Expert Views

Money Market Funds: Safe Or Not?

by Richard Heitman

Advisors need tools to better assess the risks from where they place their clients' cash.

It's Not All About The Technology

Efficient technology implementation requires an examination of people and processes, in addition to products.

A Phony Argument

by Ian Salisbury

In Washington, almost anything will fly if you can make an argument it will benefit the middle class. It worked in the fight against requiring advisors to act in clients' best interests.

The Case for 'Active Value'

Active value is a methodology based on seeking out undervalued businesses undergoing significant strategic changes and taking advantage of these opportunities through investments across the...

How To Select Hedge Funds

by Manoj M. Nadkarni

This RIA cuts through the jargon and explains five steps to use in choosing hedge funds for your affluent clients.

Investment Implications Of Health Care Reform

by David Kelly

What does passage of landmark health legislation mean for the economy and markets?

Managing Retirement Income: Part III

by Jack Gardner

An investment in stocks of companies that provide both high- and growing-dividend income can benefit a retirement portfolio undergoing the duress of withdrawals.

Overlooked Lending

by Richard Heitman

Small business owners remain caught in a credit squeeze. Here's how advisors may be able to be able to help such clients.

Getting Technical

by Eric Clarke

Few financial advisors go into business because they love spending time thinking about their back-office and technology, but often find themselves dealing with too many back-office distractions...

A New Plan

A client with a need for income had her retirement assets slashed more than 40% to $500,000 as a result of the 2008 market crash. Here's how one advisor helped.

Managing Retirement Income: Part II

by Jack Gardner

Some retirees don't realize that their spending plans are too simple-and flawed. An "endowment" spending policy may be a better choice.

When the IRS Comes Auditing

by Bruce W. Fraser

Our writer tells how he learned to greatly appreciate his financial advisor when he faced the classic taxpayer's nightmare: an audit.

Ask The Right Questions

by Randy Bradley

That's when opportunities emerge with clients and we solidify our bonds with them. Unfortunately, most advisors don't ask about parental care responsibilities.

Managing Retirement Income: Part I

by Jack Gardner

Building a cash flow reserve ladder can help retirees avoid having to sell assets at the wrong time.

Retirement: It's Back To Basics For Many

by Bruce W. Fraser

Americans are thinking less about a dream retirement and more about meeting basic needs. They especially are asking how to have a guaranteed income stream for retirement.

Liking Cash-Flush Companies

This Schwab fund manager is sticking to stocks in companies that are sitting on big cash reserves, do business in many places and have a track record of announcing pleasant surprises...

A Model Portfolio

A prominent advisory firm shares its model diversified portfolio, suitable for a client in retirement.

Managing Social Security Benefits

by Mitchell Kauffman

A financial advisor suggests six areas to consider when helping clients decide when to take Social Security benefits. 

Tech Conference Planned

Two well-known practice management and technology experts and Financial Advisor magazine will present the fifth annual T3: Technology Tools for Today conference in February.

Bridging The Chasm To Independence

by Edward K. Riley

Why affiliating with a broker-dealer makes sense for some advisors who want to go independent.