Carolyn McClanahan

My training in virology, laboratory pathology and emergency medicine gives me a different perspective of how to manage our society’s new path forward, writes M.D. and planner Carolyn McClanahan.

As a longtime proponent of flat fees, I see a lot of pain ahead for firms that rely solely on assets under management.

We can all play a part in preparing for this and future outbreaks.

Why do advisors focus so heavily on planning for a lifestyle change that may never happen?

A succession strategy doesn't have to be set in stone, writes columnist Carolyn McClanahan.

Do planners offer enough value to keep tech companies and automated advice at bay?

When his dad passed away, my client would have to probate 60 different stocks and a New York property, plus handle charitable contributions. At the same time, 13 grandchildren would breathe down his neck for their inherited shares.

In five bite-sized offerings, Chairman Jay Clayton fails to tell the public what it needs to know about RIAs vs. brokers.

It's important to teach younger advisors every aspect of your practice. Start with "I don't know."

Guiding them through the fine print of narrow networks, deductibles and copays could become a key differentiator.

How to know when you’ve reached that just-right size.

Making sure what we say and what clients hear has been a trial-and-error process, but one that’s yielded useful results.

How to create the best setting and address strong emotions for tough conversations. Also, what not to do.

Financial advisors are uniquely poised to help clients' families with end-of-life planning needs when doctors and lawyers can’t.

When trying to predict and plan for Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other genetic diseases, certain tests seem attractive. Are they worth the time and money?

Gun safety proposals and the Affordable Care Act can be polarizing topics, but this advisor tweets about them anyway — to much success.

Clients surprised me when I asked for their opinions about the planning tool. Plus, how to find out if you're an "innovator" or a "laggard."

Leave this bad influence back where it belongs — in high school.

Why structuring your practice under a lead advisor won’t serve your staff — or your clients

Drop that Excel spreadsheet. Here’s why your business plan should fit on just one page ... in Word.