Financial planning

Advisors need to face a hard truth: Independent RIAs have lost this round. Fortunately, there are other, better ways to set yourself apart.

J.P. Morgan has lost advisors to its rivals, including a team with nearly $1 billion in AUM. Meanwhile, RBC Wealth Management has recruited several advisor teams managing more than $350 million in assets.

When helping clients plan their charitable giving, there are two topics advisors need to cover in-depth in their first conversations.

If you want to find the next generation of talented advisors, you may need to know which schools are educating them. The CFP Board certifies 372 educational programs, from certificates to Ph.Ds. See the 35 standout colleges, universities and other educational programs that made our list.

Studies show that helping clients plan their charitable giving can strengthen planners' relationships -- and their businesses.

Stocks that have suddenly become predominant in a client's portfolio are prime candidates for a charitable donation.

When helping clients plan their charitable giving, there are two topics advisors need to cover in-depth in their first conversations.

Tax benefits of homeownership are overstated, study finds; plus proposed changes that put Roth IRA advantages at risk and five takeaways on retirement from the midterm elections.

Studies show that helping clients plan their charitable giving can strengthen planners' relationships -- and their businesses.

Stocks that have suddenly become predominant in a client's portfolio are prime candidates for a charitable donation.

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy certification is designed for individuals in a range of fields. Advisors say the designation has helped elevate their conversations with wealthy and philanthropically-minded clients.

How clients and other taxpayers can act to reduce their income taxes, sell stocks for tax-loss harvesting, and recoup overpaid net investment income taxes.

With a wider gap in tax rates, moving reported income among family members could have a big payoff. Advisors should consider a few if these strategies.

"There's not one thing [RCS] is not willing to look at," CEO Michael Weil said in response to a Wall Street analyst's question about breaking the company apart.

The business is changing, says Jonathan Burkan, a wealth advisor with UBS. It's not just stocks and bonds anymore, and that means advisors must do a better job of helping clients think about estate, tax and retirement planning -- not just about the market.

Despite the sector's underperformance this year, your clients may still want to consider U.S. small-cap funds over the long term.

Legg Mason attracted $5.1 billion into its bond funds in October, the most in more than seven years, after the departure of Bill Gross from Pimco prompted investors to reallocate billions of dollars.

Traditional advisory channels still hold the lion's share of the nation's investable assets, but direct channels are growing quickly.

Nicholas Schorsch's expanded financial advisory business reported adjusted net third-quarter income of $35.5 million on Thursday, but revenue was driven by higher retail and investment management results.

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy certification is designed for individuals in a range of fields. Advisors say the designation has helped elevate their conversations with wealthy and philanthropically-minded clients.