A “Real” Estate – Part One

As a financial advisor for the past 28 years, I’ve been asked about real estate hundreds of times. Every type of real estate carries pros and cons, risks and rewards.

5 Important Ideas for Investors | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)

There's a lot of uncertainty in the world. Investors are asking, "What should I be doing in my portfolio right now based on what is happening in the world?" This week, Kent Kramer looks at five key investment ideas to help determine if your approach is reflecting the things that are most important.

Chart of the Month – Oct 2023

Have you ever said to yourself “If I would have just bought that stock, I would be set!” Or “How did I not see this coming? I was watching this stock years ago!” Or maybe “I should have never sold that stock!”

Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund

Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life. 

War in Israel: Market Meltdown?

Does war in Israel mean a big market meltdown? It’s hard to escape the war news. One way to think about the future is by looking at the past for similar circumstances. 

Chart of the Month – August 2025

Many Iowa farms are likely to change hands over the next 20 years. Learn why preparing now can help protect the legacy and livelihood of Iowa’s family farms.

Chart of the Month – September 2025

It’s easy to get lost in the sheer size of government finances — and what they might mean for you. In Michael's latest blog post, he breaks down some of the complexities.