Opportunity Valley
Category: Financial Planning
The Power of Answering Two Key Questions
Category: Foster Group
How can answering two key questions potentially change your perspective on retirement?
Money Can’t Buy Happiness, or Can It
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The book Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton has changed the way I think and feel about spending. It’s based on academic research that identifies ways that spending can increase our joy, something I didn’t think possible before reading this book!
Perhaps It’s Not About What You Want From Life, But What Life Wants From You
Category: Foster Group
I just finished reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Among the many meaningful things he wrote, here is one that stood out.
The Future is Uncertain. Better to Prepare than Predict.
Because I work for Foster Group, a firm dedicated to truly caring for the financial lives of those we serve, a lot of the conversations we have with regard to this uncertainty relate to money
Thoughts on Life and Leadership from Nine of Des Moines’ Best
Category: Foster Group
I went to the Business Record’s 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes Event. Nine people were given the opportunity to speak. They shared up to ten of their best ideas for life and leadership. I’ve compiled my Top Nine list in alphabetical order.
Listen to Learn with These 5 Podcasts
Category: Foster Group
Like most of you, I enjoy learning. And one of the ways I learn is by listening to podcasts. Here are five podcasts I recommend.
Med School Grads, Do These Three Things First
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
As a recent medical school graduate, resident, or doctor early in your career, there are a few key things to consider for your financial well-being. The earlier you develop a strategy for these things, the greater the benefit.
Who Should Care About the CARES Act? You!
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Early in the morning on Wednesday, March 25th, negotiators from both Congress and the Executive branch struck a deal spending nearly $2.2 Trillion to aid individuals and businesses.�
Kids These Days Aren’t Even Taught How to Balance a Checkbook
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The truth is, there’s a huge need for all of us to help the people around us make wise decisions with regard to money.
Getting Rid of Debt Can Help You Save
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
At the end of 2021, outstanding consumer debt in the United States, including mortgages, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, etc., totaled $15.6 trillion, which equates to about $50,000 per American. Clearly, we are no strangers to debt. Ultimately, getting rid of consumeristic debt will help you save and accomplish your goals.
Leave the Gift of Giving as part of your Estate Plan
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
One of the best strategies for charitable giving is to open and fund a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Monte Carlo Analysis & Your Retirement
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Let's look at the Monte Carlo analysis and what it has in common with your financial plan.
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?
IRS Allows for Reversal of 2020 RMDs
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
In late June, the IRS announced RMDs would be able to be reversed from any account requiring them through August 31st. Since the IRS is allowing this, it presents a potential tax planning opportunity.
Round Two: Stimulus Aid Arrives
Category: Financial Planning
The aid package was just one part of a larger funding bill, and it contained many provisions, most notably an additional round of direct payments to Americans.
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.