Financial Planning - November 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS NOV. 12

COLUMNS

29 The Broadest Fiduciary Standard

If we want uniform rules on investing recommendations, why stop at advisors?

By Bob Veres

33 C’mon, Get Happy!

Think success brings happiness? That’s not the way it works. In fact, it’s the other way around. By John J. Bowen Jr.

37 Success Strategy: Ne w Attitude

First, seek out big challenges. Then figure out how to overcome them.

By Glenn G. Kautt

41 It’s Time to Fix Your Website If your home page looks like it’s stuck in the 1990s, you’re likely driving away prospects and employees. See 7 rules for making an upgrade. By Dave Grant

RIA IQ

45 The Joys of Not Being in Charge Some advisors find being an employee offers fewer hassles and more time with clients. By Donald Jay Korn

48 High-Octane Expansion High Tower has gotten a big boost by working with independents. Can it keep up the momentum? By Donald Jay Korn

HIGH NET WORTH 51 Preventing Client Abuse Even clients with reputable advisors can be vulnerable to predators. By Martin M. Shenkman

PRACTICE

77 Looking Sharp: How Much Is Too Much? Professional image is a balancing act: Not too chic, but not too shabby. Here’s how 6 planners walk the line. By Miriam Rozen

81 Global Perspective A former FPA chairman believes a new viewpoint can help advisors cope with regulatory burdens. By Jim Grote

85 Assembly-Line Approach Successful planners usually have a well-defined sales process for turning prospects into clients. By William Atkinson

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CLIENT

89 The Dreaded Question For some planners, there is nothing more difficult to answer than, ‘Do you have long-term care insurance?’ By Miriam Rozen

; Financial Planning November 2012

95 Over There!

Living abroad seems like an inexpensive option for some prospective retirees, but there are many issues to consider. By Katie Kuehner-Hebert

TECH TOOLS

99 Futuristic Roadshow Several recent trade conferences sho w that advisory firms are seeking more from their technology vendors. By Joel Bruckenstein

PORTfOLIO

105 Unappealing Alternatives Investors have been flocking to alternative mutual funds and ETFs — and are being punished for it. By Allan S. Roth

109 Thinking Globally Conventional wisdom holds that a diversified portfolio needs foreign stocks, but what about non-U. S. bonds? By Craig L. Israelsen

113 Emerging Opportunities Despite turmoil, Africa and the Mideast have solid, long-term investment prospects, says the manager of the T. Rowe Price Africa & Middle East Fund. By Ilana Polyak

DATA

115 Strength Across the Board Funds specializing in gold and other precious metals glittered in the third quarter, but many other stock and bond categories also performed well. By Laton McCartney