The Second Home: A Different Kind of “Bond” Investment
We need a different approach to evaluate an investment of the heart, a different kind of “bond” investment. An investment in joy requires a unique type of cost-benefit analysis.
Retiree Health Insurance Options Prior to Medicare Eligibility
Category: Financial Planning
Key health insurance options and considerations for retirees prior to Medicare eligibility.
How Should a Nonprofit Allocate its Investment Portfolio?
Let's review two industry studies, the NACUBO Study of Endowments and the Association Investment Policies, Practices and Performance. Each organization is different and has its own set of unique goals and challenges. Although this is the case, learning how other nonprofits invest can help ignite a meaningful conversation within your own organization.
Are You Getting the Top 4% of the Market? | Financial Perspectives
How many stocks does it take to really move your portfolio? It's a surprisingly small number. This week, Kent Kramer is joined by Foster Group's Director of Investments, Michael Westphal, to help answer this question.
Chart of the Month – August 2024
Category: Investing » Interest Rates
Is it Possible to Stop Worrying About Money? Yes!
Category: Foster Group
One of the most important things we do at Foster Group isn’t tangible. It’s emotional. Let's look at some things that you might worry about but wish you no longer had to worry.
Three Fun Budgeting Benefits
I’ve found some fun benefits to budgeting outside of the normal spend less, save more mantra.
Predictable Mistakes
We believe that investors increase their chances of success by avoiding predictable mistakes, those practices that sound like they should work but have been shown time and again to have very low probabilities of success.
Webinar: Risky Business – Avoiding Common Executive Compensation Pitfalls
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
There are often complicated timing and tax issues associated with executive benefits — and deadlines you don’t want to miss. Learn how to avoid the top mistakes we see executives make, and how to make the most of your hard-earned money!
Updates to the State of Iowa 529 plan
529 plans can be a great way to save for future education costs for your loved ones. The State of Iowa recently made a few improvements to the College Savings 529 plan.
Winning Strategies in a High-Cost Healthcare Market
Category: Financial Planning
Small business owners face many challenges in today’s competitive environment. We often hear of the burden rising healthcare costs have on a business’s sustainability, profitability, and ability to attract and retain key talent. Let’s explore some winning strategies that have been implemented by a variety of businesses across the area.
A Farming Deduction from an Unexpected Location: The Beach
Category: Financial Planning
With farm ground prices near all-time highs, higher borrowing costs, and tight margins, this tax deduction should be considered when purchasing a farm property or inheriting one.
Is Investing a Science Project? | Financial Perspectives
A wise investor will advance with science to increase the probability of good investment outcomes. This week, Kent Kramer shares examples of how advances in finance and economics have impacted investor experience.
Value vs Growth – What does that Mean?
Have you heard the words, “value” and “growth,” when it comes to investing? Let’s face it: These words are often misunderstood and poorly utilized.
The Older & Wiser AI: The Market’s Aggregate Intelligence
Has Artificial Intelligence been causing you anxiety, or made you wonder about the trustworthiness of investment markets? Be reminded that “educated optimism is an antidote for anxious uncertainty”.
Retirement Happiness
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
What are the primary drivers of a happy retirement and overall wellness?
The Market: The Original AI | Financial Perspectives
The acronym “AI” has become synonymous with Artificial Intelligence. But what is Aggregate Intelligence -- "AI"? This week, Kent Kramer explains how trusting markets and harnessing their power and prices is a fundamentally sound way to invest.
Chart of the Month – May 2024
While cash may offer stability and security in the short term, the DFA Returns Web chart from 1926 through February 2024 suggests that the growth potential in stocks offers a higher rewarding investment opportunity in the long run.
Five Ideas for Charitable Tax Savings
Five ideas for integrating your finances and your philanthropy.
Rates, Prices and Inventory: The Entire Housing Market Explained in About Two Minutes
Category: Financial Planning
The unprecedented relationship between a breakneck rise in home prices, a tripling in interest rates and historically low inventory levels have painted a landscape in housing that’s never been seen before in history. It’s a cautionary tale for some, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for others, depending on your perspective. Let’s dive in.