Three Fun Budgeting Benefits
I’ve found some fun benefits to budgeting outside of the normal spend less, save more mantra.
Three Commonly Missed Opportunities by Executives
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of executives over the years and have found some commonly missed financial opportunities.
Three Categories of Risk for Retirement Income
Risks can often feel much different to retirees. The overarching risk for retirees is that something takes place that results in a permanently lower standard of living. Retirement researcher, Wade Pfau, has identified three major categories of risk for one’s income in retirement.
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.
Thinking About Stock Market Volatility
What caused the stock market to rise by over 20% in the second quarter of 2020 even as the COVID pandemic was out of control? How about the over 11% rise in the fourth quarter of 2021 as inflation ticked up and the Fed was warning of rate increases? It seems a little more obvious why the US stock market has fallen in the first 6 months of 2022, but should it have fallen more…or less?
Things You Can Do Today to Be Ready for Retirement
Category: Financial Planning
We often see a lot in the news about how many people aren’t prepared for retirement. But saving for retirement in a 401k doesn’t have to be scary or complicated.
Things to Ponder This Holiday Season
Category: Foster Group
At Foster Group, the most important thing we do is help our clients have peace of mind. The planning, investing and conversations that lead to peace of mind vary from client to client. The benefits, however, are similar.
Thermostats and Peanut Butter Jars
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
“Scrape the bottom of the peanut butter jar,” in order to set yourself, your family, and others up for future happiness.
The Curse of Short-Termism | Financial Perspectives
Why is short-termism a curse for investors? How can you overcome it by focusing on the big picture? This week, Kent Kramer explains how to avoid the pitfalls of recency bias and market noise.
The Corporate Transparency Act is Here: What you Need to Know
Category: Financial Planning
Several frequently asked questions regarding the CTA and its new reporting requirements that will impact millions of business entities and, more specifically, their owners.
The Challenge of Entering a Bull Market
A Q&A with Senior Lead Advisor, Phil Kruzan.
The Biggest Risk to Investors Remaining in 2020?
Aside from COVID-19, what represents the biggest risk for investors in the second half of what is turning out to be a historic 2020?
The Advantages of 529 Plan Educational Funding
A common financial goal of young families is funding their children’s future education expenses. In this blog we address many of the "what-if's" that clients are asking.
The “Gift” You Shouldn’t Open: Predictions | Financial Perspectives
It's that time of year -- news outlets are gathering up nicely wrapped predictions and estimates on what the markets will do in 2024. This week, Kent Kramer analyzes how accurate, or inaccurate, these predictions actually have been in the past.
That’s Not What I Expected | Financial Perspectives
Oftentimes, you don't know what your expectations are until they aren't met. This week, Kent Kramer looks at how relative risk and comparison within investing may impact your investment experience.
Thanks a Million
We know our clients are looking for more than just status; they’re looking for purposeful ways to use their wealth. Here are just a few examples of how you can impact the people, organizations, and community around you.
Teaching Your Kids to Invest Early in Life
Category: Financial Planning
One of the concerns I continually hear from the clients I work with is whether the next generation can handle money well. The only way to know is to give them an opportunity. Helping them invest early and often will teach them discipline, patience, how to manage their emotions and the power of compound interest. All of it is essential learning on the path to financial independence . . . and many other things in life, as well.
Teaching Your Kids to be Grateful and Giving
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Most of the time, it is not so much how we directly “teach” our kids about the value of money but rather how we model and speak about money around them.
Teaching — and Learning from — Our Kids: What Kind of Spender Are You?
As a financial planner and a parent who didn’t grow up with the benefit of family financial literacy, I’m always looking for creative ways to teach my kids about money. Read more to see how a simple family trip revealed three unique spending styles.