Editor's Note: Time for a Reboot, or Just a Rethink?

With winter arriving early in many part of the U.S., we encourage you to get a warm beverage and take some time to read through this month’s issue in a cozy spot. We gathered the views of financial expert Michael Finke and other industry VIPs for our RIA-themed coverage, which we hope you’ll enjoy.

In Finke’s view, there’s value in looking at tax-favored longevity insurance. As clients look for security in retirement, advisors are left grappling with their role as a fiduciary and how to best balance that with the complexities of insurance products, their costs and the growing transparency of advice.

Leaders of BNY Mellon’s Pershing Advisor Solutions, such as contributing columnist Mark Tibergien, layout the pros and cons of using outside capital to grow an RIA. They also look at the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these businesses.

Also in this issue, Josh Vail of 361 Capital explains a few strategies for preparing for a bear market. Author and professor Nouriel Roubini gives his take on why cryptocurrencies are the “mother of all scams.” And insurance specialist Scott Stolz highlights the details of using structured annuities.

For those tracking political developments, Washington Bureau Chief Melanie Waddell reviews the latest midterm predictions and how changes in Congress might impact the regulatory scene for advisors. She also asks Bernie Clark of Schwab Advisor Services about everything from the SEC and taxes to advisor M&A trends and crypto investing.

Tibergien delves into the tough subjects of “regrettable turnover” and how to work more productively with those in younger generations in this month’s column. He even throws in an analogy that will appeal to the bird-watcher in all of us.

To understand how advisors can put their own values front, right and center in their practices, Jamie Green spoke with Steve Rudolph of HW Financial Advisors. For instance, compensation for team members is tied to a “broader view” of production, adding value and improving the client experience.

Contributor Tim Welsh tackles scalable marketing strategies in his latest piece. While it’s scary to think that video is set to dominate mobile content in the not-so-distant future (yikes!), there are steps we can take now to prepare.

Driving success and growth involves bringing commitment, communication and collaboration together, according to consultant Angie Herbers. These tactics aren’t always the easiest to embrace, but they are the real way to improve your practice (as well as your life).

I explain the tips and industry know-how I picked up at the recent Raymond James Women’s Symposium in Tampa, which focused on expanding the number of women in the industry and helping advisors across the firm to grow their businesses. I especially appreciated insights from Kat Cole, a leader of Focus Brands, who said we need to succeed by asking ourselves: “I have to do this — and how can I do it credibly? With partners?”

I have been asking myself these types of questions as I go through the business of handling my late mother’s estate and work through the mourning process. This experience certainly has made me appreciate good legal and financial advice. More important, it’s shown me the value of kind friends and a caring community.

Now in my hometown of San Antonio, I’ve visited the historic Bexar County Courthouse during probate and watched as lawyers in cowboy boots and Stetson hats interact with grieving clients. And I’ve learned how helpful it is to have neighbors organize food drives for funerals. I now even have my own tamale lady for such occasions.

Best wishes to you for a great Thanksgiving season, filled with family, friends, faith and focus.