Opinion

Displaying 2094 results
The joy of eliminating write-offs
NEWS OPINION MAR 01, 2023
The joy of eliminating write-offs

A change in cash flow meant it temporarily wasn't worth it to itemize donations of goods and money, a development that provided an unexpected bonus.

Real estate isn't an alternative — it's a core investment
NEWS OPINION FEB 24, 2023
Real estate isn't an alternative — it's a core investment

In 2020, the global real estate market had a value of more than $326 trillion, which is more than the value of all the stocks and bonds in the world.

Student athletes' NIL deals give advisors the ability to create change
NEWS OPINION FEB 23, 2023
Student athletes' NIL deals give advisors the ability to create change

Financial advisors can play an active role in the success of student athletes with name, image and likeness deals, but they need to speak the language of their young clients.

Thank you, SECURE 2.0, for 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers
NEWS OPINION FEB 22, 2023
Thank you, SECURE 2.0, for 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers

While the legislation provides an attractive option for families who end up not needing the money in a 529 plan, it's not clear how many will be eligible to use it.

How advisors can use technology to seize their opportunity with Gen Z
NEWS OPINION FEB 17, 2023
How advisors can use technology to seize their opportunity with Gen Z

It's vital for advisors to develop relationships with the next generation of investors and carve out a niche for their business.

Waiting too long can make your worst fears a reality
NEWS OPINION FEB 15, 2023
Waiting too long can make your worst fears a reality

The primary reason RIA principals continue to run their own shops, rather than cashing out or offloading day-to-day responsibilities, has to do with fear.

Examining gamification's power and influence in the markets
NEWS OPINION FEB 15, 2023
Examining gamification's power and influence in the markets

A recent survey by CFA Institute found 20% of retail investors say their primary reason for using trading accounts is entertainment or speculation.

What do advisory firms need to keep growing? A move beyond client referrals
NEWS OPINION FEB 09, 2023
What do advisory firms need to keep growing? A move beyond client referrals

As firms increase in size, client referrals represent a declining percentage of new assets, while marketing accounts for a greater percentage.

Rising rates, falling revenue will dramatically change RIA M&A activity in 2023
NEWS OPINION FEB 08, 2023
Rising rates, falling revenue will dramatically change RIA M&A activity in 2023

Look for independent broker-dealers flush with interest-rate revenue to emerge as credible threats to the mergers-and-acquisitions status quo.

5 ways for financial advisors to further their careers in 2023
NEWS OPINION FEB 07, 2023
5 ways for financial advisors to further their careers in 2023

Set aside time to take stock and focus your sights on what you want to achieve in the months ahead.

Compassion comes full circle when giving makes you a better advisor
NEWS OPINION FEB 07, 2023
Compassion comes full circle when giving makes you a better advisor

When an advisor launched a nonprofit in his ancestral home of Ghana, he also learned how to better understand his clients

The consolidation contradiction
NEWS OPINION FEB 01, 2023
The consolidation contradiction

Smaller firms can still flourish amid the rampant M&A activity, but they need to employ targeted client development and strategic outsourcing.

How leading firms are utilizing technology
NEWS OPINION FEB 01, 2023
How leading firms are utilizing technology

It's safe to say that the more adept you are at selecting, implementing and utilizing the available technologies, the better off your practice and your clients will be.

Inside the mind of the SEC
NEWS OPINION JAN 31, 2023
Inside the mind of the SEC

Last year, the agency managed to examine about 16% of all advisors, but it aims to do more exams in 2023.

8 reasons to consider cash balance plans for business owner clients
NEWS OPINION JAN 25, 2023
8 reasons to consider cash balance plans for business owner clients

Such plans can help clients catch up on retirement saving while offering significant tax benefits.

3 reasons I love my career as a financial planner
NEWS OPINION JAN 25, 2023
3 reasons I love my career as a financial planner

A young financial planner cites the benefits of having a supportive team and the fascination of learning about financial planning's emotional and psychological side.

ESG is about quality, not quantity
NEWS OPINION JAN 24, 2023
ESG is about quality, not quantity

We have reached a moment of reflection after a period of exuberant expansion.

Organic asset growth is health
NEWS OPINION JAN 18, 2023
Organic asset growth is health

The best-managed RIAs closely monitor growth by measuring net new assets and revenues, both from the addition of new clients as well as existing clients adding to their investment portfolios.

Beware of breaching your fiduciary obligations related to client data
NEWS OPINION JAN 18, 2023
Beware of breaching your fiduciary obligations related to client data

The industry has focused almost exclusively on cybersecurity controls over the past few years, instead of understanding what their core obligations and fiduciary responsibilities are for client data.

Is direct indexing really new or special?
NEWS OPINION JAN 11, 2023
Is direct indexing really new or special?

Direct indexing looks a lot like separately managed accounts, and SMAs may provide more control and flexibility for investors.