Portfolios

People from the same family don't always share the same opinions, but they will sometimes share a trusted financial advisor. There are a number of financial products on the market that jump-start communication between generations, giving planners the opportunity to meet with multiple branches of the same family.

Advisors can't control the performance of the investments they choose for their clients, but they do have some control over the taxes those investments will generate. And making tax-efficient decisions can truly add value to a client's portfolio.

Where can advisors find the most relevant, reliable information on leading economic indicators, considering the sheer volume of data available? AdvisorMax posed the question to experts who shared their best tips.

Check out TheOnline401K.com. Launched in 1999, this online resource caters to financial advisors, and offers a soup-to-nuts approach to managing 401(k)s, with the benefits of reducing paperwork and speeding up the flow of information.

Nearly a third of adult Americans in a recent survey said they are either apprehensive, clueless or panicked about their retirement. But those who utilized a financial advisor demonstrated much more confidence than those without one. The SIFMA survey also revealed three areas on which advisors could focus when discussing retirement with existing or potential clients.

Addressing charitable giving with clients can feel awkward, but it's an important aspect of financial planning. Once the client places charitable giving on their list of goals, the educational process begins.