How to Use Your Deferred Compensation Plan
For most of us, it’s that time of the year when we make benefits elections for next year. These are important decisions.
Cloudy Markets Still Have a Silver (Tax) Lining
Category: Investing » Diversification
During negative market cycles, there are some planning and investment strategies that might strengthen your financial plans. One such opportunity is tax-loss harvesting
Why Index Funds Don’t Work for Some People
Category: Investing » Active Management
Index funds are popular investment tools for good reason. They are low cost, effective ways to capture market return. Choosing to use index funds is only half the battle though; you must use them correctly to truly benefit.
Iowa Income Tax Changes Have an Impact in 2022
Category: Financial Planning
One of the significant changes in the tax reform bill signed by Governor Reynolds on March 1, is the eventual elimination of federal tax deductibility for determining taxable income. Iowa was one of the few remaining states that allowed taxpayers to deduct federal taxes to determine their state income taxes.
Navigating the Noise: A Reality Check on Fearful Headlines
Sometimes headlines are right, but remember they are created to get your attention, not necessarily to provide you with helpful information.
Psychology and Wealth
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The different ways people react to and treat wealth and finances is fascinating. Although not everyone can be put in a box, there are five main personality types when it comes to psychology and wealth: Neuroticism/Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness.
A Missed Vikings Game and My Emotional Spending
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
My husband and I bought tickets to see the Vikings play their final game of the regular season. We wanted to do something fun during the dark and cold days of January, and we wanted to do it together, without the kids. But...
Hiring a Financial Advisor May Improve Your Odds of Success
Category: Financial Planning
Over the years, I have found it helpful to hire experts to do things or guide me through areas of life which are too difficult or time consuming. Hiring a financial advisor may be just what you need in 2023.
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Starting off life after school on the right foot financially is important. A good financial advisor can make all the difference.
No Better Time to Deploy Your Donor Advised Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
One of the best vehicles to help our clients meet their charitable giving goals is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Having a DAF in place for times like these is important to help meet the needs of your community.
Teaching Your Kids to be Grateful and Giving
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Most of the time, it is not so much how we directly “teach” our kids about the value of money but rather how we model and speak about money around them.
Who Is Your Team’s Financial General Manager
No matter what the circumstances, during the good and the difficult times, it is in our best interest to seek guidance on the most important aspects of our lives. Consider hiring a "General Manager" to help you with your finances.
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?
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.
3 Key Topics You Should Know from the Retirement Enhancement Act
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
While the News headlines the impasse with split government in Washington, the trade war, immigration, and the growing field of contenders for the White House, a substantial change in retirement plans is making its way through Congress.
SECURE Act Signed Into Law. How Will This Impact Your Plan?
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
In December 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act into law. Will it affect you?
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.