Value Versus Growth
By Mike PattonOver time, value stocks have outperformed growth stocks and have done so with a lower standard deviation (see first table below). The coefficient of variation...
September 01, 2009
B/D Briefing: Ramping Up TechnologyAs the financial services landscape reshapes itself, the largest clearing firms have been working to enhance their offerings to broker/dealers on a number of fronts,...
August 31, 2009
Schwab Reports 54% Jump in Advisors Turning IndependentSchwab Advisor Services said that a "persistent undercurrent of uncertainty" at the wirehouses was prompting many wirehouse brokers to take the independent route.
August 28, 2009
How a Plan Cemented a Client RelationshipOne of the best things about being independent is the freedom to create the type of client-focused practice you can feel good about. Another...
August 24, 2009
Calculating the Client's Savings RateThis week I updated a client's financial plan and refined my financial planning template by adding an additional metric. I have added an output page...
August 12, 2009
Five Questions for a Top Retirement AdvisorA conversation with Robert Haley, JD, CFP, Advanced Wealth Management/Commonwealth Financial Network, Portland, Ore.
August 12, 2009
Stress-Testing Retirement PlansStress-testing -- also known as scenario analysis -- starts with a base case developed on reasonable assumptions for key variables, such as higher inflation and lower portfolio returns.
August 12, 2009
Do Target Date Funds Still Have a Role?Target date funds (or TDFs) can still work well for investors who lack the time, talent or inclination to spend a lot of effort on managing their own investments, advisors say. And there are other uses for them, as well.