Private Wealth Management

Too Big to Jail

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.29.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Uncle Sam is wrestling how to govern organizations vital to our nation's economic welfare. I'd rather see legislators focus on leverage and preventive cures than after-the-fact remedies like "amending loans."

The $21.2 Billion Halloween Mask

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.29.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

The season makes me wonder: What does it take to become a Halloween mask?

Modern Portfoolio Theory II

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.26.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

What can investors do when their hedge funds implode? The Galleon scandal puts a fine point on this question.

Modern Portfoolio Theory

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.22.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Money managers are always trying to get an edge. But how many have crossed the line with inside information?

More Talking Points for Clients and Investment Advisers

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 09.19.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

I invest my clients' portfolios by focusing on their cash needs first: renovations to a house, capital calls from other investments, and tuition for example. These discussions are tangible.

Straight Talk for Clients and Investment Advisers

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 09.12.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Financial advisers: we serve clients best when everybody is on the same page. I would resist the temptation "to reinvent yourself" just to make the quick sale and bag a few extra bucks.

The World According to Grove

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 09.05.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

If I introduce myself as a "stockbroker" at a cocktail party, people look at their watches and say, "I'm late for a drive-through root canal."

The Madoff Twelve

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.24.2009 | Home


Norb Vonnegut

Ira Sorkin, defense attorney for Bernard Madoff, requested his client's sentence be limited to twelve years. He cited Madoff's age and thirteen-year l...

Madoff: The Three Amigos

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.18.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

What do Bernie Madoff, Ahmed Ghailani, and a captured Somali pirate have in common? They're all locked in the same New York prison.

What Would Grove Do?

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.12.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Grove manages about $2 billion in total assets for wealthy families. He's seen it all inside his investment bank. He'll be joining Acrimoney for a new guest series: What Would Grove Do?

Madoff Leftovers

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.11.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff victims don't need a cook. They need Solomon to sort through these complicated issues of law and fairness.

Bandaged Futures?

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.25.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Supposedly "managed futures" herald the dawn of an enlightened age for investments but what the heck are they and why are corn and interest rates being uttered in the same breath?

One Billion and Broke

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.23.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

If this were Hollywood, the courtroom would be jammed. Reporters everywhere. Rowdy audience. Distinguished lawyers snarling and prepping to rip each o...

Spaghetti a la Madoff

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.18.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

The trustee is on a mission to recover funds. He has his agenda, and we're watching a game of hardball between the courts and some extremely wealthy investors.

Top Ten Ways to Spot Financial Fraud

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.06.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff's sense of order was legendary. He probably arrived at the office early just to run the vacuum cleaner. Other cons are similarly fastidious.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' Allowance

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.05.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff's preferential treatment of some investors, however, is a big deal. It's a likely blueprint, I think, of the trustee's legal tactics.

The $20 Million Ponzi Stimulus Package

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.22.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Twenty million dollars is enough to cover the cost of 10 lawyers for more than 18 months.

My Money or Acrimoney

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.04.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Incremental solutions, the nuts and bolts of everyday financial planning, help. Diversify your investments. Tweak your estate plans by funding trusts or opening accounts for your kids.