Practice

Advisors should work to become the first name people in a particular market think of when they need a certain type of product, service or expertise. Being a "local/vocal name" can set you apart from other financial advisors and help you gain market share, according to marketing expert Marie Swift.

Almost all the planners surveyed by Tiburon called the current technology offerings merely acceptable or downright unsatisfactory.

The ASTON/River Road Independent Value Fund is reopening to new investors starting Sept. 4.

Programs to strengthen bank liquidity, facilitate credit and buy mortgages were good moves, though it is hard to say how much worse things would have been in their absence, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke said at the Jackson Hole summit.

Your competitive advantage is what sets you apart. In a nutshell, have one. Then be able to articulate it.

Romney wants to make it easier for Congress to veto the proposals from regulators, and he vows to put a cap on new regulations. Both plans could have a big impact on financial regulation.

Many people are not gaining the full benefit they could from Social Security. And in many cases, financial advisors don't know enough about how the program works to help their clients. Yet it will continue to be a key part of many clients' retirement income.

Technology has advanced and financial products are more complex, but the success of a program still depends on getting the right people-just don't expect perfection

A run-down of the stories in this issue, beginning with the cover story, which details how to offer wealth management with a personal touch.

Our legal analyst explores one state's new rules on employment agreements.