Mike Werling

• Losing it all to taxes

  By Mike Werling  |  October 1, 2009

  Losses to roll This first piece of strategy isn't necessarily new. Taxpayers have been able to offset capital gains with capital losses for some time now....

• 529 Plans: Still a good boomer bet?

  By Mike Werling  |  September 1, 2009

  Despite recent state-initiated lawsuits, 529 inflows keep increasing and boomer parents keep saving for college. So, it's been rough. The Dow is down more than 2,500...

• Top-performing plans

  By Mike Werling  |  September 1, 2009

  Consumers have a couple of different options when it comes to putting their money into 529 plans. They can go it alone through direct consumer...

• Congressional recognition

  By Mike Werling  |  September 1, 2009

  Even when boomer parents recognize the importance of saving for their children's college education, it's not easy to get them to act. Some need an...

• Leave a lasting legacy

  By Mike Werling  |  August 1, 2009

  Despite the economy, boomers are still in the mood to give, and advisors are using the strategies best suited for the times. Mark Johnson's client had...

• Ranking of funds and causes

  By Mike Werling  |  August 1, 2009

  The level of American charitable giving continues to be higher than 2 percent of GDP, which charity groups take as a positive sign, especially during...

• Best year ever

  By Mike Werling  |  July 1, 2009

  More advisors than ever are going independent and recruiters have their pick of the talent pool. Find out what they're looking for - and why...

• The educated boomer parent

  By Mike Werling  |  September 1, 2008

  Unbelievably, too many boomer parents still save for college with taxable vehicles. Advisors need to steer them toward tax-advantaged accounts - like 529 plans. Parents know...

• The power of personalization: Direct marketing done right

  By Mike Werling  |  August 1, 2008

  Think direct marketing is dead in the advisor space? Think again. Advancements in client management touch points and resources put advisors on the path to...

• Should I stay or should I go? When is it time to break the chains in your broker/dealer relationship?

  By Mike Werling  |  July 1, 2008

  What factors play into an advisor's decision to change broker/dealers? Three of the biggest are service, compliance and culture. Does your current broker/dealer measure up...