Expert Articles
DOL’s New Rule Should Be A Win For Consumers
It seems everyone has an opinion about what effect, if any, the DOL's Conflict of Interest Rule will have on consumers. Opponents of the rule insist it will raise costs and reduce access to adequate retirement advice, while proponents argue the increased transparency will be a win for the investor. So, who is correct?
Read More »For Plan Sponsors, Help Determining Reasonable Fees is on the Way
As a 401(k) plan sponsor, you may have heard the terms “reasonable fees” or “reasonable compensation” in your conversations with your plan service providers. Perhaps those service providers have even provided some benchmarking reports to show that their fees are reasonable. But whose job is it to determine if fees and/or compensation related to an employer-sponsored retirement plan are, in fact, reasonable?
Read More »What’s the Difference Between ‘Accredited Investors’ and ‘Qualified Purchasers’?
There's no one-size-fits-all template for investments when it comes to creation, monitoring, and disclosures to participants. In the U.S., many of these functions are stipulated by each state, various Congressional Laws, and the SEC. As with most governmental efforts, involvement of various agencies creates some interesting outcomes and confusing terms.
Read More »Why Retirement Readiness Matters
Two of the largest expenses employers face today are payroll costs and healthcare costs. They determine how you will hire, whom you will hire, and how much the company needs to produce just to keep up with these costs. So, if your employees are not on a sound retirement track, they will work longer and both of these costs will rise. Want to know the solution?
Read More »4 Ways to Help Your Children Build Credit
Raising children is full of challenges — finding the right schools, supporting sports and activities, learning to drive, summer jobs, and saving for college are just some of the concerns that many parents keep near the top of their to-do lists. Sometimes that means things like building good credit get lost in the shuffle. Here are 4 tips for helping your children build a sound credit history with the understanding of how to manage debt wisely.
Read More »Integrating Newlyweds' Finances into the Family Financial Plan
Handing your child off in marriage is a momentous occasion filled with emotion. But it is also the beginning of a new legal contract for your son or daughter with another person. Having your wealth advisor explain all the potential property issues and nuances of future tax and estate planning needs may very well be the best wedding gift you can provide.
Read More »5 Ways for Planning Long-Term Care Expenses
We are living longer. That means most of us will likely need some long-term care during these added years. In considering later life's possible care costs, it is prudent to ask whether a long-term care insurance policy could help. Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes or no.
Read More »5 Tips for Keeping Property Taxes Down
Property taxes in many areas of the country are a significant expense. Real estate owners or investors need to understand the system in the area where their property is located so they can do what is necessary to keep this expense low.
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