Financial planning

The Securities and Exchange Commission has voted to require companies to disclose more information about their compensation practices and the background of their board members.

RAYMOND JAMES RAISES AUM MINIMUM FOR NEW ADVISORS

In the worst economy in 75 years, the challenge of asset allocation for a given portfolio has never been greater. But that doesn

The House voted to set the inheritance tax at 45 percent permanently for estates larger than $3.5 million.

The Virginia Society of CPAs has produced a free Financial Fitness Calendar for next year.

Financial education provider Financial Finesse has launched a new Web site to promote financial literacy.

Consulting firm Capco has introduced a North American Wealth and Investment Management Group to help build the wealth and investment management capabilities of various types of financial firms.

BETTER ADVICE COULD REDUCE RETIREMENT PLAN FEES

Perhaps the most critical goal of professional portfolio management is to allocate client assets in such a manner as to achieve appropriate diversification.

When it comes to their retirement, 50-somethings seem to be in a state of denial about how long their retirement savings will last, according to a new study.

Congress decided last year to waive required minimum distributions from retirement savings plans for 2009, but there is still some confusion about how to apply the waiver.

INVESTORS SOON FORGET FINANCIAL CRISIS LESSONS

With over $3 trillion in cash values, life insurance ranks second only to the mutual fund industry in magnitude. And though its use has expanded dramatically, particularly in sophisticated planning scenarios, it is rarely evaluated once put into place. Most people consider it a "static asset" that requires little maintenance. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Raymond James Financial Services is increasing the minimum level of assets under management that it requires new registered investment advisors affiliated with its Investment Advisors Division to hold, from $30 million to $50 million.

Automatic enrollment for employees in 401(k) plans appears to significantly increase participation, but may not be suitable for all retirement plan sponsors, according to a new government report.

Despite the uncertain market conditions and negative headlines of the past year, most Americans who participate in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans continue to support them, according to a new survey.

Fifty-five percent of companies are cutting their bonuses and 26 percent are reducing their 401(k) matches for employees, according to a survey of CFOs and senior comptrollers by Grant Thornton.

A pending rule change in the eligibility requirements for a Roth individual retirement account could encourage more people to seek out guidance from their financial advisors, according to a new survey.

IMGCAP(1)]Probably the most critical goal of professional portfolio management is to allocate client assets in such a manner as to achieve appropriate diversification.

The Internal Revenue Service has created a new Web-based tool to help small-business owners determine which tax-favored pension plan best suits their needs and how to keep their plans in compliance.