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!”
Money Silence Hurts Families – Three Tips to Break the Cycle
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
If you think talking about money with your spouse, parents, or children is difficult, you are not alone. Here are three tips to get started on a healthier money talk journey with your loved ones.
Celebrating Saying Goodbye Day
In our family, we have a tradition in which, the night before our kids’ birthdays, we pause for a moment to recap the last year by reminiscing about their successes and failures. It dawned on me that these are the same feelings investors experience and learn from on their financial journeys.
The Three To-Do’s in the Fourth Quarter
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
The beginning of the fourth quarter is a great time to check-in on your finances and make sure you consider planning opportunities before the end of the calendar year. Read this blog to see my top three priorities when it comes to fourth quarter planning.
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.
A “Real” Estate – Part One
Category: Foster Group
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.
Hiking Through the Financial Wilderness
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I used to laugh at the TV commercial years ago that stated, “Most people spend more time planning their vacation than their retirement.” It’s funny how your perspective can change with time. Now, I gladly note all details of a personal trip, perhaps as a parallel of my work.
Chart of the Month – Sept 2023
The current state of the housing market has left many puzzled. In a scenario where interest rates are soaring, one would naturally anticipate a decline in housing prices. Surprisingly, this anticipated correction has yet to occur.
Financial Mechanic’s Toolbox: DIY or Expert Help?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I’d love to be the person who can tell you why a car squeaks when you drive it and who could fix it. But as time goes by and I haven’t developed those skills, I’m coming to grips with the fact that it probably just isn’t in my wheelhouse. It’s not that I couldn’t learn, it’s that I’d rather focus on and learn about other things. There comes a point with your personal finances when you need to decide what you’ll do and what you’ll pay someone else to do.
Have You Considered a Cash-Balance Plan?
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
Many business owners are looking for more tax-friendly ways to save for retirement. A cash balance plan could be the answer.
Making the Most of a Bear Market
If you’re a young professional, negative market returns can carry less weight than you might think. Let’s use 2022 as an example.
Balance Sheet Liquidity: What Is It? How Do I Approach It?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I am extremely fortunate to work with many different types of clients. Some of my favorite clients are the owners of privately owned businesses. There are always opportunities to have conversations that go well beyond managing investments.
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.
Hiring a Financial Advisor May Improve Your Odds of Success
Category: Financial Planning
Over the years, I have found it helpful to hire experts to do things or guide me through areas of life which are too difficult or time consuming. Hiring a financial advisor may be just what you need in 2023.
Chart of the Month – Feb 2023
Category: Investing » Diversification
Recently, a client asked me about sectors. What are they? And how do they fit into a portfolio?
Brock Purdy and the Importance of Inconsequential Decisions
Category: Financial Planning
One seemingly small decision that no one thought would matter made a significant difference for the Bay Area team and its fans...
Setting the Stage for Financial Health Early In Your Career
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Earning your first paycheck is an undeniably exciting time. But do you know what to do with your pay? With three key steps, you can build good financial habits early.
Positives About the Market
2022 was a historically painful year as an investor with stock markets experiencing a bear market, and bond markets having one of their worst years ever. However, as we enter 2023, I’d like to consider the positives.
8 Changes from SECURE Act 2.0
Category: Financial Planning
On December 29th, 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0 was officially signed into law. The act includes 90+ provisions designed to help savers and people in or near retirement. Here are 8 key changes from the act.
Chart of the Month – Jan 2023
It's natural to sit down at the end of the year and reflect on what happened. Here is a short recap of what happened in the markets and the world in 2022.
How to Plan a Business Exit
Do I keep or do I sell? Business owners planning an exit should examine this question every 90 days. Here are five stages to building value in a business.