The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Category: Foster Group
We live in a world where many people disagree on almost everything. It is easy to get caught up in our own heads, our own fears, or our own biases.
True Wealth Often Appears in the Most Unexpected Places
Category: Foster Group
What is true wealth? That’s a question we ask our clients at Foster Group. It’s a question we ask ourselves. I’d like to share a story that reminded me of what this means to me.
Raising Kids, Lowering Taxes
Raising kids costs money. But what if I told you that raising kids also lowers taxes? Here are a few areas of tax relief available to parents.
Taking the Long View in a Short-Term World
One of the primary roles we play as financial advisors is to help our clients remember to take the long-view.
April 12, 2021 Financial Perspectives
One of my favorite comedians has always been Steve Martin. One of his funnier routines was “let’s get small.” Lately small company stocks have been outperforming their large company counterparts and it’s hard not to notice. What is a small company and why the outperformance recently?
It’s College Planning Time. Are Your Finances Ready?
As you start checking these items off the list, the biggest things you have running through your head are dollar signs – lots and lots of dollar signs.
What a Difference a Year Makes
On March 23, 2020, the S&P 500 tumbled another 3%, culminating a near 34% drop over that same month. The Dow Jones hovered around 19,000. Gains from the past few years were gone.
American Rescue Plan: Aid Begins Hitting Accounts
Category: Financial Planning
Most notably, the bill included another round of direct payments to Americans, many of whom have already received the $1,400 (individually), plus per spouse and dependent/s.
March 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Many indicators say the US and global economy are growing at rates faster than expected. Most of this is welcome news given the past 12 months. But is there a danger the economy could overheat? Inflation continues to be on the minds of some, should it be on yours as well?
Who Run the World? Girls!
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Women currently influence nearly half the wealth in the United States and will likely influence 75% of the wealth by the year 2030.
Not Flavor-of-the-Month Financial Planning!
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Foster Group does not raise a pumpkin spice flag in the morning to check the wind direction before offering prescriptive advice.
Thoughts on Life and Leadership from Nine of Des Moines’ Best
Category: Foster Group
I went to the Business Record’s 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes Event. Nine people were given the opportunity to speak. They shared up to ten of their best ideas for life and leadership. I’ve compiled my Top Nine list in alphabetical order.
The Future is Uncertain. Better to Prepare than Predict.
Because I work for Foster Group, a firm dedicated to truly caring for the financial lives of those we serve, a lot of the conversations we have with regard to this uncertainty relate to money
Tax Planning Strategies For 2019: How Can You Act Now?
Dave Farnsworth of McGowen Hurst Clark Smith explains a few different ways you could reduce your tax liability in 2019.�
The Time Might Be Right to Refinance Your Mortgage
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
If you’ve financed your house with a 30-year or 15-year mortgage in the last six years, odds are you’re paying a higher interest rate than today's rate.
Cheers to Johnny D!
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Looking back on the six or so years I knew Johnny D, two big themes emerge from his life that are worth us carrying forward.
Retirement is Just the Start!
Category: Financial Planning
We often find ourselves seeking the “finish line” where we no longer need to earn more income. But when it arrives, many folks find they have only just begun to impact the world the way they want.
2019 Vectors & Viewpoints Q3
Category: Foster Group
Our quarterly newsletter covers the latest Foster Group news and updates.
Kids These Days Aren’t Even Taught How to Balance a Checkbook
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The truth is, there’s a huge need for all of us to help the people around us make wise decisions with regard to money.
Should You Work with a CEFEX-Certified Advisory Firm?
Category: Foster Group
Foster Group is the only firm in Iowa and Nebraska that has been CEFEX-certified since 2007.