Personal financial planning news and resources

TOPICS

November 7, 2024

Driving better savings discipline and loving the work you do

An author and speaker on the topic of retirement plans – saving for them, designing them, auditing them – has a message that goes beyond the theme of saving. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

November 1, 2024

Inflation adjustments to retirement account limits issued for 2025

The IRS announced inflation-adjusted limits on benefits and contributions for various retirement accounts on Friday, including maximum contribution amounts for 401(k) plans and traditional and Roth IRAs.

September 23, 2024

Using behavioral science in a financial-planning practice

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

September 20, 2024

Clarification proposed for CPAs’ financial statement preparation engagements

An AICPA committee approved a proposed revision to Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) No. 21 addressing the applicability of the standard when preparing financial statements as a part of consulting services.

August 29, 2024

FinCEN final rule lessens impact on small registered investment advisers

Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network estimates the rule will require about 200 previously unaffected small RIAs to participate in FinCEN’s anti-money-laundering and terrorism programs. The number of affected RIAs is lower than the proposed rule’s estimate.

August 13, 2024

Retirement: How to respond to the changing definition of the word

A shift away from the traditional view of what it means to retire in America means that innovative approaches can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

August 5, 2024

Helping pre-retirees choose a retirement spending limit

Retiring clients need a realistic and accurate target that ensures they neither outlive their savings nor unnecessarily restrict their “fun money” spending. Here are some steps to follow.

June 1, 2024

Municipal bonds: Planning for the TCJA sunset

Clients who invest in municipal bonds may require new strategies because of tax changes that lie ahead in 2026.

May 28, 2024

Key planning considerations for childfree clients

Helping the growing demographic of childfree individuals and couples plan their financial futures requires a shift in perspective.

May 7, 2024

Prepare large estates for TCJA sunset now

Now is the time to talk with high-net-worth clients about using the temporarily doubled estate and gift tax exclusion before its sunset in 2026, Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, stressed in a webcast.

April 30, 2024

Forgoing marriage? Estate planning for unmarried couples

Unmarried, cohabiting couples experience the same joys and challenges as married couples but without marriage’s legal entanglement. The lack of legal standing, however, means estate planning requires more thought and action.

April 24, 2024

DOL finalizes broad ‘retirement security rule’

CPA financial planners need to be aware of the U.S. Department of Labor’s new rule, which is intended to protect retirement investors from receiving investment advice tainted by conflicts of interest.

April 18, 2024

AICPA letter to FinCEN supports small registered investment advisers

Proposed regulations could challenge small RIAs in particular to maintain compliance, according to an AICPA comment letter. The letter recommends that FinCEN reconsider how it determines who must report.

March 15, 2024

Retirement fears do not play out in reality, survey shows

Many approaching retirement age are concerned about whether they will be prepared for life after a regular paycheck, but many who are already retired are faring better than they expected.

February 20, 2024

Helping sole proprietors choose between a solo 401(k) and a SEP-IRA

Understanding the differences between these two types of retirement plans can help sole proprietors make the best choice for their bigger-picture tax and retirement savings goals.

February 1, 2024

Preparing clients for lifestyle changes in retirement

Retirement planning isn’t just about the money. CPA financial planners can help clients prepare in nonfinancial ways as well.

January 30, 2024

The importance of a pre-marriage ‘money date’

A conversation before marriage about the state of each partner’s finances and their thoughts about money can have long-term benefits for the couple’s financial goals and relationship.

January 3, 2024

A new fiduciary rule: What CPA financial planners need to know

Many financial advisers who offer retirement investment advice would be subject to new ethical requirements under recently proposed regulations, a U.S. Department of Labor official explains in this Q&A.

January 1, 2024

Talking through post-retirement housing options

CPA financial planners can play key roles in helping clients decide where to live during their retirement years.

January 1, 2024

Helping clients recover from midlife divorce

The key is navigating the emotional side of starting anew financially.

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.