Planning and Advice

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Pay attention to turnover rates

Your advisor may recommend a long-term approach, but how many funds follow that advice? One thing that I find intriguing about the mutual fund industry is how often it contravenes its own collective advice. Comparing word and deed can lead to some fascinating insights. A practical example I would offer is in regard to portfolio […]

By John J. De Goey |December 24, 2009

6 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

How advisors can convey value

Advisors did a lot of hand holding in 2008 and 2009. And it’s been worth it. The worry’s fading for clients and advisors are able to show the advantages of sticking to the plan. Participants in our 2009 Dollars & Sense roundtable had these thoughts about recent shifts in client relationships: Kathleen Peace, CFA, CFP, […]

By Staff |December 21, 2009

4 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Clients rate their advisors

While most clients like working with sociable advisors, friends aren’t what they’re seeking when they shop for advisors. Every client we spoke with was clear they wanted a strictly professional relationship with the advisor, no different from a physician or an accountant. All are wary of aggressive product-pushers, and appreciative of advisors who remain mindful […]

By Staff |December 21, 2009

7 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Don’t make friends with clients

Sandra called out of the blue and wanted to see me again. I cringed, guessing what she would be coming for. Although she was a talented musician, she had been underemployed for almost a year. She’d been in to see me already twice to claim mea culpa and withdraw significant funds from her retirement plan […]

By Michael Berton |December 21, 2009

3 min read