Since the crisis, debt problems in both Europe and the US have worsened. Fiscal policy in both economies seems to be headed in the wrong direction.
 
Some analysts say this makes emerging economies much more attractive. The economies of Columbia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa are represented by the S&P CIVETS 60 Index. Since 2007, the index has returned around 11.5% compared to a loss of 12% for the S&P 500.
 
The index represents countries with bountiful natural resources, strong infrastructures, market liquidity, and low correlation to the debt problems of either Europe or the US.
 
It offers investors a way to invest in the entire emerging economy instead of individual economies that may be more vulnerable to geopolitical or other factors.
 
In the current environment, it seems developed countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain—and even the US—hold greater risk. Until these economies take definitive action to address their fiscal problems, analysts say emerging markets should continue to outperform.
 
The wealthiest investors look for such opportunities. Of course, they have what might be referred to as fallback funds if their alternative investments blow up. But wealthier investors also tend to concentrate most of their assets into either a single or narrowly grouped strategy.
 
This shows that they need your advice to create more balance and to be more mindful of their liquidity needs. They experienced more of a liquidity crunch during the 2008 crisis because they had overinvested in illiquid alternatives with long time horizons. Many of the wealthy had to adjust their lifestyles as a result.
 
On the other hand, investors looking solely to the US for their returns have the opposite problem. They may be too conservative, diminishing their opportunity for returns in a low interest rate environment.
 
Each of these investor sectors felt an uncomfortable squeeze during the crisis. It’s not clear if the effects of the crisis will go away any time soon. But there’s always the opportunity for you to guide your clients toward balanced investment choices specifically designed to help them achieve their goals by monitoring economic and market conditions and positioning them well accordingly.

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A Strategically Focused CE Curriculum

With classes approved for over a decade by the CFP Board, IWI, and NASBA, Advisors4Advisors CE classes are an optimal knowledge stream for CFP®, CIMA®, CPA, CPA/PFS®, CFA®, and other practitioners. It's not a grab bag of speakers willing to sponsor CE content. Nor is it a one-man CE course. It's a group of subject matter experts with amazing communication skills and a history of thought leadership that, together, give advisors a well-rounded knowledge system for running a professional practice ethically and intelligently.

CE Since October 2008

A4A CE classes for financial professionals began in October 2008, the week Lehman Bros. collapsed. Initially billed as “The Financial Crisis Webinar Series,” A4A connects advisors with authoritative sources on investing, tax, and financial planning, chosen by A4A Editor Andrew Gluck, a veteran financial reporter. A4A members get a stream of CE classes for an advisor who: 

  • holds a CFP®, CIMA®, CPA, CPA/PFS, CFA or other designation requiring CE annually 
  • values monthly CE classes by Fritz Meyer, Craig Israelsen, Bob Keebler, Frank Murtha, or Andrew Gluck
  • diversifies a core of client portfolios in low-expense funds
  • invests based on MPT and economic fundamentals
  • advises on tax and financial planning as well as investing
  • needs financial counseling skills
  • wants the Certified Financial Counselor™ designation 
  • is building a brand as a thought leader locally or in a niche
  • wants the facts when bad news breaks
  • wants CE aligned with a content marketing system
  • wants 24/7 access to CE on-demand
  • insists on objective evidenced-based tax and investment planning analysis
MEMBER REVIEWS 
William Desormeau, Jr.  
It is not possible for me to overstate the cumulative value that Craig, Bob and Fritz have added for over 10 years to my investment advisory practice, as well as for personal and family financial planning. A4A gets my highest recommendation
Lynn Najman, CFP®
I’ve subscribed to A4A since its inception, and always find it intellectually stimulating and on point. It’s one of the few CE solutions out there that doesn’t waste my time by pushing product or talking down to me.

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Pete Deacon, CPA, CFP®
A4A has had a profound effect on my business. Since 2009, I’ve relied on the consistent messaging and updates to run my business successfully. Being able to present the information from Bob, Fritz, and Craig's ongoing CE webinars has been a significant benefit.

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Fredric Mayerson, MBA, PhD, CFP®
I've been a financial professional and professor of finance for 35 years and find Fritz Meyer and Robert Keebler to be among the most engaging, incredibly knowledgeable, and experienced presenters I’ve encountered. They deliver an extraordinary amount of information in an extremely interesting way — sequentially and developmentally, utilizing pedagogical tools and techniques that few possess.  A4A to is the most consistently excellent CE program available.  
Ron Roge, MS, CFP®
I’ve been attending A4A many years because the CE classes are outstanding, and my time is valuable. Though I have over 35 years of experience, I’m always learning something new on A4A. I attend fewer conferences now because the CE is generally not advanced. If you want to learn from the best, in a faster, easier, and less expensive way, I highly recommend A4A.

John R. Day, CPA/PFS®

I’ve been a member since 2011 and never miss the monthly webinars with Fritz Meyer. I appreciate Fritz’s independent views on the economy and markets and Bob Keebler keeps me updated on excellent tax planning ideas. A4A is a great value!

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Norman Politziner, CFP

I wouldn't miss a Fritz Meyer webinar unless my pants were on fire. I've relied on Andrew Gluck's knowledge systems --client communications and CE -- for two decades. It's simply the best solution for tax, financial, investment, and risk-management professionals.®   

Dan Hawley, CFP® 

A4A, for over a decade, has been a great resource for useful and accurate information and CE. A4A and Advisor Products are bargains for an advisory practice. 

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Kevin Brosious, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS®

I get CPA CE credit and CFP credit for the webinars.  But not only that, the A4A content is terrific