Norb Vonnegut's Blog, page 4
January 10, 2015
The Looming Test for “Adviser Alpha”
A not-so-funny thing happened over the holidays. I was kicking around the Street, trying to understand the many ways financial advisers can deliver exceptional value to their clients. What I uncovered was a cautionary tale about the next bear market. Why this one, whenever it comes, will test traditional wealth managers to the full extent […]
December 29, 2014
A No Man’s Land of Wealth Management
“I’ve saved my clients millions in estate taxes,” the financial adviser said. Over a few rounds of Christmas cheer, we were discussing the many ways traditional advisers help their clients. For the most part, we focused on estate planning: grantor retained annuity trusts, dynasty trusts, family foundations or the benefits of paying tuition for grandkids. […]
A No Man’s Land of Wealth Management
“I’ve saved my clients millions in estate taxes,” the financial adviser said. Over a few rounds of Christmas cheer, we were discussing the many ways traditional advisers help their clients. For the most part, we focused on estate planning: grantor retained annuity trusts, dynasty trusts, family foundations or the benefits of paying tuition for grandkids. […]
December 28, 2014
Have a Story about Money?
Do you have a story about personal finance you’d like to share, perhaps a cautionary tale that will help others? I’m writing a non-fiction book about the money issues that families face—specifically those that affect wealth transfer between generations. I’m looking for interesting stories—things that went right…or really wrong—and would love to hear your experiences […]
Have a Story about Money?
Do you have a story about personal finance you’d like to share, perhaps a cautionary tale that will help others? I’m writing a non-fiction book about the money issues that families face—specifically those that affect wealth transfer between generations. I’m looking for interesting stories—things that went right…or really wrong—and would love to hear your experiences […]
What Are Financial Advisers Worth?
“I’ve been working with some families over 20 years. And they don’t benchmark me against an index.” That’s what a star adviser, with nearly $1 billion under management, told me a few weeks ago. He was busting my chops, encouraging me to write about the many ways traditional advisers add value. Some things don’t fit […]
November 11, 2014
Happy Veterans Day
This photo is of my dad, taken around 1958. He was a pilot during WWII (B-24), the Korean War, and Vietnam (C-141). Many thanks to everyone who has served in … Continue Reading →
October 30, 2014
Should You Tell Clients About That Bonus?
“What have I done?” That question haunted me after I moved from my old shop, a wirehouse, to the greener pastures of a new, fee-only advisory firm. I’d wake up … Continue Reading →
October 18, 2014
A Death-Rattle for ‘Two-and-20’ in Private Investing
IPO allocations are the pits if you are a financial adviser. You indicate a 50,000-share interest in the new offering. Then, on the day trading begins, you may get 100 … Continue Reading →
October 2, 2014
The Client Strikes Back at Hedge Funds
The California Public Employees' Retirement System is no longer a fan of hedge funds. I never was. But our reasons aren't exactly the same. With $295 billion in assets, Calpers … Continue Reading →
