Wealth Think

It’s human nature to size up people and businesses based on what we see and experience during our interactions with them online, in print, or face-to-face. Advisors should use branding to communicate their core values, differentiate themselves from competitors, and reinforce that their products and services are the ones best suited to meet client needs.

Client advisory boards are a great way to get clients and advocates even more engaged in supporting the business. If you are considering developing an advisory board, here are some points to consider from blogger Ken Haman.

Here are a handful of tips and general trends for advisors to keep in mind this week.

A bias toward domestic investment is understandable, but the U.S., big as it is, is not the world. We exist in a global economy and for advisors and their clients to restrict their thinking to within our borders means missing out on some tremendous companies and potentially lucrative investments.

RIA firms can learn from the smart decisions and big mistakes made by Sierra Investment Management of Los Angeles.

Now that the S&P 500 is back in the news for hitting a new high, investors appear to be ready to start putting money back into stocks again. Still, Gary Stroik wonders if the timing of this new-found enthusiasm isn’t a bit instructive.

The wealth management industry is poised to become more concentrated and consolidated, or is it?

Even when the long-term market trend is defined by falling inflation-adjusted prices, despite short-term ups and downs, there may be opportunities to root out profits.

The financial planning profession ranks fifth among 200 professions, according to CareerCast.com, but what makes financial planning one of the best jobs in 2013?

To get referrals with real payoff, make sure your clients and professional peers understand your firm's offerings -- and needs.