Since we are close to flipping the calendar to 2025, this is a great time to sit down and reflect on the past financial year and anticipate what might be ahead.
Today, all sports have adopted official replay and the goal is to: Get the call right. Make the correct decision. Similar in use is the role of a fiduciary financial advisor. Having an objective resource to review one’s situation, incorporate goals, evaluate risks, and utilize precedence helps deliver peace of mind around financial decisions.
Time is a unique asset. We can’t save it for the future. We spend it with every minute that goes by. But as with other assets, we can be generous with our time. Here are four examples of people I know personally, who inspire me by their active generosity.
It’s that time of year — you know, the time when you receive a large envelope from your insurance company with your renewal documents. Do you look at the documents? Check out a few of the items we’re seeing in the marketplace today.
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.
In this special edition of Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer is joined by Foster Group advisors Marcus Iwig and Caleb Brown as they share essential year-end tax planning tips. Discover how to make tax-efficient charitable donations from your IRA, maximize deductions by combining multiple years of giving, and convert pre-tax retirement accounts to Roth IRAs.
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.
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.
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?
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!
This week, Kent Kramer discusses how the upcoming election is influencing financial decisions, with 63% of Americans deferring choices until after the results. Despite political uncertainty, markets have shown resilience, highlighting the importance of optimism and staying informed for navigating uncertain times.
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.
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.
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.
This week, Matt Moklestad has a conversation with Todd Smith, the Mortgage Director at Bank Iowa, as he breaks down the complexities of mortgage rates. With nearly 30 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industry, Todd shares insights on how mortgage rates are determined, the factors that influence them, and tips for securing the best rates.
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.
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.
I’ve spent forty-plus years thinking and talking about “the good life” question. With clients, fellow advisors, my family and friends. And while definitive answers are not easy to come by, it’s clear that how we answer (or don’t answer) the question will have a significant impact on the life-defining choices we make, day after day, year after year.
“Wealth” is a relative term. For many, if not most people, wealth has a lot to do with money. But there are those who have a lot of money who would gladly trade it for a happy marriage, or great health, or a clear conscience. The definitions of wealth are truly limitless, unique to each of us.
Foster Group recently launched a new initiative called, “Invested in Women”. Invested in Women will provide opportunities for financial education, solutions, and connections in a variety of formats. In early October, we’ll be hosting our first book club and discussing the book, “Well Aged,” by Ralph Milton.
This week, Kent Kramer sits down with BlackRock’s Bob Hum to explore the intricacies of ETFs and factor investing. Gain valuable insights and practical tips on how these strategies may enhance your investment portfolio and help you navigate today’s market complexities.
