How Could You Use Your Stimulus Check?
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.
Home Sweet Home, or an Investment?
Homes are commonly thought of as investments. It’s easy to see why. For most of us, it’s the single biggest thing on our balance sheets for years.
It’s College Planning Time. Are Your Finances Ready?
As you start checking these items off the list, the biggest things you have running through your head are dollar signs – lots and lots of dollar signs.
How One Client Lives a Meaningful, Generous Life
At Foster Group, we encourage our clients to live lives of meaning and generosity, and some of our clients embody this. Of all the amazing stories I’ve heard, the following has impacted me most deeply.
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.
All I Want for Christmas Is a Budget
Planning your gift-giving budget for the holidays may give you a little more freedom and a little less stress. Here are a few ideas of how you can plan ahead … for next Christmas, of course!
Dividing Finances in Divorce
If you or someone you know is going through the divorce process, make sure they have the right team in place to guide them throughout with the entire process. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), I can help walk through the complexities.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
Currently, a single solution to preserve or pass on ownership of digital assets doesn’t exist. This is where it becomes important to think about all of your digital assets and develop a plan for each. Here’s how to go about it.
Happy 401(k) Day! Yes, It’s a Holiday!
Happy National 401(k) Day! As we take today to celebrate 401k’s, it’s important to consider the increasing challenges employees in our country face when it comes to retirement readiness.
Let’s Make 2023 a Year of Savings Inflation
The rising cost of living recently has led the IRS to raise the 2023 contribution limits for employees with 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan.
Webinar: 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Considerations
Have you ever wondered what your fiduciary liability is as a 401(k)-plan sponsor? And if you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself? This webinar may be for you if you are asking yourself questions such as: What process should I use to make decisions about our 401(k) plan? Or how should I compare our 401(k) plan services and costs to other options available in the marketplace?
Secure Act 2.0 Offers a New Retirement “Lost & Found”
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.
Retirement Planning: Understanding Your Options | Financial Perspectives
Retirement planning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This week, Matt Moklestad and Geoff Christy from Foster Group's Institutional team have a conversation around the retirement plan landscape: what are common questions and what possible actions could you take regarding your plan.
Things You Can Do Today to Be Ready for Retirement
We often see a lot in the news about how many people aren’t prepared for retirement. But saving for retirement in a 401k doesn’t have to be scary or complicated.
When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your 401(k) Plan?
Do you run a small business that provides a 401(k) plan benefit for your employees? Do you ever wonder if you are following all the right steps to ensure that you are meeting your fiduciary responsibilities as a plan sponsor?
Does Your Workplace Cultivate a Championship Team?
I recently listened to a podcast called, “Invest Like the Best, with Patrick O’Shaughnessy”. The podcast is based on an article written by Michael Lewis in the New York Times Magazine back in 2009, about Shane Battier, a professional basketball player who was the ultimate teammate.
Balance Sheet Liquidity: What Is It? How Do I Approach It?
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.
What Can You Do Before the 2021 Tax Deadline?
As you wait for those semi-warm days of spring, there are a few things you can do between now and April 15th connected to your 2020 tax return.