New look, new era for InvestmentNews

Welcome to a new era of storytelling here at InvestmentNews. I am proud to introduce the first installment in our Game Changers series, “When time runs out.” The story is not your typical succession and/or continuity planning story. Yes, it contains frightful statistics highlighting how few advisers have an executable plan in place that ensures the continuity of their practices in the event of their own sudden death, sickness or disability. Yes, it contains exhortations for advisers to plan for the unexpected. In this story, however, InvestmentNews reporter Liz Skinner tells a tale about the importance of continuity planning by advisers through the eyes of those most hurt when such plans are overlooked: the clients. Bonnie Williams, for example, reveals how she was left vulnerable in the midst of a divorce when her adviser died without planning for the continuation of his practice. Mary and Dick Zellner tell of how they were at a loss about handling their finances after their adviser died of cancer — only days after notifying them that he was ill.

A MAN OF COURAGE AND INTEGRITY

There is another remarkable character in Liz's story. His name is Dan Candura and he is an inspiration to everyone who calls him or herself an adviser. Diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer last year, Mr. Candura made the brave decision early on to inform his clients about his illness — despite the likelihood that many might leave his practice at a time when he needed their business the most. Mr. Candura walks us through how he got to that gutsy decision and how his clients reacted to his honesty. I am glad you are reading this print edition of InvestmentNews. But if you really want to be blown away, check out InvestmentNews.com/whentimerunsout. That's where this story — augmented by video, interactive polling and links to additional stories and resources — really shines. Speaking of our website, it now sports a new look. We are taking the wraps off of a top-to-bottom redesign of our site that allows desktop, tablet and mobile users to access our content more easily. To improve the online experience, we have cut down on “page clutter” and have made it much easier to find the latest news, columns, blogs, special reports and video from anywhere on the site. Go to InvestmentNews.com and check it out. You won't be disappointed.