Analyzing the American Families Plan Tax Proposal
After months of speculation, on September 13th, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposal for tax reform effective in 2022 (and possibly in 2021 for selected provisions). The proposal contains a number of provisions that were expected, and a few surprises that we did not expect.
What’s In Your (Charitable) Toolbox?
Our vision at Foster Group is to influence thousands of individuals, families, and organizations with wise financial counsel while encouraging the pursuit of meaningful living and generous giving. One of the ways we like to do this is by expanding our clients’ giving toolbox.
Your Goals Steer the Direction of Your Financial Plan
In financial planning, goals are important. There are different planning strategies we implement for different types of goals, and it is crucial for your advisor to understand how you plan or hope to use your money in the future.
Your Legacy Can Be More Than Money
In the end, your legacy is the lasting influence of the gifts you give, both during your lifetime and when you are gone. What do you want yours to be?
What Really is the Annual Enrollment Period?
Hopefully, you have read my first two blogs that talked about Medicare Supplement and Drug plans and the difference with Medicare Advantage plan designs. The last of this series will talk about the Annual Enrollment Period and what can really happen here.
Planning and Puppies 101
I bought a puppy back in April, and it has been one of the most challenging things of my adult life. Training a new puppy is hard work and takes a lot of intentionality and thought. The same can be said about building a financial plan. I have a few tips that might help others avoid my mistakes.
You Will Have Forgotten Monday, July 19
By the time you read this, you will have most likely forgotten today. My guess is that you won’t remember what went on this day. You might remember a feeling or thought you had when you heard what was happening in the stock market. But then, you sent an email, mowed your lawn, took your dog on a walk and ate something healthy, like broccoli, for dinner.
Medicare Advantage Plans: What is Joe Namath Really Talking About?
In 2006, the Federal government created an alternate design in the Medicare market to complement supplement plans and stand-alone prescription drug plans. They’re called Medicare Advantage plans. Although the start was a bit rocky, carriers have learned and grown with their plan designs. Here are some of the most talked about design concepts of the Medicare Advantage plans.
Home Sweet Home, or an Investment?
Homes are commonly thought of as investments. It’s easy to see why. For most of us, it’s the single biggest thing on our balance sheets for years.
The Four Uses of Money
Did you know that there are just four uses of money? They are Owe, Grow, Give, and Live.
My General Contractor and I
That’s when I realized, constructing a basement wasn’t all that different from constructing a financial plan.
How to Make Sense of Goals You Set
An important part of building out a financial plan is determining goals. Goals help us look at a financial plan with the “end” in mind.
College Planning: Don’t Wait to File Your FAFSA
If the prospect of sending your child on their entry into adulthood isn’t hard enough, there is all the paperwork to decipher… the ACT/SAT, college applications, scholarship applications, and of course, the dreaded FAFSA!
Tips for Setting Financial Goals in Marriage
If the financial goals conversation seems intimidating to you, know that you are not alone!
What to Do If Forced Into Retirement Early
Yet, all too often, there is a second group of retirees for whom retirement is filled with uncertainty. Let’s say that at age 58, suddenly you are forced to retire. This could be a full five to seven years before you planned. What do you do now?
How the National Debt Affects You
The rising U.S. national debt has been a topic of conversation for many years and 2020 has magnified the focus on this issue.
Why I Try Not to Pay Attention to the News
While I don’t think this approach is for everyone, I do think many of us would benefit from making some of these decisions.
Discover the Real Meaning of Financial Independence
In my daily work with clients, the question often comes down to, “How much do I need to retire comfortably?” My usual answer is, “How long are you going to live, and what do you want to eat?!”
Physicians: Debt vs Savings, Which Comes First?
Young physicians often ask, “Should I focus more aggressively on paying down my debt, or should I just do the minimum and try to save as much as possible?” That’s an excellent question, with lots of variables and layers.
August 21, 2020 Financial Perspectives
0:50 - In the News: August 10th - August 21st
2:46 - What Is “Aseasonality” and Why Can It Lead to Impatience?
4:30 - Historical Disruptions
5:50 - Behavioral Biases: Why Does This Seem So Bad?