I came across a great blog while doing research for my book which I’d like to share with my audience. It’s www.pensionriskmatters.com, written and maintained by Susan Mangiero. Based on the title, you may have caught on to the blog’s theme--mainly pension plans and the host of factors which affect them. The topic spectrum is fairly broad, such that anyone from a pension manager, plan sponsor, attorney, financial advisor, or even individual investor can learn something.
There was a great article in Bottom Line this month featuring MSN Money columnist M.P. Dunleavey about the actual correlation between increased wealth and increased happiness. As you might expect, the findings were not simply that you will be happier on a day-to-day basis if you have more money.
Would you consider it worthwhile for major brokerage firms to focus marketing dollars and valuable time on investors in their 20’s and 30’s? Perhaps more squarely phrased: Does this demographic have any money to invest? If you simply view the past behavior of major financial firms, you’ll find them targeting mostly those aged 50+ in terms of product construction, speaking engagements, and the direction of marketing dollars. An interesting example lies in the prime advertising spaces purchased by financial firms showcasing aging professionals relaxing by the beach after a seasoned advisor helps them quantify and realize their retirement dreams. The implication here is that retirement is a hot topic among aging professionals who seemingly have big bucks. Besides the fact that they are passing what we call “accumulation phase” and quickly entering the “distribution and gifting phase,” many are also the beneficiaries of inheritances left by those passing away in their 80’s. So, why are some financial firms shifting their focus over to a younger and less profitable generation?
Continue reading "Charles Schwab to Focus on Younger Investors" »
The 5th Annual Integrated Wealth Management Forum is coming up September 10th-12th at the Union League Club in New York City. For those unfamiliar with this unique event, it brings together great financial minds to discuss issues and ideas regarding wealth management. Included on the impressive roster of speakers this year will be Robert Arnott, the father of fundamental indexing, Daniel Kahneman, a Princeton professor and recognized expert on behavioral science, Jean Brunel, editor of the Journal of Wealth Management, and Charlotte Beyer, CEO of the Institute for Private Investors. The event should provide a great educational resource and networking opportunity for those who deal with high net-worth clients in their practices.
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I recently recorded a Podcast with with Kristin Friedersdorf of Wallst.net. Her past interviews have included Michelle Leder and Ramit Sethi. Below is a list of some questions which we covered in the interview. I hope you’ll find it interesting.
I found a study in the most recent edition of planadviser magazine which suggests that families will start consolidating their investment accounts with one adviser in the next few years. The primary explanations they give are: 1- to improve retirement income planning (converting assets into a stream of income) and 2 - asset decumulation (giving your money away). The study divides up the population between three segments and explains why each has a unique set of retirement planning requirements.*
I welcome anybody to participate in this discussion who has knowledge about watches. I’ve always considered a nice watch along with attractive cufflinks to be the essentials of male jewelry. I’ve got a gold bracelet as well but the truth is that I don’t care much for it. I wore a "Rado Jubilee" throughout college. The watch was high-tech ceramics, elegant in form, and worn well with a suit or more casual outfit. When my mother collabarated with me on an upgrade to a Rolex last year, it left me wondering about how well watches retain their value. Was this a good investment? Or should I have opened that additional IRA instead and even snagged a tax benefit.
