Navigating the Noise: A Reality Check on Fearful Headlines
Sometimes headlines are right, but remember they are created to get your attention, not necessarily to provide you with helpful information.
Iowa Income Tax Changes Have an Impact in 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.
One Paycheck from Ruin
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting with An Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is an essential component of your financial plan because it can help secure your family’s future, minimize estate taxes, and protect assets from going through probate. Here are five questions you should think about before meeting with an Estate Planning Attorney.
The Joy of Generosity
In my experience, the joy of generosity is not dependent on monetary value or other objective measures of size or significance. Generosity done well always has the potential to bring joy to both givers and receivers.
The Promise of Small Beginnings
Spring and it's emerging signs of life are great reminders of how many things in our lives start small. But with a little attention year after year, small things can grow to become meaningful and enjoyable contributions to our lives and the lives of others.
Debt- A Useful Tool or Financial Burden
“Sportsified” Diversification
The benefit of a diversified investment portfolio is that, while again we do not know who the actual winners and losers will be, the risk of excluding the best is greatly reduced.
Spring Training Thoughts for Your Portfolio
Lessons from the Final 4
Hold Still!
5 Investor Lessons Courtesy of COVID-19
2020 is a year we’ll all remember though in many ways we want to forget it.
Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon and Wings Level
We often get asked by clients about different ideas they heard from a friend, a new exclusive deal they got invited into, or, most frequently, a specific company or stock that a friend gave them the scoop on. The reality is that a lot of the “great ideas and deals” never amount to any real return, and many end up going to zero.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Almost everyone has a few of their favorite things. One of my top questions to ask friends and clients is, “What are some of your most treasured memories and keepsakes?”
Cars, Planes, and Market Crashes
Since becoming a pilot about 6 years ago, I’m often asked about plane crashes. If you are an investor, the odds of enduring a market crash are almost 100%. Just as I have to do when flying, at Foster Group, we plan ahead for a market correction by using sound planning and investing.
Media Drama: Facts or Fiction?
The dramatic nature and slant that the media add to their stories to get us interested in reading the page. Do a quick self-check to see through the production and into the facts.
Thermostats and Peanut Butter Jars
“Scrape the bottom of the peanut butter jar,” in order to set yourself, your family, and others up for future happiness.
Raising Kids, Lowering Taxes
Raising kids costs money. But what if I told you that raising kids also lowers taxes? Here are a few areas of tax relief available to parents.