Agentic AI has the potential to transform financial advising by handling end-to-end processes with minimal human intervention, panelists said at Financial Planning's AI Virtual Summit. "Agents can do the jobs that we don't want to do, and they could deliver instantaneous execution," said David Breakstone of Salesforce. However, experts caution that the technology is still in its early stages, and advisers must ensure the accuracy of AI-generated outputs.

Estate planning for valuable collectibles such as rare coins or watches requires the same rigor as planning for an investment portfolio, writes attorney Matthew Erskine. Erskine suggests a five-phase framework that involves triage, strategic planning and ongoing management.

Disclaiming inheritance can be a valuable estate planning tool for reasons that include tax avoidance, preservation of government benefits and family dynamics management, writes Miklos Ringbauer, founder of MiklosCPA. The process involves submitting a formal, irrevocable written statement within nine months of the decedent's death. Beneficiaries forfeit the right to direct where the disclaimed assets go, and must comply with state-specific requirements such as notarization or probate court filings.

Financial advisers must adapt their approach to help Generation Z clients plan for retirement, writes John Stevenson. Gen Z values simplicity and relevance, preferring straightforward communication that explains why financial strategies matter to their individual lives, notes Stevenson, who recommends using clear, relatable explanations -- often with humor, real-world analogies and visual tools..

Single-family offices are often misunderstood, with the term "family office" frequently misused to describe any firm serving wealthy families, says Robertino Coury, CEO of LinePoint. Coury defines a single-family office as an operating enterprise that centralizes decision-making, safeguards privacy and manages a family's wealth and values across generations. "A family office is intentional, operational and strategic," Coury says. "True family offices think in decades, not quarters."

Financial advisers are expressing concern about the disconnect between record stock market performance and economic indicators such as persistent inflation and sluggish job growth, according to Financial Planning's Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook. Confidence dropped from July to August, with particular concern over the disconnect between market performance and economic fundamentals. Advisers cite persistent inflation, stagnant job growth, and the uncertain impact of recent tariffs as reasons for their nervousness.

State-run auto IRAs have surpassed $2 billion in assets, with more than 1 million workers participating, according to Pew Charitable Trusts. "This rapid growth stems from better-than-average market performance, a 25% increase in saver accounts, and higher average savings rates as programs mature," said Pew's Kim Olson.

Health savings accounts may offer valuable tax benefits, although some observers suggest that these vehicles may be underused. HSAs allow for tax-deductible contributions as well as tax-exempt growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. "When you use your HSA as a spending vehicle, you are missing out on the tax-free growth and investment," said Jake Spiegel of the Employee Benefit Research Institute.