Wealth Think

LPL’s board of directors has been putting a lot of trust lately in some of chairman and CEO Mark Casady’s longest-serving, highest-flying lieutenants.

Where does an advisor add the greatest value? Through knowledge of investing and financial markets? Through the ability to help clients reach their retirement savings goals? By bringing order and a roadmap for the future to otherwise unplanned chaos? Professional financial advice is useful in these and countless other ways, but the greatest contribution, at least for some clients, is actually “behavioral”—advisors protecting clients from their own worst instincts and bring rationality to the planning process.

Legacy expert attorneys Danielle and Andy Mayoras say the legal battle between two feuding CEOs provides yet another example of why it’s so important for advisors to make prudent succession planning decisions as their firms grow and evolve.

While most advisors do focus on generating referrals, many forget to spend time figuring out whether their businesses are worthy of getting those referrals in the first place, says Ken Unger, advisor coach and president of Million Dollar Producer.

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott answers questions about segregating required minimum distributions and combining Roth IRAs.

Steve Sanduski, The Prosperous Advisor, says that advisors who want to reach the pinnacle of their profession need to make sure the “under the hood” of their office is as excellent as the shiny exterior their clients see.

The one-size-fits-all approach to advice and investing won’t work, says John Anderson, head of practice management solutions at SEI Advisor Network. The real question isn’t whether clients will change, but rather whether your business will change.

Marketing expert Marie Swift says establishing and continually increasing credibility is essential for today’s financial advisors. Here are some tips to help build your reputation and increase your buzz factor.

This week, IRA expert Ed Slott answers questions about Roth IRA conversions and early distribution penalties.

Legacy expert attorneys Andy and Danielle Mayoras say that contrary to preliminary reports, British songstress Amy Winehouse did not have a will in place at the time of her death—an estate planning mistake that advisors and their clients can’t afford to make.