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Wealthy individuals need to play an active role in their wealth management, asking advisors the right questions and reviewing their answers regularly. This requires a solid understanding of wealth management principles and how to apply them in a variety of areas, ranging from personal tax planning to the transfer of a business.

Families that marry the strength of individualism with a more inclusive, long-term mindset can capture the best of both worlds. They can improve on a traditional foundation with diversified business interests and strategically populate affiliated ventures with members of the extended family.

A return to a “high” market warrants a full understanding of the nature of ownership (legal title) risks in the art industry and how art investment fund managers can mitigate these risks.

Estate planners who help their clients become more strategic about philanthropy in their legacy planning strengthen relationships with clients and their heirs and significantly increase the likelihood that their clients’ charitable distributions will align with their interests and be more effective. Whether creating a new estate plan or revisiting an existing one, when discussing philanthropy there are certain topics advisors should consider incorporating into every conversation.

Research shows investment managers are far too willing to incur a large negative tax alpha for taxable clients while pursuing a pretax alpha. The result is that most investment management products offer a combined alpha that is negative: pretax alpha, whether good or bad, less a relentlessly negative tax alpha.

This guide covers wealth management and tax planning strategies to consider before year-end and into 2012. Topics include tax management, wealth transfer planning, education funding, philanthropy, retirement, liabilities management, insurance, business owner issues, tax implications of health care reform, and building a strategic plan.

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.

Given the uncertainty about how long low interest rates will last, now may be a good time to review personal debt as part of overall finances and identify potential refinancing opportunities. In evaluating your borrowing strategy, consider your asset/liability mix, the cost and tax implications of borrowing, and your capacity for debt.

Owners who are looking to transition their businesses face the question of whether it is better to sell now or wait until later, particularly in light of the current tax situation. In making this consideration, they should consider the pros and cons of various options: status quo, management buyout, ESOP, sale to a financial buyer, or sale to a strategic buyer.