Financial planning

Advisors all desire employees who know what you want even before you speak. While these type of people are typically a needle in a haystack, there are ways to optimize the staff you have already.

Raymond James' annual Women's Symposium in St. Pete, Beach, Fla., in October, offered an opportunity for Raymond James' advisors to hear from the firm's top executives. Select female Raymond James advisors were also recognized with Women of Distinction awards, for their work in their communities and as advisors, and Top Advisor awards, based on their production levels. Here's a look at those winners and other conference highlights.

The worst one-day crash in stock trading took place 25 years ago on October 19. Here's a look back at Black Monday, on its quarter-century anniversary.

As you navigate your way around the future of mobile technology, there are signposts that you must be aware of so as not to make a wrong turn and end up in a perilous situation. Here are four things advisors should watch out for to make the most out of mobile technology.

Not returning calls from a spouse or significant other may land you in the dog house, and the same goes for your million dollar clients. Waiting too long for a callback from an advisor was the number one reason, even more crucial than giving the right advice, that clients went looking for someone Check out the top five, according to research on millionaire clients from Spectrem Group and its subsidiary, Millionaire Corner.

For bank advisors looking to advance their careers, there’s no better news than a promotion or a new job offer. Here’s a sampling of bank reps who were recently promoted or moved to new organizations to assume roles of greater responsibility.

Nearly five years after relocating to Washington, the CFP Board has increased staff and certificants as the organization has actively engaged in the policy debates that will shape the regulatory landscape that impacts the regulatory industry. Check out a photo essay that looks under the hood of this vibrant organization.

As 75 million Baby Boomers stand at the edge of retirement, most will have to look beyond government programs to sustain their standard of living. Here are six things advisors and their clients should be aware of when setting aside income-generating retirement plans.

While advisors might not snag designer Cynthia Rowley for their next client event, LearnVest Live showcased some important elements of a fun, successful client event. Check out photos from the event and read the blog to see what lessons advisors can take away.

A report by the National Center for Policy Analysis, a conservative think thank, investigated how much Baby Boomers are spending on things like education and clothing and how that’s changed over the past 20 years.

If Congress allows Bush-era tax cuts to expire next year, as many expect, planners everywhere must be aware of the “fiscal cliff” their clients will confront.

Although most of your clients are focusing more on retirement planning and taking the necessary steps to prepare, there are some danger signs advisors and clients must be ready for.

Before embarking on first or next dance with the regulators, Jennifer Woods Burke, President of CompliGuide provides her thoughts on the top 7 ways that firms sabotage themselves.

The weeks following the November Presidential election that will run up to an impending fiscal cliff, where tax hikes and budget cuts come due, can be summed up with one word: volatility, according to new research from Cetera Financial Group. But both a Democrat or Republican presidential victor will likely have a sway on the markets. Here's a look at how Cetera sees certain sectors faring after the November election.

Before choosing an advisor, Ed Slott believes every client should ask these 10 important questions. (And some top advisors weigh in with their best answers.)

In a bullish sign for the planning industry., Financial Planning's Retirement Advisor Confidence Index - a monthly barometer of business conditions for wealth managers - rose in October.

It's a reminder that advisors need to ensure their clients don't venture into the muddy waters of the prohibited-transaction rules.

The Financial Planning Association announced the winners of its top awards, which will be presented at its annual conference in Texas. The FPA honored David M. King, with its 2012 P. Kemp Fain, Jr. Award; retirement researcher Wade D. Pfau with the inaugural Montgomery-Warschauer Award; and 10 influencers in the profession with Heart of Financial Planning Awards. Check out more information on each of the honorees.

Many advisory firms turn to marketing to expand their practice, but few firms are able to develop an effective strategy. Here are five ways to leverage marketing for optimal growth, according to the 2012 FA Insights Study of Advisory Firms: Growth by Design.

With all the buzz about building a social media presence, it's still all about getting in front of a prospect. The Linked-In introduction process outlined by Kevin Nichols of the North Carolina-based Oechsli Insitute prescribes six steps to identify a potential client through LinkedIn and then score that face-to-face meeting.