Best of 2020

Table of Contents

STARTING THOUGHTS

Embracing the Digital
by Colin Erickson
As magazines and journals are switching to digital-only formats, it's time rethink how we read. 

EXCLUSIVE

2020 Personal Finance Year in Review
by Barbara O’Neill, Ph.D., CFP^®; and Martie Gillen, Ph.D.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected many of the events and legislation in 2020 that are covered in this special report.

Q&A

Preston Cherry on Career Paths, Starting a Firm, and Advice for Young Planners

Dick Vodra on Defining Wealth, the Role of Money in Our Lives, and Worldview Two

VOICE

It Could’ve Been Me
by Dasarte Yarnway

COVER STORIES

Anatomy of an Exquisite Meeting: Introducing a 6-Step Model to Build Trust and Commitment
by Elizabeth Jetton, M.Ed., CFP^®
Neuroscience and theories of adult learning offer relevant guidance for how to structure effective meetings.

Why Aren’t We Making More Progress on Diversity and Inclusion?
by Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer, CFP^®, RLP^®, CeFT^®
It’s not enough to talk just about increasing diversity and inclusion; we need to also increase representation of gender and race within our profession.

Surviving a Bear Attack
by Dan Moisand, CFP^®
Realize the power of financial planning through lessons learned in previous market downturns.

NEXT GENERATION PLANNER

The Coach Approach: Coaching in a Crisis
by Saundra Davis, APFC^®, FBS^®
During a crisis, before you act, think about what clients need most from you at this crucial time.

How Volunteering Can Help Build Your Professional Brand
by Cameo Roberson, AAMS^®
One volunteer opportunity can lead to another, and these connections will only deepen over time.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Got Culture? Your Firm’s Success Depends on It
by Sarah E. Dale and Krista S. Sheets
Compare your current culture to your ideal culture so you can identify the action steps required to close the gap.

Using the Scientific Method to Approach Success
by Daniel C. Finley
Luck and timing have very little to do with consistent business growth; it is more about the science of success.

COLUMNS

Your Practice
Who Helps the Helper? Taking Care of You, Your Family, and Your Team
by Wm. Marty Martin, Psy.D., MPH
You cannot deliver on your brand promise or fully meet your professional duties as a financial planning professional unless you are fully functioning.

Research in Action
Introducing a Workflow for Advising on College Savings
by Byrke Sestok, CFP^®
To best help clients with college savings decisions, consider this workflow developed out of previously published research.

Longevity Planning
Health and Aging Planning in a Post-Pandemic World
by Chris Heye, Ph.D.
Now is the time to address the emotional aspects of health and aging with your clients.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Exploring the Financial Planning Decisions Related to Greater Access to Retirement Funds Via the CARES Act
by Kenn Tacchino, J.D., LL.M.
Learn the financial planning decisions that must be evaluated based on the temporary relaxation of the law and how planners can add value by steering clients through these issues.

Navigating Client Relationships During COVID-19
by Samantha Brady, Julie Miller Ph.D., and Alexa Balmuth
Clients’ life stages and responsibilities may shape their concerns and fears related to COVID-19, and their communication styles may vary, sometimes in predictable ways.

RESEARCH

Integrating Interpersonal Neurobiology into Financial Planning: Practical Applications to Facilitate Well-Being
by Julie Fortin, CFP^®, FBS^®, CeFT^®; Marlis Jansen, LMFT, FBS^®; and Bradley T. Klontz, Psy.D., CFP^®
Interpersonal neurobiology provides a conceptual framework for financial planners to improve client relationships, calm client fears, and gain insight into emotions that lead to financial decisions while promoting well-being.

Identifying What Investors Value in a Financial Adviser: Uncovering Opportunities and Pitfalls
by Ryan O. Murphy, Ph.D.; Samantha Lamas, and Ray Sin Ph.D.
This study found that investors underestimated the importance of behavioral coaching in helping them stay on course, and advisers underestimated the importance of tax-e­fficient strategies to their clients.