Chart of the Month – September 2025
It’s easy to get lost in the sheer size of government finances — and what they might mean for you. In Michael's latest blog post, he breaks down some of the complexities.
Women Live Longer – What That Could Mean for Your Estate
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Let's discuss what you need to consider if you become a surviving spouse with a focus on estate considerations.
AI Explained: Hype vs. Reality | A Conversation with Stephen de Man, Dimensional Fund Advisors
Category: Foster Group
AI is everywhere in the headlines — but how much is hype, and what’s real? Stephen de Man of Dimensional Fund Advisors joins Kent Kramer to explore AI’s history, opportunities, risks, and how to start using it responsibly.
Inherit $100 and Advance to Go!
Before taking action on your inheritance, here are three things to consider.
Chart of the Month – August 2025
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
Many Iowa farms are likely to change hands over the next 20 years. Learn why preparing now can help protect the legacy and livelihood of Iowa’s family farms.
Don’t Get Into A “Rut” with Estate Planning! Three steps for Better Outcomes.
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
Check out these three steps to avoid an estate planning “rut” which will help ensure that your wishes are carried out and give your heirs and fiduciaries a better understanding of your intentions.
Estate Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
An estate plan is a gift to your loved ones. In this blog, Stacie outlines the key documents everyone should have in place—and why they matter.
2025 Estate Planning: Tax Updates, Key Documents, & Important Conversations | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
This month, Ashlee Vieregger joins Kent Kramer to explore how the new tax law could impact your estate plans. Learn about the new $15M exemption, charitable giving changes, essential documents, and why talking to your family about your plans matters more than ever.
How Much Income Do I Need in Retirement? | Financial Perspectives
How much will you really need in retirement? And how do you make it last? This month, Kent Kramer and Marcus Iwig discuss forecasting expenses, managing investments for income, and handling life's curveballs in retirement.
Am I OK? Building Income Safety Into Your Portfolio
Market periods like these have a way of making virtually everyone ask the questions, "Am I okay? Is my financial plan going to survive these latest seismic events?" Kent Kramer looks at historical worst-case scenarios and how they could be used to inform your financial plan.
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.
How to Use the Dollars: Building Your Income Stream
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Retirement is exciting—but having a well-thought-out distribution strategy could help ensure your money lasts. Let’s explore the key considerations for crafting a smart plan that works for you.
Creating Your Paycheck in Retirement
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
What’s your plan to create a paycheck in retirement? In this blog, we’ll break down a few key ways to bridge the income gap that retirement can bring.
Harnessing Optimism
Category: Foster Group
Want to live a longer, healthier, and happier life? Research shows that optimism isn’t just wishful thinking—it can be a powerful strategy for resilience and progress. Read to discover why optimism matters and how you can cultivate it in your own life.
What I Learned About Celebrating the Gap
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By celebrating small wins and adapting to life’s changes, we can stay motivated and turn our goals into reality. Read on to discover how shifting your perspective could lead to a more fulfilling journey.
Chart of the Month – April 2025
Are bonds an income generator—or just dead weight? Let’s find out.
“Am I Ok?” Income Planning & Portfolio Preparedness | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Market periods like these have a way of making virtually everyone ask the questions, "Am I okay? Is my financial plan going to survive these latest seismic events?" This week, Kent Kramer looks at historical worst-case scenarios and how they could be used to inform your financial plan.
Generosity in Action: Q&A with Change Course
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
You don't have to be an optimist to know that you can squeeze a lot of happiness out of a springtime mini vacation in the city of big shoulders!
Your Money Should Make You Happy – Does It?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
What role does money play in your life? Is it possible that your financial plan could be “bulletproof”… but also “joy-proof”? Discover how shifting your mindset can lead to greater meaning, freedom, and fun.
Tariffs, Turmoil, and Market Decline | Financial Perspectives
What's the rationale behind the steep new US tariffs and what does that mean for an investor's portfolio? What can or should we do as investors? In this special edition Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer covers the announced tariffs, the impact on markets, and the dos and don'ts during market turmoil.