While the mass affluent market may not be feeling the brunt of inflation woes or the rising cost of living, its financial planning is still being impacted by current economic headwinds.

As more individuals turn to non-traditional financial advice — offered through social media, artificial intelligence, or other online services and platforms — advisors will be tasked with fostering a greater sense of trust with the public.

Advisors may need to amend their wealth management or financial planning strategy, if many of their clients work in the public sector, or are based in geographic locations unevenly impacted by government cuts or mandates.

A recently passed law in Indiana now requires some state retirement plans to allow participants to invest in cryptocurrency, setting the stage for broader crypto adoption by public funds.

Economic conditions are set to be even rockier in 2026, as the US-Israel war with Iran has set inflation on a continued upward trajectory and further rankled markets. Even if there were a de-escalation in the conflict, a domino effect has begun.

Retirement savers have plenty of questions about a recent executive order that opens a path for alternative investments, such as private equity, real estate and digital assets, in 401(k) plans. One advisor shares why individuals have good reason to take pause.

When trying to bridge the communication gap between family members, Joshua Brooks, found that studying the latest approaches in behavioral finance can help advisors. But also, simple steps, like using budgeting tools are useful so everyone can see where and how they spend.

Individuals who haven’t yet taken the plunge into full-time entrepreneurial pursuits, are often surprised by the onslaught of new costs they’ll be responsible for when making the transition from W-2 salaried employee to self-employed, one advisor shares.

Adding tax management services to your practice calls for more than an assessment of potential revenues and client interest. Tax management introduces new compliance demands and sometimes complex business management needs that might not be right for every firm.

Advising clients through divorce requires both a deep dive into assets as well as a command of the softer skills — supporting them through the emotional ups and downs ahead and their financial plan post breakup.

Advisors training their future leadership team should be taking the long view — preparing to steadily nurture talent over the years so clients and other employees feel comfortable with your succession plans.

For advisors breaking away to start their own practice, there’s no avoiding the risks that come with entrepreneurship — but in the current economic climate that includes high inflation, market volatility and heightened uncertainty — advisors need to be doubly prepared when going out on their own.

Clients, they remember (your messaging because) they are living it and being it. That’s one way to make yourself memorable — have something that is easy to remember and connect with.

Current and potential clients notice advisors who are thought leaders with a strong personal brand, but thought leadership is more than just the communication shared from a podium or social media platform — it’s also one-on-one conversations and small gatherings that drive change in individuals’ lives.

As more retail investors gain access to private markets, advisors should be careful to communicate the risks, and not just the potential upside, of diving into these alternative investments.

Advisors should avoid centering long-term investment strategies on predicting the Federal Reserve's next interest rate move, as tactical bets based on the Fed's near-term calls often cause investors to miss out on returns.

This article explores gold's role as a distinct, independent alternative asset class, discussing its diversification benefits, and practical ways for investors to gain exposure.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are increasingly being considered by individuals looking to offset healthcare costs, which are set to rise significantly in 2026. But some HSAs also offer investment options that can simultaneously help savers grow their retirement income, financial experts share.

U.S. workers, particularly those in the Gen Z and millennial generations, are facing a “financial vortex” of financial pressures that are eating into their savings, including rising debt, housing, healthcare and caregiving costs.

Research shows that the U.S. wealth management industry will be facing an advisor shortage in the coming years as more advisors retire. One key to retaining talent is making sure the right pay structures and work arrangements are offered to advisors.

In the current economic climate, many high earners are living paycheck to paycheck and generally wrestling with anxieties about their financial security. However, there are ways financial planners can help calm clients’ fears and create a “cushion” in times of uncertainty.

As younger generations are more often delaying life milestones, like marriage, parenthood and homeownership, advisors may need to adjust their conversations with millennial and Gen Z clients.

Advisors who want to grow a family office business need to make sure they have the expertise and resources to service the far-ranging needs of wealthy families. Some wealthy families are looking for a “one-stop solution.

As a growing portion of the advisor workforce reaches retirement age, professionals will need to establish a plan — either training up the next generation to take over their business or positioning the company to attract the right buyers.

In light of the major market shocks of 2025, advisors are tasked more than ever with helping clients manage the psychological aspects of their money, while keeping an eye on market opportunities and headwinds that can impact their investment portfolios.

It’s never too soon for advisors to start honing in on their area of expertise and figuring out their ideal client.

When going through a merger or acquisition, business continuity can be tricky. But advisor teams that make sure they are combining with firms with aligned cultures, services or business trajectories have a much higher chance of a successful transition — and retaining clients.

Your firm's culture should reflect your values and your mission.

Advisors can help clients and their families plan for the rising costs of tuition and other educational expenses by knowing the benefits of 529 plans — and staying up-to-date on evolving rules around these investment vehicles.

Are you trying to grow a stable team of advisors and retain top talent? Young advisors are looking for RIA firms that offer remote work flexibility, a clear path toward advancement and role transparency.

Operating as a one-person shop means you’ll wear many hats, but there are common pitfalls you can avoid — and marketing strategies that can help you make the most of your time and resources.

As homeowner insurance rates rise, advisors share ways individuals can create a financial safety net should catastrophe impact their homes.

Enrollees in Medicare Advantage may end up paying steep costs for specialty care that doesn't meet their healthcare needs, advisors shared.

The high cost of housing is prompting many individuals to consider downsizing, but advisors recommend gradually reining in spending habits.

Advisors recommend having a clear understanding of how giving will align your values – and also be the most tax efficient.

Most American couples say they trust their partner regarding financial matters, but many reveal they aren’t necessarily in full agreement.

HSAs are increasingly coming into use. They are a more tax-efficient means of investing, withdrawing money to cover large healthcare expenses, or simply preparing for higher medical costs in one’s later years.

Many people want the passive income that can come with rental properties, but they come with risks and responsibilities.

Advisors weigh in on how you should approach account withdrawals after retirement in order to make your assets last.

Homeowners, drivers and other individuals in the marketplace for insurance, have a host of factors to consider to make sure they are appropriately covered in the event of a death, accident, or other untimely event, advisors shared in interviews with VettaFi.

ETF Trends interviewed three sources about active ETFs, why financial advisors are opting for these investment solutions for clients, and how these factors have changed in recent years. Each source responded to the same questions in their respective interviews.

While younger investors have taken a growing interest in artificial intelligence, advisors are cautioning individuals against using AI. They’ll use a do-it-yourself approach in hopes of gaining an investing edge.