11 Most Read Articles of the Week

1. Who Would Pay for Trump’s Social Security Plan? History Has the Answer

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump vows he “will not cut one cent from Social Security and Medicare” and that “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security…and they won’t.” But why do seniors pay taxes on Social Security? The answer uncovers the secret behind both political parties' promises to protect seniors and their benefits: Protection has a price, and somebody will have to pay it. — Eugene Steuerle

2. Tesla Set to Dominate "Physical" AI Over the Next Year

The “Cybercab” has no steering wheel or pedals… doors that open upward like a Lamborghini… and its battery charges wirelessly. It’s the world’s first truly driverless car, built to ferry passengers around without human intervention. Take a look at this manmade beauty. “I’m from the future, and I’m here to drive you.” — Stephen McBride

3. How To Demonstrate Your Value to a Client in 30 Seconds

I am a massive fan of using simple diagrams to explain technical ideas, but they are also a fabulous way of articulating concepts that people struggle to grasp. One of my favourites is a very simple picture that anyone can scribble on a scrap of paper in 30 seconds, which is great.  What is even better though is it captures the essence of the value that an adviser brings for a client in such a way that a client can get it immediately. — Tony Vidler

4. Planning for Couples With an Age Gap

Retirement planning for couples can be tricky – especially when there’s a significant age difference. For couples facing differing retirement timelines and longevity concerns, adding a source of lifetime income and beneficiary protection may help them feel more confident about their future. — Lincoln Financial Group

5. How Low is the Earning’s Bar?

In this episode, our hosts Chris Versace, Lindsey Bell, and Bob Lang are back together! The trio analyze the ongoing bull market, the role of activist investors like Warren Buffett, and their impact on CEOs and stock performance. Additionally, they cover earnings, AI efficiency, and election-driven market volatility, concluding with insights on long-term strategies and the Federal Reserve's influence. — What Does It Mean?

6. The VIX and Market Rally: What Investors Need to Know

The financial media frequently opines on what the daily gyrations of the VIX (implied volatility index) signal regarding investor sentiment. Despite how often it is quoted and discussed, many investors do not truly appreciate what implied volatility measures. We take this opportunity to help you better understand implied volatility. Furthermore, we discuss other lesser-followed measures of implied volatility that help better assess whether implied VIX readings infer bullish or bearish sentiment. — Michael Lebowitz

7. Understanding the Potential Effects of Tax Policy on Corporate Earnings

Corporate tax rate policy is a routine hot-button issue during every presidential election cycle, and this year’s campaign is no different. Shortly after the 2016 election, we attempted to model the impact of former President Trump’s flagship Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)  on corporate earnings. Unsurprisingly, we determined that reduced tax rates would provide a meaningful boost for corporate profits via reduced effective tax rates. — Brian Manby

8. Investors Rush to Trump Trades as 45's Election Odds Rise

As former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris duke it out in the tight White House race, investors have illustrated how they believe each candidate’s policies may impact various sectors of the market. Indeed, equity rotations have been influenced by changes in polling results, with traders adding to value and small caps while trimming growthier areas within stocks. But predicting the event’s outcome is difficult, which in turn complicates efforts to successfully enact tactical portfolio changes. Additionally, Congress may not approve policies that a new president has vowed to implement, further clouding the outlook. — Jose Torres

9. Scalable. Adaptable. Personal. Explore the Power of the Schwab Franchise Model.

Our ecosystem of support empowers you to serve clients across the board: from DIY investors to ultra-high-net-worth clients with Schwab’s depth and breadth of customer service, knowledge, and business support. All backed by the powerful Schwab brand. Kindle your entrepreneurial fire. Provide clients with customized solutions that truly meet their needs. Add scale to your business. And never look back. — Schwab Independent Branch Services

10. Are You Just a Temporary Authority?

As an advisor with years of experience, there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like your authority has been challenged. When your expertise is challenged, from someone you know isn’t at your level of industry knowledge, it can trigger a visceral reaction inside you that’s hard to articulate. — Ari Galper

11. What Financial Advisors Must Know About Affluent Clients

Alright, so you landed your first or yet another high-net-worth client or maybe even one (or more) in the coveted ultra-high-net-worth camp. Either way, it’s an accomplishment. On the other hand, advisors shouldn’t be quick to pat themselves on the back because converting a client from prospect is only half the battle. Keeping clients as, well, clients is important as well. That’s why customer attraction and retention are often discussed at the same time. — Todd Shriber