Financial planning

'I think an entry by Schwab may be more of a threat to established advisors by putting even more downward pressure on fees,' says Grant Easterbrook, Corporate Insight analyst.

A new study finds substantial savings and comfortable retirements when defined contribution plans are combined with Social Security income and lifestyle changes.

Multiple reasons for business owners to offer 401(k) plans; Rules for juicing up your retirement account; Retirement number, who cares

A pair of new studies released this week find that planners' biggest concerns now center on a potential equity market downturn.

Securities America picks up a team with $120 million in client assets while a Focus partner firm brings in a wealth manager with $150 million in AUM. Here's a roundup of some of the most recent moves among independent financial advisors.

Board pledges not to punish widely followed advisor while they try to resolve fee-only compensation issue; draws accusations of 'arbitrary' treatment.

Planners are facing another competitive attack. Previous threats made the profession stronger - will that happen this time?

Some are pushing investors to target intermediate maturities and others telling investors to adopt a barbell approach, a strategy where investors buy both short and long maturities.

Increased operating expenses and higher than anticipated regulatory costs and fines contributed to a 4.4% drop in second-quarter net income at LPL Financial.

The $400,000 Social Security question; Generating income in low-yield world; When conventional wisdom is good enough

The financial powerhouse announced it has acquired the business of Capital Planning Advisory Group, a small Yardley, Pa.-based RIA. The team will bring $120 million in client assets.

The industry talks a lot about transparency, but issues get tricky when you’re working with families, money and personal relationships.

After leaving LPL for NFP, Washington Wealth brings its breakaway advisor total to seven for the year thus far.

Regulation is the biggest driver of change for mutual funds and money market funds, according to a new EY survey, and it may have consequences beyond higher costs. Heightened regulatory demands anticipated to fall on managers and their products means increased costs of doing business. For financial advisors, this may mean higher costs of products for their clients or, if costs become too high, potentially avoiding such products in favor of more passive investment methods. …

Can Social Security benefits be seized by collectors; Key numbers to know for a successful retirement; Costly mistakes to avoid

Finished your beach reading yet? Our Summer Reading List was so popular that we put together a sequel. Here are 10 of the top-rated books for financial advisors on Amazon.com. Enjoy these helpful titles on a getaway -- whether it's on the beach or on a business trip.

HighTower has expanded its West Coast market by picking up an independent team with $400 million in assets in Bellevue, Wash.

'There is a limited supply of top quality RIAs having the right stuff,' says M&A advisor David Selig. 'Suitors are clearly prepared to pay nine times cash flow or more for these gems.'

6 ways low savers can catch up; Pitfalls of longevity annuities; 50 important stats about long-term care

Many advisors have not formalized their client communication practices, a misstep that could hamper long-term business success, according to a recent FPA study.