Women who actively participate in managing household finances and attend advisor meetings are significantly more confident in handling their finances during and after a divorce, according to a BMO survey. The survey also found that nearly all women who engaged an advisor after their divorce reported improved financial confidence, and two-thirds of women said they found their advisor through referrals from friends and family.

President Donald Trump is preparing to announce his selection for Federal Reserve chair, with a decision potentially coming before the end of the year. The process, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, involves a second round of interviews with five finalists, marking a more public and extensive vetting process than in previous chair selections.

To prepare finance teams for the AI era, firms must implement structured upskilling strategies that foster continuous learning and adaptability, writes Glenn Friedman of Prager Metis. Rather than replacing finance professionals, AI should function as a powerful sidekick that handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks, allowing humans to focus on things such as ethical decision-making, strategic insight and relationship-building, Friedman writes.

Financial advisors' confidence in the economy and stock market declined in September, with the Advisor Sentiment Index showing a 6-point drop in market sentiment and a 12-point drop in economic sentiment -- the steepest one-month decline in two years. Advisors cited political instability, ineffective governance and tariff policies as major risks. Despite this, 50% of respondents said they expect economic improvement over the next year, and 65% remain bullish on the stock market.

Long-term planning is crucial for minimizing the effects of disasters, as insurance coverage is becoming more expensive and harder to obtain in high-risk areas, writes Jeffrey Fishman of JSF Financial. Property owners should evaluate their insurance needs based on coverage rather than price, keep track of valuable items, and consider the potential costs and challenges of rebuilding after a disaster.

Year-end is a favored time for Roth IRA conversions because it allows investors to more accurately estimate their total income for the year, which is crucial for managing potential tax liabilities. Roth conversions may be particularly beneficial for younger retirees, who can potentially convert funds at a lower tax rate while setting up future tax-free growth. However, advisors warn that increased income from conversions could affect eligibility for Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies.

Hartford Funds' Mike Lynch highlights common misconceptions about Social Security among near-retirees, noting many are unaware of optimal claiming strategies and the program's funding. Lynch emphasizes the importance of financial advisors in educating clients and reassuring them about the future of Social Security.