Stock markets have been choppy lately, with the S&P 500 off more than 10% from its highs. A decline of this nature is broadly labeled as a “correction.”   While it’s never fun to see your portfolio take a hit, losses are a normal part of investing. During bull markets since 1945, the S&P 500 has Read more…

There are usually two ways to get to where you’re going, right? One may be the direct route on the highway with more cars and more traffic. The scenic route has fewer cars and may be more pleasant, but takes a bit longer. Read more…

It is commonly thought that the transfer of wealth upon someone’s death is largely, or even exclusively, dictated by that person’s document known as a Last Will & Testament, or simply, Will. In fact, the term “Will” is often used synonymously with one’s estate plan. Because of this, people too Read more…

Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 or older. It may also apply to persons under 65 with certain disabilities. The Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and you may have questions about how Open Enrollment affects you and what steps you may need to take. I hope to answer Read more…

In a world where the DOL Fiduciary Rule is presumed dead- and we have different regulatory bodies, primarily the SEC, coming in with new rules- transparency has become paramount. Read more…

Co-Written with Wealth Manager Scott Ngo, CFP®, CPA, PFS As we pass the 3rd Quarter estimated tax deadline for 2018, we shift ahead in thinking about year-end planning and projections.  One of the biggest tax planning opportunities arising from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the new 20% Qualified Read more…

If you have a good understanding of investments and your financial plan, maybe it’s time to help out your siblings, children, or grandchildren. In the last couple of years, Plancorp has been hard at work developing a solution to help more individuals to get started sooner.   Read more…

How old were you when you first started seriously thinking about money? For me, it was when I was eight, based on “The Money Tree” book that I “authored” for a third-grade assignment. Read more…

A financial plan is more than just a budget or insurance policy. It is the actions you need to take to reach your financial goals (think: helping fund your daughter’s college tuition or buying that second home on the lake). Your financial plan is unique, but to ensure confidence in the planning you Read more…

I recently appeared on CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange with Brian Sully to talk about how investors should think about the market today. Read more…