How the National Debt Affects You
Category: Financial Planning
The rising U.S. national debt has been a topic of conversation for many years and 2020 has magnified the focus on this issue.
Why I Do, What I Do
Category: Foster Group
However, sometimes what you think you want and where life takes you do not align. At first blush, it may seem like my story has a sad ending, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Why I Try Not to Pay Attention to the News
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
While I don’t think this approach is for everyone, I do think many of us would benefit from making some of these decisions.
Discover the Real Meaning of Financial Independence
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In my daily work with clients, the question often comes down to, “How much do I need to retire comfortably?” My usual answer is, “How long are you going to live, and what do you want to eat?!”
2020: A Predictor’s Kryptonite
At the end of 2019, Foster Group’s Investment Strategy Group wanted to create an object lesson to illustrate how hard it is to predict what will happen in financial markets and the world in general.
Physicians: Debt vs Savings, Which Comes First?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Young physicians often ask, “Should I focus more aggressively on paying down my debt, or should I just do the minimum and try to save as much as possible?” That’s an excellent question, with lots of variables and layers.
Focus on What You Can Control
At Foster Group, we focus on what we can control and embrace uncertainty. So, when it comes to your financial plan, what are the areas we can help you control?
IRS Allows for Reversal of 2020 RMDs
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
In late June, the IRS announced RMDs would be able to be reversed from any account requiring them through August 31st. Since the IRS is allowing this, it presents a potential tax planning opportunity.
What Have We Learned in the Last 4 Months?
Category: Foster Group
How have things changed at Foster Group in the past four months? Below are a few thoughts on what has changed… and a brief comment on what hasn’t.
Stuff I’ve Learned
Category: Financial Planning
Random, interesting stuff (at least to me!) I’ve learned since joining Foster Group.
5 Ways to Make Your Investment Portfolio More Tax-Efficient
Category: Investing
Just like you pay taxes on the income you earn at your job; you also must pay taxes on the income or gains earned on your non-retirement investments.
Set It and Don’t Forget It
Working with a financial advisor is a great start to having someone inventory and help you keep track of the beneficiaries, or lack of, on your accounts.
Spring Training Thoughts for Your Portfolio
While the impact of each may not be dramatic on their own, collectively they add up and represent the things we do to incrementally add value to our clients.
When Fraudsters Strike
Category: Foster Group
If you are a victim of fraudulent activity, securing your compromised identity can be overwhelming. Here are a few critical steps to this process.
My Top 5 Podcasts for Learners
Category: Foster Group
One of the great learning opportunities available to almost anyone in today�s world of smartphones and information technology is the proliferation of podcasts.
One Paycheck from Ruin
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Having a plan in place, with an emergency fund, is the difference between a small financial inconvenience and a catastrophe that could potentially alter your life.
Do You Have an All-Weather Portfolio?
While no portfolio is designed to perfectly handle every scenario, we believe that thoughtful planning, combined with evidence-based portfolio construction, can help investors achieve a higher probability for long-term success in various market conditions.
The Power of Answering Two Key Questions
Category: Foster Group
How can answering two key questions potentially change your perspective on retirement?
Avoiding Probate Just Got a Little EasieràFor Certain Estates
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
Currently in Iowa, if a decedent owns personal property that totals $25,000 or less and that property would normally pass under a Will or the intestate statute, you can skip probate with just an affidavit.