Do Headlines Cause You to Take Action?
Takeaways from a smattering of the headlines across a wide range of news sources in 2022 and early 2023.
Webinar: ThanksGIVING
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Available on demand now, our ThanksGIVING webinar on charitable giving tactics. In this 30 minute webinar, we cover tips on giving, regardless of the amount, satisfying a required minimum distribution, and some of the top questions from our audience.
Positive Planning Opportunities in a Negative Market
Category: Financial Planning
Strangely, a down market and the response of the government to it has created potential planning opportunities that wouldn’t have otherwise been there.
My Top 9 + 1 from Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, spent some time with us last month. Here are my takeaways.
Accountability: The Key to Unlocking Financial Independence
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
For more than 20 years, I ran competitively. Last year, I spent three to four months training consistently and failed to reach one of my goals.
Saving More Is Easy If You Eliminate Obstacles
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
I listened to a great show on the Hidden Brain podcast a couple months ago: Work 2.0 – The Obstacles You Don’t See. The big takeaway was that often the path to success is not about more motivation but removing obstacles. I think the podcast has had a big impact on my life already. Let me explain.
Have You Come to Terms with the Reality of Your Retirement?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
People come to terms with the fact they will one day retire. Maybe not in the next year or two but sometime in the next five. Often, it’s a reality they’ve been denying.
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.
Passing on the Spirit of Generosity in a Tax Smart Manner
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
If you are giving to charities now or plan to in the future, you may possess the “Spirit of Generosity.” How do you pass that “Spirit of Generosity” on to your children and/or grandchildren?
Does Your Workplace Cultivate a Championship Team?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
I recently listened to a podcast called, “Invest Like the Best, with Patrick O’Shaughnessy”. The podcast is based on an article written by Michael Lewis in the New York Times Magazine back in 2009, about Shane Battier, a professional basketball player who was the ultimate teammate.
Webinar: 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Considerations
Category: Foster Group
Have you ever wondered what your fiduciary liability is as a 401(k)-plan sponsor? And if you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself? This webinar may be for you if you are asking yourself questions such as: What process should I use to make decisions about our 401(k) plan? Or how should I compare our 401(k) plan services and costs to other options available in the marketplace?
Secure Act 2.0 Offers a New Retirement “Lost & Found”
Category: Financial Planning
A few weeks ago, my colleague, Matt Moklestad, shared a blog about 8 changes from the SECURE Act 2.0. While many of the changes in this legislation are beneficial for employers, there is a lot in this act that is also going to be very beneficial for plan participants.
Retirement Planning: Understanding Your Options | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning
Retirement planning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This week, Matt Moklestad and Geoff Christy from Foster Group's Institutional team have a conversation around the retirement plan landscape: what are common questions and what possible actions could you take regarding your plan.
Happy 401(k) Day! Yes, It’s a Holiday!
Category: Financial Planning
Happy National 401(k) Day! As we take today to celebrate 401k’s, it’s important to consider the increasing challenges employees in our country face when it comes to retirement readiness.
Let’s Make 2023 a Year of Savings Inflation
Category: Financial Planning
The rising cost of living recently has led the IRS to raise the 2023 contribution limits for employees with 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan.
More Stimulus Aid on the Horizon
Category: Financial Planning
On January 14th, President Biden presented his plan, titled the American Rescue Plan, for the next round of economic aid related to the ongoing pandemic.
American Rescue Plan: Aid Begins Hitting Accounts
Category: Financial Planning
Most notably, the bill included another round of direct payments to Americans, many of whom have already received the $1,400 (individually), plus per spouse and dependent/s.
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.
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
Currently, a single solution to preserve or pass on ownership of digital assets doesn’t exist. This is where it becomes important to think about all of your digital assets and develop a plan for each. Here’s how to go about it.
3 Key Topics You Should Know from the Retirement Enhancement Act
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
While the News headlines the impasse with split government in Washington, the trade war, immigration, and the growing field of contenders for the White House, a substantial change in retirement plans is making its way through Congress.
SECURE Act Signed Into Law. How Will This Impact Your Plan?
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
In December 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act into law. Will it affect you?