VOLATILITY INDICES: In Financial Markets

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd

SPONSOR. http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The Role of Volatility Indices in Financial Markets

Volatility is often described as the pulse of financial markets, reflecting the collective emotions of investors as they respond to uncertainty, risk, and opportunity. Among the many tools designed to measure this phenomenon, the CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, stands out as the most widely recognized. Dubbed the “fear gauge,” the VIX captures market expectations of near-term volatility in the S&P 500, derived from options pricing. Its movements often mirror investor sentiment: rising sharply during periods of crisis and falling when confidence returns. Yet, the VIX is not alone. A family of volatility indices exists across global markets, each offering unique insights into sector-specific or regional risk.

The importance of volatility indices lies in their ability to quantify uncertainty. Traditional measures such as historical volatility look backward, analyzing past price fluctuations. In contrast, indices like the VIX are forward-looking, reflecting implied volatility based on options markets. This distinction makes them invaluable for traders, portfolio managers, and policymakers. For example, a sudden spike in the VIX often signals heightened fear, prompting investors to hedge positions or reduce exposure to equities. Conversely, a low VIX suggests complacency, though it can also precede unexpected shocks.

Beyond the VIX, other indices provide complementary perspectives. The VXN tracks volatility in the Nasdaq-100, often dominated by technology stocks. Because the tech sector is highly sensitive to innovation cycles and regulatory changes, the VXN can diverge significantly from the VIX, highlighting sector-specific risks. Similarly, the RVX measures volatility in the Russell 2000, offering a window into small-cap stocks that are more vulnerable to domestic economic conditions. Internationally, indices such as the VSTOXX in Europe and India VIX extend this framework globally, allowing investors to compare risk sentiment across regions. Together, these indices form a mosaic of market psychology, enabling a more nuanced understanding of global financial stability.

Volatility indices also play a crucial role in risk management. Derivatives linked to these indices, such as futures and exchange-traded products, allow investors to hedge against sudden downturns. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, demand for VIX futures surged as investors sought protection from extreme market swings. More recently, volatility products have become popular among retail traders, though their complexity and tendency to lose value over time make them risky for long-term holding.

Critics argue that volatility indices can be misleading. A low VIX does not guarantee stability, and a high VIX does not always signal disaster. Moreover, the rise of volatility-linked products has occasionally amplified market stress, as seen during the “Volmageddon” event of February 2018, when inverse volatility ETFs collapsed. These episodes underscore the need for caution: volatility indices are powerful tools, but they must be used with a clear understanding of their limitations.

In conclusion, volatility indices such as the VIX serve as vital instruments for gauging investor sentiment and managing risk. They provide a forward-looking measure of uncertainty, complementing traditional metrics and offering insights across sectors and regions. While not infallible, their role in modern finance is undeniable.

For traders, analysts, and policymakers alike, these indices are more than numbers on a screen—they are reflections of the market’s collective psyche, guiding decisions in times of both calm and crisis.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Effective Marketing: Using Loss Leaders in Financial Services

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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In the competitive world of financial services, attracting and retaining clients is a constant challenge. To stand out, many financial advisors employ strategic marketing tactics known as “loss leaders”—free or discounted services designed to showcase value and build trust. These offerings serve as entry points for potential clients, allowing advisors to demonstrate expertise and initiate long-term relationships.

One of the most common loss leaders is the free initial consultation. This no-obligation meeting gives prospective clients a chance to discuss their financial goals, ask questions, and get a feel for the advisor’s approach. For the advisor, it’s an opportunity to assess the client’s needs and present tailored solutions. While no revenue is generated from this meeting, it often leads to paid engagements once the client feels confident in the advisor’s capabilities.

Another popular tactic is offering a complimentary financial plan or portfolio review. These services provide tangible insights into a client’s current financial situation and suggest improvements. By delivering real value upfront, advisors build credibility and demonstrate their analytical skills. Clients who receive actionable advice are more likely to continue working with the advisor on a paid basis.

Educational content also plays a key role in loss leader strategy. Advisors frequently host free webinars, workshops, or seminars on topics like retirement planning, tax strategies, or investment basics. These events not only educate attendees but also position the advisor as a thought leader. Attendees often leave with a better understanding of their financial needs and a desire to seek personalized guidance.

In the digital realm, advisors may offer free tools and assessments on their websites. These include retirement readiness calculators, risk tolerance quizzes, and budgeting templates. Such tools engage users and provide personalized feedback, creating a natural segue into one-on-one consultations. Additionally, offering free newsletters or eBooks helps advisors stay top-of-mind while delivering ongoing value.

Some advisors go further by waiving fees for introductory services, such as account setup or the first few months of investment management. This lowers the barrier to entry and encourages hesitant clients to try the service. Once clients experience the benefits, they’re more likely to commit long-term.

Loss leaders are not limited to high-net-worth individuals. Advisors targeting younger or less affluent clients may offer free debt management plans or budgeting assistance. These services address immediate concerns and build loyalty among clients who may become more profitable as their financial situations improve.

Ultimately, loss leaders are about building relationships. By offering something of value without immediate compensation, financial advisors demonstrate their commitment to helping clients succeed. This fosters trust, encourages engagement, and often leads to lasting partnerships. In a field where reputation and reliability are paramount, loss leaders serve as powerful tools for growth and differentiation.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Rethinking Productivity in Wealth Management

By Vitaliy Katsenelsen CFA

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One of the biggest hazards of being a professional money manager is that you are expected to behave in a certain way.

One of the biggest hazards of being a professional money manager is that you are expected to behave in a certain way: You have to come to the office every day, work long hours, slog through countless emails, be on top of your portfolio (that is, check performance of your securities minute by minute), watch business TV and consume news continuously, and dress well and conservatively, wearing a rope around the only part of your body that lets air get to your brain. Our colleagues judge us on how early we arrive at work and how late we stay. We do these things because society expects us to, not because they make us better investors or do any good for our clients.

Somehow we let the mindless, Henry Ford–assembly-line, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., widgets-per-hour mentality dictate how we conduct our business thinking. Though car production benefits from rigid rules, uniforms, automation and strict working hours, in investing — the business of thinking — the assembly-line culture is counterproductive. Our clients and employers would be better off if we designed our workdays to let us perform our best.

Investing is not an idea-­per-hour profession; it more likely results in a few ideas per year. A traditional, structured working environment creates pressure to produce an output — an idea, even a forced idea. Warren Buffett once said at a Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting: “We don’t get paid for activity; we get paid for being right. As to how long we’ll wait, we’ll wait indefinitely.”

How you get ideas is up to you. I am not a professional writer, but as a professional money manager, I learn and think best through writing. I put on my headphones, turn on opera and stare at my computer screen for hours, pecking away at the keyboard — that is how I think. You may do better by walking in the park or sitting with your legs up on the desk, staring at the ceiling.

I do my best thinking in the morning. At 3:00 in the afternoon, my brain shuts off; that is when I read my emails. We are all different. My best friend is a brunch person; he needs to consume six cups of coffee in the morning just to get his brain going. To be most productive, he shouldn’t go to work before 11:00 a.m.

And then there’s the business news. Serious business news that lacked sensationalism, and thus ratings, has been replaced by a new genre: business entertainment (of course, investors did not get the memo). These shows do a terrific job of filling our need to have explanations for everything, even random events that require no explanation (like daily stock movements). Most information on the business entertainment channels — Bloomberg Television, CNBC, Fox Business — has as much value for investors as daily weather forecasts have for travelers who don’t intend to go anywhere for a year.

Yet many managers have CNBC, Fox or Bloomberg TV/Internet streaming on while they work.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

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The Risks of Dual Registration in Financial Advice

And … How We Can Fix It

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP®

www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

The Rules As I Understand Them

Securities industry Regulations and Regulators recognize that (registered) investment advisors give advice, while stock brokers sell brokerage products. Thus, the Series 65 license is required to become a financial advisor, while Series 7 licensed stock-brokers are not (and cannot) be fiduciary advisors.

So, advice is subject to a fiduciary duty, while product sales (brokerage) activity is not. The ratio of fiduciary advice to brokerage sales is about 1:99. So, what does that tell you?

A Contentious and Complicated Issue

This issue is so contentious and complicated today that lawyers are needed to define each and every term, engagement, transaction, brokerage or advisory contract, etc. It is far too amazingly contorted and complicated for most; including me; and we have even discussed the industry machinations and political double-talk on this ME-P previously; from some vary sharp industry experts, too.

The Fiduciary Conundrum

The “work-around” for these rules is industry “dual-registration”. Simply put, just get licensed to do both; as I did. Charge a commission when selling stuff and charge a fee for advice. And ideally, do both at the same time; while getting paid for both sides.

As a naïve luddite, I learned this little truism in financial planning school decades ago, and as a doctor and fiduciary for my patients at all times, almost vomited.

Of course, there were more sophisticated students in our classes who regurgitated the standard industry opinion: “We’ll give the client a financial plan for free IF we can sell commissioned products.”

Ideally this meant a fat and fully commissioned wrap account, whole-life insurance policy, LTCI policy; etc. Or, sell products and collect fat ongoing, and often unrecognizable AUM fees [fee-only], too!

From the stock broker-advisor’s POV, it was “Heads I win – tails you loose” for the client. Now, you know why I am a former or reformed certified financial planner.

The Physics Split

Know that as a pre-medical college student years earlier, I leaned about the Werner Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, in physics class.

Of course,  true Advice – is not Sales …  and Sales is not Advice. Both should never be; simultaneously. So, let’s ditch dual registration and decide which to pursue … and then proceed accordingly. Both sales and advice have risks and benefits to client and producer; both have advantages and disadvantages to both; as well.

WHY? Just like the Werner Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle; it shouldn’t [shan’t] be both; at once.

NOTE: In quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is any of a variety of mathematical inequalities asserting a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties of a particle, known as complementary variables, such as position x and momentum p, can be known simultaneously.

So, in physics, I can tell you where you are -OR- how fast you are going; but not both. Thus, if it is product sales; it is not advice.

Today, since “dual registration” is still allowed, my suggestion to clients is to seek a fiduciary in all matters 24/7/354; get it in writing, and try  to avoid arbitration and “best interest” or BICE clauses! Run from [fee-based and fee-only] AUM fees, too.

PS: I am not against Series #7 representatives and product sales. Salesmen/women often provide a valuable service and should be appropriately compensated. I only object when fees, costs, charges and commissions are duplicative, excessive and/or not fully disclosed to the client. Since excessive is an arbitrary term; full disclosure is the key ingredient.

Assessment

So – How am I wrong, mistaken and/or what did I miss? Do tell! Should We – Can We – Ditch Dual Registration [DDR]?

Oh! In the future, I also hope that State fiduciary standards will potentially cover both non-ERISA and ERISA situations, and employee plan participants will have access to full discovery rights, the one thing the industry fears most.

But, that’s a discussion for another day and time.

Conclusion

Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. https://medicalexecutivepost.com/dr-david-marcinkos-bookings/

Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

BOOKS

https://www.crcpress.com/Risk-Management-Liability-Insurance-and-Asset-Protection-Strategies-for/Marcinko-Hetico/p/book/9781498725989

Risk Management, Liability Insurance, and Asset Protection Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™8Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™

https://www.crcpress.com/Comprehensive-Financial-Planning-Strategies-for-Doctors-and-Advisors-Best/Marcinko-Hetico/p/book/9781482240283

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Dynamic Strategies in Broker-Dealer Recruitment

By Staff Reporter and A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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The Evolving Landscape of Broker-Dealer Recruitment

Broker-dealer recruitment has become a dynamic and competitive arena within the financial services industry. As firms vie for top talent, the strategies and incentives used to attract and retain financial advisors have evolved significantly. In an environment shaped by regulatory changes, technological innovation, and shifting advisor expectations, broker-dealers must continuously refine their recruitment approaches to remain competitive and relevant.

At the heart of broker-dealer recruitment is the pursuit of experienced financial advisors who bring with them established client relationships and significant assets under management. These advisors are highly sought after because they can generate immediate revenue and enhance a firm’s market presence. According to recent industry reports, firms like LPL Financial, Commonwealth, and Cetera have ramped up their recruitment efforts by investing in platform enhancements, rebranding initiatives, and technology upgrades to appeal to both seasoned professionals and the next generation of advisors.

One of the most significant trends in broker-dealer recruitment is the emphasis on value-added services. Advisors today are not merely looking for the highest payout or signing bonus; they are increasingly drawn to firms that offer robust support systems, including compliance assistance, marketing resources, and advanced technology platforms. Broker-dealers that can demonstrate a commitment to advisor growth and client service excellence are more likely to attract top-tier talent.

Another key factor influencing recruitment is the cultural fit between the advisor and the firm. Advisors often seek environments that align with their personal values and business philosophies. As such, firms are placing greater emphasis on showcasing their culture, leadership, and long-term vision during the recruitment prhttps://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/05/beware-the-brokerage-accounts/ocess. This cultural alignment can be a decisive factor in an advisor’s decision to join or remain with a firm.https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/09/05/beware-the-brokerage-accounts/

The competitive nature of the industry has also led to the rise of aggressive recruitment tactics, including lucrative transition packages and equity offers. While these financial incentives can be effective, they are increasingly being supplemented by strategic differentiators such as flexible affiliation models, access to alternative investment platforms, and opportunities for practice acquisition or succession planning.

Moreover, the recruitment landscape is being reshaped by broader economic and regulatory forces. The implementation of Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and the ongoing impact of high interest rates have prompted advisors to reassess their affiliations and seek firms that provide clarity, stability, and strategic guidance. Broker-dealers that proactively address these concerns and offer transparent, advisor-centric solutions are better positioned to succeed in the recruitment race.

In conclusion, broker-dealer recruitment is no longer just about offering the biggest check. It is about creating a compelling value proposition that resonates with advisors’ professional goals and personal values. Firms that invest in technology, culture, and advisor support—while remaining agile in response to industry trends—will be best equipped to attract and retain the talent necessary for long-term success.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Critical Risk Management for Physicians Today

More Difficult than Ever Before

By Brian J. Knabe MD, Certified Medical Planner

www.SavantCapital.com

Historically, the term “risk management” has brought to mind one subject for the practicing physician – medical malpractice.  Unfortunately, physicians today face a multitude of other risks which may be more insidious and daunting than malpractice.  It is important to recognize these risks, and to have the appropriate procedures and policies in place to mitigate the risks.  These risks come from the federal government, state government, insurance companies, patients, employees, and even prospective employees.  Some risks, many unique to small businesses and medical practices, include the following:

  • Medicare recoupment risk – challenges to coding and subsequent billing by the physician.
  • Medicare fraud.  Numerous laws can be used by the federal government to go after the physician, including the Medicare and Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Statute, the RICO statute, and the Federal False Claims Act.  The recently enacted Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act aims to save money by increasing funding for anti-fraud efforts.
  • Insurance fraud.  An inquiry from Medicare to look for fraud in a physician’s practice is often followed by similar efforts by insurance companies.
  • The HIPPA Act of 1996 creates new definitions and penalties to use against the physician.
  • Self referral risks.  Federal regulations in this area include the Medicare Anti-Fraud and Abuse Statute, the Medicare Safe Harbor Regulations, and the Stark Amendment.
  • Federal agency risks.  These include regulations from the Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA), Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement agency (DEA), and even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Anti-trust risks.  The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) formulate regulations in this arena.
  • Managed care contractual risks.  Most managed care contracts require the individual physician rather than the professional corporation to sign the contract, thus placing the physician’s personal assets at risk.
  • Medical malpractice risks.  Although the vast majority of claims are paid by the insurance carrier, there can be other adverse consequences for the physician.  These include the risk of increased premiums, non-renewal of policies, and difficulty in getting replacement insurance.
  • Loss of income due to death or disability.  Most physicians recognize the importance of life insurance, but the medical professional is actually much more likely to lose income due to disability at some point in his or her career.

http://www.amazon.com/Insurance-Management-Strategies-Physicians-Advisors/dp/0763733423/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1375149801&sr=8-6&keywords=marcinko+david

The practicing physician should seek the advice of professionals with expertise in these areas.  Every practice should have an experienced attorney on retainer.  It is very important to seek advice from fiduciaries – experts who have no conflicts of interest and who can therefore act in the best interest of the client.  A Certified Medical Planner is such a fiduciary with training and expertise in these areas.

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

It can be particularly challenging to find an insurance advisor with no conflicts of interest, as this industry is built upon product sales and commissions.  One such insurance advisor is Scott Witt, a fee-only insurance advisor with Witt Actuarial Services (www.wittactuarialservices.com).

Others can be found with an internet search for “fee only insurance advisor”.

Conclusion

Your comments on this ME-P are appreciated. How do you select an advisor? Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, be sure to subscribe. It is fast, free and secure.

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

Subscribe Now: Did you like this Medical Executive-Post, or find it helpful, interesting and informative? Want to get the latest ME-Ps delivered to your email box each morning? Just subscribe using the link below. You can unsubscribe at any time. Security is assured.

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Unlock Your Career with Micro-Certifications

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN SPECIALTY NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA MEd CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

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Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at Email: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7].

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FINANCIAL PLANNERS: Part Time Employment Difficulties

By Staff Reporters

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Why It Is Difficult to Be a Part-Time Financial Planner Today

In theory, part-time financial planning offers flexibility and work-life balance, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking reduced hours. However, in practice, the role of a financial planner has evolved into a demanding, full-time commitment. The complexity of financial markets, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements make part-time financial planning increasingly difficult to sustain.

One of the primary challenges is client relationship management. Financial planning is deeply personal and trust-based. Clients expect consistent communication, timely updates, and proactive advice. A part-time planner may struggle to maintain the same level of responsiveness as full-time counterparts, especially during volatile market conditions or life-changing events like retirement, divorce, or inheritance. Delayed responses or limited availability can erode client confidence and damage long-term relationships.

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Another obstacle is the rapid pace of financial change. Tax laws, investment products, insurance regulations, and retirement planning strategies are constantly evolving. Staying current requires ongoing education, certifications, and industry engagement. For part-time planners, keeping up with these changes while managing clients and administrative tasks can be overwhelming. Falling behind risks offering outdated or suboptimal advice, which could lead to compliance issues or client dissatisfaction.

Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity. Financial planners must adhere to strict standards set by organizations like FINRA, the SEC, and state regulators. These include documentation, disclosures, fiduciary responsibilities, and continuing education. Compliance is non-negotiable and time-consuming, regardless of hours worked. Part-time planners face the same scrutiny and liability as full-time professionals, but with fewer hours to manage the workload.

Technology, while a powerful tool, also presents challenges. Clients increasingly expect digital access to their portfolios, real-time updates, and virtual meetings. Managing these platforms requires technical proficiency and regular maintenance. Part-time planners may find it difficult to keep systems updated, troubleshoot issues, or provide tech support, especially if they lack dedicated staff.

Business development is another hurdle. Building and maintaining a client base requires networking, marketing, and referrals. Part-time planners often have limited time to attend events, follow up with leads, or cultivate relationships. This can hinder growth and make it difficult to compete with full-time advisors who are more visible and accessible.

Finally, there’s the issue of income and scalability. Many financial planners earn through commissions, assets under management (AUM), or fee-based models. Part-time work often means fewer clients and lower revenue, which can make it hard to justify the costs of licensing, insurance, software, and office space. Without scale, profitability becomes a challenge.

In conclusion, while the idea of part-time financial planning may seem appealing, the realities of the profession make it difficult to execute effectively. The demands of client care, compliance, education, and business development require consistent attention and availability. Unless the industry adapts to support flexible models, part-time financial planners will continue to face significant barriers to success.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: ME-P Editor Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Essential Critical Thinking Skills for Financial Advisors

FOR ETHICAL PHYSICIAN CLIENT ACQUISITION SUCCESS

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Critical thinking allows a Financial Advisor [FA] to analyze information and make an objective judgment. By impartially evaluating the facts related to a matter, Financial Planners [FPs] can draw realistic conclusions that will help make a sound decision. The ability of being able to properly analyze a situation and come up with a logical and reasonable conclusion is highly valued by employers, as well as current and potential clients.

Now, according to Indeed, we present the six main critical thinking and examples that will help you evaluate your own thought process as a FA, FP or Wealth Manager, etc.

What is critical thinking? 

Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze information and draw a rational conclusion. It involves gathering information on a subject and determining which pieces of information apply to the subject and which don’t, based on deductive reasoning. The ability to think critically helps people in both their personal and professional lives and is valued by most clients and employers. 

Why do employers value critical thinking?

Critical thinking skills are a valuable asset for an employee, as employers, brokerages and Registered Investment Advisors [RIAs] typically appreciate candidates who can correctly assess a situation and come up with a logical resolution. Time is a valuable resource for most managers, and an employee able to make correct decisions without supervision will save both that manager and the whole company much valuable time.

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Six main types of critical thinking skills

There are six main critical thinking skills you can develop to successfully analyze facts and situations and come up with logical conclusions:

1. Analytical thinking

Being able to properly analyze information is the most important aspect of critical thinking. This implies gathering information and interpreting it, but also skeptically evaluating data. When researching a work topic, analytical thinking helps you separate the information that applies to your situation from that which doesn’t.

2. Good communication

Whether you are gathering information or convincing others that your conclusions are correct, good communication is crucial in the process. Asking people to share their ideas and information with you and showing your critical thinking can help step further towards success. If you’re making a work-related decision, proper communication with your coworkers can help you gather the information you need to make the right choice.

3. Creative thinking

Being able to discover certain patterns of information and make abstract connections between seemingly unrelated data helps improve your critical thinking. When analyzing a work procedure or process, you can creatively come up with ways to make it faster and more efficient. Creativity is a skill that can be strengthened over time and is valuable in every position, experience level and industry.

4. Open-mindedness

Previous education and life experiences leave their mark on a person’s ability to objectively evaluate certain situations. By acknowledging these biases, you can improve your critical thinking and overall decision process. For example, if you plan to conduct a meeting in a certain way and your firm suggests using a different strategy, you should let them speak and adjust your approach based on their input.

5. Ability to solve problems

The ability to correctly analyze a problem and work on implementing a solution is another valuable skill.

6. Asking thoughtful questions:

In both private and professional situations, asking the right questions is a crucial step in formulating correct conclusions. Questions can be categorized in various forms as mentioned below:

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* Open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions can help the person you’re communicating with provide you with relevant and necessary information. These are questions that don’t allow a simple “yes” or “no” as an answer, requiring the respondent to elaborate on the answer.

* Outcome-based questions

When you feel like another person’s experience and skills could help you work more effectively, consider asking outcome-based questions. Asking someone how they would act in a certain hypothetical situation, such as a stock market correction, can give you an insight into their perspective, helping you see things you hadn’t thought about before.

Reflective questions

You can gain insight by asking a client to reflect and evaluate an experience and explain their thought processes during that time. This can help you develop your critical thinking by providing you real-world examples.

* Structural questions

An easy way to understand something is to ask how something works. Any working system results from a long process of trial and error, and properly understanding the steps that needed to be taken for a positive result could help you be more efficient in your own endeavors.

CONCLUSION

Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You’ll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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INVESTING TRANSFORMATION: Artificial Intelligence

By Co-Pilot and A. I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Artificial Intelligence and Investing: A Transformative Partnership

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of investing, reshaping how decisions are made, risks are assessed, and portfolios are managed. As financial markets grow increasingly complex and data-driven, AI offers powerful tools to navigate this landscape with greater precision, speed, and insight.

At its core, AI refers to systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. In investing, this translates into algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of financial data, detect patterns, and make predictions with remarkable accuracy. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables these systems to improve over time by learning from new data, making them especially valuable in dynamic markets.

One of the most significant applications of AI in investing is algorithmic trading. These systems can execute trades at lightning speed, responding to market fluctuations in milliseconds. By analyzing historical data and real-time market conditions, AI-driven trading platforms can identify optimal entry and exit points, often outperforming human traders. High-frequency trading firms have long relied on such technologies to gain competitive advantages.

AI also enhances portfolio management through robo-advisors—digital platforms that use algorithms to provide personalized investment advice. These tools assess an investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, then construct and manage a diversified portfolio accordingly. Robo-advisors democratize access to financial planning, offering low-cost, automated solutions to individuals who might not afford traditional advisory services.

Risk assessment is another area where AI shines. By processing alternative data sources—such as social media sentiment, news articles, and satellite imagery—AI can uncover hidden risks and opportunities. For instance, a sudden spike in negative sentiment around a company on Twitter might signal reputational issues, prompting investors to reevaluate their positions. AI models can also forecast macroeconomic trends, helping investors anticipate shifts in interest rates, inflation, or geopolitical events.

Moreover, AI is transforming fundamental analysis. Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to read and interpret earnings reports, SEC filings, and analyst commentary. This enables investors to extract insights from unstructured data that would be time-consuming to analyze manually. AI can even detect subtle linguistic cues that may indicate a company’s future performance or management’s confidence.

Despite its advantages, AI in investing is not without challenges. Models can be opaque, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made—a phenomenon known as the “black box” problem. There’s also the risk of overfitting, where algorithms perform well on historical data but fail in real-world scenarios. Ethical concerns, such as bias in data and the potential for market manipulation, must also be addressed.

In conclusion, AI is reshaping the investing landscape, offering tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. While it’s not a panacea, its integration into financial markets marks a profound shift in how capital is allocated and wealth is managed. As technology continues to evolve, investors who embrace AI will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

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EDUCATION: Books

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Why You Shouldn’t Trust Your Financial Advisor’s Awards

OVERHEARD IN THE DOCTOR’S LOUNGE

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By D. Kellus Pruitt DDS

According to money journalists Max Tailwagger and Allan Roth of MoneyWatch, the trade publication Medical Economics Magazine [“advertising supplement”] nearly listed a dog on its’ 2013 list of Best Financial Advisors for Doctors.  Indeed, being listed as a top financial advisor in this publication would enhance any advisor’s credibility as well as reach a high income readership.

For example, several advisors in the Financial Planning Association, mentions this prestigious award year after year. And, the NAPFA organization of fee-only financial planners has issued press releases when member advisors make this annual list. In fact, in 2008, it touted that 52/150 listed FAs were NAPFA members. 

Yet, the dog is well known in the financial advisory world, having allegedly received a plaque as one of 2009 America’s Top Financial Planners by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, and has appeared in several books including Pound Foolish and Money for Life. The fee for Maxwell Tailwagger CFP® [a five year old Dachshund] was reported to be $750 with $1,000 for a bold listing. Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph is reported to have said, “Once again, Max is gaining national notoriety for his astute, and almost superhuman, abilities in the financial arena.”

The only two qualifications for the listing were to pay the fee and not have a complaint against them. In 2009, James Putman, then the NAPFA chairman who touted his own Medical Economics award, was charged by the SEC for securities fraud. NAPFA spokesperson Laura Fisher allegedly opined that “NAPFA no longer promotes the Medical Economics Top Advisors for Doctors list. We felt promoting a list that included stock-brokers was inconsistent with NAPFA’s mission to advance the fee-only profession.” When an advisor name drops an honor to you, congratulate him and then ask how s/he achieved the award. Ask how many nominees versus award recipients there were. What were the criteria for selection and how were they nominated. Ask if they had to pay for the honor, and go online to check out the organization.

Then ask yourself this question: If your financial advisor is buying credibility, do you really want to trust your financial future to him or her?

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dog-nearly-fetches-prestigious-financial-advisor-honor/

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EDUCATION: Books

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Understanding Investment Apps: A Guide for Beginners

DEFINITIONS

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

An app, which is short for “application,” is a type of software that can be installed and run on a computer, tablet, smartphone or other electronic devices. An app most frequently refers to a mobile application or a piece of software that is installed and used on a computer. Most apps have a specific and narrow function.

BROKE DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/08/02/doctors-going-broke-and-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/

Robo-Advisors

An easy and fairly cheap way for novices to get into investing is to use a robo-advisor. Basically, the funds you contribute will be invested by an algorithm based upon your goals, which are usually determined by taking a survey. This helps keep fees low; the algorithm doesn’t rely on a human expert to make trades, and you don’t have to spend significant amounts of time researching your investments. While this is a good way to start, it may not be the best option in the long run.

Online Brokerage or Investment Apps

More options are becoming available all the time, and they have opened trading to a much larger percentage of the population. That is a great thing, but it’s important to remember that “easier to invest” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to invest well.

Be wary of apps that “gamify” trading and encourage risky choices. Keep in mind that trusted names offer more security, so do your research when you are selecting a platform.

POOR DOCTORS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/04/04/why-physicians-do-not-get-rich/

Investing should be taken seriously, and we encourage you to have a good working relationship with a human financial services professional.

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How Much Should Start-Ups Pay Their Advisors?

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3 Behavioral Biases Hurting Your Finances

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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The study of behavioral economics has revealed much about how different biases can affect our finances—often for the worse.

Take loss aversion: Because we feel a financial setback more acutely than a commensurate gain, we often cling to failed investments to avoid realizing the loss. Another potential hazard is present bias, or the tendency to prefer instant gratification over long-term reward, even if the latter gain is greater.

When it comes to money, sometimes it’s difficult to make rational decisions. Here, are three behavioral financial biases that could be impeding financial goals.

ANCHORING BIAS

Anchoring Bias happens when we place too much emphasis on the first piece of information we receive regarding a given subject. Anchoring is the mental trick your brain plays when it latches onto the first piece of information it gets, no matter how irrelevant. You might know this as a ‘first impression’ when someone relies on their own first idea of a person or situation.

Example: When shopping for a wedding ring a salesman might tell us to spend three months’ salary. After hearing this, we may feel like we are doing something wrong if we stray from this financial advice, even though the guideline provided may cause us to spend more than we can afford.

Example: Imagine you’re buying a car, and the salesperson starts with a high price. That number sticks in your mind and influences all your subsequent negotiations. Anchoring can skew our decisions and perceptions, making us think the first offer is more important than it is. Or, subsequent offers lower than they really are.

Example: Imagine an investor named Jane who purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation at $100 per share several years ago. Over time, the stock price declined to $60 per share. Jane is anchored to her initial price of $100 and is reluctant to sell at a loss because she keeps hoping the stock will return to her original purchase price. She continues to hold onto the stock, even as it declines, due to her anchoring bias. Eventually, the stock price drops to $40 per share, resulting in significant losses for Jane.

In this example, Jane’s nchoring bias to the original purchase price of $100 prevents her from rationalizing to sell the stock and cut her losses, even though market conditions have changed. So, the next time you’re haggling for your self, a potential customer or client, or making another big financial decision, be aware of that initial anchor dragging you down.

HERD MENTALITY BIAS

Herd Mentality Bias makes it very hard for humans to not take action when everyone around us does.

Example: We may hear stories of people making significant monetary profits buying, fixing up, and flipping homes and have the desire to get in on the action, even though we have no experience in real estate.

Example: During the dotcom bubble of the late 1990’s many investors exhibited a herd mentality. As technology stocks soared to astronomical valuations, investors rushed to buy these stocks driven by the fear of missing out on the gains others were enjoying. Even though some of these stocks had questionable fundamentals, the herd mentality led investors to follow the crowd.

In this example, the herd mentality contributed to the overvaluation of technology stocks. Eventually, it led to the dot-com bubble’s burst, causing significant losses for those who had unthinkingly followed the crowd without conducting proper research or analysis.

OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS

Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.

Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.

Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).

ASSESSMENT

Finally, questions remain after consuming this cognitive bias review.

Question: Can behavioral cognitive biases be eliminated by financial advisors in prospecting and client sales endeavors?

A: Indeed they can significantly reduce their impact by appreciating and understanding the above and following a disciplined and rational decision-making sales process.

Question: What is the role of financial advisors in helping clients and prospects address behavioral biases?

A: Financial advisors can provide an objective perspective and help investors recognize and address their biases. They can assist in creating well-structured investment and financial plans, setting realistic goals, and offering guidance to ensure investment decisions align with long-term objectives.

Question: How important is self-discipline in overcoming behavioral biases?

A; Self-discipline is crucial in overcoming behavioral biases. It helps investors and advisors adhere to their investment plans, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals reducing the influence of emotional and cognitive biases.

CONCLUSION

Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological biases to your mutual success!

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

REFERENCES:

  • Marcinko, DE; Dictionary of Health Insurance and Managed Care. Springer Publishing Company, New York, 2007.
  • Marcinko, DE: Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2016.
  • Marcinko, DE: Risk Management, Liability and Insurance Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™. Productivity Press, NY, 2017.
  • Nofsinger, JR: The Psychology of Investing. Rutledge Publishing, 2022
  • Winters, Scott:  The 10X Financial Advisor: Your Blueprint for Massive and Sustainable Growth. Absolute Author Publishing House, 2020.
  • Woodruff, Mandy: https://www.mandimoney.com

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INVESTMENTS: Four Firm Updates

By A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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UnitedHealth Group soared almost 12%, its biggest one-day gain in nearly five years, after getting the “Buffett Bounce.” Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway revealed it bought ~5 million shares worth nearly $1.6 billion, giving a much-needed vote of confidence to the struggling health giant.

The White House is considering buying part of Intel, Bloomberg reported this week, which would be the latest big business deal the president pursues on behalf of the government. The Trump administration might acquire a stake in the struggling computer chip-maker using CHIPS Act funding—nearly $11 billion of which was already earmarked for Intel.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took an $8 billion write-down on five mega-projects it’s building, due to lower oil prices and higher costs.

Pimco, the asset management giant, warned that President Trump’s plan to IPO Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could push mortgage rates higher.

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Why [Too Many] Physician Colleagues Don’t Get Rich?

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PHYSICIANS: Do You Use A Financial Planner?

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TO: All Physicians and Dentists

QUESTION?

Do you use a financial advisor?

What has been your experience with him or her?

THANK YOU

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR- http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Beware of Borrowing That Helps Your Advisor – Not You

By Rick Kahler MSFP CFP

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When Maria needed $400,000 for a down payment on a new home, her broker at a large Wall Street firm offered a solution: “Don’t sell investments and trigger capital gains. Just take out a margin loan.”

A margin loan is a line of credit from a brokerage firm, secured by the client’s investment portfolio. It offers quick access to cash with no immediate tax consequences and minimal paperwork. But the convenience comes at a cost. As of mid-2025, margin loan interest rates range from 6.25% to over 11%.

Margin loan recommendations are often presented by brokers as tax-savvy strategies that allow clients to access “tax-free” cash while keeping their portfolios intact. In many cases, however, the math benefits the advisor more than the investor. The cost of borrowing often exceeds what an investor is likely to earn by holding on.

For example, let’s assume an interest rate of 7.5% on Maria’s $400,000 margin loan. While borrowing delayed the payment of $20,000 in capital gains tax, she will eventually have to pay that tax anyway unless she holds the investments until her death. Two years later, with portfolio returns of 4% annually, she had earned around $32,000 from the $400,000 in investments she might have sold. Meanwhile, she had paid $60,000 in interest—leaving her some $28,000 worse off. That’s without factoring in ongoing interest payments, or the risks of a margin call if the investments securing the loan drop in value.

Why do advisors keep recommending margin loans? Because selling investments reduces the portfolio size and the advisor’s fee. Borrowing keeps the portfolio intact and the compensation unchanged—while the firm receives additional income from interest on the loan. In some cases, advisors suggest using margin loans to buy more investments, increasing both the portfolio and the fee they collect.

None of this is illegal. But when the borrowing cost is higher than expected returns and the advisor benefits financially, the ethics are questionable. The client takes the risk, while the advisor keeps the revenue.

This kind of conflict appears more often in portfolios where compensation is tied to asset volume and the company’s primary culture rewards gathering assets over delivering unbiased advice. By contrast, fee-only financial planning and investment advisors typically operate on simpler hourly, flat, or tiered fee structures. Their compensation doesn’t depend on whether a client borrows, sells, or holds. The culture of the firm focuses on conflict-free advice aligned with the client’s best interest.

Wall Street brokers are often held to a fiduciary standard, but structure still matters. In 2024 the SEC reported their examinations of brokers would continue to focus on advisor recommendations unduly influenced by the company’s compensation and incentives.

There are rare situations where a margin loan may be appropriate. A client with large unrealized gains might use a short-term margin loan to minimize taxes. An elderly investor might borrow tax-free rather than sell assets that will receive a step-up in basis at their death. Even in those cases, the math must be exact and the client must clearly understand the risks, including the possibility of a margin call.

If your advisor recommends a margin loan, especially to buy more investments, ask strong questions. What’s the interest rate? What return is realistic? What are the tax consequences of selling? How does this affect the advisor’s income?

If you don’t get direct answers, that’s a warning sign.

In a high-rate, low-return environment, margin loans rarely favor the client. The exceptions are narrow. The risks are significant. And the conflict of interest is measurable.

Sometimes the smartest move is the simplest: sell what you need, pay the tax, and leave leverage out of your plan.

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BIAS: Beware Overconfident Investing

By Staff Reporters and A.I.

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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OVERCONFIDENT INVESTING BIAS

Overconfident Investing Bias happens when we believe we can out-smart other investors via market timing or through quick, frequent trading. This causes the results of a study to be unreliable and hard to reproduce in other research settings.

Example: Data convincingly shows that people and financial planners/advisors and wealth managers who trade most often under-perform the market by a significant margin over time. Active traders lose money.

Example: Overconfidence Investing Bias moreover leads to: (1) excessive trading (which in turn results in lower returns due to costs incurred), (2) underestimation of risk (portfolios of decreasing risk were found for single men, married men, married women, and single women), (3) illusion of knowledge (you can get a lot more data nowadays on the internet) and (4) illusion of control (on-line trading).

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MORE:

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BRAND MANAGEMENT: 7 Approaches For Doctors and Financial Advisors

By A.I.

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Any extensive analysis of numerous papers published on brand management leads to the seven approaches mentioned below. This included 300+ articles from Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Research, Harvard Business Review and European Journal of Marketing.

So, it can be safe to claim that no matter which framework or model one follows it must have originated via one of the seven approaches listed below.

The Seven Branding Approaches are:

  • The economic approach: the brand as part of the traditional marketing mix.
  • The identity approach: the brand as linked to corporate identity.
  • The consumer-based approach: the brand as linked to consumer associations.
  • The personality approach: the brand as a human-like character.
  • The relational approach: the brand as a viable relationship partner.
  • The community approach: the brand as the pivotal point of social interaction.
  • The cultural approach: the brand as part of the broader cultural fabric.

There are multiple theories and model to be followed in the area of brand management with their own school of thought and have been proven to work.

These include the Aaker’s brand identity model, Kapferer’s brand prism or Keller’s customer-based brand equity pyramid. All of them will enhance the brand equity of the product or service but may have evolved from different school of thoughts. Though everyone talks about the different models, rarely we find text on the school of thought rather then the actual model in practice.

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And, you will find the Brand Asset Valuator Model in many books but you might never come to know the author’s perspective.

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PARADOXICAL CONTRADICTIONS: All Financial Advisors Must Know to Win Clients!

The Ultimate Psychological Challenge to Influence Clients and Close More Sales

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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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A psychological paradox is a figure of speech that can seem silly or contradictory in form, yet it can still be true, or at least make sense in the context given.

This is sometimes used to illustrate thoughts or statements that differ from traditional ideas. So, instead of taking a given statement literally, an individual must comprehend it from a different perspective. Using paradoxes in speeches and writings can also add wit and humor to one’s work, which serves as the perfect device to grab a reader or a listener’s attention and/or persuade them to action, sales and closing statements. But paradoxes for the financial sector can be quite difficult to explain by definition alone, which is why it is best to refer to a few examples to further your understanding.

One good psychological paradox example is The Paradox of Thrift which suggests that while saving money is generally considered a prudent financial behavior, excessive saving during times of economic downturn can actually hinder economic recovery. When consumers collectively reduce their spending and increase their savings, it creates a decrease in aggregate demand. This reduction in demand can lead to lower production levels, job losses, and ultimately a decline in economic output. In other words, what may be individually rational behavior (financial saving) can have negative consequences for the overall economy.  

The following paradoxical contradictions will help financial advisors guide clients to close more sales to the benefit of both.

____

In the intricate world of finance sales, advisors are often at the crossroads of various paradoxes that challenge client decision-making. While the journey towards financial security involves calculated strategies, it’s the nuanced understanding of paradoxes that can help the advisor close more sales.

____

But, what seems true about money often turns out to be false, according to colleague Finance Professor John Goodell, PhD from the University Akron:

  1. The more we try to trade our way to profits, the less likely we are to profit.
  1. The more boring an investment—think index funds—the more exciting the long-run performance will probably be.
  1. The more exciting an investment—name your latest Wall Street concoction, Special Purpose Acquisition Company [SPAC] or anything crypto—the less exciting the long-term results typically are.
  1. The only certainty is uncertainty and the only constant is change. Today’s market decline will eventually become a bull market, and today’s market leaders will eventually yield to other stocks.
  1. Big market trends play a huge role in investment results, and yet trying to time macroeconomic cycles or guess which market sectors will outperform is a fool’s errand. Many big market rotations are set in motion by something wholly unanticipated, like a virus pandemic or a war.
  1. To be happy when wealthy, we also need to be happy with far less money. The fact is, above a relatively modest income level, no amount of extra money will change our level of happiness. More money might even make us miserable, as many lottery winners have discovered.
  1. The more we hate an investing trait—or any trait for that matter—the more likely it is that we’re resisting seeing that trait in ourselves. It’s what Carl Jung MD called the Shadow of Undesirable Personality Aspects that we hide from ourselves. Do prospects get irritated listening to your unsolicited financial advice? There’s a good chance that you often give unsolicited financial advice but don’t like to admit it.
  1. The more we learn about investing, the more we realize we don’t know anything. We should just buy index funds and instead spend our time worrying about stuff we can actually control.
  1. The more an investor is convinced he’s right, the more likely he is to be wrong. Short sellers, in particular, are likely to succumb to this paradoxical trap.
  1. The more options we have, the less satisfied we’ll be with each one. This is the Paradox of Choice; revised. Anyone who has spent hours “optimizing” his or her portfolio knows this all too well. Its close cousin is information overload, another frustration paradox when investing.
  1. The more afraid we are of losing money, the more likely we are to take unwitting risks that lose us money. Sitting in cash seems wise during market selloffs. But the truth is, none of us can reliably time the market. Pull up any chart of the stock market over any period longer than a decade and you’ll see that the riskiest decision is sitting in cash, which gets destroyed by inflation.

The more we think about our investments and look at our financial accounts, the more likely we are to damage our results by buying high because of greed and selling low because of fear. It can pay to look away.

ASSESSMENT

How should you respond to these financial paradoxes? As you plan for your own financial future, as well as your own client prospecting endeavors, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.”

In other words, make financial and client acquisitions plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and paradoxes and rethink your priorities. Years of experience with clients certainly support the futility of trying to help them change their financial behavior by telling them what they “should” know or do.

CONCLUSION

Remember, it is far more useful to listen to client beliefs, fears and goals, and to suggest options and offer encouragement to help them discover their own path toward financial well-being. Then, incentivize them with knowledge of the above psychological paradoxes to your mutual success!

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

REFERENCES:

1. Goodell, J: Full publication list on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=lJyDADsAAAAJ

 2. Jung, Carl, Gustav: Full publication list on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C11&q=carl+jung+publications&btnG=

READINGS:

Marcinko, DE and Hetico, HR: Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™]. CRC Productivity Press, New York, 2016.

Marcinko, DE: Dictionary of Health Economics and Finance. Springer Publishing Company, New York. 2006

Marcinko, DE and Hetico, HR: Risk Management, Liability Insurance, and Asset Protection Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™]. CRC Productivity Press, New York, 2015.

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ABOUT: Marcinko Associates; Inc.

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PLANNING ADVICE FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

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At http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com, we follow Fiduciary Standards for your protection:

Embrace the legal fiduciary obligation to place Medical colleague clients’ interests first

Deliver comprehensive financial planning and practice management advice for medical professionals

Provide fee-only advice; not fee-based advice

Do not accept commissions or assets under management

Be transparent on client costs, fees, and terms at all times

Provide transparency on portfolios and investment suggestions

Remain independent from any bank, broker dealer, insurance provider, RIA or custodian

Measure client performance returns using independent third parties

Do not create products to sell or price any public securities

Do not physically hold or possess any client assets, securities, or money for management

Investment and financial planning advice only!

OUR EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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FINANCIAL ADVISORS: Usually Aren’t Millionaires

THE TRUTH MUST BE TOLD!

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP

http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Financial Advisors and Financial Planners Usually Aren’t Millionaires

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial advisors had a median annual salary of $99,580 in 2023, which is significantly higher than the national average of $65,470. Of course, salaries of financial advisors can differ significantly by their location and level of expertise. The client’s profile may also have an impact on their compensation. But, many are not rich.

REPLACE FINANCIAL PLANNERS: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/03/15/why-your-financial-planner-may-be-replaced/

This is unfortunate. Financial advisors and Financial planners don’t rank among the millionaire professions in Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko’s book The Millionaire Next Door. Many work as salaried employees rather than entrepreneurs, lacking the scalable income potential of business owners who reinvest profits.

Certified Medical Planner: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2024/12/17/certified-medical-planner-niche-advisors-thrive/

Stanley and Danko also stressed frugality, a challenge for advisors pressured to flaunt success—think luxury cars or upscale offices—making them “income-statement affluent” rather than “balance-sheet affluent.”

BEST DOG FINANCIAL ADVISOR: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2025/03/23/dog-nearly-fetches-prestigious-financial-advisor-honor/

CONCLUSION

The truth is that a Financial Advisors’ success isn’t measured in client returns. Instead it is measured in their ability to gather assets and retain clients. In other words; Financial Advisors do not need to be good with money.

Financial Advisors need to be good with marketing, advertising, sales and people.

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EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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The DOCTOR EFFECT

Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP™

Medical Colleagues Beware the Advisors

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

Several years ago a group of highly trusted and deeply  experienced financial advisors, insurance service professionals and estate planners noted that far too many of their mature retiring physician clients, using traditional stock brokers, management consultants and financial advisors, seemed to be less successful than those who went it alone. These Do-it-Yourselfers [DIYs] had setbacks and made mistakes, for sure. But, the ME Inc doctors seemed to learn from their mistakes and did not incur the high management and service fees demanded from general or retail one-size-fits-all “advisors.”

In fact, an informal inverse related relationship was noted, and dubbed the Doctor Effect.” In others words, the more consultants an individual doctor retained; the less well they did in all disciplines of the financial planning and medical practice management, continuum.

Of course, the reason for this discrepancy eluded many of them as Wall Street brokerages and wire-houses flooded the media with messages, infomercials, print, radio, TV, texts, tweets, dinners and internet ads to the contrary. Rather than self-learn the basics, the prevailing sentiment seemed to purse the holy grail of finding the “perfect financial advisor.”  This realization confirmed the industry culture which seemed to be:

Bread for the advisor – Crumbs for the client!

And so, Marcinko Associates formed a cadre’ of technology focused and highly educated multi-degreed doctors, nurses, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, psychologists and educational visionaries who decided there must be a better way for their healthcare colleagues to receive financial planning advice, products and related advisory services within a culture of fiduciary responsibility.

We trust you agree with this specific niche knowledge, and collegial consulting philosophy, as illustrated thru our firm and these two books.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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MONEY SCRIPTS: Fundamental Subconscious Beliefs and Economic Behavioral Patterns Defined

SALES PSYCHOLOGY FOR INVESTMENT ADVISORS, FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INSURANCE AGENTS, WEALTH MANAGERS AND FINANCIAL PLANNERS

By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA MEd CMP®

http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Stocks were decimated yesterday in the first full trading day following President Trump’s tariff announcement. It was the biggest single-day decline since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. Every Magnificent Seven stock was battered—Apple worst of all. And so perhaps it is a good time to discuss the concept of “Money Scripts”.

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Money Scripts are unconscious beliefs about money that are typically only partially true, are developed in childhood, and drive adult financial behaviors. Money scripts may be the result of “financial flashpoints,” which are salient early experiences around money that have a lasting impact in adulthood. Money scripts are often passed down through the generations and social groups often share similar money scripts. And so, we argue that Money scripts are at the root of all illogical, ill-advised, self-destructive, or self-limiting financial behaviors.

In research at Kansas State University [KSU], researchers identified four distinct Money script patterns, which are associated with financial health and predict financial behaviors. These include: (a) money avoidance, (b) money worship, (c) money status, and (d) money vigilance [personal communication Brad Klontz, PsyD, CFP®, Kenneth Shubin-Stein, MD, MPH, MS, CFA and Sonya Britt, PhD, CFP®].

And so, we all like to think our financial decisions are fully rational, but the truth is that our subconscious beliefs have a dramatic impact on our money and financial decisions. These money scripts are important to know and understand. A summary is below:

            Money Avoidance

Money avoidance scripts are illustrated by beliefs such as “Rich people are greedy,” “It is not okay to have more than you need,” and “I do not deserve a lot of money when others have less than me.” Money avoiders believe that money is bad or that they do not deserve money. They believe that wealthy people are corrupt and there is virtue in living with less money. They may sabotage their financial success or give money away even though they cannot afford to do so. Money avoidance scripts may be associated with lower income and lower net worth and predict financial behaviors including ignoring bank statements, overspending, financial dependence on others, financial enabling of others, and having trouble sticking to a budget.

            Money Worship 

Money worship is typified by beliefs such as “More money will make you happier,” “You can never have enough money,” and “Money would solve all my problems.” Money worshipers are convinced that money is the key to happiness. At the same time, they believe that one can never have enough. Money worships have lower income, lower net worth, and higher credit card debt. They are more likely to be hoarders, spend compulsively, and put work ahead of family.

            Money Status

Money status scripts include “I will not buy something unless it is new,” “Your self-worth equals you net worth,” and “If something isn’t considered the ‘best’ it is not worth buying.” Money status seekers see net worth and self-worth as being synonymous. They pretend to have more money than they do and tend to overspend as a result. They often grew up in poorer families and believe that the universe should take care of their financial needs if they live a virtuous life. Money status scripts are associated with compulsive gambling, overspending, being financially dependent on others, and lying to one’s spouse about spending.

            Money Vigilance

Money vigilant beliefs include “It is important to save for a rainy day,” “You should always look for the best deal, even if it takes more time,” and “I would be a nervous wreck if I did not have an emergency fund.” The money vigilants are alert, watchful and concerned about their financial welfare. They are more likely to save and less likely to buy on credit. As a result, they tend to have higher income and higher net worth. They also have a tendency to be anxious about money and are secretive about their financial status outside of their household. While money vigilance is associated with frugality and saving, excessive anxiety can keep someone from enjoying the benefits that money can provide.

Identification

When money scripts are identified, it is helpful to examine where they came from. A simple behavioral finance technique involves reflecting on the following questions:

  • What three lessons did you learn about money from your mother?
  • What three lessons did you learn about money from your father?
  • What is your first memory around money?
  • What is your most painful money memory?
  • What is your most joyful money memory?
  • What money scripts emerged for you from this experience?
  • How have they helped you?
  • How have they hurt you?
  • What money scripts do you need to change?

Conclusion

Ideally, from a balanced middle ground, we can see past the limitations of money scripts, our self and others who are polarized. Those who believe “Money is meant to be spent” or “Money is meant to be saved” have a world view that results in extreme positions. Labeling them as “correct” or “wrong” is not a useful way to try to shift anyone’s polarized money script beliefs.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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Providing Physician Centric [Not Advisor Centric] Holistic Financial Planning Advice

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA MEd CMP

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Selecting a Healthcare Focused Financial Advisory Team

Most retail financial services products are designed to enhance the well-being of the Financial Advisor and vendor at the expense of clients.

The clients get only the leftovers.

Of course, no one tells them that secret.

They have to figure it out for themselves.

As the old line goes, “Where are the customers’ boats?”

Rowland, M: Planning Periscope [Where Advisors are the Clients]. Financial Advisors Magazine; page 36, April 2014.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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REQUEST “PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION” For Physicians [The Doctor Effect]

A FREE WHITE PAPER UPON E-MAIL REQUEST

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Several years ago we noted that far too many mid-career, mature and physician clients using traditional stock brokers, management consultants and “financial advisors”, seemed to be less successful than those who went it alone. These Do-it-Yourselfers [DIYs] had setbacks and made mistakes, for sure. But, the ME Inc,. doctors seemed to learn from their mistakes and did not incur the high management and service fees demanded from general or retail one-size-fits-all “advisors.”

In fact, an informal inverse related relationship was noted, and dubbed the “Doctor Effect.” In other words, the more consultants an individual doctor retained; the less well they did in all disciplines of the financial planning, professional portfolio and investing continuum.

Of course, the reason for this discrepancy eluded many of them as Wall Street brokerages and wire-houses flooded the media with messages, infomercials, print, radio, TV, texts, tweets, and internet ads to the contrary. Rather than self-learn the basics, the prevailing sentiment seemed to purse the holy grail of finding the “perfect financial advisor.” This realization was a confirmation of the industry culture which seemed to be: Bread for the advisor – Crumbs for the client!

And so, we at the the Institute of Medical Business Advisors Inc. (iMBA), and this Medical Executive-Post, formed a cadre’ of technology focused and highly educated doctors, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, psychologists and educational visionaries who decided there must be a better way for their healthcare colleagues to receive financial planning advice, products and related management services within a culture of fiduciary responsibility.

We trust you agree with this ME Inc philosophy as illustrated in this free white paper available upon request.

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION [Investing Assets and their Management]
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Email whiote paper request here: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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FINANCIAL ADVISORS & MEDICAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS: Marcinko & Associates, Inc

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

D. E. Marcinko & Associates Core Operating Values

9.   We act with honesty, integrity and are always straightforward.
8.   We strive to be innovative, creative, iconoclastic, and flexible.
7.   We admit and learn from mistakes and don’t repeat them.
6.   We work hard always as competitors are trying to catch up.
5.   We treat others with dignity and respect.
4.   We are the onus of consulting advice for the well being of others.
3.   We fight complacency as former success is in the past.
2.   The best management styles are timeless, not timely.
1.   Our clients are colleagues and always come first.

EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements.

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CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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FINANCIAL ADVISORS: Real Monetary Worth?

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO; MBA MEd CMP®

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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SO – HOW MUCH IS A “FINANCIAL ADVISOR” REALLY WORTH?

This blog holds a rather uncomplimentary opinion of financial advisors, and the financial services and brokerage industry as a whole; deserved, or not? The entire site hints at this attitude as well, in favor of a going it alone or ME, Inc investing when possible. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to wonder how much boost in net-returns might an educated and informed, fee transparent and honest, fiduciary focused “financial advisor” add to a clients’ investment portfolio; all things being equal [ceteris paribus].

And, can it be quantified?

Well, according to Vanguard Brokerage Services®, perhaps as much as 3%? In a decade long paper from the Valley Forge, PA based mutual fund and ETF giant, Vanguard said financial advisors can generate returns through a framework focused on five wealth management principles:

Being an effective behavioral coach: Helping clients maintain a long-term perspective and a disciplined approach is arguably one of the most important elements of financial advice. (Potential value added: up to 1.50%).

Applying an asset location strategy: The allocation of assets between taxable and tax-advantaged accounts is one tool an advisor can employ that can add value each year. (Potential value added: from 0% to 0.75%).

Employing cost-effective investments: This component of every advisor’s tool kit is based on simple math: Gross return less costs equals net return. (Potential value added: up to 0.45%).

Maintaining the proper allocation through rebalancing: Over time, as investments produce various returns, a portfolio will likely drift from its target allocation. An advisor can add value by ensuring the portfolio’s risk/return characteristics stay consistent with a client’s preferences. (Potential value added: up to 0.35%).

Implementing a spending strategy: As the retiree population grows, an advisor can help clients make important decisions about how to spend from their portfolios. (Potential value added: up to 0.70%).

Source: Financial Advisor Magazine, page 20, April 2014.

Assessment

However, Vanguard notes that while it’s possible all of these principles could add up to 3% in net returns for clients, it’s more likely to be an intermittent number than an annual one because some of the best opportunities to add value happen during extreme market lows and highs when angst or giddiness [fear and greed] can cause investors to bail on their well-thought-out investment plans.

And, is the study applicable to doctors and allied healthcare providers? Doe Vanguard have a vested interest in the topic. What about fee based versus fee-only financial advice?

Conclusion

Finally, recognize the plethora of other financial planning life-cycle topics addressed in this ME-P were not included in the Vanguard investment portfolio-only study a decade ago. 

And what about today with contemporaneous internet advising, chat-rooms, linkedin, robo-advisors, reddit and the like?

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EDUCATION: Books

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STUPID COMMENTS: Financial Advisors Say to Physician Clients

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO; MBA MEd CMP®

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SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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Some Stupid Things Financial Advisors Say to Physician Clients

A few years ago and just for giggles, colleague Lon Jefferies MBA CFP® and I collected a list of dumb-stupid things said by some Financial Advisors to their doctor, dentist, nurse and and other medical professional clients, along with some recommended under-breath rejoinders:

  • “They don’t have any debt except for a mortgage and student loans.” OK. And I’m vegan except for bacon-wrapped steak.
  • “Earnings were positive before one-time charges.” This is Wall Street’s equivalent of, “Other than that Mrs. Lincoln; how was the play?”
  • “Earnings missed estimates.” No. Earnings don’t miss estimates; estimates miss earnings. No one ever says “the weather missed estimates.” They blame the weatherman for getting it wrong. Finance is the only industry where people blame their poor forecasting skills on reality. 
  • “Earnings met expectations, but analysts were looking for a beat.” If you’re expecting earnings to beat expectations, you don’t know what the word “expectations” means.
  • “It’s a Ponzi scheme.” The number of things called Ponzi schemes that are actually Ponzi schemes rounds to zero. It’s become a synonym for “thing I disagree with.” 
  • “The [thing not going perfectly] crisis.” Boy who cried wolf, meet analyst who called crisis. 
  • “He predicted the market crash in 2008.” He also predicted a crash in 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1992, 1989, 1984, 1971…
  • “More buyers than sellers.” This is the equivalent of saying someone has more mothers than fathers. There’s one buyer and one seller for every trade. Every single one.
  • “Stocks suffer their biggest drop since September.” You know September was only six weeks ago, right? 
  • “We’re cautiously optimistic.” You’re also an oxymoron. 
  • [Guy on TV]: “It’s time to [buy/sell] stocks.” Who is this advice for? A 20-year-old with 60 years of investing in front of him, or a 82-year-old widow who needs money for a nursing home? Doesn’t that make a difference?
  • “We’re neutral on this stock.” Stop it. You don’t deserve a paycheck for that.
  • “There’s minimal downside on this stock.” Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.
  • “We’re trying to maximize returns and minimize risks.” Unlike everyone else, who are just dying to set their money ablaze!
  • “Shares fell after the company lowered guidance.” Guys, they just proved their guidance can be wrong. Why are you taking this new one seriously? 
  • “Our bullish case is conservative.” Then it’s not a bullish case. It’s a conservative case. Those words mean opposite things.
  • “We look where others don’t.” This is said by so many investors that it has to be untrue most of the time. 
  • “Is [X] the next black swan?” Nassim Taleb’s blood pressure rises every time someone says this. You can’t predict black swans. That’s what makes them dangerous.
  • “We’re waiting for more certainty.” Good call. Like in 1929, 1999 and 2007, when everyone knew exactly what the future looked like. Can’t wait!
  • “The Dow is down 50 points as investors react to news of [X].” Stop it – you’re just making stuff up. “Stocks are down and no one knows why” is the only honest headline in this category. 
  • “Investment guru [insert name] says stocks are [insert forecast].” Go to Morningstar.com. Look up that guru’s track record against their benchmark. More often than not, their career performance lags an index fund. Stop calling them gurus.
  • “We’re constructive on the market.” I have no idea what that means. I don’t think you do, either.
  • “[Noun] [verb] bubble.” (That’s a sarcastic observation from investor Eddy Elfenbein.) 
  • “Investors are fleeing the market.” Every stock is owned by someone all the time. 
  • “We expect more volatility.” There has never been a time when this was not the case. Let me guess, you also expect more winters? 
  • “This is a strong buy.” What do I do with this? Click the mouse harder when placing the order in my brokerage account?
  • “He was tired of throwing his money away renting, so he bought a house.” He knows a mortgage is renting money from a bank, right?
  • “This is a cyclical bull market in a secular bear.” Vapid nonsense.  
  • “Will Obamacare ruin the economy?” No. And get a grip. 

So, don’t let these aphorisms blind you to the critical thinking skills you learned in college, honed in medical school and apply every day in life.

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EDUCATION: Books

SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com 

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INVESTING Psychology

By Dan Ariely PhD

THE IRRATIONAL ECONOMIST

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Of course you don’t need a human financial advisor … until you do. Today, we’ve had unfettered internet access to a wide range of investments, opinions and models for at least two decades. So, why the bravado to go it alone; fifteen positive years for equities, since 2009! Yet, the DJIA, S&P 500 and NASDAQ just plunged and plummeted today!

The financial advisor’s role is to remove the human element and emotion from investing decisions for something as personal as your wealth. Emotion drives the retail investor to sell low (fear) and buy high (greed). This is the reason why the average equity returns for retail investors is less than half of the S&P 500’s returns.

No, of course you don’t need a human financial advisor … until you do.

And when you do, it may be too late.

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BUSINESS TERMS: All Financial Advisors Should Know

DEFINITIONS

By SBA and Staff Reporters

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Acquisition

The acquiring of supplies or services by the federal government with appropriated funds through purchase or lease.

Affiliates

Business concerns, organizations, or individuals that control each other or that are controlled by a third party. Control may include shared management or ownership; common use of facilities, equipment, and employees; or family interest.

Best and Final Offer

For negotiated procurements, a contractor’s final offer following the conclusion of discussions.

Certificate of Competency

A certificate issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) stating that the holder is “responsible” (in terms of capability, competency, capacity, credit, integrity, perseverance, and tenacity) for the purpose of receiving and performing a specific government contract.

Certified 8(a) Firm

A firm owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and eligible to receive federal contracts under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program.

Contract

A mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them.

Contracting

Purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise obtaining supplies or services from nonfederal sources. Contracting includes the description of supplies and services required, the selection and solicitation of sources, the preparation and award of contracts, and all phases of contract administration. It does not include grants or cooperative agreements.

Contracting Officer

A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contractor Team Arrangement

An arrangement in which (a) two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as potential prime contractor; or (b) an agreement by a potential prime contractor with one or more other companies to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified government contract or acquisition program.

Defense Acquisition Regulatory Council (DARC)

A group composed of representatives from each Military department, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and that is in charge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) on a joint basis with the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC).

Defense Contractor

Any person who enters into a contract with the United States for the production of material or for the performance of services for the national defense.

Electronic Data Interchange

Transmission of information between computers using highly standardized electronic versions of common business documents.

Emerging Small Business

A small business concern whose size is no greater than 50 percent of the numerical size standard applicable to the Standard Industrial Classification code assigned to a contracting opportunity.

Equity

An accounting term used to describe the net investment of owners or stockholders in a business. Under the accounting equation, equity also represents the result of assets less liabilities.

Fair and Reasonable Price

A price that is fair to both parties, considering the agreed-upon conditions, promised quality, and timeliness of contract performance. “Fair and reasonable” price is subject to statutory and regulatory limitations.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

The body of regulations which is the primary source of authority governing the government procurement process. The FAR, which is published as Chapter 1 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, is prepared, issued, and maintained under the joint auspices of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services Administration, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Actual responsibility for maintenance and revision of the FAR is vested jointly in the Defense Acquisition Regulatory Council (DARC) and the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC).

Full and Open Competition

With respect to a contract action, “full and open” competition means that all responsible sources are permitted to compete.

Intermediary Organization

Organizations that play a fundamental role in encouraging, promoting, and facilitating business-to-business linkages and mentor-protégé partnerships. These can include both nonprofit and for-profit organizations: chambers of commerce; trade associations; local, civic, and community groups; state and local governments; academic institutions; and private corporations.

Joint Venture

In the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, an agreement between a certified 8(a) firm and a mentor firm to perform a specific federal contract.

Mentor

A business, usually large, or other organization that has created a specialized program to advance strategic relationships with small businesses.

Negotiation

Contracting through the use of either competitive or other-than-competitive proposals and discussions. Any contract awarded without using sealed bidding procedures is a negotiated contract.

Partnering

A mutually beneficial business-to-business relationship based on trust and commitment and that enhances the capabilities of both parties.

Prime Contract

A contract awarded directly by the Federal government.

Protégé

A firm in a developmental stage that aspires to increasing its capabilities through a mutually beneficial business-to-business relationship.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

A document outlining a government agency’s requirements and the criteria for the evaluation of offers.

SCORE

Counselors to America’s Small Business is a 12,400-member volunteer association sponsored by the SBA. SCORE matches volunteer business-management counselors with present prospective small business owners in need of expert advice.

Small Business

A business smaller than a given size as measured by its employment, business receipts, or business assets.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

SBDCs offer a broad spectrum of business information and guidance as well as assistance in preparing loan applications.

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Contract

A type of contract designed to foster technological innovation by small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. The SBIR contract program provides for a three-phased approach to research and development projects: technological feasibility and concept development; the primary research effort; and the conversion of the technology to a commercial application.

Small Disadvantaged Business Concern

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. This can include a publicly owned business that has at least 51 percent of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and whose management and daily business is controlled by one or more such individuals.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code

A code representing a category within the Standard Industrial Classification System administered by the Statistical Policy Division of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The system was established to classify all industries in the US economy. A two-digit code designates each major industry group, which is coupled with a second two-digit code representing subcategories.

Subcontract

A contract between a prime contractor and a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for the performance of a prime contract or subcontract.

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EDUCATION: Niche Specific, Timely, Online, Asynchronous and Affordable

For Financial Advisors & Financial Planners, CPAs, CFPs, CFAs, Stock-Brokers, Insurance Agents, Attorneys, Wealth Managers and Related Advisors!

By Staff Reporters

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FINANCIAL EDUCATION PODCAST: CMPs™ are In … Are CPAs Out?

CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™: Education for Financial Planners to Thrive with Doctor Clients!

MICRO-CERTIFICATIONS: Education for Financial Advisors Seeking Physician-Client Prospecting Success?

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CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA CMP

Email: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™: Education for Financial Planners to Thrive with Doctor Clients!

Think Different – Be Different  – Thrive

[By Ann Miller RN MHA]

Letterhead CMP

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Dear Physician Focused Financial Advisors

Did you know that desperate doctors of all ages are turning to knowledgeable financial advisors and medical management consultants for help? Symbiotically too, generalist advisors are finding that the mutual need for knowledge and extreme niche synergy is obvious.

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planning

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But, there was no established curriculum or educational program; no corpus of knowledge or codifying terms-of-art; no academic gravitas or fiduciary accountability; and certainly no identifying professional designation that demonstrated integrated subject matter expertise for the increasingly unique healthcare focused financial advisory niche … Until Now! 

***

CMP logo

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Enter the CMPs

“The informed voice of a new generation of fiduciary advisors for healthcare”

Think Different

 [Think Different – Be Different – Thrive]

InfoGraphic

http://e.infogr.am/enter_the_certified_medical_planner?src=embed

CMP logo

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

So, if you are looking to supplement your knowledge, income and designations; and find other qualified professionals you may want to consider the CMP® program.

Enter the Certified Medical Planner™ charter professional designation. And, CMPs™ are FIDUCIARIES, 24/7.

Channel Surfing the ME-P

Have you visited our other topic channels? Established to facilitate idea exchange and link our community together, the value of these topics is dependent upon your input. Please take a minute to visit. And, to prevent that annoying spam, we ask that you register. It is fast, free and secure.

Conclusion

Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

***

Become a CMP

***

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

OUR OTHER PRINT BOOKS AND RELATED INFORMATION SOURCES:

 Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners(TM)* 8

ECONOMIC: Paradoxes all Financial Advisors Should Know

BY DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA MEd CMP™

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

***

A paradox is a logic and self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one’s expectation. It is a statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true or apparently true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion. A paradox usually involves contradictory-yet-interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time. They result in “persistent contradiction between interdependent elements” leading to a lasting “unity of opposites”.

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And so, as we plan for our financial future thru a New Year Resolution for 2025, it’s helpful to be cognizant of these paradoxes. While there’s nothing we can do to control or change them, there is great value in being aware of them, so we can approach them with the right tools and the right mindset.

According to Adam Grossman, here are seven [7] of the paradoxes that can bedevil financial decision-making, clients and financial advisors, alike:

  1. There’s the paradox that all of the greatest fortunes—Carnegie, Rockefeller, Buffett, Gates—have been made by owning just one stock. And yet the best advice for individual investors is to do the opposite: to own broadly diversified index funds. More: https://tinyurl.com/285vftx4
  2. There’s the paradox that the stock market may appear over valued and yet it could become even more overvalued before it eventually declines. And when it does decline, it may be to a level that is even higher than where it is today.
  3. There’s the paradox that we make plans based on our understanding of the rules—and yet Congress can change the rules on us at any time, as the recent 2024 election results attest.
  4. There’s the paradox that we base our plans on historical averages—average stock market returns, average interest rates, average inflation rates and so on—and yet we only lead one life, so none of us will experience the average.
  5. There’s the paradox that we continue to be attracted to the prestige of high-cost colleges, even though rational analysis that looks at return on investment tells us that lower-cost state schools are usually the better bet.
  6. There’s the paradox that early retirement seems so appealing—and has even turned into a movement—and yet the reality of early retirement suggests that we might be better off staying at our desks.
  7. There’s the paradox that retirees’ worst fear is outliving their money and yet few choose the financial product that is purpose-built to solve that problem: the single-premium immediate annuity.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

How should you respond to these paradoxes? As you plan for your financial future, embrace the concept of “loosely held views.”

In other words, make financial plans, but continuously update your views, question your assumptions and rethink your priorities.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Subscribe Today!

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CORPORATE EARNINGS: Quarterly Reports

By Staff Reporters

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Peak earnings season: Five of the Magnificent Seven Stocks will be among the 181 companies reporting their earnings this week. Alphabet is in the Mag Seven lead-off spot on Tuesday, Microsoft and Meta step to the plate on Wednesday, and Apple and Amazon rounding out the lineup and this baseball metaphor on Thursday. These companies account for almost 25% of the S&P 500, which is up 40% over the past year and not far off its record closing number from earlier this month. But, the approaching election, it could be a volatile week in the stock markets.

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  • Markets: Stocks are currently driving the narrative on Wall Street. Last week, bonds sold off in a big way (driving yields to their highest level since July) in a sign investors are dialing back expectations of more aggressive rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.
  • Stocks nevertheless handled the bond volatility with aplomb, and with help from Tesla’s 22% one-day rise, the NASDAQ is sitting within 2% of its record high.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

COMMENTS APPRECIATED
Thank You

***

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STOCK MARKET: A Zero Sum Bias?

By Staff Reporters

FINANCIAL / INVESTMENT ADVISORS & STOCK BROKERS

SPONSOR: http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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According to colleague Dan Ariely PhD, a Zero Sum Bias [ZSB] is the mistaken belief that one person’s gain is another’s loss. It’s like thinking the world is a giant pie with only so many slices. This mindset fuels competition and jealousy, making us forget that collaboration can create more pie. It’s why we sometimes root against others instead of working together.

Question: Is the stock market a zero-sum game? You frequently hear media refer to games and markets as zero-sum games.

Answer: Well, yes, we define the stock market as a zero-sum game, both in the short and in the long term, although it technically is incorrect. A zero-sum game is where one person’s gain is another person’s loss – thus there is no wealth created and the overall benefit is zero. This doesn’t apply to stocks, but it’s a zero-sum game in relation to a stock market benchmark.

For example, short-term trading in stocks is theoretically not a zero-sum game, and neither is long-term investing. But short-term trading is close to a zero-sum game, and long-term investing is a zero-sum game if we use a broad index as a benchmark.

Essentially, in other words, the stock market functions as an expansive network of zero-sum transactions; each trade engages a buyer and a seller–their perspectives on a security’s future value contrasting. These opposing views propel market prices: they mirror not only risk transfer but also potential reward—a dynamic process indeed! Traders and investors must grasp the crucial zero-sum aspect; it underscores trading’s inherent competitiveness. Effectively anticipating market trends and actions from other participants: therein lies success in this environment. 

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

So, next time you feel like someone else’s success diminishes your own, remember: there’s more than enough pie to go around.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Thank You

***

***

MICRO-CERTIFICATIONS: Financial Advisors Seeking Physician-Client Niche Success?

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA MEd CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

***

Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

***

Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7].

***

Selecting Financial Advisors the Risky Way

Physician Due Diligence is Important

[By Daniel B. Moisand; CFP®, and the ME-P Staff]Tall Shadows

While the merits of hiring the right financial advisor [FA] may be clear, hiring the wrong one can be devastating. Medical professionals still tend to have higher incomes and are an attractive target for most financial institutions and scam artists. This fear is a poor excuse for not getting the assistance necessary. Advice about who to engage for financial assistance comes from a hodge-podge of disjointed sources. This leads to good intentions and bad results. Take caution when using the following as sources of advice.

Relying on Family and Friends

By far more people seek financial advice from trusted family members and friends than any other source.  This is only natural. It is essential to trust that you are getting advice from a source that means well. It is also important that you get along well with your advisors. Hesitating to communicate with your advisor, even a great advisor, can cause problems even more problematic that getting bad advice from someone you like. While these sources have a good handle on the essential elements of trust and rapport, it is the competence of the advice that is most often the issue. The life and money experiences of those who are close to you certainly have value, but they are not necessarily relevant to your unique goals and circumstances. THINK: Bernie Madoff.

Media

A few years ago, the dominant media force in consumer oriented financial matters was the print media.  Magazines and newsletters proliferated with the bull market. More recently however, television has supplanted print even in the bear market. For example, a study now estimates that 80 percent of what the average American knows about current events comes from TV. Why wait three weeks for the next issue when you can get a commentary instantly on the television? There is nothing wrong with watching shows that cover the markets or subscribing to a consumer finance magazine. It is certainly a good idea to be informed. However, be wary of the quality and applicability of information put out by the media.

The Internet

It is easy to run across an ad for prescriptions drugs on television. Images prance across the screen followed by a litany of potential side effects and the obligatory, “Ask your doctor about”. With the expansion of the information superhighway, more and more companies are going direct to the consumer in some manner or another.

Financially speaking this information can be of great benefit but should also generate more concern. It is very easy to project a particular image via the web. The webmaster controls the interaction from what you see to what you hear. One of the results of this is that the Internet has already garnered a reputation as a breeding ground for new scams. More prevalent, however, is the presentation of information meant to be useful that is simply wrong, misinterpreted, or misapplied. The most terrifying source of misinformation on the net is the chat rooms. Here the entire interaction is clouded by anonymity. Some people enter chat rooms because there is a comfort in anonymity when asking a question. There is also a danger in an anonymous answer. When it comes to something as important as your finances or your health, the prudent course should be to take all the advice with a grain of salt. A great deal of consideration to the quality of the source is in order. It is also essential that one understand the level of accountability a source may possess.   fp-book2

Assessment

Much has been written on financial advisor selection, here on the ME-P and elsewhere; but little on how not to select an advisor. We trust this information will be of assistance to the medical professional in some small increment. Send in your FA stories; both good and bad.

Channel Surfing the ME-P

Have you visited our other topic channels? Established to facilitate idea exchange and link our community together, the value of these topics is dependent upon your input. Please take a minute to visit. And, to prevent that annoying spam, we ask that you register. It is fast, free and secure.

Conclusion

Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

OUR OTHER PRINT BOOKS AND RELATED INFORMATION SOURCES:

Product Details  Product Details

Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™

***

BEWARE FINANCIAL ADVISORS: ChatGPT and A.I. is Coming for Your Job?

Finance Jobs (Financial Analysts, Personal Financial Advisors and Consultants, etc.)

By Staff Reporters

***

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

“The informed voice of a new generation of fiduciary advisors for healthcare”

***

Like market research analysts, financial analysts, personal financial advisors, and other jobs in personal finance that require manipulating significant amounts of numerical data can be affected by Artificial Intelligence, Mark Muro, a researcher at The Brookings Institute, said recently.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource

“AI can identify trends in the market, highlight what investments in a portfolio are doing better and worse, communicate all that, and then use various other forms of data by, say, a financial company to forecast a better investment mix.” 

These analysts make a lot of money, he said, but parts of their jobs are auto-matable.

READ HERE: https://tinyurl.com/4zk5ert7

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

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Select and Check Your Stock Broker and Financial Advisor?

Shopping Suggestions

Rick Kahler MS CFP

By Rick Kahler MS CFP®

Shopping for a financial adviser you can trust has never been easy. The Department of Labor [DOL] rule requiring brokers to act in a fiduciary capacity when dealing with retirement plan assets has not made it any easier. The government’s intent was to help consumers clearly distinguish when financial professionals can be relied upon to give unbiased financial advice or when they are acting in their own interests to sell a financial product. Unfortunately, the rule has only exacerbated the confusion.

When shopping for financial advisers, you need to investigate their education, niche, process, compensation structure, and experience to see whether they are a good fit for your needs. Equally important, it’s up to you to do a background check and determine whose interest the adviser is looking out for. No one else will do it for you.

Two-Steps

Here are two important steps you can take to greatly increase your chances of getting someone who will truly be looking out for you.

First, ask any adviser you deal with to sign a statement affirming they will act in the capacity of a fiduciary to you, meaning you will be a client, not a customer. A copy of this form can be found at www.advisorperspectives.com. Advisers unwilling to sign the Form Adv are not likely to be fiduciaries who will put your interests first.

Second, check the adviser’s background. If advisers receive any type of fee, they are held to a fiduciary standard automatically by the SEC. Still, it’s wise to check their background for any misconduct, which you can do at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. If advisers sell securities, mutual funds, private REITs, or limited partnerships and receive any type of commission, they will be regulated by FINRA. You can go to BrokerCheck.finra.org to view their records for misconduct.

It’s important to check an adviser’s background because being found guilty of misconduct doesn’t mean they can’t actively be selling financial products.

For example, in a March 7 article at kitces.com, financial planner and writer Michael Kitces points out that over 73% of FINRA-registered brokers who FINRA lists as having a misconduct “are still employed a year later, despite the fact that such brokers are a whopping 5x more likely to engage in misconduct again in the future.”

Kitces explains that while just 7.3% of all FINRA brokers have some type of misconduct on their records, only about half of them actually lose their jobs and about half of those find employment with another firm. Additionally, it seems some firms have more of a culture of employing brokers with misconduct.

***

Wall Street

***

The top five brokerage firms with the highest (15% or more) concentration of brokers with misconduct are Oppenhiemer & Co, First Allied Securities, Wells Fargo Advisers Financial Network, UBS Financial Services, and Cetera Advisers. This is according to a working paper, “The Market for Financial Adviser Misconduct,” by Mark Egan, Gregor Matvos, and Amit Seru, business school professors at the University of Chicago and University of Minnesota. Geographic location also makes a big difference with the states of California, Florida, and New York having counties with much higher concentrations of brokers guilty of misconduct (15 – 30%) than states like Pennsylvania, Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky, and Vermont with the counties having the lowest concentration (2 – 3%).

Kitces reminds us that the “single greatest predictor of whether a broker will engage in misconduct is whether he/she has engaged in any prior misconduct.”

Assessment

For this reason, it’s crucial to make FINRA’s Broker Check part of your research before hiring a financial adviser. Before trusting any adviser to put your interests first, look out for your own interests by investigating the adviser’s history.

Conclusion

Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

OUR OTHER PRINT BOOKS AND RELATED INFORMATION SOURCES:

Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™

***

PHYSICIANS & DENTISTS: Financial Consulting & Planning

Sponsored by: http://www.MARCINKOASSOCIATES.com

START TO FINISH CYCLE

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Our Process

***

READ HERE: https://marcinkoassociates.com/financial-planning/

RELATED: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/12/15/doctor-are-you-a-financial-advisors-customer-or-client/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Thank You

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PHYSICIANS ONLY: Hedge Funds and Venture Capitalists

SPONSORED: http://www.MARCINKOASSOCIATES.com

START TO FINISH CYCLE

***

Our Process

***

READ HERE: https://marcinkoassociates.com/hedge-funds/

MORE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/02/19/what-is-an-unregistered-security/

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Thank You

***

***

CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™ Niche Financial Advisor Professional Designation

Think Different – Be Different  – Thrive

[By Ann Miller RN MHA]

Letterhead CMP

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Dear Physician Focused Financial Advisors

Did you know that desperate doctors of all ages are turning to knowledgeable financial advisors and medical management consultants for help? Symbiotically too, generalist advisors are finding that the mutual need for knowledge and extreme niche synergy is obvious.

***

planning

***

But, there was no established curriculum or educational program; no corpus of knowledge or codifying terms-of-art; no academic gravitas or fiduciary accountability; and certainly no identifying professional designation that demonstrated integrated subject matter expertise for the increasingly unique healthcare focused financial advisory niche … Until Now! 

***

CMP logo

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Enter the CMPs

“The informed voice of a new generation of fiduciary advisors for healthcare”

Think Different

 [Think Different – Be Different – Thrive]

InfoGraphic

http://e.infogr.am/enter_the_certified_medical_planner?src=embed

CMP logo

http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

So, if you are looking to supplement your knowledge, income and designations; and find other qualified professionals you may want to consider the CMP® program.

Enter the Certified Medical Planner™ charter professional designation. And, CMPs™ are FIDUCIARIES, 24/7.

Channel Surfing the ME-P

Have you visited our other topic channels? Established to facilitate idea exchange and link our community together, the value of these topics is dependent upon your input. Please take a minute to visit. And, to prevent that annoying spam, we ask that you register. It is fast, free and secure.

Conclusion

Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

***

Become a CMP

***

Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com

OUR OTHER PRINT BOOKS AND RELATED INFORMATION SOURCES:

 Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors: Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners(TM)* 8

DOL: Proposes “Best Interest” Retirement Investment Advice

SPONSOR: http://www.MARCINKOASSOCIATES.com

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The Department of Labor’s proposal aims to close governance loopholes and require financial advisers to give retirement advice in the best interests of savers rather than chase the highest payday.

“Bad financial advice by unscrupulous financial advisers driven by their own self-interest can cost a retiree up to 1.2% per year in lost investment,” President Biden said. “That doesn’t sound like much but if you’re living long, it’s a lot of money.

MORE: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/03/11/recast-an-interview-with-fiduciary-bennett-aikin-aif-2/

“Over a lifetime, it can add up to 20% less money when they retire. For a middle-class household, that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars over time.”

MORE: https://marcinkoassociates.com/financial-planning/

FIDUCIARY OATH: https://medicalexecutivepost.com/2023/02/19/the-fiduciary-oath/

***
COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Thank You

***

***

MICRO-CERTIFICATIONS: Physician Insider Knowledge for Financial Advisor Success?

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

***

Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

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Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7] -OR- 770-448-0769[9:00 – 5:00 EST].

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MICRO-CERTIFICATIONS: Financial Advisors Seeking Physician-Client Niche Success?

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

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Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

***

Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7] -OR- 770-448-0769[9:00 – 5:00 EST].

***

MICRO-CREDENTIALS: For Financial Advisors Seeking Physician-Client Niche Success?

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

***

Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

***

Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at Email: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7] -OR- 770-448-0769[9:00 – 5:00 EST].

***

****

MICRO-CREDENTIALS: For Financial Advisors Seeking Physician-Client Niche Success?

Micro-Credentials on the Rise

KNOWLEDGE RICHES IN NICHES

DR. DAVID EDWARD MARCINKO MBA CMP

SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

***

***

Do you ever wish you could acquire specific information for your career activities without having to complete a university Master’s Degree or finish our entire Certified Medical Planner™ professional designation program? Well, Micro-Certifications from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc., might be the answer. Read on to learn how our three Micro-Certifications offer new opportunities for professional growth in the medical practice, business management, health economics and financial planning, investing and advisory space for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

Micro-Certification Basics

Stock-Brokers, Financial Advisors, Investment Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, Financial Analyists and Financial Planners need to enhance their knowledge skills to better serve the changing and challenging healthcare professional ecosystem. But, it can be difficult to learn and demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, clients, physicians or medical prospects. This makes professional advancement difficult. That’s where Micro-Certification and Micro-Credentialing enters the online educational space. It is the process of earning a Micro-Certification, which is like a mini-degree or mini-credential, in a very specific topical area.

Micro-Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements for our Micro-Certification, you will be awarded proof that you’ve earned it. This might take the form of a paper or digital certificate, which may be a hard document or electronic image, transcript, file, or other official evidence that you’ve completed the necessary work.

Uses of Micro-Certifications

Micro-Certifications may be used to demonstrate to physicians prospective medical clients that you’ve mastered a certain knowledge set. Because of this, Micro-Certifications are useful for those financial service professionals seeking medical clients, employment or career advancement opportunities.

Examples of iMBA, Inc., Micro-Certifications

Here are the three most popular Micro-Certification course from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc:

  • 1. Health Insurance and Managed Care: To keep up with the ever-changing field of health care physician advice, you must learn new medical practice business models in order to attract and assist physicians and nurse clients. By bringing together the most up-to-date business and medical prctice models [Medicare, Medicaid, PP-ACA, POSs, EPOs, HMOs, PPOs, IPA’s, PPMCs, Accountable Care Organizations, Concierge Medicine, Value Based Care, Physician Pay-for-Performance Initiatives, Hospitalists, Retail and Whole-Sale Medicine, Health Savings Accounts and Medical Unions, etc], this iMBA Inc., Mini-Certification offers a wealth of essential information that will help you understand the ever-changing practices in the next generation of health insurance and managed medical care.
  • 2. Health Economics and Finance: Medical economics, finance, managerial and cost accounting is an integral component of the health care industrial complex. It is broad-based and covers many other industries: insurance, mathematics and statistics, public and population health, provider recruitment and retention, health policy, forecasting, aging and long-term care, and Venture Capital are all commingled arenas. It is essential knowledge that all financial services professionals seeking to serve in the healthcare advisory niche space should possess.
  • 3. Health Information Technology and Security: There is a myth that all physician focused financial advisors understand Health Information Technology [HIT]. In truth, it is often economically misused or financially misunderstood. Moreover, an emerging national HIT architecture often puts the financial advisor or financial planner in a position of maximum uncertainty and minimum productivity regarding issues like: Electronic Medical Records [EMRs] or Electronic Health Records [EHRs], mobile health, tele-health or tele-medicine, Artificial Intelligence [AI], benefits managers and human resource professionals.

Other Topics include: economics, finance, investing, marketing, advertising, sales, start-ups, business plan creation, financial planning and entrepreneurship, etc.

How to Start Learning and Earning Recognition for Your Knowledge

Now that you’re familiar with Micro-Credentialing, you might consider earning a Micro-Certification with us. We offer 3 official Micro-Certificates by completing a one month online course, with a live instructor consisting of twelve asynchronous lessons/online classes [3/wk X 4/weeks = 12 classes]. The earned official completion certificate can be used to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill set and shared with current or future employers, current clients or medical niche financial advisory prospects.

Mini-Certification Tuition, Books and Related Fees

The tuition for each Mini-Certification live online course is $1,250 with the purchase of one required dictionary handbook. Other additional guides, white-papers, videos, files and e-content are all supplied without charge. Alternative courses may be developed in the future subject to demand and may change without notice.

***

Contact: For more information, or to speak with an academic representative, please contact Ann Miller RN MHA CMP™ at Email: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com [24/7] -OR- 770-448-0769[9:00 – 5:00 EST].

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