Investments

Volatile times can be scary, but clients may be more prepared than they think they are -- helping them realize that will make riding out the tough times a lot easier, columnist Jonathan Clements says.

"This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Doesn't mean we like it. It wasn't a great start to my week, I can tell you that," says Scott Tiras, an independent advisor affiliated with Ameriprise.

Planners worry about client fatigue if the downdraft drags on.

A 55-year-old client who decides to withdraw from his 401(k) account with his former employer may be exempt from paying the penalty if he is totally and permanently disabled and has an IRS levy; Plus, wallet-friendly travel tips for retirees.

Despite a sudden market correction, I didn't hear from panicked investors. That's because I've made them understand in these situations you must work through the pain to profit.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index roared back from the brink of its first correction in nearly four years even as the rout in all but the riskiest of global assets worsened.

Emotions might get the best of some investors in light of all the bad news. Here are the strategies I've used to guide my clients since the market correction began.

Advisors can show their worth by making time to help clients understand how to manage the unexpected.

A wave of selling gripped global markets as the rout in all but the safest assets deepened.

Turbulence in financial markets gathered momentum amid intensifying concern over slowing global growth, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average into a correction and giving other stock gauges their worst losses since 2011.

Hedge funds betting on commodities lost the most in almost three years in July as the price-rout deepened.

Clients are understandably worried, but smart advisors can calm their nerves. Here’s how.

Laddering is a good fixed-income strategy that will enable clients to earn higher yields and protect them from rate increases; Plus, how retirees can make money in the sharing economy.

The bond market is sending a warning to the Federal Reserve: a false step could leave the U.S. bogged down in a disinflationary quagmire well into the next decade.

Couples need to plan on how they will claim their Social Security retirement benefits if one of them is receiving disability benefits or has a public pension to avoid complications; Plus, what happens to Social Security benefits after a guardian dies.

Access to information and data is important, but having visibility into the timing of key daily, monthly, and yearly deliverables is a greater benefit.

The federal government is calling on comments for its proposal to allow Medicare to cover physicians' fees for discussing end-of-life issues with beneficiaries; Plus, how to transfer inherited IRAs.

With retirement savings plans directly in focus, the Labor Department is one step closer to implementing a new fiduciary standard whose scope heartens supporters and troubles critics.

Alibaba’s finance affiliate unveiled a wealth management app to help less well-heeled Chinese buy into hundreds of funds and track stocks from Hong Kong to the Nasdaq off their smartphones.

Betterment data scientist Sam Swift asks advisors: "How do you know how much you've helped [clients] with your advice?"