Financial Planning July 2016

An estate-planning process that asks about contaminated property can save heirs from unpleasant surprises.

Advisers who ask clients about the history of real estate holdings can save headaches – and potentially millions.

Advisers also noted a dip in their clients’ retirement savings activity after the tax filing deadline passed.

Advisers say they have been asked to allocate less to equities and bonds in the face of global and political turmoil.

Converging movements – fiduciary, technological and demographic – mean new realities for how a planner will act like a professional.

A mix of approaches to gain the attention of ideal prospects, who have learned to ignore typical marketing tactics.

It’s important for advisers just starting a practice to understand that times may be hard, lonely and often without reward.

It takes more than a few star hires to build a sustainable practice. Here are some of the best ways to keep everyone engaged and improve clients’ experience as well.

Advisers, get ready to track — and secure — client information streaming in from physical properties and a vast array of accounts.

Despite some recent rule changes, advisers still have to run the numbers on the best claiming strategies. Here’s how they are using software to do the job right.

Sales commissions may decrease, but new assets are expected to come on the platform.

If a client becomes incapacitated, who will give the financial planner directions?

As social investing has broadened its horizons, returns have also improved, says Matt Papazian, CIO of Cardan Capital Partners.

State agencies can be aggressive in checking records.

An obscure integrated platform product from a Canadian firm has features that U.S. RIAs may find particularly attractive, writes our Tech Tools columnist.

One adviser got a frantic call from client in a sales office who actually yelled, ‘Help me!’ into the phone.

Acting as a fiduciary when a client decides whether to put a company’s retirement funds in an IRA involves considering these important variables.

A new model of holistic financial advice is coming on the scene.

Patience is a virtue, but advisers can suggest it as a portfolio diversifier that clients can actually control.

About 83% of business owners don't have a transition plan. This prompted adviser and attorney Jim Maher to build out a unique offering for clients.