Practice management

Worries grow over retirement security, according to new research from IRI.

Clients may contribute less than the maximum if they're carrying high-interest debt or need funds for education or a new home; plus, why raising the retirement age is a bad idea.

Advisors in today’s crowded field must stand out in order to grow their business. Here’s how to build a digital platform that will attract clients.

More retirees would delay Social Security if they had this option, which wouldn't cost the government anything, says a contributor; plus, three questions for nearly retired clients.

An advisor’s omission leads to a big reward for a client.

Voices: Exemptions for high-fee products, a prolonged compliance deadline and less-prominent disclosure requirements leaves our columnist feeling like she did on a certain Christmas morning.

To get a head start on the new rules, Janus Capital’s Matt Sommer suggests these smart moves.

Change happens when it has to. For bank advisors, this means they'll get succession plans--eventually.

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.

Banks and credit unions are not prepared for the onslaught of change that began Wednesday.

Industry groups takes side on the newly issued fiduciary rule.

Why some industry experts say long-term interest rates may soon reach historic lows; plus, will change come to the Social Security windfall elimination provision?

The program allows retiring advisors and their junior brokers to work out their own financial arrangements during the first two years of the five-year program.

The advisor often feels as if the bank's viewpoint is this: “Thanks for bringing us a revenue stream, now leave and be thankful we even gave you a job.”

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.