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Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Conversation with Todd Smith of Bank Iowa | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Matt Moklestad
09/23/2024

This week, Matt Moklestad has a conversation with Todd Smith, the Mortgage Director at Bank Iowa, as he breaks down the complexities of mortgage rates. With nearly 30 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industry, Todd shares insights on how mortgage rates are determined, the factors that influence them, and tips for securing the best rates.

Chart of the Month – October 2024

Category: Investing
By Jack Davies
10/03/2024

Is stock market growth a thing of the past? Headlines making predictions about this have come and gone, some turning out to be spectacularly wrong. Let’s take a look.

What Are You Waiting For? | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
10/07/2024

This week, Kent Kramer discusses how the upcoming election is influencing financial decisions, with 63% of Americans deferring choices until after the results. Despite political uncertainty, markets have shown resilience, highlighting the importance of optimism and staying informed for navigating uncertain times.

“My Portfolio is Doing Well / Poor Compared to What?”

Category: Investing
By Kent Kramer
10/29/2024

Merriam Webster defines a benchmark as “something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged”. For investors, the question to ask is what should be my standard, my benchmark, in determining the success or failure of my overall investment portfolio?

Chart of the Month – November 2024

Category: Investing
By Michael Westphal
11/07/2024

When we examine the historical relationship between equities and cash, it becomes evident that while cash may offer safety and short-term stability, equities tend to outperform over time. For long-term investors, remember that your plan should influence the portfolio and that reacting to market conditions is not a wise reason to change your plan.

More Than Just the Turkey

Category: Investing
By Jon Evans
11/26/2024

In both meals and investments, balance is key. A diversified portfolio can weather market fluctuations just as a well planned Thanksgiving dinner can satisfy almost everyone’s appetite.

Tax Loss Harvesting: Losing to Win?

Category: Investing
By Garrett Jackson
12/03/2024

In the investing world, how can it be possible to win even when you lose? That is precisely what occurs when utilizing a tax loss harvesting strategy.  Let's take a look!

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