Mutual Funds and ETFs: What’s the Difference?
There are structural differences between an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) and a mutual fund that can create advantages to using one over the other.
More Stimulus Aid on the Horizon
Category: Financial Planning
On January 14th, President Biden presented his plan, titled the American Rescue Plan, for the next round of economic aid related to the ongoing pandemic.
Money, Happiness, & Meaning
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We’ve all heard the adage, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but the truth is more nuanced. Let's dig into the research.
Money Silence Hurts Families – Three Tips to Break the Cycle & Empower Healthy Money Talk
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
If you think talking about money with your spouse, parents, or children is difficult, you are not alone. Here are three tips to get started on a healthier money talk journey with your loved ones.
Money Can’t Buy Happiness, or Can It
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The book Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton has changed the way I think and feel about spending. It’s based on academic research that identifies ways that spending can increase our joy, something I didn’t think possible before reading this book!
Money and Emotions
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The first step to managing emotions in financial decisions is to understand the script or story you are telling yourself about money and where it came from.
Minor Decisions, Major Effect
Category: Investing
Mega Backdoor Roth IRAs: What You Should Know
Category: Financial Planning
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.
How the National Debt Affects You
Category: Financial Planning
The rising U.S. national debt has been a topic of conversation for many years and 2020 has magnified the focus on this issue.
How the “Little Guy” Really Wins in the Market
Don’t believe the lie that you don’t belong or that the keys belong to someone who won’t give them to you.
How Should an Investor Position Their Overall Investment Portfolio Now and in the Future?
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Right after, “What will the stock market do next?” the positioning question may be the most asked and re-asked question by investors of all types.
How One Client Lives a Meaningful, Generous Life
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
At Foster Group, we encourage our clients to live lives of meaning and generosity, and some of our clients embody this. Of all the amazing stories I’ve heard, the following has impacted me most deeply.
How Much Should Associations Hold in Reserve Assets?
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
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?
How Much Life Insurance Protection Is Enough?
Category: Financial Planning
Life insurance is an important component of a financial plan. An early death can create severe hardships for the surviving family if the proper amount of insurance is not in place. The recommended amount of life insurance will vary from family to family depending on a variety of factors.
How is COVID-19 Impacting Real Estate Investment Trusts?
Category: Investing
How have real estate investments been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent global lockdown?
How Elections Affect the Market
A bit of history helps bring some perspective to trying to read too much into the influence of elections on stock markets.
How Do I Get Started with Foster Group?
Category: Foster Group
When it comes to engaging with Foster Group, we want the first step to be not only easy; but insightful, engaging, and intuitive, as well.
How Could You Use Your Stimulus Check?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
You may be wondering what steps you can take to improve your financial life during these unsettling times. I would like to share some thoughts on how to use your stimulus funds and staying invested during anxious times.
How a Medicare Supplement Coordinates with the Parts of Medicare
Category: Financial Planning
Medicare seems like the Alphabet soup of health insurance. Parts A, B, C, D and then the myriad of supplemental coverage. As Charlie Brown would say, “Good Grief”…. Let’s decipher it here.