An aging population is presenting new challenges to families and advisors alike. As we rise to meet these challenges, more attention is being paid to our aging population and its effects on society and individual relationships. Luckily, there is a wealth of resources as well as specific action items that can help smooth the path of inevitable change.

The most effective estate plan is one that covers all the basics in a very practical way throughout your life. While you don’t need to have significant wealth to need practical planning, you do need to have a vision for how you want your family taken care of. There are some practical planning steps that can help your estate plan be effective for you and your family as you age.

No matter where you are in your working life, it is important to understand how the various types of incentive compensation may fit into your overall wealth management and retirement plan. There are a few main types of incentive compensation—each with its own pros and cons relative to risk and return, taxes, vesting requirements and impact on your investment portfolio.

Once you decide to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the analysis has only just begun. By considering a variety of factors, you can determine the best way to tailor the Roth conversion to your circumstances and wealth planning goals.

Both traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are powerful savings tools, and it is important to determine with your advisors whether your current IRAs best fit your retirement plan. If you have a traditional IRA and are thinking about converting it to a Roth IRA, certain considerations may help you determine if it is the best option for you.

When you are in retirement and need to start accessing your savings to fund your living expenses, it can be crucial to understand your spending options and the implications of each choice. There are several considerations that may help you determine how best to fund your lifestyle.

As you get closer to retirement, it is important to understand whether you are on target to achieve your goals. Putting together a financial plan -- and regularly revisiting it -- can help you assess your progress and provide the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments along the way.

While retirement may seem far away when you are in your 20s and 30s, starting to plan during those earlier years can make a big difference. There are a few steps that you can take now to help your retirement be more successful in the future.

For many, retirement is one of their most important goals, but planning how to get there can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you are in your 20s, your 70s, or somewhere in between, answering a few questions may help you factor in the right information and begin your path to retirement planning.

Whether you have only begun to consider incorporating philanthropy into your wealth plan, or already have well-defined goals and aspirations, a few strategies may help you effectively achieve your charitable giving goals.