Retirement

Their hospital bills will not be covered if they were not formally admitted into the hospital for three consecutive days and were put under observation status.

A line-by-line review of this form can spark a broader financial review that benefits clients. Plus, turn medical expenses into deductions for the elderly.

Retirees may want to roll over a portion of their traditional IRA into a Roth IRA or use their IRA funds to buy a qualified longevity annuity contract.

Unlike pension plans which rely on market returns to fund their payouts, Social Security puts its investments in U.S. Treasury debt, which yields only 1% in annual return.

Major home and car repairs are among the unexpected expenses that catch many retirees financially off-guard.

Women are advised to double check their beneficiary information, update legal documents regularly and create a plan for long-term care.

Most respondents to an informal survey said they view Social Security as an income stream rather than as an asset. At least one expert disagrees.

These strategies show how the IRS may be able to take the bite out of student loans. Plus, Roth IRA losses and the benefits of owning company stock.

Clients want and need someone to be honest about their own experiences. If you can show some vulnerability and offer personal insights, their engagement will increase.

More small businesses are motivated to provide 401(k) plans by technological advances as well as an expense war among mutual fund companies.

Data can be used to show clients in real time how big purchases undermine their portfolio planning. If my adviser had such access, would I still book that trip to Cuba?

IRA owners who aren’t sure how heirs will handle the money could name a trust as beneficiary.

Now harsh penalties and taxes on late 60-day rollovers from company plans and IRAs can be avoided, but beware: There are some rollover mistakes that still cannot be fixed.

Buffalo, N.Y., is one of five cities where retirees who rely solely on Social Security for income can live comfortably.

Instead of buying one expensive car after another, clients should invest the money and let it grow. They may even be able to retire early.

Benefits are not capped at a predetermined level. They are based on two variables: a client’s highest earnings over 35 years and their age when they file for benefits.

High-yielding investments come with a significant risk, as exemplified by ETFs that own energy-focused master limited partnerships.

Time, talent, terms and treasure should be on the checklist of those planners exiting the business.

When more clients live ever longer lives, what's an adviser to do?

Investors should understand that market volatility will remain a risk to their portfolio, and investing in low-volatility funds does not guarantee protection.