Financial professionals may become aware of sensitive details about clients' personal lives, including medical issues and the death of loved ones. "Advisers should know enough to ask good questions and incorporate those topics into a sound financial plan, but not play expert in areas where they're not trained," says David Stahl of Plante Moran Financial Advisors.

Neuberger's investment leaders break down the macro environment and its implications for equities, fixed income, and private markets. We distill this into five key themes to help you evaluate risk and opportunity in the year ahead.

Gifting a house to a child or selling it for $1 can create potential challenges, including in situations in which children face future financial issues, says elder law attorney Harry Margolis. Margolis discusses certain alternatives, including strategies involving trusts and ladybird deeds.

Caring for so-called boomerang children -- those who require support in adulthood -- can cause financial challenges for Gen Xers that holistic planning can help address. "The greatest gift Gen X can give the next generation is resilience," writes Preston Cherry. "By modeling boundaries, you prepare your kids to stand strong and preserve your ability to retire without becoming dependent on them later."

Clients often bring their own anxieties and concerns with them when they meet with an adviser, and it's important for financial professionals to recognize the impacts of this kind of stress. "There are numerous financial stressors in life, some of which are positive, such as receiving an inheritance, and many more that are negative, including losing a job, going through a divorce, or estate planning," writes Kristy Archuleta of the University of Georgia.

A survey by Omega Systems indicates that family offices are less prepared for cyberattacks compared with other financial services sectors. The survey reveals that only 60% of family office employees are confident in detecting AI-powered cyberattacks, compared with 78% of employees at registered investment advisers. Family offices also are more likely to rely on legacy systems, which makes them more susceptible to breaches.

A Reuters poll of more than 100 economists shows that a majority expect that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 25 basis points at its policy meeting this week to bolster the labor market. The poll's expectations contrast with a growing divide among policymakers about the need for more easing.

The Treasury Department and IRS have issued initial guidance on Invest America accounts, commonly known as Trump accounts. The guidance covers account creation, contributions, eligible investments and distributions, and notes that Roth conversions will be allowed once beneficiaries turn 18. Public comments are being solicited until Feb. 20 for additional regulations to be released in early 2026.