RJ and Makay

A deal involving the purchase of Grail Advisors LLC by Ameriprise Financial is imminent, say sources close to the matter. The acquisition will enable Ameriprise to plant its flag in the actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) space, which is fast-gaining in popularity.

Grail has established itself as a capable player in that space over the past couple years. It launched its first actively managed ETF in May 2009 and currently has five such ETFs with a combined total of more than $20 million in assets.

Nearly half of people between the ages of 45 and 65 say they don’t feel confident in their retirement planning, according to a poll by the Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com, a lifestyle website for Baby Boomers. Pre-retirees will therefore be counting heavily on Social Security to fund their retirement, the poll also shows.

Of the pre-retirees polled, 44% didn't feel confident about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement. When asked which income sources will be very or extremely important for them in retirement, 65% named Social Security. Here's how other key income sources ranked:

Financial advisors' earnings declined 11% last year, indicates a new poll by the College for Financial Planning. Among 345 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificants and recent graduates of the College's CFP program, average annual earnings were $190,922 last year compared with $215,345 in 2009 and $195,349 in 2008. Residual effects of the recession were responsible for last year's decline, the College suggests.

Although they made less money last year, 94% of respondents said they're happy with their career choice. The poll also found respondents are: