What Firms Need to Capture the Mass Affluent
Ellie Behling
July 1, 2008—Celent researchers propose strategies for advisory firms to win the fight for the mass affluent.
More Wealth Means More Demand for Trusted Advisers
Ellie Behling
June 27, 2008—The increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) worldwide means an increased need for talented advisers.
New HNW Markets Require New Strategies
Ellie Behling
June 25, 2008—Wealth management firms need to adapt existing strategies to meet the needs of new markets in the high-net-worth bracket, according to the ‘World Wealth Report.’
Game Plan: Making 401(k) Plans a Little More Fun
Ellie Behling
June 20, 2008—Motivating employees to participate in the plan requires creative strategies—from serving cookies to visiting the oil rig where they perform their job.
Perspective: Incorporating Financial Planning Services into Qualified Plans: Establishing Fees
Timothy Nihill
June 11, 2008—In part two of our series on incorporating financial planning services into qualified plans, we’ll analyze profitability margins and work on setting competitive market rates for plan participants.
Virtual Reality
Ellie Behling
June 6, 2008—The popular virtual world of Second Life is on the road to becoming a communication tool in the financial world.
Dog Eat...Dog?
Nevin E. Adams
June 5, 2008—They say it’s a “dog eat dog” world out there – but this is ridiculous!
CA Assembly Approves Opening CalPERS to Private Sector
Rebecca Moore
June 2, 2008—California’s Assembly voted 42 to 28 for the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to oversee a separate and voluntary investment program for private workers.
Talking to Twentysomethings
Ellie Behling
May 23, 2008—Because “401(k)” is likely not being renamed any time soon, advisers might need to find more effective ways of getting around opaque financial terms with the new breed of American workers.
Small-Plan Sales on the Rise
Ellie Behling
May 21, 2008—Despite current economic strains, ShareBuilder reports surging sales of small business 401(k) plans.
Fiduciary Responsibility Is Most Important Plan Sponsor Issue
Ellie Behling
May 16, 2008—Fiduciary responsibility and fee transparency are at the forefront of important issues in the 401(k) market, an informal survey of retirement plan consultants says.
Perspective: Incorporating Financial Planning Services into Qualified Plans
Timothy Nihill
May 14, 2008—Despite retirement plan market opportunities stemming from the Pension Protection Act, lawsuits, and increased fiduciary expectations, advisers are being squeezed into the more-for-less game: provide more services for what clients pay now.
Y Not?
Ellie Behling
May 14, 2008—Young adults remain an untapped market for financial advisers, says Mintel research firm.
Advisers Grow Business Despite Market Conditions
Ellie Behling
May 14, 2008—Sixty percent of advisers agree the U.S. is already in a recession, but their clients are continuing to save for retirement, according to a survey released today by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Investors Turn to the Web for Answers
Ellie Behling
May 14, 2008—It is not just for the younger generation: Social media plays a rapidly growing and influential role in an individual investor’s financial decisions, particularly for high-net-worth investors, according to study from Cogent Research.
Merrill Lynch Sees Strong Adoption of Roth 401(k)
Rebecca Moore
May 12, 2008—The Merrill Lynch Retirement Group reported that among the 1,700 plans on its proprietary recordkeeping system, almost 200 (12%) had added a Roth 401(k) option as of the end of March.
Hispanic Americans Have Self-Reliant Approach to Retirement
Ellie Behling
May 8, 2008—Although Hispanic Americans are saving for retirement, more than two-thirds do not use a financial adviser, a study by Prudential found.
Women Look to Advisers, Internet for Financial Information
Ellie Behling
May 8, 2008—Close to three-quarters of women who are very confident about retirement savings have the help of a professional adviser, a study by Prudential says.
Women Start Planning Early for Retirement
Fred Schneyer
May 7, 2008—Whether they’re Millennials, Generation Xers or Boomers, American women are actively considering their future retirement and financial security, a survey said.
