Amidst all the attention given to baby boomers and millennials, who vastly outnumber us, it is easy to forget about my generation, Gen X. This group is generally considered to be those of us born between 1965 and 1980: a time of uncertainty in everything from politics to economics; a time when Read more…
The Benefits of Being in The Global Association of Independent Advisors™ (GAIA)
I, and subsequently Plancorp, was the founding member of The Global Association of Independent Advisors (GAIA). The association consists of a group of firms from around the world that all serve as fiduciaries for their client. We share best practices in order to learn from each other, so we can all Read more…
What is the Global Association of Independent Advisors™ (GAIA)
I, and subsequently Plancorp, was the founding member of The Global Association of Independent Advisors™ (GAIA). The association consists of a group of firms from around the world that all serve as fiduciaries for their client. We share best practices in order to learn from each other, so we can Read more…
In the Race to Zero Fees, Transparency Loses
The financial services industry is no stranger to competition, and you’ve likely heard of its latest game: the race to zero fees. On the surface, providing services at no cost sounds like another leap forward in disrupting outdated business models, but it’s not that simple. All too often, no cost Read more…
Four Reasons Why a Starter Home Is a Bad Investment
Owning a first home is an exciting prospect. It has long been part of the quintessential American Dream. While owning your own house comes with many intangible benefits that are difficult to quantify, there is a financial aspect you must consider. A house and its mortgage will likely be the biggest Read more…
The Top Five Benefits of Investing in a 401(k)
On average, Social Security replaces around 40% of income for retirees, and even less for high earners. So unless you’ve got a cushy pension lined up, that means the majority of your retirement income will be a result of your own planning and investing. Enter the glory of the 401(k). Read more…
Behind Kathy Lambert's 'Connections to Success'
Kathy Lambert, Co-Founder and CEO, opened Dress for Success Midwest in 1998 after reading an article about Dress for Success (DfS), New York. The article explained how DfS provided interview appropriate attire to women in disadvantaged situations, helping them be on the same playing field as other Read more…
How a Donor-Advised Fund Saved My Parents $15,000 In Taxes
“It’s the perfect opportunity to save taxes!” This is a statement that is typically only exclaimed by tax accountants, but as a CPA, this opportunity had me excited. I was able to proactively tax plan for two of my favorite people, my parents. After a 30+ year career, my dad was planning to retire Read more…
Market Correction Update
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…
