Recent Content

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Are Those Happy Tears?

Category: Financial Planning
By Ethan Gascho
07/28/2021

Tears, bottles, diaper changes, onesies, little fingers, and strange sleep schedules – as many of you know, these are just a few of the things to expect when you bring home your newborn from the hospital. And here’s something else to expect: new tax credits! While I know good parents don’t have kids to lower their tax bill, it’s nice of the US Government to extend a bit of kindness to those taking on the heartache – and joy! – of becoming parents.

Don’t Mix FOMO with Home Buying

Category: Financial Planning
By Ryne Oller
07/30/2021

For most Americans, their house is their most significant asset. But it’s also the most personal one. There's a lot of emotion inside those four walls. If you want to buy your first or next home, it’s crucial to have a game plan going into it. Here are a few principles to consider when it comes to buying a home.

Mega Backdoor Roth IRAs: What You Should Know

Category: Financial Planning
By Andy Mullan
08/11/2021

A mega backdoor Roth is a great option to quickly build a tax-free bucket of money for individuals who have maxed out other retirement savings vehicles, still have surplus to be invested, and have a 401(k) plan that allows for this strategy. Consider this an additional tool in your toolbox. 

Water Cooler Advice May Be All Watered Down

Category: Financial Planning
By Marcus Iwig
08/18/2021

While executive benefits such as stock options, other equity compensation, and deferred compensation can be powerful accumulation tools, knowing how they fit into your overall financial picture can be challenging. 

Medicare Advantage Plans: What is Joe Namath Really Talking About?

Category: Financial Planning
By Guest Blogger
08/24/2021

In 2006, the Federal government created an alternate design in the Medicare market to complement supplement plans and stand-alone prescription drug plans. They’re called Medicare Advantage plans. Although the start was a bit rocky, carriers have learned and grown with their plan designs. Here are some of the most talked about design concepts of the Medicare Advantage plans.

You Will Have Forgotten Monday, July 19

Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
By Jason Brown
08/26/2021

By the time you read this, you will have most likely forgotten today. My guess is that you won’t remember what went on this day. You might remember a feeling or thought you had when you heard what was happening in the stock market. But then, you sent an email, mowed your lawn, took your dog on a walk and ate something healthy, like broccoli, for dinner.

Planning and Puppies 101

Category: Financial Planning
By Emily Appelgate
09/03/2021

I bought a puppy back in April, and it has been one of the most challenging things of my adult life. Training a new puppy is hard work and takes a lot of intentionality and thought. The same can be said about building a financial plan. I have a few tips that might help others avoid my mistakes.

Happy 401(k) Day! Yes, It’s a Holiday!

Category: Financial Planning
By Tyler Craig
09/09/2022

Happy National 401(k) Day! As we take today to celebrate 401k’s, it’s important to consider the increasing challenges employees in our country face when it comes to retirement readiness. 

Iowa Income Tax Changes Have an Impact in 2022

Category: Financial Planning
By Marcus Iwig
09/23/2022

One of the significant changes in the tax reform bill signed by Governor Reynolds on March 1, is the eventual elimination of federal tax deductibility for determining taxable income. Iowa was one of the few remaining states that allowed taxpayers to deduct federal taxes to determine their state income taxes.

Building a Framework for Family and Charitable Gifts

Category: Financial Planning
By Ashlee Vieregger
11/10/2022

Recently, a colleague and I sat down with a married couple who is on the cusp of making significant wealth transfer and philanthropic decisions that will impact their family for generations to come. Naturally, their first question was, “Where do we start?”

How to Plan Your Digital Legacy

Category: Financial Planning
By Zach Dalluge
12/09/2022

Currently, a single solution to preserve or pass on ownership of digital assets doesn’t exist. This is where it becomes important to think about all of your digital assets and develop a plan for each. Here’s how to go about it.