How to Use Your Deferred Compensation Plan
For most of us, it’s that time of the year when we make benefits elections for next year. These are important decisions.
That’s Not What I Expected | Financial Perspectives
Oftentimes, you don't know what your expectations are until they aren't met. This week, Kent Kramer looks at how relative risk and comparison within investing may impact your investment experience.
Past Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results
Category: Foster Group
“Past performance is not indicative of future results.” Most people think of investing when they hear or read the sentence above, the ultimate statement of caution. What do you think of this statement when it comes to baseball?
Chart of the Month – Nov 2023
How Do Treasuries Lose Money? US Treasury bonds are generally regarded as safe. Sometimes they’re referred to as “risk-free” assets. This is a bit of a misnomer.
Event Replay: Generosity. More Than One Way to Give. More Than One Way to Get Started.
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
What does generosity mean to you? Foster Group Founder Jerry Foster and his wife, Nancy, share stories about starting small and finding causes they believed in. Hear how you can discover and develop your unique generosity framework.
Psychology and Wealth
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The different ways people react to and treat wealth and finances is fascinating. Although not everyone can be put in a box, there are five main personality types when it comes to psychology and wealth: Neuroticism/Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness.
War in Israel: Market Meltdown?
Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
Does war in Israel mean a big market meltdown? It’s hard to escape the war news. One way to think about the future is by looking at the past for similar circumstances.
Does War in Israel Mean Market Meltdown? | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
It is hard to escape the news of war in Israel. And it is not unusual for investors to wonder about possible impacts the war may have on markets. This week, Kent Kramer analyzes returns of foreign and US stock markets during years when Israel has been at war.
Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life.
Retirement Planning: Understanding Your Options | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning
Retirement planning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This week, Matt Moklestad and Geoff Christy from Foster Group's Institutional team have a conversation around the retirement plan landscape: what are common questions and what possible actions could you take regarding your plan.
What Does the World Require of You?
Category: Foster Group
When I was in my early 20’s, I attended a lecture I haven’t forgotten. I don't remember much. But I remember the question it encouraged me to consider: “What does the world require of you?”
Chart of the Month – Mar 2023
Category: Investing » Diversification
Is there conclusive evidence that one sector is better than another when it comes to returns?
Have You Considered a Cash-Balance Plan?
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
Many business owners are looking for more tax-friendly ways to save for retirement. A cash balance plan could be the answer.
Making Sense of SECURE Act 2.0 | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
Category: Financial Planning
The SECURE Act 2.0 includes 90+ provisions designed to help savers and people in or near retirement. This week, Matt Moklestad highlights some of the key changes from the act.
Making the Most of a Bear Market
If you’re a young professional, negative market returns can carry less weight than you might think. Let’s use 2022 as an example.
Balance Sheet Liquidity: What Is It? How Do I Approach It?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I am extremely fortunate to work with many different types of clients. Some of my favorite clients are the owners of privately owned businesses. There are always opportunities to have conversations that go well beyond managing investments.
Secure Act 2.0 Offers a New Retirement “Lost & Found”
Category: Financial Planning
A few weeks ago, my colleague, Matt Moklestad, shared a blog about 8 changes from the SECURE Act 2.0. While many of the changes in this legislation are beneficial for employers, there is a lot in this act that is also going to be very beneficial for plan participants.
Advisor Spotlight: Brad Rempe | Financial Perspectives
Category: Foster Group
This week, Jason Brown is joined by Senior Lead Advisor, Brad Rempe. Hear Brad share what he likes most about his job, how his perspective has changed over the years, what he feels clients value the most about working with Foster Group, and what he's hopeful for in the future.
Hiring a Financial Advisor May Improve Your Odds of Success
Category: Financial Planning
Over the years, I have found it helpful to hire experts to do things or guide me through areas of life which are too difficult or time consuming. Hiring a financial advisor may be just what you need in 2023.
Webinar: Empowering Women With Their Money
Category: Foster Group » Event
Research shows women receive less investment information than men. Let's fix that! In this webinar, you'll learn what to look for in an advisor, determine the right time to engage one, and how to take advantage of all your resources for peace of mind.
Chart of the Month – Feb 2023
Category: Investing » Diversification
Recently, a client asked me about sectors. What are they? And how do they fit into a portfolio?