Practice management

TOPICS / PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

September 18, 2017

Why you should discuss the nonfinancial aspects of retirement with your clients

Other keys to a great retirement include clarity of purpose, well-being, connectedness, giving back, and pursuing one’s passions.

August 14, 2017

How CPAs can help clients with student loan debt

Student loan repayment alternatives are complex, and borrowers struggle to make sense of their options.

July 24, 2017

Help your clients make sense of Medicare

This column offers suggestions on the issues you should discuss with your clients.

July 17, 2017

7 ways financial planners can better help Millennials

Millennials have different planning preferences and different goals from earlier generations.

June 14, 2017

Preserve family wealth—and your practice—by engaging the next generation

As wealthy Baby Boomers transfer their assets to Millennials, CPAs can help families preserve their assets and build loyalty to the firm by developing relationships with the younger heirs.

January 10, 2017

AICPA updates guidance for CPA personal financial planners

The AICPA has updated its guidance on the competencies and information that CPAs who provide financial planning services need to know.

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.

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.

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.

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.

April 18, 2016

Make your practice senior-friendly

By making a few small changes to their offices and communication styles, CPAs can help elderly clients feel more comfortable, well-respected, and secure.

October 12, 2015

Don’t let clients overlook these key estate planning issues

This column can help clients visualize the consequences of not having an up-to-date plan.

September 1, 2015

Meeting the financial planning challenges of the future

Discover strategies your firm can use to cope with aging clients, higher health care costs, and the threat of robo-advisers.

December 16, 2014

Survey: Financial planning services help firms retain clients, increase revenue

Adding personal financial planning (PFP) services can help a CPA firm attract and retain clients and increase its revenue, the AICPA’s recent Economic Benefit of PFP Services survey found.

August 1, 2014

QDROs demand the attention of CPAs

Expertise in qualified domestic relations orders and dividing retirement benefits in divorce can be a valuable accounting and tax specialty.

March 1, 2014

The accidental investment adviser

CPAs often are solicited for advice regarding potential investments. A CPA should refrain from providing specific investment advice unless he or she has been adequately trained and licensed to serve as an investment adviser.

March 1, 2014

The new PFP standards

Understand that the statement applies to the individual, not the firm. The statement applies to employees in the firm who provide PFP services. Recognize that the foundation of the statement begins with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct (the code). The hallmark of the code is to perform services with

August 1, 2013

SEC strengthens broker-dealer audit requirements

The SEC on Wednesday approved rule amendments that strengthen audit requirements for broker-dealers. The amendments are intended to increase protections for investors whose money and securities are turned over to SEC-registered broker-dealers. The final rules are available on the SEC’s website. Under previous rules, broker-dealers are required to file annual

July 1, 2013

PFP Q&A: Planning for change

With the Baby Boomer generation hitting retirement age, personal financial planning has become an increasingly important service for many accounting firms. But practitioners are dealing with plenty of changes, including the implementation of new tax laws and the landmark rollout of new standards. The JofA assembled a team of industry

June 11, 2013

Proposed PFP services standards available for public comment

The AICPA released an exposure draft of a Proposed Statement on Standards in Personal Financial Planning Services on Tuesday as part of an initiative that’s expected to help boost the profile of CPA personal financial planning (PFP) practitioners. The proposal outlines members’ responsibilities in PFP engagements. These responsibilities include: General