Financial planning

At the heart of increasing employee resentment, and more than a dozen lawsuits against 401(k) plans, are a raft of obscure fees and services; Plus, your clients will see real advantages in using robo advisors.

It pays to make tax-related decisions when time is on your side.

Leaving pretax money to charities reduces taxable distributions for other heirs.

It pays to make tax-related decisions when time is on your side.

Mixing your clients' charitable impulses with your own can have multiple benefits.

Leaving pretax money to charities reduces taxable distributions for other heirs.

Policyholders may be able to reduce benefits and still get good coverage; Plus, using direct deposit for income checks can help retirees avoid becoming victims of fraud.

"The world has shifted from outbound to inbound marketing techniques," Craig Faulkner, founder of FMG Suite, says at Schwab Impact.

William Goslee and Alan Lenahan of Fund Evaluation Group offer attendees of Schwab Impact guidance on working with endowments and foundations and dealing with the 'Ringelmann effect' on committees.

With the equity market rebounding and tax rates increasing, charitable remainder trusts are newly attractive.

David Lafferty of Natixis Global Asset Management offers Schwab Impact attendees advice on thinking differently about clients' risk tolerance and debunking myths.

Jim Casey of Integrated Wealth Management offers attendees of Schwab Impact guidance on navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of financial planning for same-sex couples.

With the equity market rebounding and tax rates increasing, charitable remainder trusts are newly attractive.

Advisors examine their positions with Pimco and debate Bill Gross's influence as October saw a record $27.5 billion in outflows from Total Return Fund.

Income planning can save clients thousands of dollars a year in premium tax credits.

Clients who retire early should consider withdrawing from their 401(k) with an eye toward delaying Social Security; Plus, a new way that 401(k) participants are able to convert their savings into steady retirement income.

Frank Campanale, CEO of Lebenthal Wealth Advisors and a former executive at Smith Barney, spells out the key elements in firm's growth plans and recruiting strategy: brand, equity stakes and passion.

Tax law changes mean advisors need to consider all the potential outcomes when advising clients on donating required minimum distributions to charity.

Worldwide, the number of people with $30 million or more to invest -- the kind of folks who would hire a family office -- rose 15.6% to 128,300 in 2013. See which firms manage the most assets.

How clients pay more than what they're supposed to pay in taxes every year because they tend to overlook some tax deductions, and how they can effectively manage their taxes by year-end, by making tax-advantaged savings plan contributions and keeping withholding tax close to their actual tax liability.