Emerging Markets – What Are They?
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Lead Advisor, Matt Moklestad, dives into the hot topic of emerging markets. What are they and why should investors care about them?
Five Myths Your Landlord Wants You To Believe
Category: Financial Planning
It can be difficult to discern fact from fiction when dealing with landlords. A misunderstanding of these key issues can have serious consequences for your practice. The following information should help dispel some common myths and prevent costly mistakes in your next lease negotiation.
September 27th, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
In Part two of our interview with Marlena Lee from Dimensional, Kent Kramer and Marlena dig deeper into changes to asset allocation and ESG investing risks and considerations.
Sequence of Return Risk
Category: Financial Planning
The first few years of market return during your retirement, could have a large impact on your portfolio and lifestyle. Ross Polking dives into the Sequence of Return Risk and why you should be aware of it.
Analyzing the American Families Plan Tax Proposal
Category: Financial Planning
After months of speculation, on September 13th, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposal for tax reform effective in 2022 (and possibly in 2021 for selected provisions). The proposal contains a number of provisions that were expected, and a few surprises that we did not expect.
What’s In Your (Charitable) Toolbox?
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Our vision at Foster Group is to influence thousands of individuals, families, and organizations with wise financial counsel while encouraging the pursuit of meaningful living and generous giving. One of the ways we like to do this is by expanding our clients’ giving toolbox.
Your Goals Steer the Direction of Your Financial Plan
Category: Financial Planning
In financial planning, goals are important. There are different planning strategies we implement for different types of goals, and it is crucial for your advisor to understand how you plan or hope to use your money in the future.
Your Legacy Can Be More Than Money
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
In the end, your legacy is the lasting influence of the gifts you give, both during your lifetime and when you are gone. What do you want yours to be?
DraftKings Knows More About You Than You Know About You
For 12 seconds, consider what a company knows about you and their own profitability if they are willing to offer you a $500 risk-free bet to get started. That’s what DraftKings just promised me in a commercial. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? OK, the 12 seconds are up. What did you come up with?
April 12, 2021 Financial Perspectives
One of my favorite comedians has always been Steve Martin. One of his funnier routines was “let’s get small.” Lately small company stocks have been outperforming their large company counterparts and it’s hard not to notice. What is a small company and why the outperformance recently?
It’s College Planning Time. Are Your Finances Ready?
As you start checking these items off the list, the biggest things you have running through your head are dollar signs – lots and lots of dollar signs.
What a Difference a Year Makes
On March 23, 2020, the S&P 500 tumbled another 3%, culminating a near 34% drop over that same month. The Dow Jones hovered around 19,000. Gains from the past few years were gone.
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.
March 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Many indicators say the US and global economy are growing at rates faster than expected. Most of this is welcome news given the past 12 months. But is there a danger the economy could overheat? Inflation continues to be on the minds of some, should it be on yours as well?
Foster Group Recognized as a 2021 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner
Category: Foster Group
Gallup recognized Foster Group as a 2021 Exceptional Workplace Award winner. This marks the fourth consecutive year the team at Foster Group has received this award.
YOLO, Meme, and EMH: What’s Your Investment Style?
Guest Blogger, Marlena Lee, PhD. While it’s not the intended victim of the YOLO traders, will the efficient market hypothesis be a casualty of these events? The answer depends a lot on your definition of efficient markets.
It’s Worth the Trip!
We had completed our hike successfully, and the challenges made it more memorable and satisfying. The same is true for all of us as investors.
Are You Investing or Playing a Completely Different Game?
Category: Investing
Investing in the market is not about getting rich quick. It’s not led by FOMO, the fear of missing out. Ideally, it’s not driven by fear or greed at all. It’s patient, thoughtful, intentional and guided by a long-term vision of success.
Don’t Leave Your Last Round to Chance
I certainly would argue that building a business is more than just a dice game, but both involve risk. How you fill out your scoresheet in Yahtzee is a good example of what business owners might decide to do with their business profits.
March 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives
In 2020 interest rates hit an all-time low, and now interest rates are on the move again. It seems like investors are taking notice. This week, Matt Moklestad looks at interest rates, bonds, and inflation expectations.
Planning for Retirement? Practice Could Make Perfect
Category: Financial Planning
Retirement isn’t a reward you one day receive at random. It’s not something you jump into without a thought in mind. You work up to this day with purpose, precision, and dedication.