For those seeking a TIPS-alternative, Mr. Zhang suggests looking for companies with strong brands and a competitive edge that offer products many cannot do without during an inflationary period. Buy the sellers - as an investor, you want a firm to be able to raise prices during inflation so it maintains profit.

Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisor list is one of the industry’s most distinguished financial advisor rankings.

Charles Zhang, and many other independent financial advisors, have seen a major shift in the financial planning industry.  In light of the credit crises and many other questionable business practices, investors are jumping from large Wall Street wire-houses to independent outfits.  Some $200 billion flowed into the independents last year; bringing their total assets under management to $2 trillion, according to Triburon Strategic Advisors, a California-based research firm.  This is a clear signal that investors are looking for an advisor that can truly put their interests first.

Wondering how to retire comfortably?  Lynn’s advice is to remember two principles: start early and be disciplined.  "The power of accumulation is enormous," Lynn said of beginning to save as early as possible.  The longer a person can save, the more effect compound interest can have.  Being disciplined means having a long-term approach to investing that keeps you from buying high when times are good and selling low when the markets are falling. 

If there is any good news coming out of the financial world these days, Lynn Chen-Zhang said, it is still feasible to retire comfortably.  Many of our clients are able to retire as planned; by saving regularly, investing early, and maintaining conservative spending habits they are able to reach their retirement goals.

Wall Street stocks headed towards a muted end to the week yesterday after hitting their highest close of the year on Thursday.  Equities continued to travel sideways on a day when floor trading in 242 companies, including Exxon Mobil and General Electric, was halted because of a computer problem.

The market spent the week focused on interest rates and the threat of inflation as climbing commodity prices were further fueled by a falling dollar and climbing bond yields.  "Inflation is a serious threat, perhaps not in three to six months, but in 12 to 18 months, and we have been investing in inflation protection assets," said Charles Zhang, managing partner of Zhang Financial.

"I know some advisors lose sleep over the market.  I don’t.  I shouldn’t lose sleep over things out of my control.  Today I am an independent advisor and can truly put my clients interests first.  I am proud to say I do everything possible to do the best job for each of my clients.  Honestly, I no longer have a reason to lose sleep." 

"Since managing a portfolio can be time-consuming, investors may want to use limit orders to set buy and sell prices ahead of time," says Charles Zhang, a financial adviser with Zhang Financial in Portage, Mich.  As bank stocks recovered recently, Zhang placed limit orders to buy shares if prices fell 10%, and to sell, say, half a position if prices rose 20%.

The stock market’s downturn is reshaping the retail-brokerage industry, with disgruntled clients replacing wirehouse brokers with independent representatives and financial advisors.  An Investment News survey of 650 advisors found that 87.3% were building their client base amid the downturn.  The vast majority of those advisors (72.6%) said that their new clients were coming from wirehouse firms.

About 40% of advisors reported their new clients left their previous broker because they were dissatisfied with the financial advice that they were given.  Another 50% of advisors reported that the new clients they picked up from wirehouses left their previous broker do to a lack of communication. 

"Clients were sold on the stability of the big firm," said Charles Zhang.  "That’s actually not so."  Zhang Financial has picked up about two dozen clients from wirehouses since the downturn, Zhang said.

  "Less income does not translate dollar-for-dollar into more financial aid.  Typically, a reduction in financial aid awards is only pennies for every dollar of income earned.  Parents would be better off saving the additional income to use for the student’s education expenses." 

Mr. Zhang suggests saving in retirement plans as a good option to increase financial aid.  "Parents who are very close to making an income above the Pell Grant limitations could consider contributing more money to their 401k or retirement plans," says Zhang.  "Not only will that reduce the family income, retirement assets are not considered in the EFC calculation."

Charles Zhang, a financial advisor in Portage, Mich., echoes many of the concerns investors have with the current emerging market investment picture.  Even though many countries are trying to right their economies with their own versions of stimulus plans - China recently announced a $586 billion economic and infrastructure program - the tide probably won’t turn for some time, he says.  One reason is that these regions are more closely tied to ailling financial institutions and faltering commodities markets than developed nations.  They also need a recovery here in the U.S. to happen first.

Mr. Zhang received the honor of being ranked the #1 Independent Financial Advisor in Michigan.  In addition, Charles was named the #2 Financial Advisor in Michigan overall. 

The Barron’s Top Financial Advisor rankings reflect advisors’ assets under management, revenue generated by their firms, quality of service and regulatory records.  The rankings were produced by Winner’s Circle.

Mr. Zhang shares his thoughts and perspective on what is like to be a personal financial advisor during these difficult financial times.

"The current economy has made our job more important and more challenging.  During these difficult times, clients must rely on their financial advisor’s expertise and advice," says Charles C. Zhang, managing partner of Zhang Financial in Portage.  "In general, I advise my clients to invest with a long-term perspective," says Zhang.  "I believe it is important to determine the level of risk you are willing to take, develop a plan and asset allocation, implement, and monitor your progress.  Most importantly, do not try and time the market.  Stick with your investment strategy."

Special Issue article "Riding the Dollar Into Foreign Markets" by Ben Levisohn.  Not everyone is predicting the dollar’s decline.  Adviser Charles Zhang doesn’t see a weakening soon.