We will have a first-ever opportunity at this year's FPA Experience conference to meet some of the leading researchers in the financial planning field. Names like Wade Pfau, Michael Finke, and John Grable. Others you might not have heard of. Yet. These researchers are presenting their ideas to get feedback from practitioners. Does their research effort add something practical and usable to the knowledge base for financial planners? As a practitioner, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of academic research in our field, and to learn new concepts, tools, and techniques.
If you are like me, I look at most academic research and say “pretty graphs, undecipherable formulas, and unusable results.” It’s sad to say, but most of the things I read (or I should say try to read!) go straight in the trash.
So do something about it! These researchers are coming to get YOUR opinion and feedback on what they are doing, and whether it has value to us as practitioners. There will be 2 sessions on Sunday and one session on Monday where 3-4 researchers will each give 15 minute snapshots of their topic area, and then hold a Q&A time with planners to see which direction to take the research. This is OUR opportunity to be heard by the academic community, and to come together to benefit our clients. Mark it on your program to attend at least one session.
Richard Stumpf