Retirement benefits

With a strong Democratic presidential contender, the risk of both estate and gift hikes beginning as early as 2021 is palpable.

The legislation would encourage saving earlier by enrolling employees automatically in their company’s 401(k) plan, whenever a new plan is created.

The Secure Act’s “RMD hall pass” for surviving beneficiaries requires deft maneuvering to deal with long-term concerns.

There’s a significant opportunity for advisors to help their non-business clients, earn some new ones — and it can be taken advantage of right now.

The thresholds will all rise, according to the IRS.

More than 130 fund management and financial advisory firms have written letters opposing the plan. And the complaints keep coming.

Some cash-strapped clients with high medical costs could really benefit from making this move.

At the center is a pledge not to increase rates on those making less than $400,000, and that various changes would only impact earnings above the threshold.

The agency began digging into the massive tax law addressing issues that needed immediate clarification.

Clients may have an ability to increase the ratio of after-tax dollars in their account by completing one or more transactions that are exempt from the pro rata rule.

To protect client nest eggs, advisors must know which savings vehicles are protected — and they’re not all created equal.

One problem is the proposal is focusing on the minor advantage of tax-deferred retirement plans, says Bloomberg columnist Aaron Brown.

The department faced scathing criticism for hours from insurers and consumer advocates alike.

A comprehensive guide to how these provisions affect retirement plans

Tools from Betterment, Vestwell and FiduciaryShield make it easy for planners to become retirement plan advisors, but they need to think twice before jumping in.

Fidelity's letter to the Labor Department says the proposal isn't “well grounded or supported by much of the emerging data.”

While some planners are excited for the opportunity, others don't trust turning workplace retirement over to a robo.

If the court ends up making this choice, intended family members may lose out — all for want of filling out a one-page form.

Tax-rate arbitrage is one approach, but it’s far from the only one, according to contributor Michael Kitces.