The Seesaw of Finance
There are parallels between concepts in finance and concepts in physics. Let's take a look.
Chart of the Month – March 2024
Many people are apprehensive about the markets, whether we’re in a bear market or a bull market. The fear of a market correction is always present.
Chart of the Month – April 2024
Trying to time the market and choosing to sell in reaction to headlines tends to be a predictable mistake. There always seems to be a reason to sell.
Chart of the Month – May 2024
While cash may offer stability and security in the short term, the DFA Returns Web chart from 1926 through February 2024 suggests that the growth potential in stocks offers a higher rewarding investment opportunity in the long run.
Value vs Growth – What does that Mean?
Have you heard the words, “value” and “growth,” when it comes to investing? Let’s face it: These words are often misunderstood and poorly utilized.
Chart of the Month – June 2024
No one can time the market and determine when those best months will occur. The best months are surprisingly random. More important than timing the market is time in the market.
Chart of the Month – July 2024
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
International Stocks – Are they necessary?
Are You Getting the Top 4% of the Market? | Financial Perspectives
How many stocks does it take to really move your portfolio? It's a surprisingly small number. This week, Kent Kramer is joined by Foster Group's Director of Investments, Michael Westphal, to help answer this question.
Chart of the Month – September 2024
Do you wonder why we invest in equities? Equities are an attractive investment for their growth characteristics, but they have also served as a hedge against inflation.
Chart of the Month – November 2024
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.
Chart of the Month – January 2025
Market conditions are usually not a good reason to change your portfolio. Instead of trying to position your portfolio based on where you think interest rates and inflation will be, talk to your advisor about how your portfolio will support your overall plan.
Chart of the Month – March 2025
Category: Investing
Selecting a top-performing fund or manager is easier said than done, no matter the asset class. Let's look at why.
Chart of the Month – May 2025
When it comes to future performance, you don’t always get what you pay for. Let’s take a closer look.
Chart of the Month – July 2025
Wealth doesn’t just grow—it’s built over time, shaped by good habits, smart choices, and life’s ups and downs. In this blog, we take a closer look at the generations of wealth and why intentional estate planning matters now more than ever.
Confirming What You Know
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Even though I’ve been helping married clients with their money for years, I realized we needed help. Were we thinking about things in the right way? Were we asking the right questions? Were we doing a good job of listening to each other and respecting our differences?
Tips for Setting Financial Goals in Marriage
Category: Financial Planning
If the financial goals conversation seems intimidating to you, know that you are not alone!
Embrace Uncertainty and Teamwork – Insights from the Men’s College World Series
Category: Financial Planning
Expect uncertainty and embrace the power of teamwork. We counsel clients to focus on the things they can control, like how much they are spending, saving, and investing rather than letting uncertainty shred their peace of mind.
Money Silence Hurts Families – Three Tips to Break the Cycle
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
If you think talking about money with your spouse, parents, or children is difficult, you are not alone. Here are three tips to get started on a healthier money talk journey with your loved ones.
Donuts, Toast, and Other Life-Changing Decisions
Category: Financial Planning
Life is full of choices. We make thousands of them each day, from the very first moment we wake up. Some are small and relatively easy to make, like what to eat for breakfast. Some choices are much larger and take much more effort to consider.
Party of 4 – Estate Planning Basics to Celebrate
Break out the cake, ice cream, and party hats because it’s time to celebrate National Estate Planning Week!
Preparing the Next Generation: Three Keys to a Long-Term Mindset
Category: Financial Planning » Closely Held Business
How do we prepare our young people to lead and do it quickly?