The Real Benchmark for Your Portfolio: Your Required Rate of Return
Portfolio success isn’t always about beating the market. Zach Dalluge, explains how understanding your required rate of return could reshape how you think about investing and portfolio risk.
To Sleep Perchance to Thrive
Poor quality sleep can be easy to ignore if we feel fine or can still function. In this article, Dr. John Scott of The Iowa Clinic helps address some of the most common misconceptions about sleep - and why there can be a significant difference between surviving and thriving.
How to Be an Effective Volunteer
Civic and charitable organizations across Central Iowa benefit from the support of volunteers from all walks of life. Have you ever wondered how you might be able to help? We asked leaders from three area charities what it takes to be an effective volunteer. We've also asked three volunteers about the rewards they experience.
Supper Clubs Worth Building a Weekend Around
Some of the region’s best supper clubs sit near Iowa’s most drive-worthy attractions. Make one of these supper clubs the destination, then enjoy a night or two exploring the surrounding area as a welcome bonus.
What the Patchwork of Returns Reveals About Diversification
No one can reliably predict the market. Ben Berger, explains how diversification and a long-term perspective may help investors stay focused when outcomes are uncertain.
Generosity in Action with Can Play
Join us for a Q&A with Melissa Clarke-Wharff, Executive Director of Can Play
Discovering What’s Next
Rather than celebrating the past, commencement looks optimistically into the future and asks, “What’s next?” Read Kent’s reflections on retirement, new beginnings, and preparing for the next chapter.
What I Learned About Nurturing New Beginnings at Every Stage of Life
One beauty of life is that it becomes enriched by experience. In this article, Gretchen reflects on change, growth, and why it’s never too late to plant the seeds for a new beginning.
How to Be an Effective Volunteer
Civic and charitable organizations across Central Iowa benefit from the support of volunteers from all walks of life. Have you ever wondered how you might be able to help? We asked leaders from three area charities what it takes to be an effective volunteer. We've also asked three volunteers about the rewards they experience.
Supper Clubs Worth Building a Weekend Around
Some of the region’s best supper clubs sit near Iowa’s most drive-worthy attractions. Make one of these supper clubs the destination, then enjoy a night or two exploring the surrounding area as a welcome bonus.
What the Patchwork of Returns Reveals About Diversification
No one can reliably predict the market. Ben Berger, explains how diversification and a long-term perspective may help investors stay focused when outcomes are uncertain.
Generosity in Action with Can Play
Join us for a Q&A with Melissa Clarke-Wharff, Executive Director of Can Play
Discovering What’s Next
Rather than celebrating the past, commencement looks optimistically into the future and asks, “What’s next?” Read Kent’s reflections on retirement, new beginnings, and preparing for the next chapter.
What I Learned About Nurturing New Beginnings at Every Stage of Life
One beauty of life is that it becomes enriched by experience. In this article, Gretchen reflects on change, growth, and why it’s never too late to plant the seeds for a new beginning.
Staying Invested During Uncertainty: A Conversation with Wes Crill (Dimensional Fund Advisors)
Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, and Wes Crill, Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director for Dimensional Fund Advisors Global Client Group, discuss how markets price uncertainty, why discipline matters more than reaction, and what history tells us about navigating volatility – including the Iran conflict and its economic implications.
Chart of the Month – April
Investing through Uncertainty: A Perspective on the Iran Conflict & Markets | Financial Perspectives
Recent developments involving Iran have been a reminder of how quickly geopolitics can affect markets. In this Financial Perspectives conversation, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer share perspective on what we’re seeing in stocks, oil, and investor feelings and why short-term volatility does not always change the long-term outlook.
From Brackets to Breaks: Is Tax Planning Really Worth the Effort?
Explore how tax planning strategies could be aligned with your income, assets, and long‑term goals. Marcus shares why personalized approaches often lead to more informed financial decisions.
How Thoughtful Tax Planning Could Help You Keep More of What You Earn
Tax planning can help create more flexibility over time. Melissa, explores a few strategies and considerations in her latest blog.
A New Chapter for Financial Perspectives with Gretchen Muller | Financial Perspectives
In this special edition, hear from Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, as she shares how her life experience will help lead the future of Financial Perspectives. Kent Kramer, Chief Investment Officer, shares his plans for retirement and transitioning the host of Financial Perspectives. He reflects on the series’ beginnings in 2020.