Practice management

Voices: The fiduciary rule is not complicated. If you don’t want the responsibility of being an advisor, don’t call yourself an advisor or imply you are one.

Readers are split over using Excel for financial planning. Some extol the simplicity of spreadsheets, others are firmly of the view that financial planning software is necessary for advisors to remain relevant.

As the fiduciary rule pressures firms to develop products and platforms, they must realize I.T. has a seat at the table in the decision process, says Putnam Investment's new chief technology officer.

At the end of the day, manager selection is all about damage control.

Ways the DoL's new fiduciary plan is expected to directly affect advisors; plus, how clients can contribute to a Roth IRA if they're already retired.

Examining these issues may take the guesswork out of a client's estate plan.

The benefits will have no impact on their former spouse's retirement benefits; plus, what clients need to know about their IRAs.

Many young people procrastinate when it comes to saving, which greatly reduces the growth opportunity from compounding; plus, what clients need to know when they inherit an IRA.

A Fidelity survey reveals who made what in one of the industry's most opaque segments.

Spending in retirement often declines over the years so clients should reduce their withdrawal rates instead of using a fixed approach; plus, the misconception that can sabotage your client's retirement.

Succession planning becomes personal when advisors hire sons, daughters and other relatives.

Young advisors and other newbies in the industry may want to consider the succession route for success in wealth management.

The self-regulatory organization acted out of concern for the client who might not be aware of the important factors relating to moving their assets with an advisor switching firms.

When the market gyrates, use these tactics to keep them focused on the bright side.

Depending on savings, some retirees can buy inflation-adjusted immediate annuities while others are advised to work longer; plus, retirement wishes vs. reality.

There were immediate, positive reactions over her overall message, which was taken as an indication of continued support from the Fed.

Advisors can better serve their own practices by thinking of non-traditional ways to help.

Voices: Advisors still relying on spreadsheets for basic planning run a very real risk of becoming obsolete in the near future.

Employees signing on to the PBE through their employer gain access to a unique package of discount coupons for movies, amusement parks, car rentals and sporting events.

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