Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state’s fiduciary rule for broker-dealers can stand, potentially opening the door for other states to impose similar standards that exceed the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest rule.
Also in industry news this week:
- A legal challenge to FINRA’s operations as a self-regulatory organization has the potential to upend the current regulatory system for broker-dealers and their registered representatives
- A recent study indicates that while many consumers appear confident handling their finances on a ‘DIY’ basis during their careers, the percentage seeking professional financial advice increases as they approach retirement
From there, we have several articles on retirement planning:
- Why some individuals believe they need to save more money than they really do in order to have a sustainable retirement and how advisors can support them
- A recent study suggests that average inflation-adjusted spending among retirees decreases by 3% annually, a sharper decline than previous estimates
- The value in deciding how much is ‘enough’, and how advisors can support their clients in doing so
We also have a number of articles on practice management:
- Best practices for giving praise and constructive criticism to motivate employees and help them grow
- How developing and communicating a clear strategic plan can not only set the long-term direction for a firm, but also help employees better understand the value of their work
- Why advisor happiness leads to better client service, and how firms (and clients) can assess whether their advisors are happy
We wrap up with 3 final articles, all about wealth:
- Why those in the upper class are taking a more understated approach to displaying their wealth compared to previous generations
- The services and skills that can help advisors move ‘upmarket’ and attract wealthier clients
- How “social debt” can serve as a psychological and financial challenge for wealthy individuals and what they can do to avoid this burden
Enjoy the ‘light’ reading!
