Financial Planning Magazine Offers Tips to KeepClients Focused in October Issue; Also Examines...

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1998---As investors worry about their portfolios in today's unpredictable stock market, Financial Planning magazine, a publication of Securities Data Publishing, dedicates its October cover story to financial planning strategies that aim to keep investors focused

during turbulent market times. In the cover story, Harold Evensky, one of the nation's leading financial planners and a Financial Planning contributing writer, offers practical advice on how to effectively manage client expectations.

In "How to Keep Clients Focused," Mr. Evensky explains how over the past few years investors' expectations have come to match the rising performance of the bullish stock market. Now, as the market has declined and entered a period of volatility and his clients worry about their investments, he is focusing on modifying overly optimistic expectations and relieving investors of their short-term anxieties. Using proactive communication techniques, or what he calls a "Good News-Don't Worry" strategy, Mr. Evensky contacts his clients regularly, often through written correspondence, to explain what is happening in the stock market and to keep them focused on their long-term goals. Mr. Evensky has written dozens of these letters over the years and has included several sample letters in this month's story.

"During times of significant market corrections, we radically ratchet up our client contacts," says Mr. Evensky. "Our goal is to reach our clients before their level of concern compels them to call us."

Also in the October issue, Financial Planning examines retirement issues in a special report on retirement planning. The four-article package includes practical advice from Michael Ball, portfolio manager and chairman for Mutual Asset Management, on extending the life of retirement savings and allowing for higher withdrawal rates; contributing writer Donald Jay Korn on planning for early retirement; and Financial Planning's Diane Picard on how to adopt creative solutions to lift retirees' income.

"While each individual has different investing goals, in the long run, most have the same aim -- to achieve financial independence and have enough money to live comfortably when they retire," says Evan Simonoff, editor in chief of Financial Planning magazine. "With so many factors to consider, Financial Planning has put together a special report in its October issue to give financial advisers insight into some of the toughest retirement issues they face."