| Twice-weekly summary of financial industry news |
|
| Top News |  |  |
|
- Fiscal deal might not be enough to spare retirement tax incentives
Congress narrowly avoided plunging over the "fiscal cliff," but retirement-savings tax incentives aren't yet safe. Lawmakers deferred key tax-reform decisions that could still affect the retirement business, lawyer Derek Dorn says. "Congress has delayed the fiscal cliff by erecting a new and potentially more dangerous one," Dorn said. "The fact that retirement incentives rank second on the list of tax expenditures ... creates considerable vulnerability for retirement incentives in any tax-reform process." Pensions & Investments (free registration)
(1/7)     
- Compromise leaves advisers cold
Financial advisers don't share stock traders' enthusiasm about Congress' compromise to avert the U.S. "fiscal cliff," according to a survey by InvestmentNews. More than three-quarters of respondents said they don't think the deal will bring about long-term change in government spending, reduce the national debt or lead to tax reform. InvestmentNews (free registration)
(1/3)
| Policy Watch | | |
|
| Building Your Business | | |
|
- Additional steps an adviser must take to secure client information
Client information and client asset integrity have become topics in regulatory exams, writes Tom Giachetti, chair of the Securities Practice Group at Stark & Stark. Exam questions are presenting scenarios in which an adviser shares offices with unrelated individuals or entities, and situations in which vendors may have access to client information. Confidentiality agreements are key in these circumstances, Giachetti writes, including with outside parties such as landlords. AdvisorOne
(1/1)
- Tips for first-year adviser assistants
Know your broker's technology and keep detailed, handwritten notes on even the most mundane procedures to excel as an adviser assistant, a panel of assistants recommends. Also, have realistic expectations, especially regarding compliance. "My best piece of advice for assistants is to utilize every resource you can, from other associates or experts, to taking advantage of educational opportunities and networking opportunities to become the best assistant you can," said Beth Hodges, assistant at Queen City Advisors in Cincinnati. Financial-Planning.com/The Productivity Expert blog
(12/30)
| Financial Products | | |
|
- Who should convert from 401(k) to Roth 401(k)?
The 401(k) conversions now allowed under federal law might make sense for investors who want to leave tax-free inheritances, regardless of the up-front costs, experts say. Conversions to a Roth 401(k) also might make sense for investors who expect to retire in a higher tax bracket or who have tax deductions and credits that would offset the taxes due as a result of the conversion. Consultant Jeffrey Levine says it's rarely wise to convert if an investor has to tap his or her retirement savings accounts to pay the taxes. MarketWatch
(1/3)
| Retirement Focus | | |
|
- Retirement savers get new option with fiscal legislation
Legislation that prevented the "fiscal cliff" also included a short-term benefit for retirement savers. A new provision allows 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) participants to convert their money into a Roth 401(k) without waiting for such traditional qualifying events as retirement, reaching age 59½ or changing jobs. AdvisorOne
(1/3)
- Financial advisers expect wealthy to cut back spending
Since Congress averted the U.S. "fiscal cliff," wealthy taxpayers likely will scale back their spending and look for opportunities to defer income, financial advisers said. People with taxable income of more than $400,000 a year and households with more than $450,000 face the biggest tax increase because of the budget deal. Reuters
(1/6)
| Technology Update | | |
|
- How to make the most of social media while staying compliant
Financial advisers can reap the benefits of social media while observing compliance regulations, Caitlin Zucal writes, suggesting the use of platforms that connect with the targeted audience and remaining patient when developing a circle of followers. Advisers also should find creative ways to make their social media offerings stand out, and firms should establish clear policies to ensure that ethics and governance are observed, she writes. Financial-Planning.com/A Better Practice blog
(1/3)
| FSI Member News & Events | | |
|
- Don't Miss OneVoice 2013!
Jan. 28 to 30 | San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina | San Diego
OneVoice is FSI's annual in-person gathering for the independent financial services firm community. OneVoice 2013 will give you a first look at what to expect this year, with insights into the election results, changing consumer behavior, technology trends in 2013, new regulatory and compliance developments, and much more! Visit here for more information and to register for OneVoice 2013 today!
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
--Mahatma Gandhi,
Indian lawyer and activist
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| About FSI |
FSI was formed in January 2004 as an advocacy and membership organization for independent broker-dealers and independent financial advisors. We provide insight,
information, influence, and involvement--all in support of our mission to provide visibility, credibility, and an improved regulatory environment for the independent channel.
Learn more at financialservices.org
|
|
| |
| | Recent FSI Newsbrief Issues:
- Thursday, January 03, 2013
- Monday, December 31, 2012
- Thursday, December 27, 2012
- Monday, December 24, 2012
- Thursday, December 20, 2012
| | | SmartBrief Lead Editor: Sean McMahon
SmartBrief Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2013 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
