Waltham, MA. (August 11, 2009) —On August 11, 2009, Commonwealth Financial Network^® will launch its inaugural Summer Planning Workshops. In response to advisor requests for increased financial planning insight and support, the series of one-day seminars will focus on fine-tuning the financial planning portion of an advisor’s practice. A group of senior Commonwealth staff will travel coast-to-coast to sold-out sessions in five cities from August 11–19, 2009, to meet with advisors looking to advance their financial planning approach.

“Many of our advisors have made the shift from investment management to holistic planning, and we’ve seen an increased demand for financial planning services and advice,” said Gavin Morrissey, Commonwealth’s director of advanced planning. “It just made sense to dedicate a meeting to a focus on planning versus product.”

Advisors will participate in a hands-on, interactive case study, as well as hear from Commonwealth home office staff and fellow advisors about growing a successful planning practice. The one-day workshop will cover:

• Building a marketing plan. Strategies will be offered for adding new planning-based clients through referrals, strategic alliances, and traditional marketing initiatives.
• The life cycle of a new client. Speakers will suggest ways to optimize the logistical, technical, relationship, and behavioral factors that are in an advisor’s control.
• Planning resources at Commonwealth. Home office staff will review the technologies, expertise, and services the firm has available to aid advisors in their financial planning efforts.
• Financial planning forum. A peer-to-peer discussion will touch upon challenges to developing, maintaining, and growing a profitable financial planning practice, as well as best practices for addressing those challenges.