Financial advisers are increasingly helping clients manage the "great stuff transfer," the inheriting of personal belongings stored in garages, attics and storage units. This "stuff transfer" often leads to emotional and logistical challenges for heirs who may not value these items as much as their parents did. Advisers recommend discussing the disposition of these belongings during estate planning, encouraging clients to declutter and clearly identify meaningful items to ease the burden on their heirs.

Even genuine innovation can fuel unsustainable booms. Jensen examines the forces behind the AI-driven rally, the historical parallels at play, and how today's market dynamics may reflect a more interconnected, and possibly more fragile, investment landscape.

Structured notes can become a valuable tool for financial advisers in navigating market volatility, offering a blend of downside protection and upside participation that traditional 60/40 portfolios may not provide, writes Jason Barsema, co-founder and president of Halo Investing. Structured notes can be customized to address specific client needs, such as income stability for retirees and equity risk management for pre-retirees. Read the Journal article now.

Sports investments are now going from trophy assets for billionaires to strategic holdings for institutional investors, family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, driven by potential returns and global brand equity. The trend is highlighted by Guggenheim Capital's $10 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as American investments in European football clubs. However, challenges include complex valuations, liquidity issues and ethical concerns such as "sportswashing." Read the Journal article now.

Wealth transfer from baby boomers to younger generations presents an opportunity for financial advisers to bridge the financial confidence gap. Generation X faces pressures from supporting parents and children while lacking formal financial plans. Millennials are disciplined savers but struggle with debt and retirement confidence. Generation Z is cautious and relies on digital advice. Advisers can build trust by understanding these generational differences and offering tailored guidance.

Many clients have likely not reviewed their beneficiary designations recently, meaning that they could be outdated and potentially cause significant problems in the future. "Here's what I've learned after years of these conversations: beneficiary designations fail not because clients don't care, but because nobody creates a system to review them," writes Daniel Michaelsen of EncorEstate Plans. He discusses beneficiary considerations for different kinds of financial vehicles, including brokerage accounts, real estate and life insurance.

Financial advisers face heightened stress at year-end due to tax deadlines and client demands, leading to potential burnout. Advisers suggest managing this period by planning ahead, delegating tasks and setting personal boundaries. "Hustling through burnout doesn't make you more productive; it just makes you resent the work you love," says financial adviser Michelle Taylor.

Financial advisers are unprepared for the $124 trillion wealth transfer from aging generations to their heirs over the next two decades. Janus Henderson executives say firms need to build teams with specialists in estate planning, tax strategy and risk management; develop emotional intelligence; embrace digital innovation; and establish early trust with inheritors, who value collaboration, personalization and transparency and who favor alternative assets and aggressive growth strategies.