The Impact of Emerging Demographic Trends on Financial Planning by Nancy Opiela
Longevity, traditional retirement, Boomers and Generation X, and the demand for information through technology are analyzed through the eyes of a demographer, futurist, marketing expert, and, of course, financial planning practitioners.
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997: Blessing or Curse? by Bruce W. Most
Many planners and tax experts are struggling with the newly enacted results of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. While advisor opinion is mixed about the benefits of the new legislation, it is unanimous that the act is extraordinarily and needlessly complicated.
STRATEGIES & TRENDS
PLANNING DILEMMAS: Avoiding Lawsuits Based on Conflicts of Interest by Katherine Vessenes, J.D., CFP
Although a fiduciary's duty to disclose is always high, it is especially high when there is a conflicting self-interest. Katherine Vessenes talks about focusing on great service, rather than emphasizing returns.
TAX PLANNING: The Qualified Family-Owned Business Exclusion: 'Boom' or 'Bust'? by Regina Shanney-Saborsky, J.D.
A qualified family-owned business exclusion contained in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 may not be as helpful to planners for tax planning purposes as originally surmised.
INSURANCE: Putting Death Back into Life Insurance by Peter C. Katt, CFP, LIC
Why is it called life insurance when its purpose is to provide for those who are financially dependent at the time of death? Peter Katt discusses the need to emphasize the death component in life insurance.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: Of New Eras and Old by Thomas J. Connelly, CFA, CFP
One could argue whether we have entered into a new economic era. The real argument is whether the conditions of this era will continue. Tom Connelly reviews some of the new eras of the 1900s.
STRATAGEMS: Charitable Contributions, Collars and Covered Calls in Wealth Preservation by Richard Duff, J.D., CLU
Ted Turner's recent $1 billion pledge to the United Nations provides an example of how to do good and win at the same time. Dick Duff explains how.
MONEY AND SOUL: Money as Blessing by Richard B. Wagner, J.D., CFP
In the season that proclaims "Peace on Earth. Good will to men," Dick Wagner explores our reluctance to publicly accept money as a blessing.
THE FUTURIST: Sheeps, Goats and Taxes by Lewis J. Walker, CFP
Could some agent of change alter the way advisors and investors look at today's hottest products and set us on a different course? Absolutely, says Lew Walker. It's about taxes...again!
CONTRIBUTIONS
Should You Convert a Current IRA to a Roth IRA in 1998? by Peter J. Melcher, J.D., LL.M., Lucy Arend, J.D., and James Howicz, J.D.
With the recent creation of the Roth IRA, many individuals face a very important decision: whether to maintain their current IRA or convert to a Roth. This article presents a framework for analyzing pros and cons for conversion.
The Emerging Markets Revolution by Josephine Jimenez
History books are filled with stories of the coups and political unrest that have befallen countries known now as emerging markets. Fund manager Josephine Jimenez describes a different scene today, one filled with progress.
Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement, Part III by William P. Bengen, CFP
Bill Bengen continues his ground breaking research into asset allocation and withdrawal rates during retirement. The question: How much can clients extract from their portfolios annually without running out of money?
PRACTICE & TECHNOLOGY
The Expert Witness: What the Planner Does and What the Attorney Wants by Karen M. Dumont, CFP, and Thomas C. Wagner, Esq.
Financial planning professionals are being sought with more frequency by attorneys to serve as credible expert witnesses on a variety of financial-related issues. This article looks at expert witness work from both the planner and attorney perspective.
THE PRACTICE: The Future Planner, Part II by Edwin P. Morrow, CLU, ChFC, CFP
MARKETING: Winter Holidays: Do Your Own Planning by John H. Melchinger
BOOK REVIEW: Best Practices More Than a Compliance Guide by Bruce Spooner, CFP
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