Playbook

Public-sector pensions are shifting more risk onto employees through hybrid designs, variable contributions and COLA changes, transforming retirement planning for millions.

The choice of buyer and the price get the most attention, but a possible merger of equals and the technology side of the transition could loom large in the strategy.

The Swiss wealth management giant says many of its U.S. clients now "largely rely on other banks for their everyday banking needs."

Jeff Lipton is The Bond Buyer's Market Intelligence Analyst. He brings over 25 years of experience in municipal credit and market strategy, to the role, most recently as Managing Director and Head of Municipal Credit & Market Strategy at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. He previously held leadership roles at MetLife, Neuberger Berman, and Robeco, and is widely recognized in the financial press for his commentary and thought leadership across the municipal finance landscape.

Nick Cherry is COO of Phillips & Cohen Associates.

Nearly half of advisors are considering adding this service, according to the Financial Planning's October Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook.

Even with all the advancements in artificial intelligence in the past few years, Financial Planning's new research shows human connection remains at the center of advisors' work.

The Social Security Administration announced its cost-of-living adjustment for beneficiaries — a figure advocates say fails to address the reality for most seniors.

Wells Fargo also pulls from Merrill and Raymond James again from Commonwealth, while AlphaCore buys up a big RIA and the FPA gets a new CEO.