Positives About the Market
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.
The Gift of Financial Success
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Time is the greatest money-making asset you can possess. The earlier you start investing, the easier it is to ensure a lifetime of financial success. Parents and grandparents, there may be an opportunity to give the gift of financial success to your young adult family members while also enjoying estate and tax planning benefits for yourselves.
What Jumping Out of an Airplane Taught Me About Investing
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
As with many things in life, there are usually lessons to be learned from our experiences that can be carried over into other aspects of life. Here are a few things jumping out of an airplane taught me about investing.
Three Categories of Risk for Retirement Income
Risks can often feel much different to retirees. The overarching risk for retirees is that something takes place that results in a permanently lower standard of living. Retirement researcher, Wade Pfau, has identified three major categories of risk for one’s income in retirement.
Money, Happiness, & Meaning
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We’ve all heard the adage, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but the truth is more nuanced. Let's dig into the research.
Retirement Happiness
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
What are the primary drivers of a happy retirement and overall wellness?
Retiree Health Insurance Options Prior to Medicare Eligibility
Category: Financial Planning
Key health insurance options and considerations for retirees prior to Medicare eligibility.
Analyzing the American Families Plan Tax Proposal
Category: Financial Planning
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.
Six Key Ideas for Navigating Markets for the Rest of 2022
Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks
Over the next few months, both leading up to and immediately following the election, the winners and losers are going to seem omnipresent on the news, social media, even in the “entertainment” industry. So, here are six key ideas to keep in mind as you navigate the remaining months of 2022.
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part One
For a minute, I want to think broadly about the question, “What does it mean to be an investor?”
Are You Checking Your Accounts Every Day? Stop it.
Does it help or harm the average long-term investor to peek at their own accounts or pay attention to the market every day?
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part Two
As you peek into the future – hopefully one with greater discretionary time and money – do you envision yourself increasing or decreasing your investment in the well-being of the people close to you and the world in general? Do you see yourself sticking close to the mess of the world or investing in ways that escape it?
Are You in the Bear Market Buyer’s Club?
For the person who is currently contributing to a portfolio and does not need to take distributions anytime soon, this is a gift. That’s right, a bear market is a gift to those investors. If you are contributing to an investment account right now, you are already in the Bear Market Buyer’s Club.
What to Do When the Market Is in a Bad Mood
When the going is good, we’re not all that concerned with asking or answering the question. It is when the going gets tough, like right now, that we find ourselves more interested in asking. So, “What should we do?”
Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life.
Financial Risks That Are Not in the News
Stock market risk is the primary focus of the financial news. The reason is simple. The scarier the headline, the more eyes are attracted to it.
Things to Ponder This Holiday Season
Category: Foster Group
At Foster Group, the most important thing we do is help our clients have peace of mind. The planning, investing and conversations that lead to peace of mind vary from client to client. The benefits, however, are similar.
Every Investor’s Real Question: “Am I Going to Be Okay?”
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In my time working with clients, there is one question asked more than any other, “Am I going to be okay?”
What Does the World Require of You?
Category: Foster Group
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?”
Planning for Future Healthcare Expenses
Category: Financial Planning
"What is worth insuring?" The answer almost always boils down to how much you'll have to pay to insure the thing you don't want to lose -- whether it's your mustache, your fantasy football player, your home or your health.
Do Headlines Cause You to Take Action?
Takeaways from a smattering of the headlines across a wide range of news sources in 2022 and early 2023.