No Man Is An Island
This article describes how so-called study groups — the aggregation of several financial planning firms into a group that relies upon and networks with each other — can give a small firm the power of a large one.
Changing Landscape of State Estate Taxes
The rise in the federal limits for estate tax exemption from the 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) have hit many states where it hruts the most: in the pocketbook. Many are fighting back with by “de coupling” with federal es
The Problem with SBA Loans
The SBA’s cornerstone program, the so-called 7(a) Loan Guarantee has helped thousands of businesses. But you should think twice before applying. Extracting help from the public sector can extract a real toll on your deal.
An Affinity for Selling
This article was written for financial services sales professionals affiliated with Interbay Funding. It explores some of the basic tenants of affinity selling, why it makes sense and the value it brings to the sales equation.
Feelings Matter
If you are not sure how you feel about the economy, you at least take the temperature of your peers. A group of advisers is becoming the financial world’s answer to the Nielsen families resulting in the Advisor Confidence Index.
Drawing The Line On Fees . . . But Where?
Is the popular model for levying fees, a percentage of assets under management, really right for financial advisors? Some fee only advisors are charging extra for certain services, earning fees, and getting recognition for value they add.
Firing Clients
Is there any way to “fire” a client nicely? Developing skills in pruning clients can be every bit as important as developing the skills to bring them on.
Training Places
Training and education technology that has been de riguer in other industries is just now making an appearnce in financial planning. In a regualted business for which one new regulation is promulgated every seven days, access to training can be vital.
Less is More
A survery of more than 5,000 reps from LEL financial services reveasl a curious trend. Increasingly, planners want fewer, not more customers. Why? Because, in the ver popular high net worth space, less is more.
State of Flux
Substantial changes to the federal estate tax laws enacted in 2001 under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) have upset the delicate balance between state and federal estate tax liabilities. T. Rowe Price asked me to write a short article which described for investors the possible new tax liabilities which they may face as a result of the schism on estate taxes between state and federal authorities.