Key moments in clients' lives -- such as buying a house, getting married or reaching retirement age -- represent opportunities for financial professionals to offer guidance and provide value, writes Philipp Hecker of Bento Engine.

The Senate tax and spending bill passed a procedural hurdle in a 51-49 vote over the weekend, and the chamber could start a "vote-a-rama" on amendments to the package Monday morning. President Donald Trump has indicated that he wants the bill on his desk by July 4.

The US economy continues to show resilience despite renewed tariff threats and global trade uncertainty. Consumers remain confident, markets are stable, and while growth has slowed from 2024 levels, it remains steady, underscoring investor optimism and a broader sense that the worst of the trade disruption may be behind us.

Advisors typically lose one spouse as a client post-divorce, especially if they don't proactively plan for the transition, writes Jamie Lima of Allegiant Divorce Solutions. By introducing a colleague as an alternative advisor early on, firms can retain both clients, keeping more assets in-house and providing continuity through a challenging transition, Lima writes.

Cultural fit is a critical yet often overlooked factor in mergers and acquisitions, writes Beverly Flaxington, who offers 25 questions to help firms assess compatibility in areas such as leadership style, employee development and client service.

Couples should be aware of the tax implications of marriage, particularly if one partner has significant debt or wealth. A new analysis from the Colcom Group highlights nine important tax considerations, emphasizing that addressing these practical matters can prevent future conflicts.

Financial advisor Anna N'Jie-Konte highlights common regrets among retirees, including delaying retirement, not spending more earlier in life, failing to track financial progress and lacking tax diversification. N'Jie-Konte advises clients to define and schedule their bucket-list experiences early and to build a mix of account types for flexibility in retirement.