Chart of the Month – July 2022
Sooner or later, we're likely going to see demand cool off. The big question is how quickly inflation alters consumer spending and how quickly that pulls back inflation.
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part Two
As you peek into the future – hopefully one with greater discretionary time and money – do you envision yourself increasing or decreasing your investment in the well-being of the people close to you and the world in general? Do you see yourself sticking close to the mess of the world or investing in ways that escape it?
Roadtrips & Recessions | Financial Perspectives
The economy and markets are a bit like summer car travel/construction. There's a recession and/or a bear market in the rearview mirror, you're in one, or there is one right around the corner.
Roadtrips & Recessions | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
The economy and markets are a bit like summer car travel/construction. There's a recession and/or a bear market in the rearview mirror, you're in one, or there is one right around the corner.
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?”
When Market Volatility Creates Opportunity
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The first half of 2022 has proven to be challenging for investors. Being an investor during volatile markets isn’t easy, but there are a few strategies to consider in order to make the best of a difficult situation.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
Optimistic Pessimists? | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing
Sometimes being double minded is a problem. But could being optimistic and pessimistic at the same time be a good thing for an investor? Surprisingly, the answer may be yes!
Optimistic Pessimists? | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
Category: Investing
Sometimes being double minded is a problem. But could being optimistic and pessimistic at the same time be a good thing for an investor? Surprisingly, the answer may be yes!
Let Charitable Giving Take the Sting Out of Taxes
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Foster Group has a number of philanthropically-focused team members who can walk you through the integration of charitable intent with your financial plan. There are several ways to give, save taxes, help worthy organizations, and leave a legacy both through heirs and non-profit organizations.
Inflation Aware Investing
You know the old saying, “What goes up must come down.” Currently everything seems to be going up at the same time.
10 Obstacles to Investing – and How to Overcome Them
In the following article David draws on his years of experience talking with investors and academics alike to address some common hesitations all investors face from time to time.
November 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Fixed Income / Bonds
In this week's Edition of Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer chats with Mary Ellen Stanek, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Baird Asset Management. Baird specializes in risk-controlled fixed income management.
Webinar: ThanksGIVING
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Available on demand now, our ThanksGIVING webinar on charitable giving tactics. In this 30 minute webinar, we cover tips on giving, regardless of the amount, satisfying a required minimum distribution, and some of the top questions from our audience.
What You Need to Know About Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Recently, the Department of Education announced some changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program because of the impact of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, it’s important to seek professional help related to these matters.
Game Saving Plays for 2021 Financial Planning
Once the proverbial game clock expires on December 31st, our financial decisions are, for the most part, locked in. There’s no going back. Here are some suggestions to consider for your savings and/or to mitigate the tax bite for 2021.
Do I Have Portfolio Exposure to China?
In recent weeks, China has been a part of US financial headlines for a number of reasons. At Foster Group, we believe in globally diversified model portfolios. We invest our equity portfolios across domestic markets, international markets, and emerging markets. Our models have equity exposure to over 51 countries.
November 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives
You know the old saying, “What goes up must come down.” How is it that currently everything seems to be going up at the same time? Signs of inflation like oil prices, labor prices, trade deficits. And yet markets are going up with stocks at all-time highs. Bond prices are rising this week when often, bond prices move inversely to stock prices. Government spending is certainly going up, consumer spending is going up and tax rates seem to be poised to rise as well. What do all these upwards mean for investors?
My Top 9 + 1 from Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, spent some time with us last month. Here are my takeaways.
Barbell Portfolios Can Be Hard To Hold On To
Barbells work great at the gym because they put weight on a bar in such a way that it’s balanced, leaving room in the middle for someone to use it to workout. We often see portfolios that are designed like a barbell at the gym: lots of risk in one account and lots of cash or very short-term securities in another. In aggregate, it might produce some balance, but the reality is that it can create some real challenges.
Thanks a Million
We know our clients are looking for more than just status; they’re looking for purposeful ways to use their wealth. Here are just a few examples of how you can impact the people, organizations, and community around you.