What Do You Want?
Tragically, we humans are, to put it bluntly, awful at wanting the things that will create the most meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
New Year – Rates are Rising | Financial Perspectives
Welcome to 2022 where the news seem to focus, again, on rising rates –for COVID infections due to Omicron, inflation, and interest rates. The markets seem to be most concerned about interest rates. This week Kent Kramer looks at why that might be the case and what may be in store for interest rates in 2022.
The Joy, Excitement, and Relief of Life
Category: Foster Group
At Foster Group, we know there are more important things than money. There's the joy of providing a lovely home for your family. The excitement of an early retirement. The relief knowing that an unexpected emergency won't ruin your finances. At Foster Group, we're invested in the things that make life, life. And how to get there.
If You Had a Dollar for Every Financial Advisor that Just Wanted Your Money
Category: Foster Group
If you had a dollar for every financial advisor that just wanted your money - your financial future would already be secure. At Foster Group, our team is different. One whose focus is on you and your dreams. Together, we'll create a strategy that helps get you there - wherever 'there' is for you.
Financial Advice Is Useless – Without Empathy
Category: Foster Group
Financial advice is useless - without empathy. At Foster Group, we want to hear your story. Your goals. Your worries about the future. Only then can we help you feel confident about all aspects of your financial life.
Things You Can Do Today to Be Ready for Retirement
Category: Financial Planning
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.
Purpose Before Portfolio
Are you making investment decisions in light of the game you really want to win?
Still Searching for the One?
You do not need to pick the next big winner in order to have a successful investment experience. As a matter of fact, behaving as if this were possible is an almost certain way to have a terrible investment experience. What are the hallmarks of a more successful approach?
December 13, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing
Are you wondering what happened to that big tax and spending bill that was working its way through Congress, you know the one that was supposed to raise taxes on most Americans with incomes over $400,000 and invest heavily in various domestic programs? You’re not alone. This week Kent Kramer discusses what is in and what is out of the latest rendition of the Build Back Better Bill.
September 21, 2020 Financial Perspectives
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?
Elections and Your Money
Kent Kramer and Jason Brown discuss the potential tax implications of either political party being in office and how the market and economy have performed historically in election years.
How the National Debt Affects You
Category: Financial Planning
The rising U.S. national debt has been a topic of conversation for many years and 2020 has magnified the focus on this issue.
September 4, 2020 Financial Perspectives
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
Why I Do, What I Do
Category: Foster Group
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.
Why I Try Not to Pay Attention to the News
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
While I don’t think this approach is for everyone, I do think many of us would benefit from making some of these decisions.
Discover the Real Meaning of Financial Independence
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
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?!”
2020: A Predictor’s Kryptonite
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.
Physicians: Debt vs Savings, Which Comes First?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
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.
August 21, 2020 Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
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?
August 11, 2020 Financial Perspectives
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?
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?