merger would dwarf other moves made last year.

Understand the importance of fostering trust in client and professional relationships in order to create a stronger business.

Plus, how long-term capital gains are taxed; the smartest ways clients can use their returns; and ways to turn a client's tax losses into gains.

The IRS warned tax preparers and other tax professionals to be on guard against bogus emails seeking updated personal or professional information.