Financial planning

Advisors must be aware of the basics of protecting their more vulnerable elderly clients. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Change is coming and certain new technology trends will play a significant role for planners.

A pair of sessions at the FSI OneVoice conference focused on recruiting and retention challenges facing IBDs, many of which center on hybrid or dually registered RIAs who are edging toward greater independence.

Retirees need to carefully consider using robo investment advisors, which could put their investments at risk in the coming years; Plus, what Medicare costs in 2015 and what's covered.

If the buck keeps rising, which investment tactics will offer the highest payoff for clients?

The American Institute of CPAs has written to some of the top tax lawmakers in Congress asking them to grant relief to taxpayers in appropriate situations when they miss a statutory deadline or make an error in choosing an election.

One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most prominent independent wealth management firms is selling a majority equity interest.

The beginning of the year is a great time to handle many estate planning tasks. Use this to-do list with clients to give their plans a review and update.

"The prospects for organic growth for RIAs and IBDs have never been greater. We expect to see more lift-out and advisors turning independent activity in 2015," says Liz Nesvold, managing partner of New York-based investment banker Silver Lane.

One of the first new investments from parent company RCS Capital will become available to all nine – and eventually 11 – IBDs by May.

Clients can lengthen their long-term care insurance policy's elimination period, making the coverage more affordable; Plus, deciding whether a Roth or traditional IRA is right for your client.

Some fixed-income funds behave like equities, failing to give sufficient downside protection to a diversified portfolio.

Focus partner firms managed $31 billion and advised on another $10 billion, according to their recent ADV filings -- considerably less than the $70 billion in "total client assets" the firm had previously publicized.

Two Merrill Lynch advisors left the wirehouse for independent firm Snowden Lane Partners.

There are 13 states that subject Social Security benefits to tax; Plus, why investors shouldn't hold an annuity in their Roth IRAs.

To create this ranking, we took our RIA Leaders list of the top fee-only independent RIAs, then calculated the average client account size. The results were illuminating.

BB&T and KeyCorp's quarterly results showed how more diversified regional banks can turn to their insurance sales, investment banking and other fee generators for backup until interest rates improve. Whereas the smaller Huntington Bancshares needed strong loan growth in a quarter (and year) when fees fell.

Congress should revamp Social Security to ensure that retirees will receive at least 75% of their benefits in case the trust fund is depleted, says a professor.

Investors have regained their faith in financial firms, but advisors still have work to do, a new study shows.

Client confusion over what Social Security agents can and can't do means missed opportunity and money left on the table. Savvy advisors can help.