Should my client exchange one life insurance policy for another? This is an excellent question which I receive from advisors around the country. Unfortunately, the answer can be “yes, no, or maybe.” depending on your circumstances. A number of complex rules govern this transaction, and as we know from all other areas of wealth management, there are always exceptions to the rules. Read the fine print or better yet, find a subject matter expert to help you explore the options.

Research suggests that the assets advisors tend to focus on -- liquid assets such as stocks, bonds, and cash – represent less than half (45%) of a wealthy person’s portfolio. The other half (55%) consists of illiquid assets such as real estate, stock in privately owned companies, artwork etc. Advisors routinely ignore this “hidden half” – to their detriment and that of their clients. Join Cannon’s Duane Lee and Spardata’s Brad Davidson as they examine the reasons why advisors should take illiquid assets more seriously, and share ways in which they can better serve their clients.

Trust is not a factor in relationships that can be requested, although it often is (“Trust me”).

Trust is something that is created from the ground up and built upon over time.

Financial Advisors: Relevance Today and Tomorrow - Advisor Challenges & Consequences: The Changes Driving Disruption Require a New Perspective 

This issue features pieces on Risk Tolerance, Key Retirement & Tax Numbers, 2017 Financial Review, and 2018 Financial Resolutions.  

Innovation and Business Modeling are classic management activities used by long term successful companies of all sizes and most industries.  All businesses today operate in an ever accelerating state of change, and those who plan to survive have a plan that includes innovation and business modeling as key tools to help discover the way forward.