Life is rarely uneventful. It’s unusual to live long periods of time without some kind of curve ball or surprise.

In financial planning, there are certain instances that prompt a review of a client’s financial situation. They’re encouraged to get help from an experienced financial advisor when life events occur, such as a new birth, a death in the family, a change in health, or a significant purchase or sale of a home. A good advisor helps them to be prepared with a plan that addresses the certainty of uncertainty.

The current economic situation is resulting in a lot of life-changing events for individuals in the form of job loss or career changes. Unemployment, in particular, is a life-changing event that many are experiencing, given the pandemic. Such times of uncertainty may drive many upcoming client conversations.

Millions of Americans participate in traditional IRAs (individual retirement accounts) to build their retirement savings. While no one would argue against contributing to a retirement account on a consistent basis, the type of account those funds go into may be up for debate.

Though they have similarities, there are a number of compelling reasons you may want to advise investors to consider converting their traditional IRA over to a Roth IRA.

We’ve heard about the Great Wealth Transfer and how all those years of saving and investing by Baby Boomers will benefit the next generation. It’s generally assumed that parents who have a nice nest egg will leave the majority of that wealth to their children as an inheritance. But that’s not always the case.

Some wealthy retirees may choose to buck tradition and leave a different kind of legacy, one that supports their community or other charitable causes they care deeply about. Or, some might simply plan on enjoying the money they’ve made by spending it on travel, entertainment or other hobbies. It is their money, after all.

No matter how your clients choose to distribute their estates, it’s best for them to manage their children’s expectations sooner than later. The following approaches can help.

With each generation comes a new attitude toward investing and, for many, greater worries about their financial futures and how their retirements will be funded. Recent events have only heightened anxieties for many.

Millennials have been subjected to a variety of negative commentaries and stereotypes in recent years regarding their attitudes toward finances and investing, but there’s conflicting opinions on how well they’re preparing for the future.

Most years, summer cannot begin until taxes are filed. This year is different, however, for most taxpayers. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the IRS issued a postponement of the federal tax filing due date from April 15 until July 15, 2020 (for the 2019 tax year).¹

Hopefully, most clients made good use of mandatory stay-at-home orders to complete their federal taxes, especially if they were due a refund. Those who owed additional taxes may have already submitted their payments despite the extended deadline of July 15. If your clients haven’t yet filed, however, they may want to consider additional investment opportunities.

Our world is experiencing disruption in ways it never has before. Within a matter of weeks, our entire country practically came to a standstill, global markets went on a tailspin, millions filed for unemployment and consumer spending plummeted.

It’s difficult to know how to navigate today’s landscape when things change on a daily basis. But how you as a financial advisor choose to respond may be the difference between thriving, or just surviving, on the other side of this or any other crisis.

National Annuity Awareness month is a great time to introduce and discuss the overall benefits of annuities to your clients.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. Relief in the legislation was focused on both small businesses and the workforce at large.

While many are still dealing with changes to their financial state and hoping for a quick rebound as the economy gradually reopens, it’s prudent to consider that these financial challenges may remain for the balance of 2020 and, for some who are directly impacted, for years to come.

Yes, we’ve all had a similar uncomfortable social exchange at an event.

“Hi, I’m Steve. I’m a financial advisor.”

“Nice to meet you, Steve. I already have an advisor.”

So, what do you say next? You could mention that the shrimp cocktail is delicious and simply move on. But, “I already have an advisor” doesn’t necessarily mean you need to change the subject. It’s possible to continue the conversation without coming off as pushy.

In fact, one of the best responses is to take a proactive approach and be ready for any objections. Stay one step ahead of your prospect by using these tips.

It’s not uncommon for parents to help their children pay for college or a wedding. Giving a grown son or daughter a financial boost as they begin “adulting” may even bring a sense of satisfaction.

But what happens when grown children continue to rely on their parents to meet basic expenses once they’ve left home? While assisting adult children financially is certainly a parent’s prerogative, the added economic strain may negatively impact their own financial wellbeing and threaten their retirement savings.