Investment products

Why seniors and physicians must overcome their fears of discussing end-of-life care; plus, how to plan for a client's retirement in their 60s.

When average performances are analyzed rather than just the top funds, a passive strategy prevailed over the past five years.

Retirement savers are advised to consolidate their old 401(k) plans to manage the money more easily and avoid administrative expenses; plus, why Social Security is a women's issue.

Voices: an advisor earning a high single-figure commission from a variable annuity product should become a thing of the past.

Today's young workers can learn from their parents' example on making early sacrifices and managing debt wisely; plus, how clients can save by automating their portfolios.

Here's how advisors can help their clients decide whether they want exposure to the commodity or to related equities in oil companies.

Retirees should expect lower returns going forward, but the safety of bonds still warrants a place in their portfolios; plus, considerations before taking Social Security early.

Given the potential for further ECB easing combined with Federal Reserve tightening in the near future, European stocks could perform well in the months ahead. Here are some European ETF choices for advisors and clients who favor dividend-paying equities.

With a rise of class-action lawsuits in the offing, the smallest investors could get the cold shoulder.

There are various ways to buy a call option on the S&P 500, and each has its own taxation structure.

Voices: Separately managed accounts allow clients to invest in line with personal values, while also offering customization and tax advantages over mutual funds and ETFs.

Dollar-cost averaging is not a good strategy for retirement investors to manage risk in their portfolio; plus, a widow's Social Security options.

Clients have the option to invest in an IRA certificate of deposit to save for retirement; plus, the benefits of an HSA over a 401(k).

You can’t know how a ground-floor investment will pan out, but you can help clients understand the risks and maximize their chances of success.

Clients who want to buy property abroad using assets in their 401(k) or IRA should take steps to make sure funds will be available when they need it; plus, why probability software is unreliable for retirement planning.

A study finds that the percentage of older Americans over 75 who take five or more prescription drugs jumped to 47% in 2011 from 24% in 1999; plus, who is exempt from Social Security taxes.

Ginnie Mae funds have their benefits, but they may be vulnerable to falling — and rising — interest rates.

Portfolio simulation shows that the retirement bucket strategy didn't perform well last year, prompting rebalancing to meet living costs; plus, how to get people to delay retirement.

A thought-provoking look at how Vanguard products – and potential retirement plan alternatives – touched off a debate.

Research firm Cerulli Associates anticipates "unexpected changes" in the retirement space as a result of the Labor Department's proposed rule.