Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that the CFP Board increased its annual recertification fee by $100 (along with an additional surcharge of up to $19/year for CE credits). Representing the first annual fee increase since 2017, the additional funds will be put toward a range of initiatives, including public awareness, talent retention, diversity, and enforcement. But given the non-trivial nature of the increase, CFP certificants are likely to expect real outcomes from these initiatives!
Also in industry news this week:
- Portfolio management giant Orion announced this week that it is acquiring leading advisor CRM provider Redtail in a deal that will bring Redtail’s large base of advisors into Orion’s orbit
- Some industry observers think RIA valuations might have peaked, perhaps signaling a slowdown in M&A activity and increased viability of internal succession plans
From there, we have several articles on retirement planning:
- Why the creator of the ‘4% Rule’ says retirees might want to reduce their spending given the current market and inflation environment
- An analysis shows why the reduced benefits associated with annuity contracts with lower-fee Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit riders could make them inferior to their higher-fee predecessors (and why delaying Social Security could trump both in creating guaranteed retirement income)
- Why it is important for advisors working with clients nearing and in retirement to go beyond retirement income and consider their clients’ social connections, health status, and plans for the various stages of retirement
We also have a number of articles on managing cash flow:
- Why spending money on building friendships can pay dividends for one’s health and happiness
- With statistics showing a significant number of individuals have engaged in financial deception with their partner or spouse, advisors can consider how to handle the financial and emotional impacts of these transgressions
- Why clients in the wealth accumulation phase of their lives would be best served by finding ways to increase their income and putting money into the stock market as soon as it is available
We wrap up with three final articles, all about currencies and inflation:
- Why cryptocurrencies might not have the inflation-prevention benefits touted by some of their proponents
- Why a cryptocurrency skeptic argues that cryptocurrencies are primarily speculative assets rather than useful currencies and are unlikely to change the way we buy goods and services
- How the ‘Cantillon Effect’ helps explain who wins and who loses from fiscal and monetary stimulus
Enjoy the ‘light’ reading!
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