Insights
By Fidelity Management and Research
By one important measure, the U.S. government's financial stress tests on major banks have already proven to be successful. Since the results of the stress tests were released a few weeks ago, financial firms have returned to private capital markets at a record pace to significanly boost their capital positions. [read more...]
In the News:
Make Giving Part of a Financial Plan - August 2009
By Greater Worcester Digest
Though it’s seldom done, weaving a client’s charitable giving into his or her investment strategy can yield superior tax benefits—while also having the potential to boost the client’s philanthropic efficacy. “Clients are often already giving to causes they love, so talking to them about philanthropy has to be part of the overall strategic discussion,” says Thomas W. Smith, CFP, a private planned-giving consultant and senior philanthropic advisor at the Vermont Community Foundation. [read more...]
The Evolution of Estate Plannning - June 2009
By Accounting Today
To take a phrase commonly used in general aviation, "flying blind" is not a good thing. With storm clouds all around and visibility severely limited, qualified pilots have to rely on a combination of instrument flight rules and the air traffic control system to safely arrive at their destination. In many respects, estate planning is similar to flying, as the goal of estate planning is to transport your client from one point to another safely and securely without experiencing any major financial problems. Successfully accomplishing this goal requires a formal plan and proper decision-making by the client. [read more...]
