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Webinar: Uncertainty in Ukraine (and Beyond)

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty
By Kent Kramer
04/07/2022

How do we deal with uncertainty in a globally connected world? Uncertainty is nothing new. It's an ongoing factor in global markets that can be embraced and often managed in investment portfolios. In this webinar, we will cover: potential impacts of Russia and Ukraine on your portfolio, the ripple effects of the war on inflation, interest rates, oil, and continuing market volatility, thoughts on what you could consider doing now, and updates regarding ongoing developments.

How Much Should Associations Hold in Reserve Assets?

Category: Investing
By Matt Moklestad
04/01/2022

A common question among nonprofit associations is how much they should hold in reserve assets. There is a “rule of thumb” that associations should hold six months of operating expenses in reserve. Is this common rule of thumb common practice?

Why Index Funds Don’t Work for Some People

Category: Investing
By Marcus Iwig
03/24/2022

Index funds are popular investment tools for good reason. They are low cost, effective ways to capture market return. Choosing to use index funds is only half the battle though; you must use them correctly to truly benefit. 

Inflation – How High & How Long? | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
03/21/2022
While the war in Ukraine is in day 25, leaders around the world are looking to not only stem that two-nation conflict, but also to tame the higher-than-expected global inflation which threatens to slow or derail the post-pandemic economic recovery that had been underway.

Spring Clean Your Financial Plan

Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
By Andy Rushenberg
03/21/2022

You can’t have spring without spring cleaning. As you tackle your home, yard, and other spaces this year, your financial plan might also need to be spruced up. Here are a few tips to clean up your financial plan this spring.

The War in Ukraine | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
03/08/2022
There’s likely no more important news in the world right now than what is happening in Ukraine as Russia invades their smaller neighbor. Economic impacts are being felt across the globe and there is certainly a humanitarian crisis developing in Europe. Let’s take a look at the impact the Ukraine/Russia crisis has on the US and global economy.

A Look Under the Hood of a Bond Fund | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Matt Moklestad
02/22/2022
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.

April 12, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
04/12/2021
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?

What a Difference a Year Makes

Category: Investing
By Ross Polking
03/31/2021

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. 

March 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
03/22/2021
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?

YOLO, Meme, and EMH: What’s Your Investment Style?

Category: Investing
By Guest Blogger
03/16/2021

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.

Are You Investing or Playing a Completely Different Game?

Category: Investing
By Jason Brown
03/09/2021

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.

March 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Matt Moklestad
03/08/2021
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.

Do Small Company Stocks Like New Presidents?

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
02/22/2021

In the three months since Joe Biden was elected President of the United States, small company stocks have risen more than 30%. Four years ago, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States and small company stocks went up almost 20% in the twenty-six days surrounding the election, from November 3rd to December 9th. Do small company stock investors just like new Presidents?

February 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
02/22/2021
Every week it seems there is a new story about which investment, which “trade”, is making amazing money. Each new story brings a sense of urgency, act quickly before it’s too late. You can’t afford to miss out on this one. There are at least 3 important risks investors should pay attention to, some are urgent, some are important, some are both, some are neither.

February 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
02/08/2021
After 3 weeks of GameStop stories, it seems like the game may be stopping or at least slowing down. The question remaining is who made money and is the market any worse for wear when the dust settles.