Before I joined Foster Group, I served 24 years as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Specialist in the United States Air Force. It might seem like quite the career transition from Airman to Financial Planner. However, the two paths have more in common than one might expect.
Recently, I rediscovered the benefits of homemade smoothies for breakfast. They are nutritious, natural, easy to make, efficient, and delicious! This morning, I was thinking about how a good investment portfolio is like a good smoothie!
It is important for all investors, whether an individual, family, retirement plan, or nonprofit, to plan their investment approach around their goals and objectives. Investment Policy Statements (IPS) often document these items. Here are four reasons why it is important to have a clearly articulated IPS.
A good relationship with our clients comes down to a handful of things. One of those things is whether a client trusts that we know more than they do about the type of investing we do at Foster Group.
Is your financial plan ready to weather a storm? Will you be caught off guard, as we were just weeks ago, or are you prepared? One of the advantages of working with a Financial Advisor is that he or she will build a plan that takes into account the inevitability of future storms.
We know our clients are looking for more than just status; they’re looking for purposeful ways to use their wealth. Here are just a few examples of how you can impact the people, organizations, and community around you.
Barbells work great at the gym because they put weight on a bar in such a way that it’s balanced, leaving room in the middle for someone to use it to workout. We often see portfolios that are designed like a barbell at the gym: lots of risk in one account and lots of cash or very short-term securities in another. In aggregate, it might produce some balance, but the reality is that it can create some real challenges.
Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, spent some time with us last month. Here are my takeaways.
In recent weeks, China has been a part of US financial headlines for a number of reasons. At Foster Group, we believe in globally diversified model portfolios. We invest our equity portfolios across domestic markets, international markets, and emerging markets. Our models have equity exposure to over 51 countries.
On December 29th, 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0 was officially signed into law. The act includes 90+ provisions designed to help savers and people in or near retirement. Here are 8 key changes from the act.
2022 was a historically painful year as an investor with stock markets experiencing a bear market, and bond markets having one of their worst years ever. However, as we enter 2023, I’d like to consider the positives.
Earning your first paycheck is an undeniably exciting time. But do you know what to do with your pay? With three key steps, you can build good financial habits early.
One seemingly small decision that no one thought would matter made a significant difference for the Bay Area team and its fans...
Recently, a client asked me about sectors. What are they? And how do they fit into a portfolio?
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.
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.
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.
If you’re a young professional, negative market returns can carry less weight than you might think. Let’s use 2022 as an example.
Many business owners are looking for more tax-friendly ways to save for retirement. A cash balance plan could be the answer.
Is there conclusive evidence that one sector is better than another when it comes to returns?
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?”
