Education and networking were on order at the annual Financial Planning Association conference in Nashville, Tenn., this weekend. But inside the garish, biosphere-like Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center outside Nashville, larger...
The World Wide Web offers some excellent resources for calculating and presenting the financial and tax implications of charitable giving. These tools serve a valuable function -- they help potential donors devise financial plans aligned with...
The third quarter shaped up pretty well for the retail brokerage divisions of the big Wall Street firms. Despite a continued rough market environment in June through August—with gains of just 1 percent on the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones...
In our litigious times, prenuptial agreements are becoming "wackier" and more prolific than ever. Some husbands, according to a survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and described by the New York Post, are even spelling out "how...
Ever since Warren Buffett announced his intention to give away a massive chunk of his fortune in June, advisors say they have noticed an increased enthusiasm for philanthropy among wealthy investors. But that enthusiasm may not be finding adequate...
Another assault on deferred compensation fails. After going two for three in a unique tug of war involving both the arbitration and court systems, former Smith Barney broker James McCarthy is likely throwing in the towel in three-year fight for...
For most financial advisors, the 529 College Savings has never been an easy sell or a big moneymaker. But, in the past six weeks, Bradley Pace, president of Pace Capital Management, says he’s had about 70 potential clients fill out...
The biggest asset-management deal in history officially closed today. BlackRock, the nation’s third-largest bond fund manager, said it has completed its takeover of the asset-management arm of Merrill Lynch; the union is one of the world&...
Merrill Lynch announced Monday that it has elected two new members to its board of directors, one of whom is a British human rights activist. The move, effective on Oct. 1, is likely geared toward alleviating some of the pressure from its ongoing...