Financial and Lifestyle Perspective from Northern Trust http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/ Due to systemic issues and lengthy routes to resolution, the path ahead for the European Union (EU) likely won't be smooth. For patient investors, however, solid opportunities do exist. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/eu-debt-crisis Open, ongoing conversations about wealth are crucial to prepare the next generation to take on financial responsibilities. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/wealth-stewardship-next-generation Donors can assess a charitable organization’s financial health and longevity by examining financial statements, speaking with stakeholders and enlisting the help of community foundations and philanthropic advisors. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/charitable-organization-stability More people are choosing to retire later in life, either through working longer or starting second careers. But how does this decision affect financial planning and wealth management? http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/later-retirement Northern Trust's Scott Dille and Mary Ann Sisco reveal the importance of properly aligning financial and personal goals through a Life Driven Wealth Management approach. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/life-driven-wealth-management An increasing number of wealthy families use vacation time to give back to communities in need. With the help of professional volunteer services, volunteer vacations can provide safe and priceless learning experiences. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-spring/volunteer-vacations Conversion of traditional IRAs and other retirement accounts to Roth IRAs can help position retirement funds in a tax-advantaged way. If the market goes awry, however, recharacterizations of converted Roth IRAs help ensure investment losses don’t negate the benefits of such moves. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/roth-ira-recharacterization-1.html Responsible investing – incorporating environmental, social and corporate governance criteria in your portfolio – has experienced tremendous growth during the past few years. Is it the right approach for you? http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/socially-responsible-investing-1.html Estate planning should start by defining the core values that reflect your family’s unique and diverse human, social and intellectual capital – and involve family members in the process. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/wealth-transfer-planning.html Safety of assets is a chief concern for all investors, particularly in these uncertain economic times. Registering assets through a trust bank or broker-dealer not only provides protection but increases efficiencies and cost savings as well. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/asset-safety-global-custodian.html Jean Sheridan, Northern Trust’s head of global financial reform management, shares insight on what the Dodd-Frank Act may mean for clients, as well as Northern Trust’s efforts to meet the demands of the new financial regulations. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/dodd-frank-act-impact.html Protect yourself and your assets from cyber criminals through essential risk mitigation measures – adopting some secure habits both online and in the physical world. http://www.northerntrust.com/wealth/12-winter/cyber-crime.html