The blog
Articles & insights
Dan Solin on investing, advisor marketing and turning prospects into clients. Page 6.
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Mar 4, 2019Flawed Assumptions
I can still remember this event like it was yesterday. It was my first day of law school. I was attending my first class. The professor went to the blackboard and wrote these words: Assume nothing.
Feb 28, 2019The Science Behind Great Presentations
The power of visuals. Medina’s message is straightforward: Vision is by far the most dominant sense, taking up half of our brain’s resources.
Feb 27, 2019Investing Dog Whistles
Dog whistles are rarely discussed when used by the financial media, but they are pervasive there. Don’t fall for it. Ignore the dog whistle.
Feb 26, 2019Don't Fear Market Volatility
For the period from 1979-2017, the US stock market had an average intra-year decline of 14%. But investors who ignored market volatility and did nothing were rewarded.
Feb 25, 2019The Holy Grail of Lead Generation
I wish there was a holy grail that would generate leads for you. Sometimes I think the most valuable service we provide our clients is keeping them from spending money chasing this illusion.
Feb 21, 2019I Found Happiness in an Unlikely Way
But the biggest epiphany for me occurred when I found the data indicating the real secret to happiness.
Feb 20, 2019A Different View of Investing
It’s easy for me to take a different view of investing. I can be totally objective. I’m not trying to sell you anything.
Feb 19, 2019My Beef with CNBC
CNBC should be required to display this cautionary warning to viewers: Watching our programming can be harmful to your financial well-being.
Feb 18, 2019Dump Mandatory Arbitration
Mandatory arbitration requires employees, customers and clients to waive their right to a trial in court, before a jury of their peers. Instead, they must submit their disputes to mandatory arbitration, administered by a tribunal, like the American Arbitration Association or JAMS.
Feb 13, 2019Don’t Fall For Performance Based Fees
Active mutual fund managers are getting desperate. Their latest gimmick to keep you in the fold is to offer “performance based” fees. Don’t fall for them.
Feb 13, 2019Don’t Regret Your Regret
Coping with regret – and distinguishing the good from bad – is helpful for everyone, including advisors.
Feb 12, 2019Don’t Be Spooked by Market Volatility
Market volatility is not only normal, it's good for investors. Without it, on what basis would investors in stocks be able to enjoy higher expected returns?
Feb 11, 2019Change Lanes
Here’s a thoughtful definition of self-awareness: Self-awareness is an honest understanding of your own values, desires, thought patterns, and more.
Feb 6, 2019Interview Your Way to More AUM
Here are the tips you can use to interview your way to more AUM. Terri Gross recommends starting a conversation by asking, "Tell me about yourself." I agree.
Feb 6, 2019The Risk of Risk
Of course, not all investments featuring a high return are fraudulent. Many are perfectly legitimate. Whether you should invest in them requires you to understand the amount of risk you will be accepting.
Feb 5, 2019Don’t Rely on Technical Analysis
Studies have shown there’s no evidence there are any indicators that can reliably predict future stock returns. Technical analysis is not to be trusted.
Jan 30, 2019Stupid Financial Media Tricks
Stupid pet tricks are fun to watch. Stupid financial media tricks may be entertaining, but they have the potential to cause real harm.
Jan 29, 2019A Foolish Bet
I have an offer for you. Rather than betting against an unknown opponent, why not use low management fee index funds?
Jan 29, 2019Mandatory Arbitration is Not a Fiduciary Practice
There’s a hidden rationale behind the requirement that employees and clients submit to mandatory arbitration. It favors “repeat players.”
Jan 28, 2019The Secret To Fully Engaging Anyone
There’s a simple trick you can use to fully engage anyone, anytime, and anywhere.
Jan 24, 2019How to Fully Engage Anyone, Anytime
There’s an easy way to “fully engage” someone and occupy all the capacity of their brain: Get them to speak.If you want to disengage someone, there’s an equally easy way to do this: Insist they listen to you. Keep talking.
Jan 23, 2019A "Dog Whistle" Guide to the Financial Media
The use of “dog whistles” is endemic in the financial media. They’re very adept at it, which makes it insidious and dangerous to your financial well-being.
Jan 22, 2019Shame on the Financial Media!
Investors who stick to a disciplined plan, and don’t react to short-term volatility, are better positioned to achieve their financial goals.
Jan 21, 2019Miscommunication
There’s a lot of miscommunication between you and your clients. That’s because you let your head dominate your heart. The numbers do tell a story, but not always the whole story.