Wealth management

The recent implosion of the major stock market indices has hit Baby Boomers pondering retirement particularly hard - right in the proverbial nest egg. Many people are opting to remain in the workforce longer given the loss in their retirement portfolios. With this longer work horizon, planning for retirement and the location of retirement is still a goal for many.

HOUSE APPROVES 45% ESTATE TAX EXTENSION

The ongoing economic downturn offers accountants the opportunity to extend their reach and help their clients at a time when they are most needed.

San Diego wealth management firm Rowling, Dold & Associates has joined Moss Adams Wealth Advisors, the wealth management division of accounting firm Moss Adams.

The American College, an educational institution devoted to financial services classes, has created a $500,000 scholarship fund to offer financial aid to veterans.

Advisor Software has acquired Advisor Partners LLC, an asset management firm that specializes in creating comprehensive investment portfolios and managing client accounts on behalf of professional investment advisors.

The number of employers planning to offer annuities to participants in their 401(k) plans is expected to grow as companies look for ways to provide workers with a steady distribution of benefits during retirement, according to a new survey.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has voted to require companies to disclose more information about their compensation practices and the background of their board members.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations under a new law that will require reporting of basis and other information by stock brokers and mutual fund companies for most stock purchased in 2011 and all stock purchased in 2012 and later years.

RAYMOND JAMES RAISES AUM MINIMUM FOR NEW ADVISORS

In the worst economy in 75 years, the challenge of asset allocation for a given portfolio has never been greater. But that doesn

The House has approved a comprehensive financial reform bill, albeit with a number of key provisions weakened in recent days.

IMGCAP(1)]A lot of the lessons learned from the past year’s credit crisis are pretty basic. Don’t spend more than you earn. Don’t invest in risky opportunities. Don’t inflate your balance sheet.

The House voted to set the inheritance tax at 45 percent permanently for estates larger than $3.5 million.

The Virginia Society of CPAs has produced a free Financial Fitness Calendar for next year.

Financial education provider Financial Finesse has launched a new Web site to promote financial literacy.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined Terra Nova Financial $400,000 for making more than $1 million in improper “soft dollar” payments to hedge fund clients for accounting expenses, estate planning fees and more questionable expenses.

Consulting firm Capco has introduced a North American Wealth and Investment Management Group to help build the wealth and investment management capabilities of various types of financial firms.

With last year's financial market turmoil slowly fading in the rear-view mirror, what can forward-looking CPA financial advisors conclude about the performance of their broker-dealers during the upheaval?

BETTER ADVICE COULD REDUCE RETIREMENT PLAN FEES