Articles

Properly Predicting a Client’s Future

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:00:00 +0000

Switch your crystal ball to “conservative” when completing financial plans.

Seven Things You May Not Know About IRA RMDs

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:37:00 +0000

Just cutting a check from these accounts won’t quite cut it.

Revisiting Reverse Mortgages

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:03:00 +0000

Long derided as a schlocky scheme pushed on elders, it is possible a reverse mortgage could work for your clients thanks to recent reforms and tighter protections. Here's an objective look.

Protecting Pension Recipients

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 12:30:00 +0000

You can reduce some of the risks facing retirees who rely on monthly pension checks.

Recommendations for Remodeling Retirees

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:19:00 +0000

Aging clients can benefit from improvements before going to the old folks home.

Four Alternatives to Bond Funds for Safety

Tue, 10 May 2016 14:32:00 +0000

Bond funds certainly have their role in a portfolio, but risk-averse investors might like something more secure.

Giving Adult Children a Helping Hand

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:12:00 +0000

These tips can help clients who are providing financial assistance to their kids.

Save for Retirement or College?

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 09:30:00 +0000

Most young families should put retirement ahead of college on their list of financial goals.

Five Ways to Get Thrifty Clients to Spend

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 11:30:00 +0000

Some clients can be too frugal to the point that they don’t enjoy life. Here’s how advisors can help them open their wallets in retirement.

Six Ways You Can Help Clients Save in 2016

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:00:00 +0000

The start of the New Year provides opportunities for clients to save money, including finding money for college, cutting health care expenses and putting more away for retirement.

Five Estate Planning Moves Advisors Should Consider

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 11:20:00 +0000

You may not be a lawyer, but there are still several strategies you can employ to save money for your clients and their families, while avoiding potential headaches and heartache down the road.

Paying Tomorrow’s Tuition Today

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:00:00 +0000

Prepaid tuition plans can help clients hedge against higher education expenses.

Five Tax-Smart Strategies For Turbulent Markets

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:05:00 +0000

The surest way to make clients money in any market? Reduce their tax bill.

Eight Outside the Box Risk Categories

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 09:00:00 +0000

These eight categories of risk exist outside of client investment accounts, and should cause you to rethink the allocation of client assets

Seven Reasons to Take Social Security Sooner

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:49:00 +0000

Despite the conventional wisdom, clients might prefer to take their payments today.

Six Financial Planning Topics To Discuss With New Graduates

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:49:00 +0000

Your clients’ children need financial advice when they enter the working world; help them out, and your clients will be grateful.

Six Questions to Ask Before Rolling Over a Retirement Account

Thu, 21 May 2015 13:16:00 +0000

Explore these possibilities before initiating the transfer.

Small Deposits Now, Big Money Later

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:05:00 +0000

When and how clients save for their kids is just as important as how much.

The Pitfalls and Perils of 529 Withdrawals

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

It’s more complicated than just requesting a check.

The Costs and Effects of High Tuition

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:05:00 +0000

Advisors can save clients money and stress when a child wants to pursue a costly college degree.

Early Retirees Should Make the Most of Their Mortgages

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:05:00 +0000

Easy access to home equity can provide liquidity and tax savings that make it well worth the extra interest cost.

Withdrawal Strategies For Early Retirees

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:24:00 +0000

Your clients need a method for making withdrawals if they want to retire before turning 59 1/2.

Tapping Annuities for an Early Retirement

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:09:00 +0000

Clients will appreciate how these products can save taxes today and provide income down the road.

Four Ways to Save for an Early Retirement

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Those wanting to quit before turning 60 should think beyond 401(k)s and IRAs.

The Tax Advantages of Donor-Advised Funds

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

There is an increasingly-popular tool that allows clients to get more to their favorite charities, and less to the IRS

Donor-advised funds provide higher immediate tax benefits without having to give it all away today.

Planning for the Self-Employed Client

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:41:00 +0000

These six steps can help older clients who stop working for others and start working for themselves.

One Lump Sum or Small Payments?

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 13:03:00 +0000

Soon-to-be retirees should be careful when deciding how to take money out of a pension account.

Six Planning Tips for Boomers Buying a Business

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:35:00 +0000

Without proper planning, a boomer’s dream of becoming a business owner can quickly become a nightmare. Here are six steps to avoid that

RMDs: A Primer

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:33:00 +0000

Required minimum distributions can mean more income, more taxes, and more problems if not handled correctly

If retirement account owners don’t take out at least the minimum amount at the right time, they could get hit with a penalty for as much as 50 percent.

Old Timers, New Tricks

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 20:11:00 +0000

Get all the benefits available for clients who have hit the big 6-0.

Nifty Fifties

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 14:36:00 +0000

There are several retirement planning options available to clients in their 50s.

Turning 50 might make clients feel “old” for the first time, but that dismay can be offset by the chance to increase the amount that those who are working can save for retirement each year.

Five Tax Strategies for the New Year

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:51:00 +0000

The new year brings several changes that can affect your clients’ tax status and financial situation. Here are five tips.

The Frugal Tourist

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:00:00 +0000

In a future that could mean higher travel prices and lower investment returns, frugal tourists could do just as well as aggressive investors.

Five Reasons to Keep a Life Insurance Policy

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:02:00 +0000

A careful analysis could show that the value of a client’s life insurance policy far exceeds the cost.

Having Money and Getting Medicaid

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Skip the esoteric methods of Medicaid planning and use a simple policy instead.

The Back-up Plan

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:32:00 +0000

The costs of long-term care and its corresponding insurance are only expected to get worse, but there are several alternatives to make sure clients get the care they need.

(Second) Home Free

Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Don’t let clients’ dream retirement home turn into a nightmare.

Many clients dream of owning a second home when they retire. But reality bites.

The Power of Persuasion

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:31:00 +0000

These small acts for clients’ children and grandchildren can make a big difference.

Gallery: What Should You Say to Reluctant Retirees?

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:07:00 +0000

Even though clients may be financially ready to retire, they may need a little push to make the move. Here are some words of wisdom for clients with cold feet.

The Reluctant Retiree

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:38:00 +0000

Clients who are financially ready to retire may still need some words of encouragement.

Sheltering Clients From the Taxman

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:44:00 +0000

Several investment strategies can protect high-income clients from new taxes and higher tax rates.

Deductible Me

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:58:00 +0000

Help clients understand how to get all the tax deductions they are entitled to, including home, health and education, and possibly even the fees they pay to you.

Clocking Out: Tax Planning for Clients Near Retirement

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:05:00 +0000

You have a narrow window to make tax-cutting moves for those on the cusp of retirement.

Forget Chasing Yield; Cut Taxes for Extra Income

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Stop chasing higher yields, returns, and risks, and instead use these methods to reduce your working clients’ income tax bills.

Mapping the Medicare Maze

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:11:00 +0000

Advisors can shed some much-appreciated light on this crucial but confusing program.

Getting Out of Health Care Limbo

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Many clients and prospects have already retired but are not yet eligible for Medicare. Here are their options for getting out of health care limbo.

Giving Working Clients a Health Insurance Checkup

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:54:00 +0000

You can help clients get the employer-sponsored insurance they need, and save some money in the process.

Health Care Costs Are Making Clients Sick

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:02:00 +0000

The panic over current and future medical expenses is almost as high as the potential cost. The new health care rules mean that the need to reevaluate the clients’ coverage options will be ongoing, and could occur every time they change employers, or even move to a different state.

Savings Bonds for Retirees

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Series I savings bonds can be useful for investors seeking security, liquidity and an inflation hedge; they also may help you build trust with clients.

Income Strategies for Early Retirees

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Those who stop working before reaching their “Golden Years” require a specific sort of assistance.