This is my first post in a new series which will analyze the retirement planning industry. I will cover 401(k), 403(b), and other (less popular) vehicles in my discussions. My hope is to unravel to some extent the cost structure of these plans and help corporate executives, business developers, and plan participants to gain a stronger understanding of how their retirement funds are being handled.

Have you ever heard of this concept? I had a potential client contact me recently to get my take on whether “Missed Fortune” financial planning is as brilliant as its famed promoter (Doug Andrews) claims it is.

In doing research for one of my book chapters, I uncovered some great information about behavioral finance. For my purposes, this science explains the ways in which emotion affects financial markets along with other mediums such as saving and spending.

I found a study in the most recent edition of planadviser magazine which suggests that families will start consolidating their investment accounts with one adviser in the next few years. The primary explanations they give are: 1- to improve retirement income planning (converting assets into a stream of income) and 2 – asset decumulation (giving your money away).

Although several savings vehicles exist to fund a college education, 529 plans may be one of the best. 529 plans combine the advantages of other college savings vehicles but avoid some of the common drawbacks.