Recently, the Department of Education announced some changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program because of the impact of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, it’s important to seek professional help related to these matters.
Once the proverbial game clock expires on December 31st, our financial decisions are, for the most part, locked in. There’s no going back. Here are some suggestions to consider for your savings and/or to mitigate the tax bite for 2021.
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.
Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, spent some time with us last month. Here are my takeaways.
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.
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.
Yet, all too often, there is a second group of retirees for whom retirement is filled with uncertainty. Let’s say that at age 58, suddenly you are forced to retire. This could be a full five to seven years before you planned. What do you do now?
0:51 - In the News: Dr. Fauci, Employment, September Markets
4:18 - Which party would be better for markets and the economy?
4:45 - How would taxes change under each administration?
6:48 - 2021: What will have the most impact?
The rising U.S. national debt has been a topic of conversation for many years and 2020 has magnified the focus on this issue.
1:00 - In the News: Record Budget Deficits, Employment Improves, Back to School, Markets Give Up Some Gains
3:00 - Investing "FOMO" - Fear of Missing Out
7:26 - Predictable Mistake: Chasing Top Performers
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.
While I don’t think this approach is for everyone, I do think many of us would benefit from making some of these decisions.
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?!”
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.
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.
0:50 - In the News: August 10th - August 21st
2:46 - What Is “Aseasonality” and Why Can It Lead to Impatience?
4:30 - Historical Disruptions
5:50 - Behavioral Biases: Why Does This Seem So Bad?
1:09 - News: July 27th - August 7th
4:06 - Market News: July 27th - August 7th
4:42 - Are Things Getting Better or Worse?
5:28 - What's Going on with Gold?
10:05 - How Does Foster Group View Gold?
