Time, Talent, Treasure Radio

Investor sentiment turned positive last week as signs of economic softness were interpreted as reason for the Fed to hold off on further rate hikes. A downward revision of Q2 economic growth and fresh signs of a cooling labor market reversed the recent rise in bond yield. They helped trigger a stock bounce back following Fed Chair Powell's speech at Jackson Hole the previous Friday.

Rising bond yields, driven primarily by strong economic data and the release of the minutes from July's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that pointed toward Fed officials' potential need to raise rates further, weighed on stocks throughout the week. Ben Taatjes CKA® explains the side-effects of rising interest rates on investor's lives and their portfolios.

In our experience, many investors tend to forgot how cruel math is on a portfolio when markets go down – meaning the more portfolio values go down, the greater the returns needed to regain those losses. Ben Taatjes CKA® explains the importance of having the proper risk tolerance and ways to self-manage emotions during turbulent market seasons.

The stock market is a complex world. While knowing of all the intricacies of investing and the global economic structure are unnecessary, Ben Taatjes, CKA® breaks-down the three key pieces of information you need to know about your own portfolio.

Even though The Fed raised interest rates by 0.25% last week, the market responded positively Friday with strong earnings data. So, we have dodged a recession yet again. Or, have we? Ben Taatjes, CKA® talks about the possible "lag-effect" when The Fed increases rates and what you need for your portfolio.

Even though year-to-year inflation rate increases dropped to the lowest reading in over two years, price hikes are still affecting retirees. However, does paying more at grocery stores, restaurants and the gas pump have to derail the joy you experience in your life? Financial Advisor, Matt Hoekstra, not only says no, he also gives the key to battling inflation and a scarcity mindset.

After all the hubbub regarding an on-coming recession and out-of-control inflation at the beginning of 2023, a much more positive reality has transpired. This highlights the importance of a sound mind for investors not letting fear dominate your decision-making. Financial Advisor, Tim Mattern NSSA®, discusses the mindset you must have NOW even if bad market predictions come true.

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession. But it's July now, and so far, no recession. It appears that the economy is slipping into an expansion rather than moving toward a recession.

Retirement removes all guardrails in your schedule which used to tell you when to sleep, awake, eat, exercise and work. Ben Taatjes tells us how to make every day count by reconstructing these three rhythms to your day.

One of the biggest lies we have seen in nearly two decades of helping people retire is the relentless focus on the financials. While having a sound retirement plan is absolutely vital, we believe the narrative on retirement planning should transcend just money.

Unfortunately, the wealth transfer process between a deceased parent and their children is often messier and more hurtful than expected. Financial Advisor, Matt Hoekstra has seen too many families' relationships suffer due to unmet expectations. Matt explains how to approach this delicate conversation and ways to make sure your family dynamic doesn't suffer when sifting-out the death of a parent.

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, Ben Taatjes explains what should be on an investor's radar for the months ahead.

Summer is here and now is a great time to do a financial check-up. Financial Advisor, Kendra Peterson, talks about three areas of your financial plan that may need attention or updating.

Today we talk about everyone's favorite topic….taxes! Probably not the case. However, Ben Taatjes discusses this timely topic as government spending continues to increase and debt ceiling negotiations continue. Bottom line, do you know where your taxes are going?

Ben Taatjes and Jerrid Sebesta reflect on a recent trip to Dallas, TX to visit TFG's home office, Avantax. Avantax is a 1000+ employee company responsible for and dedicated to the smooth and quick financial transactions our clients are accustomed to experiencing.

How Much Cash Do You Have? This is a question we're asking more than ever to clients for two reasons. First of all, for the first time in many years, cash is creating a solid rate of return. So, having an abundance of cash on-hand may not be the best strategy. And secondly, having large stores of cash may reveal possible red flags for people having too much of a "someday" mentality.

Since we're celebrating Ben Taatjes' birthday, we cover a number of key financial ages starting with 50 years-old when people can begin catch-up contributions – ending with 73 years-old, respectively, when RMDs begin and every significant age in between.

As summer quickly approaches, Ben Taatjes CKA® talks about ways investors can use this time to do "summer projects" along with updated inflation numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor.

In light of the final week of Financial Literacy Month, Ben Taatjes gives three specific things retirees can do to help their families and their retirement.

Even though tax season has officially ended, this is an important time for retirees and pre-retirees. Ben Taatjes CKA® gives three specific things you can do to utilize the remainder of 2023 and be better prepared for next year's tax season.

In lieu of our next online event, "Grand Connections: Creating Deep, Meaningful Connections with Grandchildren", Ben Taatjes shares two meaningful stories about his grandfather. He also explains the privilege and crucial role grandparents play in a family.

Ben Taatjes CKA® talks about the protection and regulatory controls of Avantax and National Financial Services, LLC in these uncertain times and we announce our next online seminar, "Grand Connections: Creating Deep, Meaningful Connections with Grandchildren", coming up on April 12th at 11am Central.

In light of the up-coming tax deadline, Ben Taatjes talks about tax brackets. Maximizing each tax bracket is an important strategy that needs to be a major part in your retirement plan. Retirement planning and tax planning go hand-in-hand. If you need help building a purposeful retirement plan that maximizes each tax bracket in the most tax-efficient way, we can help.

Ben Taatjes explains the context behind the fall of Silicon Valley Bank and he breaks-down how fixed-income options can be used by individuals if managed correctly.

As interest rates have risen over the last year, so have rates-of-return on a number of fixed-income options including treasuries, fixed annuities and municipal bonds. If you are looking for a safe, short-term option, there are many to choose from with a wide variety of terms. Want more information to see if these fixed-rate options are right for you and your retirement plan, please, reach out. We...