That’s Not What I Expected | Financial Perspectives
Oftentimes, you don't know what your expectations are until they aren't met. This week, Kent Kramer looks at how relative risk and comparison within investing may impact your investment experience.
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.
Have You Come to Terms with the Reality of Your Retirement?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
People come to terms with the fact they will one day retire. Maybe not in the next year or two but sometime in the next five. Often, it’s a reality they’ve been denying.
It’s Gotten Better – Expect it to Continue | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
Coming off the Thanksgiving holiday, are you feeling optimistic? If you are an investor, you've likely answered the question with a "yes." This week, Kent Kramer explains why long-term optimism is justifiable in a world filled with bad news.
Our Favorite Book & Podcasts of 2023
Category: Uncategorized
“What books would you recommend?” “What podcasts do you listen to?” At Foster Group we often get asked questions like these. Here’s a short list of some recent responses from our team.
Money, Happiness, & Meaning
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We’ve all heard the adage, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but the truth is more nuanced. Let's dig into the research.
Chart of the Month – December 2023
Category: Investing » Diversification
This year, we have seen a runup in several large names, mostly in the technology space. They have been dubbed the “Magnificent Seven” by financial news publications. Why might this matter to an investor?
The “Gift” You Shouldn’t Open: Predictions | Financial Perspectives
It's that time of year -- news outlets are gathering up nicely wrapped predictions and estimates on what the markets will do in 2024. This week, Kent Kramer analyzes how accurate, or inaccurate, these predictions actually have been in the past.
Why should you have a budget?
The word, budget, can induce fear and anxiety for some people. But I would argue that creating a budget and being disciplined in the process creates more freedom and flexibility than the alternative.
Chart of the Month – February
If you’ve noticed healthcare costs changing, you’re not alone. This post takes a look at premium growth vs. inflation since 1999.
Take A Seat with Medicare: How Part A, Part B, Medigap and Part D Work Together
Category: Financial Planning
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, a clear understanding of its four parts can be incredibly helpful. In this blog, Ashlee, walks through Medicare’s structure and key considerations for new enrollees.
Market Volatility in 2026: Don’t Let Headlines Drive Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives
In early 2026, concerning headlines feel nonstop and uncertainty can make investors wonder, "should I adjust my financial plan?" In this episode, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer discuss how to separate market noise vs fundamentals and share a planning-first approach to staying disciplined through volatility.
Medicare Enrollment: 3 Pitfalls to Avoid (and How to Plan Ahead)
Category: Financial Planning
Ashlee shares three common Medicare enrollment considerations - so you know what to watch for and what questions to ask.
Webinar: Have You Secured Your Healthcare Coverage in Retirement?
Category: Financial Planning
Whether your 65th birthday is approaching, you are planning to retire soon, or you or a loved one are living with a disability, it's important to understand the nuances of Medicare coverage.
How to Think About Taxes in Retirement – Beyond Just Paying Less
Learn why many retirees focus on lifetime taxes, how different income sources interact, and what to be aware of as you approach retirement.
How Tax Strategy Fits into Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
Tax strategy plays an important role in financial planning, but the right approach depends on your specific goals, timeline, and overall plan. In this episode of Financial Perspective, Gretchen Muller, Marcus Iwig, and Michael Westphal discuss how tax considerations can affect retirement planning, business sales, farm ground, stock compensation, account types, and investment implementation. The key takeaway: taxes matter, but they should be considered within the context of a broader financial plan.
How Thoughtful Tax Planning Could Help You Keep More of What You Earn
Tax planning can help create more flexibility over time. Melissa, explores a few strategies and considerations in her latest blog.
A New Chapter for Financial Perspectives with Gretchen Muller | Financial Perspectives
Category: Foster Group
In this special edition, hear from Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, as she shares how her life experience will help lead the future of Financial Perspectives. Kent Kramer, Chief Investment Officer, shares his plans for retirement and transitioning the host of Financial Perspectives. He reflects on the series’ beginnings in 2020.