Darla Mercado

Darla Mercado writes about retirement issues and products, including taxes, annuities and 401(k) plans. She welcomes feedback and tips from readers on interesting topics. Outside of the newsroom, Darla spends her time inline skating, biking, running and swimming. She Tweets at: @Darla_Mercado

Darla Mercado
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Multiple-employer plans provide growth for retirement plan advisers, if they can handle it
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 27, 2015
Multiple-employer plans provide growth for retirement plan advisers, if they can handle it

Plan advisers need to make sure they can properly service MEPs and are not just dazzled by the idea of adding dozens of new clients.

Tax season takeaways keep on coming
RETIREMENT TAX APR 27, 2015
Tax season takeaways keep on coming

Advisers and accountants are taking a look back at 2014's results and thinking about what they can do better for 2015.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 16, 2015
Feud over Robin Williams' estate highlights need for specificity in trusts

The late comedian's estate plan is back in the headlines: This time, his beneficiaries are embroiled in a legal fight over the interpretation of his trust.

Point-Counterpoint: In the battle between active and passive management, which style wins?
INVESTING EQUITIES APR 15, 2015
Point-Counterpoint: In the battle between active and passive management, which style wins?

The answer to which strategy is best will depend on the scenario in question.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 14, 2015
MassMutual beefs up DCIO effort, extending reach into retirement plans

Insurer faces uphill battle as competition in defined contribution investment-only space is tough.

Who oversees wealth advisers who guide investors on 401(k)s? It depends.
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 14, 2015
Who oversees wealth advisers who guide investors on 401(k)s? It depends.

In the most complex scenarios, you may answer to DOL, Finra and SEC.

Hidden tax benefits of continuing care retirement communities
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 13, 2015
Hidden tax benefits of continuing care retirement communities

Advisers planning for the long-term-care needs of clients should seriously consider the potential tax savings that come with these communities.

RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES APR 10, 2015
Time may have come to eliminate sales incentives in the annuities business

As the financial services industry moves toward a fiduciary standard, prizes for top insurance sellers smack of conflict.

Are employer savings on health care being reinvested in retirement plans?
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 10, 2015
Are employer savings on health care being reinvested in retirement plans?

As health care benefits fall out of favor with employees, some small businesses are considering redesigning their 401(k)s to retain staff.

Hidden tax benefits of Continuing Care Retirement Communities
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING APR 10, 2015
Hidden tax benefits of Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Advisers planning for the long-term-care needs of clients ought to seriously consider the potential tax savings that come with continuing care retirement communities.