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Several mega-trends point to significant growth in the energy sector. These include the development of unconventional reservoirs; the increasing service intensity of finding, developing and producing oil and gas; the exploration and development of ultra-deep water and other frontier areas; and the monetization of stranded gas resources worldwide.

As the balance of growth shifts from developed to developing nations, the world clamors for natural resources. Land capable of satisfying that demand can help investors reduce portfolio volatility and protect principal while providing steady income or appreciation as well as a hedge against inflation.

Facebook can be a great way to connect with friends and family, grow a business, and send invitations to events. But be wary and protect yourself with stringent security settings. Don't give out password clues or information about the year or place of your birth, vacation plans, or home address. And never use Facebook as a confessional.

Real estate can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio. Current valuations support allocations to private real estate vehicles versus public real estate vehicles. Furthermore, current risk-return expectations favor investments in opportunistic real estate over core real estate.

Private equity investing is not without its challenges. However, long-term returns argue for exposure to this asset class for sophisticated investors. The most important considerations are structure of the investment program, access to top-tier performers, and knowledge about emerging private equity firms.

The lifetime credit shelter trust offers a way to lock in the benefits of the increased lifetime gift exemption of $5 million per person, as provided in the Tax Relief Act of 2010, without giving that much away immediately. One spouse can set up the tax-sheltered trust for the other without paying any gift tax, or they each can set up a trust of as much as $5 million for each other.

Staying focused on a single family may seem like an easy and less risky option in the wake of Dodd-Frank. However, the competitive climate will make it increasingly difficult to bypass the efficiencies and economies of scale that come with managing more families.

The author makes the case for investment in transportation companies, citing increasing global trade, the outsourcing of increasingly complex supply chains to third parties, the rise of e-commerce, the fuel and environmental efficiency of railroads, and infrastructure upgrades of mass transit systems.

Families can find a well-qualified firm to meet their home technology needs by performing the proper due diligence. Before hiring an automation company, families should consider the reputation of the firm, determine its qualifications, conduct a targeted interview, and evaluate the firm's design experience.

While most investments are driven by economic supply and demand, the performance of managed futures is driven by market factors, such as price persistence, volatility, and price dislocation. This provides benefits for portfolio diversification in a world of unpredictable market events.