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Wealth Management Industry Hit by Lower Fees, Fewer New Clients

Wealth management firms are struggling with a drop in fees, fewer new clients and little prospect for growth as young investors shun full-service retail firms, says report from PriceMetrix. The report also states that average assets under management per advisor rose 6% to a record $92 million in 2016 and clients have developed deeper relationships with advisors.

Via Wealth Advisor

Justice Department: DOL Fiduciary Rule Should Be Upheld—Just Not the Class-Action Part

The Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule should be upheld, with the exception of allowing class-action lawsuits to be filed under the best-interest contract exemption, says the U.S Justice Department.

Via WealthManagement.com

Working Past 70: Americans Can’t Seem to Retire

U.S. seniors are employed at the highest rates in 55 years. Almost 19 percent of people 65 or older were working at least part-time in the second quarter of 2017, according to a recent U.S. jobs report. Older Americans are working more even as those under 65 are working less, a trend that the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to continue. By 2024, 36% of 65- to 69-year-olds will be active participants in the labor market.

Via Bloomberg

Trump’s Massive Tax-Cut Plan Faces ‘Train Wreck’ Of A Calendar

Congress returned from its mid-summer break Monday for a crucial three-week stretch that will help determine whether President Donald Trump can deliver on his promise of a historic tax cut. Several obstacles await lawmakers, including an ongoing health-care fight, divisions among Republicans on the basic parameters of a tax bill, and a maelstrom of upcoming deadlines to keep the government running and avert a catastrophic default on U.S. debt.

Via Financial Advisor Magazine

How Advisors Can Best Educate Clients About Online Financial Tools

With more technology aimed to help individuals with every aspect of their financial lives, it’s not surprising that many clients are turning to financial advisors with questions about how to incorporate these tools into the planning work they do together. Too often, many advisors are hesitant to engage in this area out of fear that technology-driven tools will hurt their business. However, there are many times when financial advisors should leverage technology to both streamline simple but time-consuming tasks and to gain a better understanding of clients’ overall needs.

Via WealthManagement.com

Dentists: Want to save more for retirement and pay less in taxes?

For dental practice owners who would like to keep more of what they make for retirement, a Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan (cash balance plan) could be the ideal solution. A cash balance plan can supercharge retirement savings by significantly decreasing the amount of taxes paid each year. A cash balance plan supercharges retirement savings through the annual contribution amount, which can be far greater than 401(k) contribution limits, and through potentially significant tax savings that can be claimed by the owners when adjusted gross income is reduced by plan contributions

Via Denistry IQ