Opinion

Displaying 2266 results
Do you have undisclosed crypto? If so, it's time to decide your future
OPINION OCT 15, 2021
Do you have undisclosed crypto? If so, it's time to decide your future

Claims that crypto is 'untraceable' and the 'perfect tax haven' have been exploded. Those who bought into this mythology have to decide what to do.

By David Lesperance
A plan for yourself is a plan for the future of your firm
OPINION OCT 12, 2021
A plan for yourself is a plan for the future of your firm

The No. 1 reason given for the increase in advisory firm M&A is the desire to create a succession plan. Advisers nearing retirement should consider their alternatives.

By Scott Hanson
Bond market dilemma: How to lower duration without sacrificing yield
OPINION OCT 12, 2021
Bond market dilemma: How to lower duration without sacrificing yield

Investors could benefit from investing in a lower-duration, diversified fixed-income solution that invests in high income-producing sectors, such as high-quality high yield or emerging market debt.

By Edward Kerschner and Ronald Stahl
Exposing clients to financial plans in unexpected places
OPINION OCT 11, 2021
Exposing clients to financial plans in unexpected places

American Express Co. believes a consumer may want to create a full financial plan, complete with toggles for job promotions and inflation as well as important life events. They're not the only company that thinks so.

By Dani Fava
Congress must help make emergency savings automatic
OPINION OCT 09, 2021
Congress must help make emergency savings automatic

People already use retirement savings to manage short-term needs through 401(k) plan loans, hardship withdrawals and by cashing out during job transitions. Any retirement legislation should include provisions for emergency savings.

By Timothy Flacke
Lessons from Beijing’s toothless crypto ban
OPINION OCT 08, 2021
Lessons from Beijing’s toothless crypto ban

For crypto-skeptic advisers, the fact that the ban proved to be a tempest in a teapot should be a wake-up call. Crypto as an asset class is here to stay.

By Dan Eyre
Getting to know you: Telling your story in your bio
OPINION OCT 06, 2021
Getting to know you: Telling your story in your bio

Advisers' biographies tend to be generic, filled with jargon and acronyms. Write a bio that gives prospects the information they need to decide whether they want to talk with you.

By Kristine McManus
How do I market my RIA?
OPINION OCT 04, 2021
How do I market my RIA?

The compliance friction points that advisers detest the most are almost always centered around marketing.

By [email protected]
What we talk about when we talk about risk profiles
OPINION OCT 04, 2021
What we talk about when we talk about risk profiles

Client risk profiles can be messy and complex, and even the language is confusing. Here are guidelines advisers can use to properly vet the tools they use to create client risk profiles.

By Sarah Newcomb
The rise of insurtech
OPINION OCT 04, 2021
The rise of insurtech

Just 10 years ago, there was little crossover between securities and insurance, as insurance agents, health insurance agents and Wall Street advisers traditionally stayed in separate lanes. But that has started to change.

By Arron Price
How technology can embrace ‘financial therapy’
OPINION OCT 01, 2021
How technology can embrace ‘financial therapy’

Advisers can use their tech stack to seamlessly track the opportunities best suited for each client and recommend appropriate actions that result in long-term change.

By Sarah Rasmuss
3 drivers of record M&A activity
OPINION SEP 30, 2021
3 drivers of record M&A activity

With valuations of financial planning and wealth management shops at record highs and private equity focusing on the space, it would seem prudent for firms to at least research their options.

By Scott Hanson
The next evolution of Monte Carlo analysis
OPINION SEP 28, 2021
The next evolution of Monte Carlo analysis

Advances in technology and the deployment of Monte Carlo in financial planning means these solutions can support advisers creating stronger, more personalized financial plans.

By Matt Rogers
Dealing with challenging clients
OPINION SEP 28, 2021
Dealing with challenging clients

Deep-in-debt clients were hoping for a magic solution I didn't have, and didn't appreciate the advice I was able to give them.

By Michael Broad
Managing operational risks at growing advisory firms
OPINION SEP 27, 2021
Managing operational risks at growing advisory firms

As changes bring about increased risks, RIAs need to recognize that insurance is a vital component of their risk management strategy.

By Ian Muir
What can move advisers to create a succession plan?
OPINION SEP 21, 2021
What can move advisers to create a succession plan?

It seems as though the pandemic should have provided the motivation for advisers to address their continuity needs.

By Nathan Munits
The impact versus the job: Lessons on making a noble profession
OPINION SEP 16, 2021
The impact versus the job: Lessons on making a noble profession

I believe we can fundamentally change people’s lives for the better through financial advice.

By Jamie Hopkins
Why multiyear earnouts can cause problems
OPINION SEP 14, 2021
Why multiyear earnouts can cause problems

Such arrangements are often structured in ways that misalign the interests of the buyers and sellers, and they can be highly divisive.

By Scott Hanson
Mobile apps teach college students to tackle spending habits — and debt
OPINION SEP 10, 2021
Mobile apps teach college students to tackle spending habits — and debt

With students facing significant debt when they graduate, financial service providers can use technology to create a sense of empowerment around financial management for young adults.

By Ashley Dahl
Embedded investing and why it works
OPINION SEP 08, 2021
Embedded investing and why it works

Professionally managed portfolios that are accessible inside of consumer apps will give consumers their first taste of investing via a long-term-focused offer — perhaps coupled with education and bite-sized planning.

By Dani Fava