How to Construct a Good Investment Policy Statement
I wrote in a previous blog about the importance of having a well-written Investment Policy Statement (IPS). What should be in a well-written document?
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?”
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
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.
Chart of the Month – Dec 2022
Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles
Those of you who keep up with the financial news are likely familiar with the three most quoted indices, the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the NASDAQ. Sometimes, the returns for all of them are similar, but sometimes they are not.
How to Plan a Business Exit
Do I keep or do I sell? Business owners planning an exit should examine this question every 90 days. Here are five stages to building value in a business.
Chart of the Month – Jan 2023
It's natural to sit down at the end of the year and reflect on what happened. Here is a short recap of what happened in the markets and the world in 2022.
8 Changes from SECURE Act 2.0
Category: Financial Planning
On December 29th, 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0 was officially signed into law. The act includes 90+ provisions designed to help savers and people in or near retirement. Here are 8 key changes from the act.
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.
Setting the Stage for Financial Health Early In Your Career
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Earning your first paycheck is an undeniably exciting time. But do you know what to do with your pay? With three key steps, you can build good financial habits early.
Executive Compensation Strategies
Executive compensation at the C-suite level typically involves much more than receiving a salary and bonus. Let’s explore three types of executive benefits: deferred compensation, restricted stock, and stock options.
Wrong Thinking on Election & Markets
Kent Kramer examines the effects of an election season on investors. Drawing on historical data and behavioral economics, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing cognitive biases and staying optimistic.
When to Review Your Estate Plan
Being proactive with your estate plan helps to ensure that it will continue to serve your needs and wishes, providing clarity and security for you and your loved ones. Let's look at some examples of events and situations that typically require updates to your estate plan.
Financial Planning for Women: Preparing for a Longer Life Expectancy
We continually hear that women are statistically likely to live longer than men. While there is not a one size fits all financial plan, there are a few things you can think about as a woman.
Chart of the Month – October 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.
A Rude Awakening — You Need an Estate Plan Today!
Just as the McCallisters left Kevin behind in their rush to the airport, without a Will, Trust, or Powers of Attorney in place, you risk leaving your loved ones unprotected and unprepared when you don't have an estate plan. Don’t delay—make your estate plan today!
You Can Be Crazy, Just Don’t Be Stupid
Category: Foster Group
Are you restless with your current career? Here are some steps to help you plan for a “crazy” career change and set some smart guardrails.
How Deep Is Your Bullpen?
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
You can’t have a championship team without a deep bench at your disposal. Foster Group takes the same approach, while we have a dedicated advisory team for every client we also have advisors with various skill sets that we can pull out of the bullpen and into a meeting at the right time.
“My Portfolio is Doing Well / Poor Compared to What?”
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?
What’s Next?
Category: Foster Group
Recently, I came across a TedX talk that featured Dr. Riley Moynes. After retiring from the financial industry, he wrote a book called,” The Four Phases of Retirement”.* Because the talk was helpful for me, I wanted to share the four phases with you.
Chart of the Month – November 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.
Selling Your Business: Tax Implications and Qualified Small Business Stock Opportunities
Category: Financial Planning » Education Planning
Selling a business involves numerous considerations, particularly the tax implications for key shareholders. There are potential tax advantages available to business owners and key employees that can help mitigate these costs. Let's take a look.