Making Time
Category: Foster Group
In our fast-paced, busy world, slowing down and taking the time to notice the things and people around you can be a challenge.
Why I Do, What I Do
Category: Foster Group
However, sometimes what you think you want and where life takes you do not align. At first blush, it may seem like my story has a sad ending, but nothing could be further from the truth.
College Planning: Don’t Wait to File Your FAFSA
If the prospect of sending your child on their entry into adulthood isn’t hard enough, there is all the paperwork to decipher… the ACT/SAT, college applications, scholarship applications, and of course, the dreaded FAFSA!
Grow Through What You Go Through
While this time has been incredibly difficult for so many, I hope that people look back on this time and remember the lessons they learned rather than the struggles they suffered.
How Will You Pay for Long-Term Care?
Category: Financial Planning
Chances are, you’ve heard about long-term care insurance, but have you asked yourself if you need it?
Prioritize Your Financial Goals
The best way to accomplish your financial goals is by being intentional with the money that comes in. Identify the priorities you have for your money. You could break those priorities into four categories: Due, Extend, Gift, and Spend.
The Significance of an Emergency Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
An emergency fund is not merely about setting money aside; it's about cultivating peace of mind and stability when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
Stock Markets Are Positive This Year?
As this year exemplifies, stock markets have the tendency to do things we would never expect.
What This Year Reminds Us About Fixed Income
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
This year has reminded us of the many important roles that fixed income can play in portfolios.
Fitch Downgrade: A Closer Look | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Diversification
Fitch downgraded US government debt from its pristine AAA rating to one notch lower at AA+. While this news may raise some eyebrows, it is essential to keep it in perspective. This week, Matt Moklestad and Michael Westphal have a conversation about its implications and the necessity of diversification.
A Look Under the Hood of a Bond Fund | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
A lot of investors may be wondering how rising interest rates might be impacting their investments, so today, we're going to talk about bond funds -- how they operate, some of the details, and see how they're responding to this environment.
How is COVID-19 Impacting Real Estate Investment Trusts?
Category: Investing
How have real estate investments been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent global lockdown?
How Should a Nonprofit Allocate its Investment Portfolio?
Let's review two industry studies, the NACUBO Study of Endowments and the Association Investment Policies, Practices and Performance. Each organization is different and has its own set of unique goals and challenges. Although this is the case, learning how other nonprofits invest can help ignite a meaningful conversation within your own organization.
Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Conversation with Todd Smith of Bank Iowa | Financial Perspectives
This week, Matt Moklestad has a conversation with Todd Smith, the Mortgage Director at Bank Iowa, as he breaks down the complexities of mortgage rates. With nearly 30 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industry, Todd shares insights on how mortgage rates are determined, the factors that influence them, and tips for securing the best rates.
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.
June 21, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing
As investors we are bombarded with continuous news on the stock market and bonds. We think it can be helpful to take a step back and ask the question: are the indexes on the financial media a proper point of reference for you?
July 26th, 2021 Financial Perspectives – ESG Investing Pt 1
Category: Investing
It seems like more and more, share holders and the government are asking corporations to do more than just produce profits. This leads us to part one of two videos on ESG Investing.
August 9, 2021 Financial Perspectives – ESG Investing Pt 2
Category: Investing
In part two of our two part series on ESG Investing, Kent Kramer and Matt Moklestad dive deeper into how you can practically implement an ESG strategy.
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?