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Not all master limited partnerships offer the same level of stability and predictably of current income or growth, and the impact when distributions are materially cut are catastrophic to investment values. Investors who are attracted to the core value proposition of MLPs – income and stability – will most likely benefit from taking a high-quality investment approach to building a portfolio.

Finding the right thing to say to a friend with cancer can be difficult. But by responding in a way that feels comfortable, respecting privacy, being supportive, and finding concrete ways to assist, you can show that person you care and want to help.

Developments in the European Monetary Union and the United States have raised new questions about whether political systems can deliver timely solutions to medium-term fiscal imbalances. However, the authors do not believe these imbalances will derail the global recovery, lead to problematic inflation, or prevent companies from making money.

While political upheaval in the region is a legitimate concern for investors, the tumult provides an entry point into what may become an increasingly important market. Economic fundamentals are strong, the regional GDP is improving, and governments are supporting programs and infrastructure to facilitate growth.

Frontier markets are considered to be low-liquidity outsiders beyond developed and emerging markets. They offer the potential for strong long-term returns and diversification benefits at a reasonable level of volatility. However, they come with significant risks that need to be factored into an investment strategy.

Modern dynasty trust laws, such as those in South Dakota, provide the settlor with the flexibility to deal with uncertainty while maintaining the benefits of intergenerational planning. Directed trusts, trust protectors, special purpose entities and other state statutory trust provisions provide the flexibility that has made the modern dynasty trust a popular planning tool for 2011 and beyond.

The 2010 Tax Act reinstated the gift, estate and generationskipping transfer taxes that were repealed earlier in 2010. The reinstatement comes with increased transfer tax exemptions and favorable rates for 2011 and 2012. Consequently, the opportunity for making new or additional gifts to trusts has never been more favorable.

Research shows that we are not good at predicting what makes us happy as individuals and that having considerable wealth does not make us happier. However, having control over our lives does. A financial plan that starts by discovering the key goals and issues that motivate an individual can lead to greater personal happiness.

Becoming thoughtful and intentional about altruism and the passion to make a difference is the difference between having good intentions and being intentional about our values and commitments to others. This newsletter offers tips on how to give better, helps 'tween philanthropists ask seven critical questions about giving, and provides a visual way to explain the difference between charity and philanthropy.

This paper addresses the options families have for investment education and offers basic direction for getting a true junior investment club off the ground. Contents include: --Five questions for families considering a junior investment club --Developmental options for investment education --Alternatives to true investment clubs --What is a junior investment club? --Why a junior investment club? --How to start an investment club --How to run an investment club --Sources and additional resources