Wrong Thinking on Election & Markets
Kent Kramer examines the effects of an election season on investors. Drawing on historical data and behavioral economics, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing cognitive biases and staying optimistic.
Executive Compensation Strategies
Executive compensation at the C-suite level typically involves much more than receiving a salary and bonus. Let’s explore three types of executive benefits: deferred compensation, restricted stock, and stock options.
What is “The Good Life?”
Category: Foster Group
I’ve spent forty-plus years thinking and talking about “the good life” question. With clients, fellow advisors, my family and friends. And while definitive answers are not easy to come by, it’s clear that how we answer (or don’t answer) the question will have a significant impact on the life-defining choices we make, day after day, year after year.
What I Learned About the Nature of True Wealth
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
“Wealth” is a relative term. For many, if not most people, wealth has a lot to do with money. But there are those who have a lot of money who would gladly trade it for a happy marriage, or great health, or a clear conscience. The definitions of wealth are truly limitless, unique to each of us.
Invested in Women- Well Aged (and Well Read)
Category: Foster Group
Foster Group recently launched a new initiative called, “Invested in Women”. Invested in Women will provide opportunities for financial education, solutions, and connections in a variety of formats. In early October, we’ll be hosting our first book club and discussing the book, “Well Aged,” by Ralph Milton.
Understanding ETFs and Factor Investing with Blackrock’s Bob Hum | Financial Perspectives
This week, Kent Kramer sits down with BlackRock’s Bob Hum to explore the intricacies of ETFs and factor investing. Gain valuable insights and practical tips on how these strategies may enhance your investment portfolio and help you navigate today’s market complexities.
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.
Top Four Questions About 401(k) Plans
Category: Financial Planning
Retirement planning is a journey, and it is natural to have questions along the way. Here are some of the most important questions clients often ask me as a 401(k)-plan advisor.
My Money Story
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Have you ever considered how your thinking about money was formed? Recently, I took a stroll down memory lane to discover my own “money story,” how I came to think about money.
Playing Jazz and Your Finances
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Successfully playing jazz starts with fundamentals. The same is true of our personal finances.
Chart of the Month – July 2024
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
International Stocks – Are they necessary?
Monte Carlo Analysis & Your Retirement
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Let's look at the Monte Carlo analysis and what it has in common with your financial plan.
Whenever Possible, Don’t Do Dumb Things | Financial Perspectives
We believe that investors increase their chances of success by avoiding predictable mistakes -- those practices that sound like they should work but have been shown time and time again to have very low probabilities of success. This week, Kent Kramer examines different studies to help inform our fifth investment principle.
The Significance of an Emergency Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
An emergency fund is not merely about setting money aside; it's about cultivating peace of mind and stability when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
The Magic of Writing a Letter
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
How the magic of writing a letter could help convey your intentions to a beneficiary.
Webinar: Maximizing Physician Income
Category: Foster Group » Event
What’s Up (or Down) with the Bonds? | Financial Perspectives
Investors have been puzzled this year, maybe even disappointed, that the bond market broadly has seen negative returns. How can this be when many money markets and bonds have stated yields of more than 5%? This week, Kent Kramer explains why.
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.
Three Tips to Help Set Yourself up for Retirement
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Retirement. It’s something everyone thinks about at some point in their lives. When I see or hear about the people who have retired most effectively, three themes stick out to me. Let’s dive into them.
Webinar: Risky Business – Avoiding Common Executive Compensation Pitfalls
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
There are often complicated timing and tax issues associated with executive benefits — and deadlines you don’t want to miss. Learn how to avoid the top mistakes we see executives make, and how to make the most of your hard-earned money!
Updates to the State of Iowa 529 plan
529 plans can be a great way to save for future education costs for your loved ones. The State of Iowa recently made a few improvements to the College Savings 529 plan.