Tax planning

How a couple wrote off cat food and other breaks that boosted refunds. Plus, how charity counts toward an IRA withdrawal.

Clients can fully deduct their IRA contributions if they have no access to a workplace retirement plan.

Clients who make these prohibited transactions can face devastating penalties.

There are ways around having to pay as much as a 50% penalty. Plus, inheriting Roth IRAs and designing more efficient retirement portfolios.

Moving investments into these accounts may optimize returns and boost savings. Plus, know your IRAs and the impact of Trump's proposals on income brackets.

One suggestion planners say they are offering bullish clients: Don't be extreme.

Gap in coverage concerns older clients; planners are also taking a closer look at HSAs.

Why it's a good time to invest even small amounts into 401(k) and Roth IRA accounts. Plus, avoiding the capital gains hit.

The amount a client gets back from the government can go right into an IRA for added benefits now and in the future. Plus, keep a parent's savings alive, even if they're not.

Policy owners who take out loans may need a rescue — but not all life preservers are created equal.

Here's how clients can get around income limits and continue making contributions. Plus, tips for updating a client's financial plan now and dramatically increasing wealth after the IRS gets paid.

There are limits to how much clients can contribute — exceeding these thresholds can result in costly penalties.

Retirees can hear different perspectives from other patients and learn more about their medical conditions.

It's not too late to help clients improve their tax situation for 2016 and beyond.

The benefit will be reduced if her husband dies before she turns 66. But if his death occurs after she reaches her FRA, she'll be able to collect his full retirement benefit.

How clients can take advantage of this approach to managing their wealth after death, even if President-elect Trump enacts his proposed reforms. Plus, juicy deductions that come with owning a car and a smart portfolio trick to consider after this year's monster bull market.

Here's how clients can boost their returns before the president-elect enacts the reforms he's promised.

Given how dysfunctional many families are during a crisis, a lack of coordination of agents can sow even more financial confusion, and even conflict.

Have a meaningful conversation with clients about year-end strategies that factor in potential changes in taxation.

A planner's guide on what clients should do before and after the president-elect takes office. Plus, why the timing may be right for the "beaten-stock" strategy and getting to know the most-overlooked deductions.