The Power of Delegation for Executives
Are you making the most of the rewards for your hard work? Your organization benefits from your time, effort, and management skills, but does your family get the most from all that effort?
The Power of Answering Two Key Questions
Category: Foster Group
How can answering two key questions potentially change your perspective on retirement?
The Once a Year Approach to Looking at Investments
Last year was a very up and down year in the market. That’s not abnormal. In fact, it’s what happens most years. December 12 was the only time last year that I looked at the numbers. In not looking at the numbers throughout the year, I not only minimized worry, but also created the opportunity for a happy surprise.
The Joy of Generosity
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In my experience, the joy of generosity is not dependent on monetary value or other objective measures of size or significance. Generosity done well always has the potential to bring joy to both givers and receivers.
The IRS Punted on 2023
Category: Financial Planning
The IRS is allowing some people to skip their Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from inherited IRAs. If you inherited an IRA in 2020 or later, you may not need to make a distribution this year. Read for some background.
The Invisible Tax
Category: Financial Planning
One of the things married couples often do not consider in their planning is what I like to call the “Invisible Tax.”
The Ins and Outs of Paying Student Loan Debt
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Whether you are working on paying down student debt yourself, or have children looking to do so, below are some questions to consider.
The Influence of Trust
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
A good relationship with our clients comes down to a handful of things. One of those things is whether a client trusts that we know more than they do about the type of investing we do at Foster Group.
The Goslings at Foster Group Have Got Me Thinking
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We all will go through life seasons, and, with that, our ability to invest and what that ‘investment’ looks like will be different. No matter what season you’re in, don’t let it stop you from investing in something you care about.
Stop Doing That!
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We all need people in our lives who have the courage to let us know when we've done something we shouldn't. It's equally wise to have an Advisor who can speak truth to you when it comes to your finances.
Stock Markets Are Positive This Year?
As this year exemplifies, stock markets have the tendency to do things we would never expect.
Stock Markets Are Like Kids
Category: Foster Group
As I was driving into work, I realized that toddlers are a lot like the stock market.
Still Searching for the One?
You do not need to pick the next big winner in order to have a successful investment experience. As a matter of fact, behaving as if this were possible is an almost certain way to have a terrible investment experience. What are the hallmarks of a more successful approach?
Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
The death of a loved one is often met with a period of grief and adjustment. Determining what must be done to close out a decedent’s financial affairs can be overwhelming, especially during this time.
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Starting off life after school on the right foot financially is important. A good financial advisor can make all the difference.
Spring Training Thoughts for Your Portfolio
While the impact of each may not be dramatic on their own, collectively they add up and represent the things we do to incrementally add value to our clients.
Spring Clean Your Financial Plan
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
You can’t have spring without spring cleaning. As you tackle your home, yard, and other spaces this year, your financial plan might also need to be spruced up. Here are a few tips to clean up your financial plan this spring.
Spending That Can Wreck Retirement
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
In more than a decade of working with clients, I’ve discovered that one thing tends to do more damage to financial plans than any other.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
Six Key Ideas for Navigating Markets for the Rest of 2022
Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
Over the next few months, both leading up to and immediately following the election, the winners and losers are going to seem omnipresent on the news, social media, even in the “entertainment” industry. So, here are six key ideas to keep in mind as you navigate the remaining months of 2022.