Cloudy Markets Still Have a Silver (Tax) Lining
Why Index Funds Don’t Work for Some People
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.
Iowa Income Tax Changes Have an Impact in 2022
One of the significant changes in the tax reform bill signed by Governor Reynolds on March 1, is the eventual elimination of federal tax deductibility for determining taxable income. Iowa was one of the few remaining states that allowed taxpayers to deduct federal taxes to determine their state income taxes.
Navigating the Noise: A Reality Check on Fearful Headlines
Sometimes headlines are right, but remember they are created to get your attention, not necessarily to provide you with helpful information.
One Paycheck from Ruin
When Fraudsters Strike
Foster Group’s Response to COVID-19
Foster Group’s Updated Response to COVID-19
Nearly a year after it started, COVID-19 continues to drive headlines and heavily impact our lives and work. We want to provide you with an update as to what Foster Group is doing to ensure the safety of our clients and our team.
How Much Should Associations Hold in Reserve Assets?
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 is COVID-19 Impacting Real Estate Investment Trusts?
How have real estate investments been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent global lockdown?
Let Charitable Giving Take the Sting Out of Taxes
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.
Investors Must Be Present to Win
For weeks, the major indices had been declining but in mid-March, we saw a very abrupt reversal. I’m often reminded of the familiar saying “Investors must be present to win.” In other words, the price (or cost) of admission to the investment experience is market volatility.
Selling a Business Is Just as Tough as Owning One
Owning and operating a business is a tough task. Selling a business is equally difficult. If you’re a business owner, the odds are that you haven’t put together a plan to do this. It doesn’t have to be this way.
How to Plan a Business Exit
Do I keep or do I sell? Business owners planning an exit should examine this question every 90 days. Here are five stages to building value in a business.
Hiking Through the Financial Wilderness
I used to laugh at the TV commercial years ago that stated, “Most people spend more time planning their vacation than their retirement.” It’s funny how your perspective can change with time. Now, I gladly note all details of a personal trip, perhaps as a parallel of my work.
Saving for a Rainy Day
According to a 2020 Federal Reserve study, 36% of American adults do not have enough cash to cover a $400 unexpected expense1. While the opposite 64% say they DO have enough, that still leaves around 90 million American adults unable to handle a modest money disruption in their lives.
Is Leasing Right for You?
October was the worst month for new car sales at his dealership in over ten years. In fact, only about 10% of car buyers that month were electing to lease new vehicles and typically, leasing is less expensive than buying. What’s going on here?
Five Ideas for Charitable Tax Savings
Five ideas for integrating your finances and your philanthropy.