Blogs

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  Gaming Steroid-Free Markets: What’s an Advisor to Do?—Searching for Alpha for May 2013

  By Ben Warwick, Quantitative Equity Strategies  |  May 1, 2013

  So if hedge fund managers can’t outperform in these market conditions, better revisit your diversification strategy.

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  What Advisors Don’t Know About Variable Annuities: How VAs Fit Into a Client’s Portfolio

  By Mike Henkel, Achaean  |  April 29, 2013

  Properly assessing the viability of a variable annuity for a particular client entails considerably more than just adding it alongside a standard model portfolio.

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  Challenges of a Growing Practice: Managing Portfolios

  By Mike Patton  |  April 29, 2013

  Whether you outsource money management or not, at least segment your client base.

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  The Successful Retirement Plan Advisor: The Power of Passion

  By Liz Davidson, Financial Finesse  |  April 26, 2013

  Kathleen Kelly of Compass Financial demonstrates how harnessing your entrepreneurial passion can lead to success, not only for you and your clients, but also for your partners and employees.

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  Outsourcing Can Make Smaller Accounts Profitable

  By Savita Iyer-Ahrestani, AdvisorOne  |  April 25, 2013

  Many financial advisors would be more than willing to serve clients with smaller account balances, but unfortunately, it’s often not possible because running a business is so costly. But FTJ FundChoice has a solution.

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  Solving Succession Planning Via M&A: Getting Started

  By Greg Friedman, MS, CFP  |  April 24, 2013

  If you’re thinking about your succession planning options, RIA firm owner, consider a merger or acquisition. But first ask yourself some important questions.

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  An Effective but Overlooked Estate Planning Tool: IRAs

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  April 23, 2013

  IRAs and Roth IRAs can be used to pass wealth to children and grandchildren, and to encourage retirement savings, but be sure to follow the rules.

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  The CFPB Warning on Senior Designations: Off the Mark

  By Bob Clark, AdvisorOne  |  April 23, 2013

  Is cracking the whip on deceptive seminars for seniors really the most important issue a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should be pursuing?

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  What Advisors Don’t Know About Variable Annuities: Market Conditions and VAs

  By Mike Henkel, Achaean  |  April 22, 2013

  In part four of our series, we look at how market conditions affect variable annuities. VAs may appear, on paper, to be a win-win, but the reality is more nuanced.

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  Viewing Financial Planning Through the Lens of Risk Management

  By Mike Patton  |  April 22, 2013

  In planning for my clients, I view all I do through the lens of risk management, and I'm not limiting myself to insurance.