I would say extremely prudent reading the banks half year reports. Using the fair value may hurt more than it helps showing “better” figures. The near future Oct-Nov 2009 will tell ….

As investors look for guidance in these troubled markets, one question can’t be avoided: Whom can you trust? During boom times, it was easy to hire a financial adviser and jump in the market. Now the market is in chaos and thousands of investors have been devastated by fraud, with Madoff threatening to become only one of many con-artists. Having an investment professional on your side is crucial to your financial well-being. But how can you guarantee that your expert is reliable? The short answer is that you can’t. But you can do your homework and at least be a lot more sure that you have picked a trustful adviser.

Think like a CEO and not like a client: Realize that you are ultimately responsible for your family’s money. Consider yourself a chief executive of your own investment company. As a CEO, you simply delegate the everyday details of money management to your adviser and you don’t let them run off with managing your money. Approach your advisers like a boss — not just a client. Put your adviser through a tough job interview and ask few big questions: Read more