Personal financial planning news and resources

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August 29, 2016

How to work with a grieving client

A growing elderly population means an increasing number of clients losing spouses, and CPAs with strong emotional intelligence will have better relationships with their clients and get more referrals.

August 24, 2016

Don’t let social media envy drain your bank account

Nearly 4 in 10 social media users browse for vacations or other goods after seeing friends’ purchases online, an AICPA survey found.

August 8, 2016

Why you should review the funding of your clients’ irrevocable trusts

CPAs, their clients, and other advisers should review funded irrevocable trusts for these points.

August 3, 2016

Travel rewards can lead to credit woes for many Americans

Though 58% of Americans say using credit cards to earn travel rewards makes sense, just 15% actually use these rewards to pay for all or part of a trip, an AICPA survey found.

August 1, 2016

Understand senior housing options

Today senior citizens can choose from a variety of living arrangements.

July 28, 2016

Americans’ financial outlook reaches 9-year high despite global economic turmoil

The financial outlook of the average American has reached its highest level in nine years, according the quarterly AICPA Personal Financial Satisfaction Index (PFSi).

July 25, 2016

The elder planning documents your clients must have

It’s vital that your clients have certain documents in place to protect themselves and their assets in the event of their physical or mental incapacity.

July 25, 2016

What to know before you take out a student loan

Student loan arrangements can have unforeseen, long-lasting implications for a family’s financial future.

July 11, 2016

Retirement tips from retired CPAs

With thoughtful planning, the shift into retirement can be relatively smooth and even exciting.

July 1, 2016

When clients should open or convert to a Roth IRA

These versatile accounts belong in every adviser’s retirement strategy toolkit.

June 30, 2016

SEC seeks transition plan requirements for investment advisers

CPAs registered as investment advisers with the SEC would have to develop and implement written business continuity plans under a rule proposed by the commission.

June 27, 2016

Afraid to bring up elder planning with your aging clients?

When clients wait too long to plan, they can find themselves scrambling to pay unexpected bills.

June 1, 2016

‘Private Roth IRA corporation’ is held abusive

Transfers under a subcontracting agreement to a C corporation held by a taxpayer’s Roth IRA were excess contributions to the IRA.

June 1, 2016

Estate basis consistency and reporting: What practitioners need to know

The new law imposes a potentially elaborate reporting regime for values of estate property and ominous consequences for failures.

May 31, 2016

6 tips for paying off your student loan debts

Students can practice smart financial management habits that help ensure they’re able to pay off their loans.

May 18, 2016

Final regulations change allocation rules for Roth IRA rollovers

The regulations allow taxpayers to allocate pretax amounts to direct rollovers, rather than having to make pro rata allocations.

May 12, 2016

Half of American families with student loan debt delay saving for retirement

Channeling money into a retirement fund in your 20s and 30s can pay big dividends when it’s time to stop working. But a new AICPA poll finds student loan debt is increasingly weighing on adults in the United States.

April 28, 2016

That’s inflation: Kids’ allowances rise 16% in 2016

Kids do about six hours of chores a week to earn their allowances, which average $67.80 a month.

April 27, 2016

Americans’ financial picture holds steady this quarter

The AICPA’s Personal Financial Satisfaction Index held steady in the first quarter of this year, dropping only 0.3 points from last quarter and 2.1 points from the first quarter of 2015.

April 25, 2016

Key questions to ask the family business owner who plans to sell

As the many Baby Boomers who own family businesses contemplate retirement, CPA advisers will increasingly be called upon to help them craft exit strategies.