For far too many Americans, it doesn't feel like a recovery—not for those who have lost their jobs, and not for those who have lost their homes.

But the numbers are starting to flicker with signs of hope. Unemployment, while still rising, is increasing at a slower pace. The Dow, the S&P and Nasdaq have all been marching steadily higher. In June, the Conference Board's Leading Economic Index for the United States increased for the third consecutive month. And the Conference Board's CEO Confidence Survey skyrocketed in the second quarter as corporate chieftains declared they are more optimistic about the short-term outlook.

As advisors continue to navigate the rough waters of this economy and prepare for the turnaround, how do they stay competitive? The answer, for many of them, is to join a team of colleagues whose knowledge and talents complement one another. As writer Susan Konig discovered in our cover story, "Dream Teams," those who join teams do so in order to concentrate on their own specialty, create a more efficient workplace and, in the end, drum up more business.

Yet, to be really successful they have to work together, whether it's a simple team of two or bigger network of 20. And while Konig focuses more on the teams that get it right, she also gives you the five reasons that teams fail. You have to know what can go wrong as well as how to do it right.

The same is true when dealing with high-net-worth clients, especially those who are not just wealthy but famous as well. This month's estate planning column deals with Michael Jackson. While you may be sick of the endless media coverage, David Handler's insights into Jackson's estate problems are meaningful for any advisor with clients who are up-and-coming sports or entertainment stars, or even those making a name for themselves in the business world. Your clients need not be as peculiar, as iconic or as tragic and troubled as Jackson appeared to be in order to benefit from these lessons. Estate planning for those with significant and complex assets that range from real estate to intellectual property that includes music royalties and even—in Jackson's case—a "smooth shoe" patent, is an extremely demanding exercise. CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite probably has the most orderly of estates. But I doubt he did that without the help of financial and estate planning experts. So, take a look  at "Lessons from the Michael Jackson Estate—So Far" and read what Handler has to say about meeting the complicated needs of the rich and famous.

Moving beyond teams and estate battles, On Wall Street this month provides practical advice for those of you who suspect wrongdoing among your ranks. Attorney/columnist Alan Foxman tells you what to do in "Whistleblowing Made Easy."

Discussing a hot-button issue in Tax Smart this month is Bill Fleming of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He dives into the latest controversy surrounding the tax penalties on foreign bank accounts that the IRS is imposing in its effort to locate funds hidden in offshore accounts. Read what Fleming has to say, in "Bank Account Xenophobia: U.S. Reporting of Foreign Accounts."

As for investing strategy, take a look at Elizabeth Wine's story on socially responsible investing. In "SRI Plows the Path to Profitability," she reports that SRI investments in the United States alone account for $2.7 trillion. It's a fascinating peek into the future of investing.

Finally, we bid a sad goodbye to Robert Wincowski of Janney Montgomery Scott who recently passed away. He was named a Branch Manager of the Year in 2008 and was active in numerous charities.