Blog
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Our blog is updated regularly, and here are a few of our favorites!
Investing, Staying the Course - The value of long term thinking.
Cheeseburgers, in Retirement? - A fun way of looking at the different components of a retirement plan.
New to Investing? Things to Consider. - If you're new to investing, this post may be for you.
We're happy to share our thoughts with our readers. Remember, we are conveniently located in Grand Rapids, MI, however also offer remote client services in select states. Contact Us for full information on remote client services.
College Season is Here! What about the cost?
As we approach the back-to-school season, I wanted to discuss an important topic that might be on your mind: the cost of education. Whether you have children or grandchildren preparing for college or considering furthering your...
Read MoreWhy the Fed Is Focused on Your Paycheck
The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy: Teaching the Next Generations.
Financial literacy is a vital life skill that often gets overlooked in traditional education systems. It's the understanding of how money works, how to manage it, and how to make informed decisions that contribute to one's financial...
Read MoreBudgeting for Surprises: Summer Travel Tips
Happy Vacation Season Grand Rapids and all! Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter. Whether vacationing in West MI or flying out....
Read MoreBull Market Leaving Some Behind
Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.In the accompanying chart, you can see individual...
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Resumption of Student Loan Payments and Interest Accrual
The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic.Starting September 1, interest will begin accruing...
Read MoreJune CPI, the Fed, & Interest Rates
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...
Read MoreNow That the Debt Ceiling is Over, What's Next?
Good progress has been made recently with the debt ceiling discussion, and our team wants to discuss somethings that may come next.
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
I don't know about you, but I think every birthday is important, even for adults! Most children stop being "and-a-half" somewhere around age 12. Kids add "and-a-half" to make sure everyone knows they're closer to the next age than...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy: Why It Matters to You and Those You Care About
We are in an ever-evolving economic landscape, and one’s understanding of finance—financial literacy—plays a crucial role in making decisions that are informed on both the present and the future. While most of the...
Read MoreESOPs - A Closer Look
In our previous article, we provided an overview of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), examining their basic structure, benefits, and potential drawbacks. In this follow-up article, we will delve deeper into additional consideration...
Read MoreWhat is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
One unique form of employee benefit plans that provides workers with an opportunity to become partial owners of the company they work for, is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs). In an ESOP, eligible employees receive...
Read MoreBanking Online or Offline?
Banking has undergone a major transformation over the past few decades, with the rise of online banking. As financial advisors, in this post we explore the pros and cons of online banking, most importantly...
Read MorePay Yourself First!
In West Michigan we know we take our finances seriously, and savings is no exception for most. The savings rate of Americans varies, but there is one habit that may help increase savings: Pay Yourself First! The benefits may be mindopening
Read MoreWhat is Multi-Generational Wealth Planning?
Multi-generational wealth planning is a strategy that seeks to build and preserve wealth across multiple generations of a family. It's a comprehensive approach that involves not just investing and financial planning, but also...
Read MoreWhat is Compound Growth?
Compound growth is a fundamental concept in investing that has the power to significantly impact the growth of investments over time. It's a simple but powerful idea that may help investors...
Read MoreThe Fed Raises Rates. Again.
Not that anyone in West Michigan had plans, but just in case: don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises.
Read MoreThoughts on Saving for College.
As a parent, you want the best for your child, including a college education. But college can be expensive, and saving for it can be a challenge. Consider this point of view from a financial advisor, who is also a parent.
Read MoreOlder Americans Month
May is older Americans Month, not just in Grand Rapids or West Michigan, but all of America. Take the time to appreciate those that brought us to where we are today, and send a nice note to those you care about. For many, retirement....
Read MoreCheeseburgers in Retirement: Order Up!
How can we compare a cheeseburger to a retirement plan? Well, in this post we try to do exactly that! Hint: it's about what is right for YOU...
Read MoreWhat is a Health Savings Account?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals save money for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are available to individuals who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
Read MoreSaving to Invest
Investing can be a powerful way to build wealth and secure your financial future, but it all starts with saving. Whether you're just starting out or looking to ramp up your investment strategy, saving is the foundation....
Read MoreInvesting: Staying the Course.
Investing can be a rollercoaster ride, and market volatility can be especially nerve-wracking for those who are new to the world of investing. Especially so in this day of non-stop media, where things change so quickly.
Read MoreBuying a First Home
As financial advisors in the Grand Rapids Area, we know buying your first home is a major milestone in your life, but it may also be overwhelming. If you're lining up for the latest house in Ada, or anywhere else, this information may help.
Read MoreNew to Investing? Things to consider.
We understand that investing can be overwhelming and confusing. However, it's important to note that investing is a crucial aspect of building wealth and forging your financial future. Therefore, we encourage everyone to consider investing.
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