Personal financial planning news and resources

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July 14, 2025

Hard truth about soft skills: Invaluable insights for financial advisers

Personal financial advisers share perspective on creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable about sharing information crucial to a successful professional partnership.

June 26, 2025

JofA branded podcast: The evolving insurance market for high-net-worth clients

In this Journal of Accountancy branded podcast, hosted by Clint Costa, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a senior wealth strategist at Choreo, experts discuss how to help clients, especially high-net-worth ones, navigate growing and changing challenges in seeking proper insurance coverage. Play the episode below or read the edited transcript: Transcript Introduction: Thank

May 19, 2025

Broaching estate planning with aging parents

While raising the topic of planning with aging parents can be challenging for clients, having the conversation is sometimes necessary. This article provides suggestions about what to say and discuss.

May 5, 2025

How financial advisers can help with second marriages

Getting remarried can raise numerous financial planning issues. Explore the issues CPAs may want to discuss with clients.

April 28, 2025

Being realistic about homeownership as an investment

Clients seeking to buy a home are sometimes motivated by societal pressure and incorrect assumptions. Advisers can help them approach this major decision more objectively.

April 25, 2025

Mortal fears about retirement: Americans need more time, money

A majority of survey respondents worry more about running out of money than death, but less than one-fourth have talked to a financial professional about their fears.

April 22, 2025

3 tips for handling financial stress in volatile times

With uncertainty and caution about money common, it’s important to have a firm grasp on spending habits and other aspects of personal finance. A survey shed light on the mood, and the AICPA offered advice for managing financial stress as part of National Financial Literacy Month.

April 7, 2025

Retirement snapshot: 3 things to know about the average pre-retiree

Workers dreaming about the day they will retire reveal what circumstances they daydream about and what nightmares they hope to avoid while continuing to redefine what it means to retire in America.

April 2, 2025

Bills dealing with tax administration, disaster victims pass House

The AICPA endorsed four of the six bills, all of which passed with bipartisan support and were forwarded to the Senate.

March 11, 2025

Untangling tariffs: Consumers expected to bear the brunt

The majority of companies represented in a survey said they plan to pass along most, if not all, costs created by tariffs to their customers.

February 18, 2025

Prenuptial agreements: What financial advisers need to know

Putting in writing what happens in the event of divorce is important for high-net-worth clients especially, and with the right approach, these agreements can be created with care and respect.

February 1, 2025

How Medicare rules affect HSA eligibility after age 65

The complex rules for Medicare and health savings accounts lead to many client questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

January 27, 2025

Financial planning aspects of unretiring

Reentering the workforce after having officially retired from it can raise a host of financial planning questions, especially for individuals whose main motivation for “unretiring” is economic.

January 13, 2025

DOL’s ‘retirement security rule’ runs into obstacles

The U.S. Department of Labor’s recent effort to impose new requirements on financial professionals providing retirement investment advice faces doubtful prospects because of court challenges and the change in presidential administration.

January 10, 2025

IRS issues proposed regs. on catch-up contributions

The proposed regulations apply to catch-up contributions under a 401(k) or similar workplace retirement plan that generally are allowed for workers who have attained age 50.

December 9, 2024

Growth in client advisory services set to continue rapid increase

Firms in CPA.com’s CAS Benchmark Survey report a significant increase in median revenue and project an increase of nearly 100% over the next three years.

December 1, 2024

3 ways to balance saving for education and retirement

Worried parents can obtain peace of mind with a
realistic strategy.

December 1, 2024

Using behavioral science in a financial planning practice

By understanding psychological influences on decision-making, CPAs can work with clients more effectively and improve how they operate their practice.

November 25, 2024

Answering common questions about HSAs and Medicare enrollment

Clients often get confused about how enrollment in Medicare affects their eligibility to contribute to a health savings account and what to do if they erroneously made HSA contributions after their eligibility ceased.

November 12, 2024

Financial planners and caregiving: Helping clients manage the challenges

Planning for caregiving involves immediate and future financial implications along with tax considerations and documentation. Preparing for eventual life needs provides clients and their caregivers emotional support along with clear direction about the financial possibilities.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Tax-efficient drawdown strategies in retirement

Want to stretch retirement funds and avoid tax pitfalls? This article shares tips and models for smarter drawdown strategies that maximize after-tax wealth, manage Social Security and Medicare impacts, and minimize surprises. Also see: Tax season preview and quick guide.