Chart of the Month – February 2025
2024 was another great year for the U.S. stock market, with the S&P 500 index returning 25%. Now that the year is over, we can analyze the winners and losers of 2024. Let's take a look.
Inflation. Is It Good or Bad and What Can You Do About It?
Inflation has been one of the buzzwords in the news media for the past couple of years. Let's explore if it is good or bad and what can you do about it.
2025 Key Financial Data Sheet
Category: Foster Group
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.
What if Inflation Isn’t Quite Done? | Financial Perspectives
This month, Kent Kramer and Caleb Brown discuss insights on how inflation could impact your financial plan and portfolio. Learn how to prepare for inflation, plan for future spending, and invest wisely for your retirement.
What I Learned About Cash, Awareness, and Random Acts of Generosity
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The key to it all is intentionality, which may seem odd when the subject is random generosity. But if you’re not intentional about carrying cash, being aware, and engaging people in need, you’re going to miss the opportunity to experience even more joy during the holiday season!
Are You Hungry?
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Often times, we think about giving to those in need or supporting our favorite non-profit organization(s) at Thanksgiving and Christmas or, with end-of-year gifts. This is great, however, the need to feed is ongoing. So the question, “Are you hungry?” is more about “Are you interested in learning more about how you can become more generous than you already are today?”
The Power of Invitation
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
How can extending a powerful invitation create an opportunity for connection? Let's take a look!
The Intersection of Finance & Life Well-Being with Professor Meir Statman | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Financial Science (Academia)
This week, join Kent Kramer for an insightful conversation with best-selling author, Professor Meir Statman, a leading expert in behavioral finance. Discover how financial security, optimism, and resilience contribute to overall life well-being. Professor Statman shares his inspiring personal journey and offers practical advice on balancing financial wealth with life’s other important aspects, such as family, health, and meaningful relationships.
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.
What’s Next?
Category: Foster Group
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.
“My Portfolio is Doing Well / Poor Compared to What?”
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?
Webinar: Elections & Your Money
How will the election affect your financial life? In this webinar, learn how financial markets might react and how you might be tempted to respond.
How Deep Is Your Bullpen?
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
You can’t have a championship team without a deep bench at your disposal. Foster Group takes the same approach, while we have a dedicated advisory team for every client we also have advisors with various skill sets that we can pull out of the bullpen and into a meeting at the right time.
You Can Be Crazy, Just Don’t Be Stupid
Category: Foster Group
Are you restless with your current career? Here are some steps to help you plan for a “crazy” career change and set some smart guardrails.
A Rude Awakening — You Need an Estate Plan Today!
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!
What Are You Waiting For? | Financial Perspectives
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.
Chart of the Month – October 2024
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.
Financial Planning for Women: Preparing for a Longer Life Expectancy
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.
When to Review Your Estate Plan
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.
Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Conversation with Todd Smith of Bank Iowa | Financial Perspectives
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.