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Financial Planning, an Arizent brand, is the leading resource for news-analysis, insights and data for independent financial advisers. FP delivers the essential information, strategies and tools planners need to build and grow thriving practices, position their firms against competitive threats, meet regulatory requirements and best serve their clients.

In general, small-cap funds are a valuable tool for diversification and offer the potential for higher returns, but they...
16/11/2024

In general, small-cap funds are a valuable tool for diversification and offer the potential for higher returns, but they need to be carefully sized within a portfolio based on an investor’s risk tolerance, said Tushar Kumar of Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors. “All in all, we’re optimistic about small-cap performance in the near term, given both the economic and political landscape,” he said.

Experts and advisors say they are cautiously optimistic about the future of small caps in the coming years.

A charismatic advocate of cryptocurrency known as “Bitcoin Jesus” is waiting on a Spanish judge’s decision about whether...
16/11/2024

A charismatic advocate of cryptocurrency known as “Bitcoin Jesus” is waiting on a Spanish judge’s decision about whether he’ll be extradited to face charges. "They don't like me, and they don't like my political views, and they just came at me every which way," Roger Ver said in an interview with Bloomberg News about federal prosecutors.

To the Internal Revenue Service, Roger Ver symbolizes a new target in the digital age: a crypto holder suspected of failing to pay taxes after selling tokens.

Trump has vowed to “terminate” the Inflation Reduction Act, but experts say a full repeal is unlikely. Here’s what will ...
16/11/2024

Trump has vowed to “terminate” the Inflation Reduction Act, but experts say a full repeal is unlikely. Here’s what will probably happen instead.

Although no Republicans voted for the measure two years ago, some of its incentives, such as tax credits for producing hydrogen and capturing carbon dioxide, are very popular with oil companies and other core GOP constituencies.

While large-cap stocks tend to be more resilient, small- and mid-cap stocks often respond to market shifts earlier, said...
14/11/2024

While large-cap stocks tend to be more resilient, small- and mid-cap stocks often respond to market shifts earlier, said Jon McCardle of Summit Financial Group of Indiana. “In fragile economic conditions, we maintain a stronger focus on large-cap investments, reducing small-cap exposure,” he said. “This balanced approach helps protect portfolios from the unintended consequences of overconcentration and ensures that risk is managed across market cycles.”

Large-cap funds are generally defined as those that invest in companies with over $10 billion in market capitalization and are often considered safer than small-cap funds.

Every year, Social Security boosts benefits with a cost-of-living adjustment to account for rising prices. But one of th...
13/11/2024

Every year, Social Security boosts benefits with a cost-of-living adjustment to account for rising prices. But one of those prices is for Medicare, and it’s growing twice as fast. “It matters to a lot of people,” said Donald LaGrange, a CFP at Murphy & Sylvest Wealth. “When the entire COLA adjustment is consumed by the increased medical insurance cost, there is no extra left for any of life's other expenses.”

In 2025, premiums for Medicare Part B will grow twice as fast as Social Security benefits — and those premiums are deducted straight from the checks.

Trump voters expect utopia. Harris voters expect the apocalypse. Either way, post-election emotions can cause bad financ...
13/11/2024

Trump voters expect utopia. Harris voters expect the apocalypse. Either way, post-election emotions can cause bad financial decisions. How can advisors help? By offering some perspective.

“Think of it as the Titanic or a giant cruise ship,” said Kashif Ahmed, president of American Private Wealth. “Just because the captain wants to make a U-turn doesn't mean that it's going to happen, or that it's going to happen right away.”

For many investors, Donald Trump's re-election was an emotional shock. Here's how financial advisors can help keep their finances on track.

Gold rules of thumb: The precious metal can be well-suited to long-term investments for clients with more investable ass...
12/11/2024

Gold rules of thumb: The precious metal can be well-suited to long-term investments for clients with more investable assets, as they can buy larger positions, according to Henry Yoshida of Rocket Dollar. On the other hand, gold-linked ETFs may be a good fit for those with fewer assets. Additionally, using retirement funds to invest in gold within an IRA can provide clients with tax advantages including tax deferrals.

Investing in the precious metal has never been easier, which makes a financial planner's guidance all the more crucial.

In his first term as president, Donald Trump generally left Medicare alone. But emboldened by his reelection, will he be...
12/11/2024

In his first term as president, Donald Trump generally left Medicare alone. But emboldened by his reelection, will he be different this time? “What I expect to happen is that there will be more of a push of people into private plans,” said Medicare analyst Mary Johnson. “For seniors, what it's going to mean is we are going to be paying much more.”

As the former president reenters the White House, significant changes to Medicare could be on the horizon. Here's what to expect.

The tax strategies for home improvement projects come with a lot of savings but also a lot of complicating factors.“That...
11/11/2024

The tax strategies for home improvement projects come with a lot of savings but also a lot of complicating factors.

“That’s exactly where the true value of a financial advisor or a tax professional comes in to proactively support the taxpayer,” said Miklos Ringbauer of MiklosCPA.

Credits or deductions for renovations, repairs or energy-efficient upgrades are available -- but clients often need reminders and professional help to get them.

Veterans face unique financial challenges. Not all advisors are prepared to support their needs; here's how financial ad...
11/11/2024

Veterans face unique financial challenges. Not all advisors are prepared to support their needs; here's how financial advisors can better serve this community, today and every other day.

From practice management tips to key planning questions facing ex-servicemembers, a half dozen experts helped FP compile its Veterans Day list.

Most women clients seek financial advisor referrals from other women. That was among the findings of a recent report fro...
09/11/2024

Most women clients seek financial advisor referrals from other women. That was among the findings of a recent report from Edward Jones and global data intelligence company Morning Consult, which showed that 72% of financial advisors said women clients seek out referrals from other women. Advisors said this is in line with what they've experienced firsthand.

Women clients tend to seek advisor referrals from other women and prioritize long-term planning, an Edward Jones study indicates.

The election of Donald Trump to a second term in the White House brought a little bit of clarity to the expiring provisi...
09/11/2024

The election of Donald Trump to a second term in the White House brought a little bit of clarity to the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. "If they are allowed to expire, that would raise the tax for many individuals, which is an unattractive proposition for any president or for Congress,” Rochelle Hodes of Crowe told FP sister publication Accounting Today.

The return of the former president to the White House gives him an opportunity to deliver on his many tax promises.

Donald Trump has promised not to cut “one penny” from Social Security. But even if he leaves benefits untouched, the pro...
07/11/2024

Donald Trump has promised not to cut “one penny” from Social Security. But even if he leaves benefits untouched, the program is still in trouble. “A lot of the stuff that we're looking at, it doesn't matter whether it was Harris or Trump that won the election,” said Ron Mastrogiovanni of HealthView Services. “These problems still exist.”

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, what changes can seniors -- and their advisors -- expect to America's oldest social program?

Traditional IRA owners in pre-retirement face a pivotal choice about when to begin taking distributions and what age to ...
07/11/2024

Traditional IRA owners in pre-retirement face a pivotal choice about when to begin taking distributions and what age to start claiming their Social Security benefits.

“Those are a great example of something that you really only get one chance to make the right decision,” said Erin Wood of Carson Group. “Once you make your decision, you are very much going to be stuck with that decision.”

Financial advisors, tax professionals and their clients will need to make careful planning decisions about claiming Social Security benefits and starting distributions.

The good tax news is that pre-retirees can push back required minimum distributions from their traditional IRAs. The bad...
06/11/2024

The good tax news is that pre-retirees can push back required minimum distributions from their traditional IRAs. The bad news is they could face higher taxes in retirement. For FP’s annual end-of-the-year tax feature, here’s a deep dive into all of the complexities involved with the potential strategy of using those RMDs instead as a “bridge” to claiming Social Security later.

A complex mixture of new or expiring laws, intersecting retirement planning questions and the threat of so-called stealth taxes could add up to a highly beneficial strategy.

The results are in. Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.While his administration will shape the...
06/11/2024

The results are in. Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.

While his administration will shape these nine areas of public policy, investment strategy and practice management, it’s up to financial advisors to keep their clients focused on the long term rather than falling victim to common behavioral flubs after an election.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional roller coaster of politics, but successful investing is about tuning out the noise and sticking to a disciplined, goal-focused strategy,” Preston Cherry of Concurrent Financial Planning wrote in an email to the firm’s subscribers. “Whether a Democrat or Republican sits in the Oval Office, your portfolio will likely perform well if you remain focused on fundamentals, stay diversified and keep your eyes on your financial goals.”

After an exhausting presidential campaign, here are the key policy, investment strategy and practice management topics for financial advisors and their clients.

Gen X is doing OK financially, but don’t try to convince them. “Unfortunately for Gen Xers, they’re following in the foo...
06/11/2024

Gen X is doing OK financially, but don’t try to convince them. “Unfortunately for Gen Xers, they’re following in the footsteps of the most financially successful generation in the history of America,” said David Flores Wilson of Sincerus Advisory. Still, there are things advisors can do to help make this “forgotten generation” feel more at ease.

A recent FINRA Investor Education Foundation report, "How Gen X Compares Financially to Other Generations: Doing Alright but Feeling Bad," found few born between 1965 and 1980 reported positive feelings about their financial situation.

You can’t fault Citi wealth head Andy Sieg for not dreaming big. He’s repeatedly said his firm could have the No. 1 weal...
05/11/2024

You can’t fault Citi wealth head Andy Sieg for not dreaming big. He’s repeatedly said his firm could have the No. 1 wealth business in the world. But it’s still got a long way to go, and some industry observers have seen no reason to believe it will ever get there.

In trying to claim the title "No. 1 global wealth manager," Citi is putting a lot of stock in its ability to secure client referrals through its bank. Will it be enough?

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Financial Planning is the leading resource for news, analysis, insights and data for financial advisors across the independent, wirehouse and bank channels. We deliver the essential information, strategies and tools planners need to build and grow thriving practices, position their firms against competitive threats, meet regulatory requirements and best serve their clients.