Investment products

Fidelity and Vanguard have almost the same investment portfolios in their target-date funds, but lower expenses give Vanguard's investors a higher return.; Plus, clients should try a retirement dress rehearsal before the big day.

Federal authorities for the first time have directly included rollovers and IRAs in their latest fiduciary standard proposal, and that could have a huge impact on firms in a fast-growing and profitable segment of the retirement savings industry.

With the following funds up more than 25% in three months, clients may be eager to get in. But advisors won't be so easily swayed.

The challenge for traditional firms like Wells Fargo Advisors, says its new digital head, is taking the reputation it has built through one-on-one client relationships over years and translating that for a digital age.

This type of insurance will not cover a policy holder's expenses for the first 180 days of care, a major concern for those without substantial savings; Plus, how to make the most from a Roth IRA.

The world's largest bond fund has cut back on U.S. securities as yields are expected to rise this year.

Funds focusing specifically on dividend payers offer narrower exposure than typical equity-income or growth-and-income funds.

More Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a measure that would increase Social Security benefits and raise payroll taxes to address the program's financial woes; Plus, how retirees can reduce their RMDs with a Roth conversion.

No matter how strong their operating earnings, companies can't pay dividends without this.

Some advisors are hesitant to recommend a conversion for high-net-worth clients since President Obama supports changes to key features of Roth IRAs; Plus, can Social Security benefits increase after age 66?

Despite fears of rising interest rates, long-term Treasury bonds are worth considering.

Clients should use the first-in, first-out strategy when selling stocks or funds in their portfolio to avoid hefty penalties; Plus, why middle class households are saving more than the rich.

Floating rate funds offer solid income, but can be extremely volatile.

For clients willing to wait for the start date, deferred income annuities can offer plump payouts.

Knowing the cost of a retirement community is key to making a smart decision, with independent living communities costing $2,520 per year; Plus, the price tag of a bipartisan bill averting Medicare doc fee cuts.

Pension funds are joining the currency markets to protect their offshore investments and gain from future price changes as the U.S. dollar continues to perform well; Plus, three reasons to use a Roth IRA to save for college.

The range of efficiency tends to be similar within sets of U.S. stock and bond funds. Should advisors care?

Top earners understand that annuities unburden them of some investment risks and give their assets a layer of legal safety from creditors and frivolous lawsuits; Plus, how to assess lump-sum payments of future benefits.

Here’s a primer on long-short funds, managed futures funds and managed payout funds.

Falling interest rates and the increase in the number of people retiring are two big risks facing the Social Security system; Plus, why 401(k) participants should forgo a higher allocation to their employer stock.