Personal financial planning news and resources

TOPICS

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.

December 4, 2023

Happy days: Americans recognize the value of financial planning

More adults would derive happiness from having a solid financial plan in place than they would from pocketing more money, a survey finds, but many of those surveyed also find it difficult to access sound financial advice.

December 1, 2023

End-of-year financial and tax considerations

With 2023 coming to a close, the time is now for clients to take stock of opportunities to reduce their taxable income and plan for their financial future.

November 13, 2023

Helping close the gender gap in retirement

Women currently in the workforce are well behind male counterparts when it comes to saving for retirement, a survey finds.

November 2, 2023

Inflation adjustments to retirement account limits issued for 2024

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

October 19, 2023

No Plan B: A personal lesson about retirement readiness

A firm leader with a focus on financial planning shares a family story that shaped her thinking on the importance of retirement readiness, especially, but not exclusively, for women.

October 9, 2023

Long-term-care planning using trusts

Even some clients who have substantial assets plan for the possibility of relying on Medicaid for long-term care by creating irrevocable trusts to preserve assets.

October 3, 2023

Some common uses for trusts

Common types of trusts that CPAs should be familiar with include grantor trusts, special-needs trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, and trusts for solo 401(k)s.

October 1, 2023

The SECURE 2.0 Act and its impact on the retirement plan landscape

Ronald Ulrich, QKA, QPA, CPC, VP of Product Consulting and Compliance, ADP Retirement Services, discusses why it’s crucial for financial professionals, plan sponsors, and employees alike to understand the law’s impact on retirement plans.

September 21, 2023

Summing up Sid: The ultimate CPA and friend to all

Hear the voices of four CPAs sharing memories of their interactions with Sid Kess, a pioneer who loved to share knowledge and grow the profession, one conversation at a time.

August 22, 2023

Saving for college with multiple children: New considerations

Parents have new choices because of a recently enacted rule that will soon allow limited rollovers of leftover funds from 529 plans to a beneficiary’s Roth IRA.

August 9, 2023

Being philanthropic with a noncharitable trust

Getting funds out of an irrevocable family trust for charity is often difficult, and new trusts should be designed with greater flexibility, according to two experts.