Wealth Think

The problem for many sole practitioners and small planning firms is that working with a PR firm in any way, shape or form is generally too expensive to even consider. This week, we'll talk about a more affordable option: Group Training and Empowerment Programs -- which can be a very attractive option if you can find the right group.

I’d like to share with you some personal observations about what’s happening in China based on my recent visit to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While there as a tourist, I made a point of talking to the locals and keeping my eyes and ears open for anything that would help me figure out whether this Chinese growth story will save the world economy or whether it’s a bubble ready to burst.

I think we as advisors are going about our lobbying effort all wrong. More to the point: does it make sense for us to keep lobbying on behalf of the consumer or should we act like everybody else in the universe and lobby for things that would better serve our own interests?

The global economy is trudging through an austere recovery. Lawmakers in the U.S. have just wrangled an uneasy compromise about the debt ceiling and the equity markets are a constant source of surprise to investors. Sounds like the right time for you to walk away from the practice for a couple of months.

There's no doubt the baby boom retirement wave has created a tremendous opportunity for financial advisors. But those with less noble goals also see an opportunity, and they're putting financial advisors squarely in the crosshairs.

It’s shocking how many rich and famous people make mistake and after mistake, which often leads to heirs fighting over inheritances. But, it’s not only the rich. Everyday across the country, people from all walks of life make the exact same mistakes time and time again. The only difference is the dollar amounts that they’re fighting over.

Most public relations firms cite studies that claim the services they provide are at least three times more credible than advertising. But for financial advisors, the question often is how do you measure the return on your PR investment?

Lately, I've seen more and better thinking about asset management than you could find in the previous 20 years in the profession and I think it may be time to give modern portfolio theory a makeover. In fact, I think this fits a long-standing historical pattern.

Civil rights icon Rosa Parks passed away in Detroit at the age of 92 back in 2005. Almost six years later, her legacy is still tied up in a lengthy court battle. The case features allegations of abuse, cronyism and corruption by the probate judge as well as the two lawyers he appointed to oversee the estate and trust.

Ever wonder how much it might cost to properly promote a book or one big initiative? Given the importance of either scenario, you may decide it makes sense to work with a PR firm. You have a lot at stake and should make the most of things.