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Planning for Inflation: What You Can, and Can’t, Control | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
By Foster Group
05/17/2026

In retirement planning, some variables you can control, and others you can’t. Inflation is often an overlooked variable. In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, and advisor Ben Berger walk through the "retirement equation" and use Monte Carlo modeling to stress-test a hypothetical plan against a 5% inflation shock. Ben also shares examples of adjustments that can help keep purchasing power on track.

How Tax Strategy Fits into Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
By Foster Group
03/16/2026

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.

Year-End Giving Checklist: Make Every Gift More Intentional | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning
By Ashlee Vieregger
12/15/2025

Year-end giving doesn’t have to be rushed or random. In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Director of Communications Gretchen Muller and Senior Lead Advisor Ashlee Vieregger walk through a practical year-end giving checklist to help you align your generosity with what matters most to you. They discuss “generosity languages,” how donor-advised funds could simplify giving across years, and ways to involve your family in leaving a legacy of generosity.

Planning for Inflation: What You Can, and Can’t, Control | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
By Foster Group
05/17/2026

In retirement planning, some variables you can control, and others you can’t. Inflation is often an overlooked variable. In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, and advisor Ben Berger walk through the "retirement equation" and use Monte Carlo modeling to stress-test a hypothetical plan against a 5% inflation shock. Ben also shares examples of adjustments that can help keep purchasing power on track.

How Tax Strategy Fits into Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
By Foster Group
03/16/2026

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.

Year-End Giving Checklist: Make Every Gift More Intentional | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning
By Ashlee Vieregger
12/15/2025

Year-end giving doesn’t have to be rushed or random. In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Director of Communications Gretchen Muller and Senior Lead Advisor Ashlee Vieregger walk through a practical year-end giving checklist to help you align your generosity with what matters most to you. They discuss “generosity languages,” how donor-advised funds could simplify giving across years, and ways to involve your family in leaving a legacy of generosity.

Transform Your Holidays: Giving Stories & Family Activities | Financial Perspectives

Category: Financial Planning
By Ashlee Vieregger
11/25/2024

This week, Kent Kramer is joined by Senior Lead Advisor Ashlee Vieregger to discuss year-end financial planning ideas that create meaningful family traditions through charitable giving for every age group. Learn how to engage your entire family in generosity through telling stories and sharing an activity, all with the hidden benefit of building lasting financial skills.