Buying or selling a home is a complicated, expensive undertaking that presents an opportunity for you to deepen your client relationships. Advisor Mike Rodenbaugh of Boardwalk Financial Strategies shares his perspective on helping smooth a real estate transaction, providing important counsel on affordability, cash flow, retirement impact, mortgage financing and estate planning. For example, he says, “down payment sourcing creativity” may be needed for a client buying a new home before selling a current home.

As you hunt for yield with less exposure to market volatility, you may want to consider Interval Funds, an unlisted type of closed-end fund. John Cole Scott, chair of the nonprofit Active Investment Company Alliance, says Interval Funds have been around a long time but are now gaining “traction.” While they do not trade on an exchange, they are readily available from fund families and offer a range of asset classes including alternative-style investments. AICA is hosting a free online Interval Fund “boot camp” on March 31.

Short Video on the Designated Beneficiary of a 529

Short Video on the Myths and Facts of 529 Gift Limits

Closed-end funds are known for leveraged income generation, but yields can come from a range of sources, strategies and products. John Cole Scott, founder of the Active Investment Company Alliance and chief investment officer of CEF Advisors, offers his perspective on the current CEF landscape and challenges presented by the coronavirus, not to mention the presidential election and recession recovery. Scott also shares his excitement about the AICA online CEF conference on Aug. 13, featuring the “best and brightest” minds in the CEF industry.

Municipal Bond Closed-end Funds, like most investments, have felt the impact of the coronavirus-stricken economy. But Dave Lamb of Nuveen says Muni CEFs have rebounded well, especially those with higher quality credits. Despite potential concern of a recession-driven shortfall of taxes supporting munis, Lamb is optimistic about the future. He says it’s an “opportune time to invest in closed-end funds.” He expects discounts to continue to narrow and notes the low cost of leverage has helped lead many funds to increase distributions.

In recent years Business Development Companies may have caught your eye and your client’s attention as well. The growing BDC market offers broad access to potentially high-yielding private equity, if an alternative PE investment fits your portfolio needs.

As our pandemic-related troubles continue, stock dividends have been shrinking. The negative trend presents a challenge, especially for retirees and others who depend on their portfolio income.

Have your cake and eat it, too? Convertible bonds come with an equity option that may help you manage risk in today’s coronavirus-affected investment portfolios.

As we pursue economic recovery while battling the coronavirus, Warren Buffett seems optimistic. But he’s selling airline stocks, holding onto cash and not making new investments. What market bets are you making? How about CLO CEFs?

Are you a safe distance from portfolio risk? As the stock market struggles, risk reduction becomes more appealing to many.

As the coronavirus infects and injures markets worldwide, financial advisors are on the front lines, fighting the fear and uncertainty felt by their stressed-out clients.

AAM CEO & CIO Scott Colyer, reflects on 40 years in the financial industry and how Advisors Asset Management has evolved as a leader in empowering financial advisors to succeed. “We started as an advisor-centric firm back in 1979, and are still an advisor-centric firm 40 years later.”

CEO Scott Colyer and CIS Matt Lloyd discuss their 10 investment themes for 2020. Watch to learn more about expectations and top opportunities, and the warning signs we look for.

Our investors share what they're watching as they prepare for 2020.

Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, provides his 2020 market outlook. After a strong 2019, worries are starting to build for the year ahead—especially over a potential recession. But the data is actually improving. As such, 2020 may look much like 2019. Job growth might slow, but consumers are likely to keep spending. Plus, business investment is showing signs of a comeback, which would be a significant tailwind. The news for the markets may not be as positive, as we may see some volatility. But as long as the economy keeps growing? The markets should continue to move forward.

For us, risk management isn't only about limiting risk. It's about collaboration and taking customized, appropriate risk for each client.

A multi-asset credit strategy seeks attractive global credit risk premia in different credit sectors as well as different credit asset classes.

Nasdaq President & CEO Adena Friedman talks candidly with Envestnet Head of Asset Manager Distribution about the future of financial advising, adding value for clients, work/life balance, and why Nasdaq isn’t just an exchange but a global technology company.

Going from retirement saving to retirement spending, or ‘cracking the nest egg,’ may be a challenging transition. Jeff Holt of Morningstar says there’s a risk of being “too conservative.”