changing careers

In financial planning, people usually play offense: It's about finding the right strategy to get to the goal. But it's just as crucial to have a good defense. Cal Brown, a financial planner and author of the new book When Life Strikes: Weathering Financial Storms, shares some of his defensive plays with DailyFinance's Laura Rowley.

Competition for jobs remains fierce and you have to do a lot these days to stand out from the crowd. A snazzy resume and a charismatic personality will only get you so far. Hard work, a willingness to take that extra step, and patience are also necessary, said Ronald W. Chan, author of Behind the...