Discovering What’s Next
Rather than celebrating the past, commencement looks optimistically into the future and asks, “What’s next?” Read Kent’s reflections on retirement, new beginnings, and preparing for the next chapter.
What I Learned About Nurturing New Beginnings at Every Stage of Life
Category: Foster Group » Experiences
One beauty of life is that it becomes enriched by experience. In this article, Gretchen reflects on change, growth, and why it’s never too late to plant the seeds for a new beginning.
Chart of the Month – April
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Investing through Uncertainty: A Perspective on the Iran Conflict & Markets | Financial Perspectives
Recent developments involving Iran have been a reminder of how quickly geopolitics can affect markets. In this Financial Perspectives conversation, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer share perspective on what we’re seeing in stocks, oil, and investor feelings and why short-term volatility does not always change the long-term outlook.
From Brackets to Breaks: Is Tax Planning Really Worth the Effort?
Explore how tax planning strategies could be aligned with your income, assets, and long‑term goals. Marcus shares why personalized approaches often lead to more informed financial decisions.
How Thoughtful Tax Planning Could Help You Keep More of What You Earn
Tax planning can help create more flexibility over time. Melissa, explores a few strategies and considerations in her latest blog.
A New Chapter for Financial Perspectives with Gretchen Muller | Financial Perspectives
Category: Foster Group
In this special edition, hear from Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, as she shares how her life experience will help lead the future of Financial Perspectives. Kent Kramer, Chief Investment Officer, shares his plans for retirement and transitioning the host of Financial Perspectives. He reflects on the series’ beginnings in 2020.
How Tax Strategy Fits into Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
Tax strategy plays an important role in financial planning, but the right approach depends on your specific goals, timeline, and overall plan. In this episode of Financial Perspective, Gretchen Muller, Marcus Iwig, and Michael Westphal discuss how tax considerations can affect retirement planning, business sales, farm ground, stock compensation, account types, and investment implementation. The key takeaway: taxes matter, but they should be considered within the context of a broader financial plan.
How to Think About Taxes in Retirement – Beyond Just Paying Less
Learn why many retirees focus on lifetime taxes, how different income sources interact, and what to be aware of as you approach retirement.
Discovering What’s Next
Rather than celebrating the past, commencement looks optimistically into the future and asks, “What’s next?” Read Kent’s reflections on retirement, new beginnings, and preparing for the next chapter.
What I Learned About Nurturing New Beginnings at Every Stage of Life
Category: Foster Group » Experiences
One beauty of life is that it becomes enriched by experience. In this article, Gretchen reflects on change, growth, and why it’s never too late to plant the seeds for a new beginning.
Chart of the Month – April
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Investing through Uncertainty: A Perspective on the Iran Conflict & Markets | Financial Perspectives
Recent developments involving Iran have been a reminder of how quickly geopolitics can affect markets. In this Financial Perspectives conversation, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer share perspective on what we’re seeing in stocks, oil, and investor feelings and why short-term volatility does not always change the long-term outlook.
From Brackets to Breaks: Is Tax Planning Really Worth the Effort?
Explore how tax planning strategies could be aligned with your income, assets, and long‑term goals. Marcus shares why personalized approaches often lead to more informed financial decisions.
How Thoughtful Tax Planning Could Help You Keep More of What You Earn
Tax planning can help create more flexibility over time. Melissa, explores a few strategies and considerations in her latest blog.
A New Chapter for Financial Perspectives with Gretchen Muller | Financial Perspectives
Category: Foster Group
In this special edition, hear from Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, as she shares how her life experience will help lead the future of Financial Perspectives. Kent Kramer, Chief Investment Officer, shares his plans for retirement and transitioning the host of Financial Perspectives. He reflects on the series’ beginnings in 2020.
How Tax Strategy Fits into Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
Tax strategy plays an important role in financial planning, but the right approach depends on your specific goals, timeline, and overall plan. In this episode of Financial Perspective, Gretchen Muller, Marcus Iwig, and Michael Westphal discuss how tax considerations can affect retirement planning, business sales, farm ground, stock compensation, account types, and investment implementation. The key takeaway: taxes matter, but they should be considered within the context of a broader financial plan.
How to Think About Taxes in Retirement – Beyond Just Paying Less
Learn why many retirees focus on lifetime taxes, how different income sources interact, and what to be aware of as you approach retirement.
Webinar: Have You Secured Your Healthcare Coverage in Retirement?
Category: Financial Planning
Whether your 65th birthday is approaching, you are planning to retire soon, or you or a loved one are living with a disability, it's important to understand the nuances of Medicare coverage.
Medicare Enrollment: 3 Pitfalls to Avoid (and How to Plan Ahead)
Category: Financial Planning
Ashlee shares three common Medicare enrollment considerations - so you know what to watch for and what questions to ask.
Market Volatility in 2026: Don’t Let Headlines Drive Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives
In early 2026, concerning headlines feel nonstop and uncertainty can make investors wonder, "should I adjust my financial plan?" In this episode, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer discuss how to separate market noise vs fundamentals and share a planning-first approach to staying disciplined through volatility.