Analyzing the American Families Plan Tax Proposal
After months of speculation, on September 13th, the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposal for tax reform effective in 2022 (and possibly in 2021 for selected provisions). The proposal contains a number of provisions that were expected, and a few surprises that we did not expect.
What’s In Your (Charitable) Toolbox?
Our vision at Foster Group is to influence thousands of individuals, families, and organizations with wise financial counsel while encouraging the pursuit of meaningful living and generous giving. One of the ways we like to do this is by expanding our clients’ giving toolbox.
Your Goals Steer the Direction of Your Financial Plan
In financial planning, goals are important. There are different planning strategies we implement for different types of goals, and it is crucial for your advisor to understand how you plan or hope to use your money in the future.
Your Legacy Can Be More Than Money
In the end, your legacy is the lasting influence of the gifts you give, both during your lifetime and when you are gone. What do you want yours to be?
DraftKings Knows More About You Than You Know About You
For 12 seconds, consider what a company knows about you and their own profitability if they are willing to offer you a $500 risk-free bet to get started. That’s what DraftKings just promised me in a commercial. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? OK, the 12 seconds are up. What did you come up with?
What Really is the Annual Enrollment Period?
Hopefully, you have read my first two blogs that talked about Medicare Supplement and Drug plans and the difference with Medicare Advantage plan designs. The last of this series will talk about the Annual Enrollment Period and what can really happen here.
Equilibrium Markets in the Time of COVID
Over the years, Foster Group has utilized a number of mutual funds and exchange traded funds managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA). DFA was founded in 1981 on the idea of making academic investment research and empirically based portfolio management accessible to investors. In this article, Professor Kenneth French describes how markets responded to the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
My General Contractor and I
That’s when I realized, constructing a basement wasn’t all that different from constructing a financial plan.
October 26, 2020 Financial Perspectives
1:42 - In the News: Expansion in the US
2:24 - Recent Market Performance
5:07 - Patience: Why This Election is Different
6:52 - Elections Through Inaugurations: Should You Stay Invested?
Stock Markets Are Positive This Year?
As this year exemplifies, stock markets have the tendency to do things we would never expect.
How to Make Sense of Goals You Set
An important part of building out a financial plan is determining goals. Goals help us look at a financial plan with the “end” in mind.
How to Spot Political Bias
Being an advisor has helped me better appreciate differing political opinions. I have clients across the political spectrum. This gives me a chance to listen to and care for all my clients, no matter what side or opinion they take.
Five Things to Consider Before Referring Your Client to a Financial Advisor
How do you ensure that you are making a good recommendation for your client, especially when you are putting your reputation on the line?
October 12, 2020 Financial Perspectives
1:15 - In the News: What Employment Can Tell Us About Economic Recovery
2:52 - Stock Market Returns in October
3:43 - Value Stocks vs Growth Stocks Historical Returns
5:19 - Why Do Value Stocks Tend to Outperform Growth Stocks?
9:37 - What Should I be Investing in Now?
College Planning: Don’t Wait to File Your FAFSA
If the prospect of sending your child on their entry into adulthood isn’t hard enough, there is all the paperwork to decipher… the ACT/SAT, college applications, scholarship applications, and of course, the dreaded FAFSA!
The Biggest Risk to Investors Remaining in 2020?
Aside from COVID-19, what represents the biggest risk for investors in the second half of what is turning out to be a historic 2020?
Tips for Setting Financial Goals in Marriage
If the financial goals conversation seems intimidating to you, know that you are not alone!
Elections and Your Money Q&A
Since we were unable to answer all of the questions asked during the live webinar, we'd like to share some of the questions and answers in written form.
What to Do If Forced Into Retirement Early
Yet, all too often, there is a second group of retirees for whom retirement is filled with uncertainty. Let’s say that at age 58, suddenly you are forced to retire. This could be a full five to seven years before you planned. What do you do now?