Client strategies

Understanding the valuation of your firm can help identify areas of improvement, especially if you are considering selling. Here are some key insights to consider.

This MD-turned-CFP relies on the “BATHE” psychiatric tool to help discern what’s really going on with clients.

Remember, 529 plans aren't the only game in town. Here are some alternative solutions for clients to fund their kids' educations.

When looking for concierge healthcare and health insurance advice, financial advisors often find that support from specialized health consultants.

Why advisor Kimberly Foss hopes the Fed does raise interest rates.

Advisors should urge clients to think long term before and after the Fed announcement on rates, says Allan Roth.

It may seem counter intuitive, but offering some free services may actually help advisors grow their businesses.

How to develop good interviewing skills at the onset of a client-advisor relationship.

Retirees should take classes reserved only for seniors and consider taking online courses if going to school is difficult; Plus, what if clients just can't afford to fully retire?

A group of independent advisors want to show educators they have other options for managing their finances than costly products from insurance firms.

People have long been wary of buying long-term care insurance, thinking they wouldn’t live long enough to collect any benefits. But new products that address their worries and complaints may help them come around.

Advisors need to help clients avoid ‘recency bias’ — the distortions that recent, well-publicized events can bring about in their thinking.

The notion of working into one's 70s just doesn't cut it for many.

In a rapid market downturn, advisors have to suss out the motivation for wanting to sell, while remembering that, ultimately, a client's decision prevails.

Volatile times can be scary, but clients may be more prepared than they think they are -- helping them realize that will make riding out the tough times a lot easier, columnist Jonathan Clements says.

Advisors can still get through to clients "gripped with anxiety which affects their ability to think clearly," consultant Eric Weiner says.

Planners worry about client fatigue if the downdraft drags on.

Despite a sudden market correction, I didn't hear from panicked investors. That's because I've made them understand in these situations you must work through the pain to profit.

Emotions might get the best of some investors in light of all the bad news. Here are the strategies I've used to guide my clients since the market correction began.

Advisors can show their worth by making time to help clients understand how to manage the unexpected.