To navigate complex financial markets, investors deserve an ally. Study after study confirms that investors benefit from working with financial advisors who can help develop and maintain a long-term strategy.
Wealth Management Center
Preserving and enhancing wealth for the future with financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey
Measuring the value of advice
September 21, 2017
The value of advice can be quantified in many ways as financial advisors provide tax-smart strategies to help investors get the most out of their plan.
ADVISOR-ONLY WEBCAST SERIES
September 27, 2017 | 1:15pm ET
Intergenerational wealth transfer — What you need to know
Bill Cass, CFP®, Director Wealth Management Programs at Putnam
Chris Hennessey, Lawyer and CPA, Putnam Business Advisory Group
Planning for college: High school seniors close in on the finish line
For families planning for college, the senior year of high school has many deadlines and preparations for parents and students.
Planning for college: High school juniors sharpen focus on goals
When planning for college, the junior year of high school is busy as parents look deeper into financial aid and juniors sharpen their focus on goals.
Considerations for property loss in the wake of Hurricane Harvey
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey homeowners may seek assistance in making claims for property loss.
Planning for college: Considerations for high school freshmen and sophomores
Planning for college for parents and students can begin as early as freshman and sophomore years in high school, and help families stay on track.
Consider creating a checklist as students head off to college
Parents may consider creating a checklist for the financial considerations involved when students head off to college.
Higher education tax breaks may be overlooked
There are several tax-advantaged provisions for higher education in the tax code that may be overlooked as multiple provisions may cause confusion.
Don’t lose sight of discretionary spending in retirement plan
Planning for both discretionary spending as well as essential expenses is important when saving for retirement.
House and Senate proposals include tax cuts in ACA repeal
Tax relief and the elimination of health insurance mandates could be realized if proposals to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advance on Capitol Hill.
Trends in living arrangements require a fresh look at planning
Because marital status plays a prominent role in financial rules, living arrangements such as non-traditional households may result in planning challenges.
Soaring health costs create opportunity for HSAs
Many savers with access to HSAs are using these accounts to save for future health costs.
Strategies to reduce AMT
About 4 million taxpayers each year get hit with the alternative minimum tax. Yet there are strategies for investors to try to mitigate or avoid the AMT.
Tax reform proposals may limit deductions, loopholes
As discussion around tax changes increases on Capitol Hill, proposals point to a reduction in tax preference items and tax loopholes.
After the celebration: New graduates focus on finances
Seeking advice and developing a financial plan can be critical for graduates navigating next steps after college.
Consider a 529 plan for a tax-smart way to save for college
A 529 plan may be part of a strategy to utilize tax-advantaged savings to meet the rising cost of college.
Research uncovers the value of a college degree
With rising costs and the planning time needed to prepare for college, some parents and students may wonder if a college degree is worth the investment.
A communications failure can derail your legacy
When wealth transfer fails from one generation to the next, a communications failure may be one of the leading causes.
Social strategies to meet clients' families
As trillions of dollars are expected to move from boomers to the next generation, advisors may consider using social strategies to meet the entire family.
Identifying key contacts in the next generation of investors
Only a small percentage of heirs stay with the financial advisor used by their parents, making it critical for advisors to connect with the next generation.
Huge wealth transfer sparks ideas as advisors rethink their businesses
In a new wave of wealth transfer, $30 trillion is projected to move to the next generation over 30 years, leading some advisors to rethink their businesses.
Escalating U.S. debt may weigh on financial plans
U.S. debt is at its highest level in decades which could drive tax policy changes as lawmakers seek to increase federal revenue.
Can decanting add flexibility to estate planning?
When the tax landscape is unclear, flexibility can be important. For investors with irrevocable trusts, some states give trustees more flexibility with decanting.
$30T in wealth transfer creates opportunity
Advisors may consider expanding their value proposition and professional network to grow their business.
Top strategies for advisors when heirs inherit wealth
Learning about an investor's family can help advisors connect with the next generation.
Social strategies for meeting the next generation
Start with social media and expand to social events to reach out to the next generation of clients.
Use family meetings for more effective wealth transfer
Hosting a family meeting can help investors and their children focus on values, planning issues, and philanthropy.
College savings plans offer tax advantages
Explore tax-advantaged savings when planning for college.
Tax reform could take time to implement
Congress is beginning to focus on tax reform but it may take more than a year to complete.
Tax considerations when planning for lower tax rates
There are many tax strategies that may be considered now in anticipation of a reduction in tax rates in the near term.
Chris Hennessey is Professor Emeritus of Law at the Babson College School of Executive Education and member of the Putnam Investments Business Advisory Group. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Putnam Investments.