In these challenging economic times, preserving and growing your wealth is a daunting task. Investment fads, hidden fees, and rising taxes are relentless. Meanwhile, financial intermediaries such as brokerage firms, bank trust departments, and insurance companies bombard you, selling expensive, commission-based products and declining a fiduciary role that is meant to protect your best interests. Many investors end up taking too much risk for too little return, receiving mediocre service and conflicted "advice," and paying too much in taxes, commissions, and fees.