Financial planning

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.

Better information and guidance could improve the oversight of retirement plans and reduce fees for participants, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

A look inside Keats, Connelly & Associates

Some have bemoaned the failure of 401(k) plans to provide for our retirement. Proposals have been made to Congress and in the media concerning a revamp or even a complete abandonment of the system.

Today's investors are understandably anxious, with continued market volatility and the waning performance of their retirement and college savings accounts. Investors also worry that living longer and the threat of hyperinflation might cause them to outlive their resources in retirement or fall short on college funds.

As an accountant and an advisor, you're sure to see a decline in the charitable giving of an appreciable percentage of your clientele. Don't be surprised to see clients heave a sad sigh when they admit that the donation they had planned to make to endow a chair at their alma mater is not going to happen during their lifetime, or even through their estate. How can you help them make that dream a reality?

Guiding your clients through the new 'golden years'

TREASURY RECOMMENDS COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN FIXES

CPAs are brilliantly positioned to become successful and profitable wealth managers, yet they often face barriers that, without proper planning, can keep them from taking the necessary steps to create an additional profit center. Properly addressed, these challenges can be effectively managed and CPA-affiliated investment advisor practices can be successfully launched.

Empowering Advisors

Individual investors’ confidence in the U.S. capital markets is stabilizing this year after dropping precipitously between 2007 and 2008, according to a survey by the Center for Audit Quality.