The family office is in a state of flux. Long the exclusive enclave of the ultrawealthy (those families with $100 million or more), the family office has become more democratic as competition among financial services firms and top advisors for the...
Q: In a grueling arbitration hearing this year, the complainant's attorney alleged I'd acted in a fiduciary capacity by purchasing and allocating a variable annuity for my clients. I claimed I had no fiduciary responsibility, but had merely...
If saving for college were a race, it'd be a marathon, and even those 26-mile races culminate in a hard push for the finish line. So it is that college saving does not end when the kid enrolls as a freshman at State U. In fact, in the years that...
As anyone who rides public transportation or watches late-night TV can attest, our society is a litigious one. We've all seen the ads: Have you or someone you love been injured? Call 800 SUE-THEM. As amusing as they might be on the surface, the...
Wealthy people and good poker players have at least one thing in common: The habit of holding cards close to their vests. At least that's what a wirehouse veteran named Jack told me while explaining his difficulty getting referrals from...
AmeriFirst Financial Services announced last month that it is launching a fund that invests in the death benefits due from life insurance policies. Fund investors will make money the earlier people die, and lose if they live longer.
I am a sell-side analyst. Raise your hand if you're jealous. We used to be rock stars, paraded on TV. Not anymore. These days, my job kind of sucks. Can barely talk to anyone, can barely get information from anyone and I'm certainly not getting...
Barry Bonds, the San Francisco Giants slugger, has never liked losing. When he married his Swedish wife, Sun, he had her sign away all claims to his earnings and assets. The prenuptial contract was in English, a language she didn't understand well...
In a new position, Smith Barney has promoted Bob Matthews to director of wealth management for the firm. He will be responsible for major financial planning initiatives, particularly in the fee-based and wealth management sectors. Matthews has...
THE QUESTION WHAT NEXT? is an expression of exasperation but also one of hope as if so much has already happened that it can't possibly get worse. With all the scandal that's buffeted the securities industry, it's understandable if reps are...
