Financial planning is still a new profession. I was one of the first in the field - and that was only 30 years ago. The legal profession has been around for, what, 600 years? There's barely been a generation to establish a record of success.

So I've made it a point to be a generalist, to see the big picture, and to quarterback the process. I don't directly manage assets. And I don't write casualty insurance. But we have a team of professionals - an estate-planning attorney, a team of CPAs, and various fund managers - who are all affiliated with my organization. They are all highly capable and confident professionals.

By overseeing them, I can keep my clients out of the "specialist traps" - that is, getting caught up in areas that might not benefit them for the long-term. It's my job to identify the expertise that's needed, and apply it appropriately.

That role also fosters the kind of relationship I want with my clients - a relationship that's free of antagonism. My practice is not solely based on trading commissions. My clients and I look in the same direction - together. We're on the same page. And I like all my clients - if I didn't, we wouldn't be working together. I don't have any annoying clients.

The plain fact is that $1 million is not enough to retire on these days, so the emphasis on planning is greater than ever. Not long ago, a client in his early 50s announced he wanted to retire at age 62. It was all about putting a plan in place - spending less, investing better - and following through on that plan. Post-retirement, it is the same story. An annual review - kicking your financial tires - really is important.

Ultimately it's not complicated - it's really about discipline. During my years as a professional boxer, discipline was the only way to getting any better, to making any progress. Look around, and you'll see that companies like to hire athletes -- they are disciplined.

I have pretty libertarian instincts. I understand and believe in the power of free markets. And boxing, well, it is the ultimate free market - the best always rise up, and always make the most money.

I've been blessed with many mentors and great friends. A wise man once said, show me who your friends are, and I'll show you who you are. Character counts. My work now is for my friends - they just happen to be my clients. That's why I love it. That's the way I want it.