Retirement planning

In a rapid market downturn, advisors have to suss out the motivation for wanting to sell, while remembering that, ultimately, a client's decision prevails.

How advisors can minimize the impact of the recent market slide for their clients. Plus, learn how Social Security spousal benefits can increase your client's taxes.

Ways to cut your client's taxes on Social Security benefits. Plus, guidance for reducing a client's tax burden on highly appreciated land, and avoiding IRS penalties and double taxation when contributing too much to retirement accounts.

People are looking at social security more strategically… it's heavily nuanced [and] if you make the wrong decision it has significant implications for the future," Howard Schneider, president, Practical Perspectives.

Fiduciary advocates question the math behind the opponents' estimate, calling it an "Alice in Wonderland report" without backing.

Why retirees whose premiums that are not deducted from Social Security payments can expect an increase next year; Plus, explaining the menu of income annuity features and options.

A "cautionary" note on the third day of hearings after DoL officials quiz industry attorney in the slippery task of trying to ascertain details of common commission sales.

"When you put this in the context of rule changes that have occurred since the financial crisis, this would rank at the top," notes James Allen, CEO of Hilliard Lyons.

Before firing up the grill or heading to the beach, check out the top recommendations from advisors and industry execs. These titles offer guidance for your career and practice -- all while on vacation (or if you're sneaking in some work while on vacation).

Nearly a dozen Democratic state senators express their concerns over the Obama administration's proposed changes to the fiduciary standard; plus the crazy way Social Security punishes spouses who claim early benefits.

Clients can avoid risk by replacing low-yield bonds in their portfolio with high-dividend stocks; plus how and when clients should apply for Social Security and why parent education loans can ruin your clients' retirement.

Brokerage industry leaders told Labor officials that the plan's contract requirements will compel them to drop less-affluent clients who want to retire.

In its first day of hearings about the proposed fiduciary rule, the DoL has heard testimony from advisors, legal experts and other industry representatives — many seeking revisions to minimize the ‘burden’ of the rule’s future implementation.

Clients planning to retire with adequate savings are advised to reduce their spending and develop a strategy to lower their tax burden; Plus, how clients should decide on the right 401(k) and are baby boomers too optimistic about retirement?

A week of hearings on contentious fiduciary proposal gets underway as SIFMA chief warns brokers will abandon retirement market if rules take effect.

Employees may express interest in annuities, yet few retirement plan sponsors are rushing to offer them within their 401(k) plans.

Take a more strategic look at the role of Social Security benefits in your clients' retirement accounts; Plus, how to play catch-up with your clients' retirement savings and the rules for making penalty-free withdrawals.

How one son's distribution mistakes when inheriting his late father's IRA can be avoided; Plus, the IRS and U.S. Treasury say no more lump-sum offers and how one couple plans to retire at 33.

Some baby boomers are carrying too much risk in their retirement portfolios due to the stock market’s rapid rise over the past five years.