NYT article by Nicholas Confessore, David Kocieniewski and Michael Luo

During the summer of 2010, the dozen or so accountants and tax agents of Group 7822 of the Internal Revenue Service office in Cincinnati got a directive from their manager. A growing number of organizations identifying themselves as part of the Tea Party had begun applying for tax exemptions, the … Read More

WSJ article by Julie Steinberg and Kelly Greene

You don’t have to be a Rockefeller to join a family office.

Family offices are private firms that manage just about everything for the wealthiest families: tax planning, investment management, estate planning, philanthropy, art and wine collections—even the family vacation compound.

Now many family offices are courting the merely rich.

The price … Read More

WSJ article By Arden Dale

The federal government won’t tax an individual’s estate if it’s worth less than $5.25 million.

But many states will tax estates worth far less. For example, New Jersey’s estate tax kicks in at $675,000–the lowest threshold in the nation.

Surprisingly, many people don’t know how much their estate might owe in state estate taxes at … Read More

By Chelsea Emery

Wealth managers who think that writing a book will bring them influence and a flood of new clients may want to think again.

A nice hardback could bring some respect, say advisers who gave in to the temptation of authorship, but at the cost of thousands of dollars, plus years’ worth of nights and weekends.

Would-be authors … Read More

WSJ Wealth Management article by Christine Lee

The 60-something client came into adviser Ross Gerber’s office to help address a rift that was opening in his family.

He had remarried and had young children, but both he and his new wife had adult children from their previous marriages. And the husband’s adult kids weren’t happy with the idea of sharing … Read More

Bank Investment Consultant article by Kevin Wack

First the good news about the wealth management fever that’s sweeping the U.S. banking industry: there are real opportunities for banks that can adapt quickly.

Technological advances, along with a growing base of customers who want greater control over their assets, are allowing retail banks to serve middle-income investors who don’t generate enough … Read More

Here are America’s best financial advisors, organized by state.

The rankings are based on data provided by over 4,000 of the nation’s most productive advisors. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn’t an explicit component because not all advisors have audited results … Read More

Huffington Post blog post by April Rudin

Baby-boomers (those born prior to 1946) are a generation typified by their competitive streak, idealism and eagerness to put their own “stamp” on things. They’ve lived through booming prosperity and recessions. As compared to their parents (traditionalists) who were patriotic, loyal, conservative, and, so displayed fierce loyalty to their financial institutions.

Now the … Read More

Job task analysis identifies distinct knowledge and skills required to advise affluent clients

Investment Management Consultants Association^® (IMCA^®) released a white paper detailing the findings of a comprehensive job analysis that defines the practice of wealth management. In addition to clarifying what constitutes a private wealth advisor, IMCA will use the analysis to refine the experience, education, … Read More

Vendor review site designed to help independent investment advisors make more informed technology purchasing decisions

“We have consistently heard from advisors that one of their biggest technology challenges is selecting the right providers and solutions for their particular firm’s needs,”

Schwab Intelligent Technologies announces the launch of Schwab OpenView MarketSquare™, a review site that compiles feedback and ratings from independent … Read More