Jerry D. Nuerge, CLU, ChFC, CFWC, and founder of the Financial Independence Group in Fort Wayne, Indiana, agrees with Alan Pratt about sharing and discussing real-life experiences, and that it’s important to start at the “soft” end first (see feature article). He believes that the commonly held tax discussion is actually about third or fourth on the list of benefits for a client. (more…)

The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP) inspires and teaches advisors and their clients how to share the wealth and leave a legacy
to the world. (more…)

Breakthrough Business Development: A 90-Day Plan to Build Your Client Base and Take Your Business to the Next Level
AUTHORS: Duncan MacPherson & David Miller
PUBLISHER: John Wiley & Sons, 2007
COVER PRICE: $24.95

In Breakthrough Business Development, authors and industry coaches Duncan MacPherson and David Miller share a story about a client who was making tons of money, had 900-plus clients and was quickly on the way to building his dream: a colossal business. (more…)

Due to the heightened terror alerts, the constant and significant drain on our nation’s financial and human resources represented by dual wars, the lingering and continuously dire aftermath in the credit markets, and the severely beaten US dollar, the landscape by which we make our recommendations has changed rather significantly in the last year. Are bonds a place for cowboys or for cowards? (more…)

Regulatory Notice 08-09

FINRA Revises Portfolio Margining Risk Disclosure Statement and Written Acknowledgment for Customers Using Portfolio Margin Accounts;

Effective Date: 03/14/08

Executive Summary
FINRA has revised the sample portfolio margining risk disclosure and acknowledgment statements that member firms must provide to customers who have been approved for portfolio margin. This replaces the March 2007 sample risk disclosure and acknowledgment statements.1 See Attachment A for the sample disclosure and acknowledgment statements. (more…)

Two-term Florida Governor Jeb Bush warmly welcomed more than 1,700 attendees at the TD Ameritrade Institutional conference held in sunny Orlando in February. Inviting them to spend freely, the former governor jokingly said, “Go to International Drive and spend money. The state of Florida needs your help.” (more…)

The internet is proving to be a mixed blessing of almost unlimited value. While it has opened innumerable doors to increased revenues and sources of information, it also created a responsibility that must be carried out with utmost diligence. (more…)

We were happy to catch up with Barry recently to talk about his firm, brokersXpress, and to get his opinions on everything from their own challenges and successes, to the industry, the political environment and his advice to new reps. Following is our interview: (more…)

It happens over and over again. The sales representative delivers an outstanding presentation to the prospect. She not only knew all the facts about her product, but also about all of her competitors. (more…)

Where have I been? Clocking in with 30 years of industry experience and having interviewed more than 5,000 advisors during my career, it seems that the subject of philanthropy has absolutely escaped me. Giving away money? Isn’t that counter-intuitive in a business where we are constantly striving to grow portfolios, achieve alpha, boost performance, increasing our and our clients’ bottom lines? (more…)