I probably should be writing about the depredations that inflation is likely to inflict on our economy and therefore, your clients' futures. But I have little to add to what no doubt is already keeping you up nights. So instead I'm going to write about some incredible women I met in Boston in June.

These women, all top planners affiliated with Securities America, gathered at a dinner organized by the broker-dealer's president, Janine Wertheim, and by communications consultant and Financial Planning contributor Marie Swift. I was in town to speak at the Securities America annual conference. In all, 20 of us spent the evening together.

The diners' practice models ran the gamut. Lori Price, from Wilton, Conn., caters to divorced and widowed women, as well as retirees; Andi Kang leads Crown Wealth Management, her Huntington Beach, Calif.-based firm targeting affluent executives and entrepreneurs. Most of the women had been the only female at many a business event, and the early conversation revolved around how they related to men. Rebecca Hudson, who practices in Lubbock, Texas, grew up "enveloped by men," she says. "I have two brothers, two sons, even male dogs"—but now she revels in her granddaughters.

The women's attachment to their clients has taken them some unexpected places. Nan Cohen, founding partner of Cedar Brook Financial Partners in Cleveland, has developed a new specialty—planning for the terminally ill. "My clients say, 'I know you're busy,' and I say, 'let's chat.' That's such a strange thing to hear from a professional," she muses. "There's a business plan of care that underlies our success." Trudy Haussmann, who practices in Newport Beach, Calif., has become a specialist in planning for gay couples.

By the end of the evening, a study group had been organized and a meeting scheduled for the fall. Venue: Las Vegas. I hope to be invited.

Speaking of incredible women, Pam Black, our group managing editor, has been named editor in chief of Bank Investment Consultant and will be working on that magazine full-time. Please join me in wishing Pam every success.

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