“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” “Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.” Somewhere between these two quotes there is a balance that we all must strike if we are going to successfully navigate the stock market. Last Saturday we woke… Continue reading Gulf Wars and Volatility – Here We Go Again!
Article Categories: Articles
Your Child’s Financial Future Isn’t Red or Blue, It’s Golden!
How many times have you heard, “Don’t talk politics, religion or (in Wisconsin) ‘da Bears’?” We will try to obey that maxim today and avoid politics. While politics is divided between red and blue, in finance, we don’t like either. Red commonly indicates negative numbers. Blue is not much better as it typically indicates a… Continue reading Your Child’s Financial Future Isn’t Red or Blue, It’s Golden!
Inflation is cooling on paper. So why does it still feel like you’re getting squeezed?
If you’ve looked at inflation headlines lately, you’ve probably seen some version of: “It’s not as bad as it was.” And according to the official numbers, that’s broadly true. Prices are still higher than they used to be, but the rate of increase has eased compared with the worst of the post-pandemic surge. The latest… Continue reading Inflation is cooling on paper. So why does it still feel like you’re getting squeezed?
Why You Might See a Bigger Tax Refund This Year
If you are filing your 2025 tax return this year, you may be surprised in a good way. Many people are seeing larger tax refunds than they are used to, even if nothing about their job or income feels dramatically different. This is one of those moments where the tax system actually did what it… Continue reading Why You Might See a Bigger Tax Refund This Year
Reducing Household Food Spending
Reducing household food spending starts with thoughtful planning. Creating a weekly meal plan and shopping list helps prevent impulse purchases and reduces the likelihood of buying items you don’t need. Before heading to the store, check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to avoid buying duplicates. Planning meals around what you already have—and what is on… Continue reading Reducing Household Food Spending
Shopping for an Advisor
Working with your conflict-free Francis advisor through your employer’s financial wellness program is great, but what if you need to hire your own retail advisor? There is a dizzying array of firms out there happy to dispense advice, but costs and fee structures vary wildly and conflicts are commonplace. So, you might be wondering, “how… Continue reading Shopping for an Advisor
Why Does the Market Perform Different than the Economy?
You may have heard people talk about the stock market as if it is the economy, but the two don’t always move together. In fact, they frequently head in different directions. While the market and the economy are connected, they react to different influences and operate on different timelines, which helps explain why markets can… Continue reading Why Does the Market Perform Different than the Economy?
No, That’s Not Why You Lost!
This was the message from Coach Veurink after a heart-breaking loss. As we were complaining about a ‘horrible’ call made by an underpaid and over criticized high school basketball referee, he was objectively evaluating our failure. “You lost because you didn’t execute the game plan!” He then pointed out several of the many times we… Continue reading No, That’s Not Why You Lost!
Protecting Wealth, Not Building It
When it comes to financial planning, insurance often sparks debate. Is it a tool for building wealth or simply a safeguard? The truth is clear: insurance is not designed to build wealth—it’s meant to protect it. Understanding this distinction is critical for making informed decisions about coverage. Why Insurance Matters Insurance acts as a financial… Continue reading Protecting Wealth, Not Building It
If Only Santa Knew About QCDs
Imagining the size of Santa Claus’ retirement account balance! Depending on where you come from, he has been working since the fourth century, when folks knew him as Nicholas, a bishop in town in what is now modern-day Turkey. While he only really works one night per year (the elves build the toys while he… Continue reading If Only Santa Knew About QCDs
