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Third Annual fi360-ThinkAdvisor Survey of Investment Advisors: Information and Opinions About the Fiduciary Standard

"Advisors largely rejected the arguments of opponents of placing investors' interests first by extending the fiduciary standard for advice.... [S]urvey respondents said extending to fiduciary standard to brokers: [1] Would not cost investors more for advice (79%). [2] Would not price investors out of the market for advice (69%). [3] Would not limit access to advice or products (68%). Survey participants strongly agreed that investors are unaware of the differences between the fiduciary standard governing investment advisers and the much lower 'suitability' standard used by the brokers."

Debate: Will the New DOL Fiduciary Rule Hurt Retirement Investors?

"[ThinkAdvisor] asked two professors and authors of ALM’s Tax Facts with opposing political viewpoints to share their opinions about whether the DOL’s newly proposed fiduciary rule changes would have a negative impact for retirement investors."

Debate: Is Defaulting 401(k) Participants Into Annuities in Their Best Interest?

"One provision in the [SECURE Act] provides extra assurance and protection to retirement plan sponsors that follow certain rules to select annuities as in-plan offerings.... [ThinkAdvisor] asked two professors and authors of ALM's Tax Facts with opposing political viewpoints to share their opinions about whether retirement plans should default 401(k) participants into annuity options."

Debate: Should the EARN Act Let Savers Tap 401(k)s to Pay for Long Term Care Insurance?

"In its current form, the Enhancing American Retirement Now (EARN) Act would allow retirement savers to withdraw up to $2,500 in retirement plan assets each year to cover the cost of long-term care insurance premiums without paying the otherwise applicable early withdrawal penalties.... [ThinkAdvisor] asked two professors and authors of ALM's Tax Facts with opposing political viewpoints to share their opinions about the narrow provision allowing penalty-free withdrawals to cover long-term care insurance."

Year-End Tax Planning Dos and Don'ts

"[T]he lower tax rates were extended permanently by OBBBA -- but this is no time to let your guard down -- a future Congress could still increase tax rates. Take advantage now before year end especially with Roth conversions, and maximizing the lower tax rates for 2025. Also, avoid focusing on reducing taxes for this year at the expense of lifetime tax savings. Plan for life and beyond, not just for this year."

The New 'Safe' Retirement Spending Rate: It's Not 4%

"Morningstar's latest 'safe' spending analysis finds people starting retirement in 2026 can spend 3.9% of the portfolio annually. If they embrace flexible spending strategies, the safe rate is as high as 6%. Experts say the latter approach is likely more appealing and appropriate for most retirees."

The Retirement Tax Reality Roth 401(k) Savers Overlook

"Many middle- and upper-income savers assume they will face a higher tax rate in retirement, but that might be less likely than they think. A taxpayer's effective tax rate is lower than their top marginal rate. Careful tax analysis -- not speculation -- should inform the choice between making traditional and Roth contributions at work."

Draft Guidelines Could Shape States' Efforts to Regulate Annuity Sellers

"The Life Insurance and Annuities Committee, an arm of the [NAIC], plans to consider adoption of an Annuity Best Interest Regulatory Guidance and Considerations document [on December 9] ... Some state regulators want the guidance to help states ensure that annuity sellers treat clients well. Groups for annuity issuers and sellers want the guidance to reduce the odds that annuity sellers will have to cope with state and federal regulation at the same time."

On Deck in 2026: EBSA Answers on Alts in 401(k)s, New Fiduciary Rule

"[DOL's EBSA] returned from the longest government shutdown to find that the February deadline set by [EO 14330] ... calling on Labor to consider writing new guidance, is suddenly a month and a half closer.... In addition to the types of assets typically classified as 'alternative assets' ... the executive order also included lifetime retirement income. This ... could mean that EBSA will consider longstanding industry hopes for broader guidance, potentially regulations, permitting 401(k) plans to use defaults to spur takeup of retirement income."

Why Your Client Walks Away from Annuities

"Annuities are a potential solution for this challenge, but when the word 'annuity' comes up, many clients still recall old-school products with high commissions, confusing terms and limited flexibility."