Q&A with Kelli Hueler: - Napfa

from the Editor
a New feature
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In this issue, we debut a new feature that we
hope will become a very popular part of the
magazine. As the cover photo indicates, we
have an exclusive interview with Kelli Hueler,
president and CEO of Hueler Companies, the
developer of an online platform for analyzing and
purchasing low-cost annuities.
The Q&A represents the first in a series of interviews we plan
to publish with key members of the financial services industry. In
the months ahead, we will be speaking with investment managers,
practice management consultants, insurance professionals, and
others. We hope to get their perspectives on the issues that matter to
Fee-Only advisors.
Conducting these interviews is not as easy as it might seem.
The end product might look as smooth as a financial plan in a fancy
binder—but, just like that financial plan, a lot of work is hidden
below the surface.
The Q&A with Hueler began in May with a suggestion from a
NAPFA staff member. I contacted Hueler and gauged her interest,
and she provided me with background information, including a
40-page research paper she had co-authored. After I had reviewed
the materials, we conducted a preliminary conversation to exchange
ideas about what might be covered in the Q&A. Then I sent her
a general outline of questions in advance of a phone interview
conducted in September. After the interview, I transcribed the
conversation and selected the most relevant parts. Finally, Hueler
reviewed the draft in order to correct errors or fix omissions.
The result, I hope, is an illuminating look at developments in the
availability and use of low-cost immediate annuities as part of a
comprehensive financial plan.
Given the long gestation period to produce the Q&A, we won’t
be presenting these interviews in every issue, but we think they
will be worth the wait. We’ve even decided to add another factor
into the mix: NAPFA members who are experts in specific topics
will conduct some of the interviews, as they will be able to ask
questions of greatest relevance to Fee-Only advisors.
Rest of the Issue
While the Q&A is our featured article in this issue of the
Advisor, I’m anticipating that readers will find a great deal of
value in the additional articles, too. John Ryan and Mark Desiderio
contributed an article about how to evaluate long-term disability
insurance offers. NAPFA member Steven Wightman shared his
fascinating perspective on the similarities between being a financial
advisor and a pilot (in his case, a pilot who is aiming to break a
few world records to his credit). Columnist and NAPFA member
Jennifer Lazarus tapped into the experience of numerous NAPFA
members on how to get the most out of a client advisory board.
Enjoy the issue and feel welcome to contact me at any time to
suggest a candidate for a feature Q&A.
CEO
Ellen Turf turfe@napfa.org
sTaff
Managing Editor
Kevin Adler 301.270.2839 kevinadler13@gmail.com
Publisher and Director of Magazine Operations
Eric Haines 732.920.4236 ric.haines@erhassoc.com
Business Development and Membership
Nancy Hradsky hradskyn@napfa.org
Professional Growth and Education
Robin Gemeinhardt gemeinhardtr@napfa.org
Communications
Benjamin Lewis 301.963.7555 ben@bdlpr.com
Public Policy and Advocacy
Karen Nystrom nystromk@napfa.org
Executive Assistant to CEO
Mardi Lee leem@napfa.org
NAPFA Advisor Production
Eric Georgevich ericgeorgevich@gmail.com
Accounting
Laura Maddalone maddalonel@napfa.org
Membership Assistant
Cindy Ganze ganzec@napfa.org
Editorial Assistant
Christopher Hale cghale@gmail.com
Education Assistant
Rachel Gusek gusekr@napfa.org
NCEF Coordinator
Lisa Lenczewski lisal@napfa.org
The NAPFA Advisor Magazine issue #10 October 2012 is published
monthly for $85.00 per year by The National Association of Personal
Financial Advisors, 3250 North Arlington Heights Road, Suite 109,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004. USPS number 024-735. Periodicals
Postage Paid at Arlington Heights, IL, and additional entry office in
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NAPFA Advisor Magazine, 3250 North Arlington Heights Road, Suite
109, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
From time to time, NAPFA Advisor publishes articles on technical
subjects. NAPFA makes no representation as to the accuracy or
timeliness of such advice. Submissions are encouraged but will be edited
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