Retirement Prospects for the Generations by Bruce Most
When it comes to thoughts of a comfortable, secure retirement, what do today's retirees, Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers have in common? Not much, say planners and other experts watching the retirement scent. The traditional three-legged retirement stool is in the midst of an overhaul. However, most everyone agrees that planning professionals will play a significant role in helping Americans through this major demographic and philosophical shift.
Finding the Funds for Long-term Care by Anita Saville
Factors such as trimmed-down government assistance, longer life expectancies, changing lifestyles that often preclude families caring for their elderly relatives, and the rapid rise in elder care expenses are placing long-term care in a critical spotlight. Despite the evolution of long-term care insurance and elder law practice, financial planners still must carefully weigh current funding option in meeting clients' future needs.
Practitioner Roundtable: Solutions to a Complex Transition to Retirement by Nancy Opelia
Business owner Robert Bluford, Sr., plans to retire in five years. But before he does, he'd like to wrap up a few loose ends. Four top CFP practitioners work together to tackle that challenges presented by the case study and offer some solid recommendations for Bluford to achieve his goals.
STRATEGIES & TRENDS
Tax Planning:The IRA Beneficiary Quandary by Regina Shanney-Saborsky, J.D.
In this new column, tax attorney Regina Shanney-Saborsky offers ways to coordinate the designation of a beneficiary under an IRA to minimize negative tax and planning consequences.
Insurance: When Company Insolvency and Regulators Leave You Empty Handed by Peter C. Katt, CFP, LIC
Insurance company insolvency is not an uncommon occurrence these days, but what happens when regulators deny a client's request to purchase a replacement policy?
Portfolio Management:Do You Know Where Your Mutual Fund is Sleeping Tonight? by Thomas J. Connelly, CFA, CFP
Practitioners are paying close attention to how mutual fund managers are meeting or straying from their investment objectives. Tom Connelly describes why and how due diligence on mutual funds has become more difficult.
Stratagems:Assuring a Financial Heritage: The Art of Inheriting by Richard W. Duff, J.D., CLU
Inheritance planning is a sensitive subject to members of most families. Yet to properly preserve assets, openly discussing inheritance situation, in advance, can negate turmoil and heartache before it's too late.
Money and Soul:Walking That Lonesome Valley by Richard B. Wagner, J.D., CFP
To better comprehend and relate to client money fears, Dick Wagner says that planners must understand their own money personality. He provides a series of provocative questions that will lead to the development of a personal "Money Autobiography."
The Futurist:Moral Dilemmas and Dr. Jack: Who Decides? by Lewis J. Walker, CFP
Abortion and euthanasia are high on the list of explosive moral and political concerns. Lew Walker suggests that they soon will weigh heavily as concerns for financial advisors and their clients.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Asset Allocation for a Lifetime by William P. Bengen, CFP
Following up his acclaimed October 1994 article in the Journal, "Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data," Bengen takes readers through three client scenarios and recommendations for the clients' retirement money management plans.
Planning After 60: Financial Concerns of Older Americans by Barbara O'Neill, Ph.D., CFP
With America's oldest "Baby Boomers" turning 50 this year, attention intensifies on the graying of America. O'Neill looks at the characteristics of older Americans and their unique financial concerns, common financial errors and the implications for financial planners.
PRACTICE & TECHNOLOGY
Home Is Where the Office Is by Nancy Opiela
Contemplating abandoning your commute to the office? Nancy Opiela recently visited with several planners who have. They discuss the pros and cons of "home" office life, how technology facilitates their efforts, and their recommendations to others considering a similar move.
The Practice: Making Your Presentation Visual by Edwin P. Morrow, ChFC, CFP
Marketing: Cultivating the Marketing Garden by John H. Melchinger
Book Review: A Guide to Developing Investment Policy Statements by Edwin P. Morrow, ChFC, CFP
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