Seven US senators, led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have expressed "serious concerns" in a letter to regulators regarding the Trump administration's efforts to allow private equity and cryptocurrency investments in retirement plans. The senators argue the move could pose significant risks to retirement savers.

Menus that evolve with participants—balancing simplicity, customization, and income options—may define the next standard in DC plans.

Explore DC Insights

Financial advisors may feel pressure to create podcasts or pursue other digital marketing trends, but Ficomm Partners CEO Megan Carpenter advises them to focus instead on strategic marketing that aligns with their business goals and personal strengths. "The firms growing fastest aren't necessarily creating the most content," Carpenter writes. "They're the ones aligning marketing with strategy -- clear goals, defined audiences, consistent messaging and authentic execution."

Practice management consultant Beverly Flaxington addresses the challenges of maintaining accountability and motivation among equal partners in a financial advisory team. She emphasizes the importance of agreeing on goals, identifying obstacles and understanding the human factor in business development.

Discussion surrounding the recent passing of actress Diane Keaton has highlighted the potential role of pet trusts in estate planning. Elizabeth Acevedo of Weinstock Manion notes that such a trust "should provide guidance on the type of care that the trustee should pay for with trust assets (for example, veterinary care, including specialists, walking services, grooming services, specialty food, boarding, etc.)."

Self-funding long-term care is a precarious strategy, even for affluent families, as it exposes portfolios to significant financial risk, writes Chad Druvenga of CBS Brokerage. Druvenga notes that a 61-year-old putting aside about $10,500 a year for 10 years would need to earn nearly 10% annually after taxes and fees for 20-plus years to keep up with long-term care costs, which is unrealistic for most retirees.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents to Capital Group's 2025 Investor Retirement Income Survey said they would prefer an investment strategy that offers lower risk with lower returns as opposed to higher risk with higher returns. In addition, 60% said they would prioritize generating steady income over reinvesting in hopes of greater returns.