Retirement planning

Marital divorce is by definition an adversarial process, but from a financial standpoint it works out better for both parties if it’s also a cooperative one.

If the funds in a taxable IRA are used to purchase an immediate annuity, what impact does that have on required minimum distributions? IRA expert Ed Slott answer this question and others.

In the wake of this summer's Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8 -- as well as ensuing federal clarifications related to tax rules, employee spousal benefits and more -- same-sex couples now say they need help with financial planning.

For those nearing retirement, a market downturn may be something they simply can’t afford to endure. Without enough time to make up for the damage to their portfolios, they won’t be able to afford the retirement lifestyle they had envisioned.

Health insurance questions may dominate this year’s conversation, as the Affordable Care Act’s effects become widespread, but advisors should help clients with other key areas as well.

The Social Security Adminstration makes mistakes like everyone else and it claims a three-year statute of limitations on correction—so don’t delay

From now to December 7, seniors can decide whether to look for flexibility in original Medicare or cost savings in a private Medicare Advantage plan.

Married clients can arbitrage Social Security benefits for maximum long-term payouts.

Manage Income Expectations

Despite a recent show of political opposition, the Labor Department seems poised to press ahead with a proposal to broaden the definition of fiduciary to cover advisors working in the retirement plan segment, a leading opponent of the measure warns.

Brits May Cap Retirement-Plan Fees, Should We?

Commentary: The U.K. is debating putting a 0.75 percent cap on total fees, including an outright ban on any plans that charge more than that.

Detroit’s offer to replace a $3.5 billion unfunded pension liability with a $2 billion note “was not a serious proposal,” according to a Greenhill & Co. adviser hired by a city employee retirement fund.

Our IRA expert answers questions on recharacterizations, the withdrawal penalty and the 5-year rule.

Paul Cahill from Virtus Investment Partners notes that 10% returns were a reality for previous generations—but not anymore

Commentary: Syndicated columnist David Sirota is on a mission to prevent public pension funds from investing in “alternative assets” such as private-equity and hedge funds.

Whether you want to keep working or enjoy a traditional retirement or anything in between, you have options-you just need to educate yourself on the possibilities.

Jim Weddle, managing partner at Edward Jones, the opportunity for financial advisors is huge as baby Boomers seek expertise as they start seriously saving for retirement.

Deutsche Bank's Chip Packard and Haig Ariyan discuss lessons the industry learned in the past five years.