Top Publications for Financial Advisors

An important component of any profession is staying abreast of current strategies, research and practices in the field. The financial advisor profession has several online and print publications to inform and educate their readership. Most of the popular publications translate academic research, current trends, practices and new thinking into easily understood articles. In addition to print magazines, there are websites, webcasts, podcasts and other education formats.

Financial Planning offers both a print and digital edition. Founded in 1970 it has grown into a multi-media educational platform for advisors and is part of SourceMedia, an Observer Capital business-to-business digital media organization. The Financial Planning platform strives to provide news, information, opinions and the latest findings to support financial planners and assist them in their businesses. In addition to the magazine, Financial Planning also produces podcasts, conferences, and newsletters. Current articles include “6 Smart Ways to Appeal to Executive Clients” and “It’s Not too Late to Save for Retirement,” along with updates on the latest news stories that influence financial planners and their clients such as "Should the U.S. Raise the Age for Required Distribution Minimums."

Financial Advisor Magazine is another well-regarded publication serving financial planners, registered investment advisors (RIAs) and independent broker-dealers. It focuses on information which best serves the wealthy client. Additionally, this publication aims to go beyond the traditional planning approaches and introduce newer applications of financial management. Current topics include Trump's approach to tax reform in "Trump Lacks Team and Clear Plan for Quick Tax Reform" and a story on why the 401k industry is growing, "The Big Business of 401(k)s."

The ThinkAdvisor network includes a wealth of information and resources for investment advisors. Offerings include digital content and two subscription magazines, Investment Advisor and Research Magazine. Current topics in Investment Advisor magazine include “The Evolution of Active Management" and "Free Trading Will Crush Commissioned Brokers."  

InvestmentNews.com is an advisor education portal which offers both free online content as well as a print and electronic version magazine for a subscription fee. Since 1998, InvestmentNews has disseminated financial advisor information spanning the industry, market and current financial events. This platform also brings together readers and experts with webcasts and conferences designed to help advisors expand their business. Several recent InvestmentNews free content stories deal with retirement. Other recent news stories include, "DOL Fiduciary Rule Under Siege" and " Impact Investing in the Age of Trump." 

RIABiz.com pegs itself as the “News, Vision and Voice for the Advisory Community.” This site complements its online presence with a free daily newsletter as well as interactive webinars. (For more, see: Popular Technology for RIAs.)

Investopedia.com has a portal dedicated to financial advisors which is updated several times a day.

The Journal of Financial Planning is the companion publication to the Financial Planning Association (FPA). This Journal is accessible only to members of the FPA and is included with paid membership. Example articles from the current issue include “Cutting-Edge Estate Planning Strategies for Effective Wealth Transfer” and “Long-Term Care Insurance: Comparisons for Determining the Best Options for Clients.” (For more, see: Introduction to Financial Planning Organizations.)

The top financial advisor magazines and their companion websites serve to keep professional advisors up to date with information to benefit their practices and clients. The free online content is expansive, and paid subscription magazines extend the range of information available to financial planning professionals. (For more, see: Financial Professionals: The Benefits of Joining an Association.)