Cryptocurrency: Not for the Faint of Heart

Category: Investing » Alternative Investments

By Ryan Lamoureux

07/23/2021

Will cryptocurrency replace the $20 bill in your pocket? Will the decentralization/digitization of currency end up solving anything? Will it be of long-term value? Or will it end up being only a place for speculators to try and capitalize on the sentiment of others? Anyone wanting to allocate to cryptocurrency should understand the inherent uncertainty and volatility of this relatively new digital commodity.

Teaching Your Kids to Invest Early in Life

Category: Financial Planning

By Caleb Brown

07/19/2021

One of the concerns I continually hear from the clients I work with is whether the next generation can handle money well. The only way to know is to give them an opportunity. Helping them invest early and often will teach them discipline, patience, how to manage their emotions and the power of compound interest. All of it is essential learning on the path to financial independence . . . and many other things in life, as well.

How One Client Lives a Meaningful, Generous Life

Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving

By Brittany Heard

07/12/2021

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.

Umbrella Insurance Is Just a Catch All Policy, Right?

Category: Financial Planning

By Guest Blogger

07/06/2021

Guest Blogger Tim Hibbing. Umbrella policies are becoming more and more popular in our litigious culture.

How Will You Pay for Long-Term Care?

Category: Financial Planning

By Nikki Nee

07/06/2021

Chances are, you’ve heard about long-term care insurance, but have you asked yourself if you need it? 

I Lead a Team of Financial Advisors, Here are 5 Reasons Not to Hire One

Category: Foster Group

By Jason Brown

06/22/2021

I love the place I work, I love the people I work with, and I think the work we do is almost always worth the money people pay us. Despite the fact I value all these things, I’ve come to realize there are some good reasons not to work with us. 

Four Dimensional Mutual Funds Will Be Converted to Exchange Traded Funds on June 11th

Category: Investing

By Kent Kramer

06/08/2021

Four Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) mutual funds that are held in after-tax accounts managed by Foster Group at Schwab and TD Ameritrade will be converted by DFA to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on Friday, June 11th.

I Want to Be Like Them

Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving

By Alex Battani

06/08/2021

Stories like this spread and inspire others to be generous.

Alphabet Soup

Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving

By Wade Den Hartog

06/01/2021

Many industries use acronyms. Financial services are no different: QCD, RMD, DAF, and IRA to name a few. They each have their own rules and guidelines. We enjoy working with clients on a daily basis to help make sense of these terms.

Four Ways to Connect with Foster Group

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Emily Appelgate

04/29/2020

How can you stay connected financially during this time?

Cloudy Markets Still Have a Silver (Tax) Lining

Category: Investing » Diversification

By Marcus Iwig

04/24/2020

During negative market cycles, there are some planning and investment strategies that might strengthen your financial plans. One such opportunity is tax-loss harvesting

Clarifying the CARES Act for Businesses

Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business

By Guest Blogger

04/17/2020

Dave Hove, Senior Tax Partner at LWBJ, highlights programs that apply specifically to businesses under the CARES Act.

To Refinance or Not…That is the Question

Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow

By Andrew Farmer

04/02/2020

While our advice for nearly everyone is to sit tight when it comes to their investments, there is a move we’d encourage nearly everyone to consider – refinance your mortgage. 

Who Should Care About the CARES Act? You!

Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow

By Zach Dalluge

03/30/2020

Early in the morning on Wednesday, March 25th, negotiators from both Congress and the Executive branch struck a deal spending nearly $2.2 Trillion to aid individuals and businesses.�

Do Simple Better

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Align Purposes and Portfolio

By Brad Rempe

03/27/2020

A focus on the fundamentals is not just good advice for the sports world. It applies to many areas of our lives and certainly our finances.

Foster Group’s Response to COVID-19

Category: Foster Group

By Kate Juelfs

03/27/2020

Foster Group is committed to serving and caring for our clients during this challenging time. Our team is available for phone calls and virtual meetings.

Asking the Right Question

Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance

By Ross Polking

03/13/2020

As a paramedic, my dad built a career out of caring for people, and in virtually every instance, did so by starting with one simple question: "What hurts?" For over 30 years now at Foster Group, we've been asking the same question. 

Good News About Portfolio Costs from DFA

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Avoid Predictable Disappointments

By Matt Moklestad

03/10/2020

Investors will benefit from a reduction in investment costs associated with funds managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), effective February 28, 2020. 

Who Can Benefit from a 529 Plan

Category: Financial Planning » Education Planning » 529 Plans

By Ryne Oller

03/06/2020

While the tax advantages and financial benefits are well-known aspects of a 529 plan, what are some lesser known features of the program?

Let’s Defrost Taxing Relationships

Category: Foster Group

By Walt Mozdzer

03/06/2020

As a CPA, it's important to remember when working with your clients on their tax returns, their financial advisor can be a great source of help.

Webinar Replay: Prediction, Expectation, Speculation, & Preparation

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

03/06/2020

Foster Group's Chief Investment Officer, Kent Kramer, explains how to position both your investments and your thinking to better avoid predictable disappointments.