Blog

Set Financial Goals, Not Resolutions

I’m not one for “New Year’s Resolutions”.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about setting goals, and I do so for myself regularly.  But there is a lot of difference between a goal and a...

3 Things to Know About Bear Markets

After two years, the bear is back.  That means it’s time to review three things every investor should know about how to take advantage – that’s right, advantage – of this bear market.As you probably know, a...

Why A Will is Not A Proper Estate Plan

A very common answer we get to the question "Do you have an estate plan?" is, "I have a Will".  Most people are under the impression that a Will efficiently directs how to distribute their assets at their death.  The problem...

The Myth of "Market Timing"

It's common when the market goes down for some investors to feel that they should've "gotten out" ahead of the downturn.  That somehow, they could've avoided this and that they (or their advisor) should've seen it coming...

The Scoop on Interest Rates & the Stock Market

The stock market suffered a sharp decline last Thursday after the Fed announced it's second interest rate increase this year of .5%.  The Dow and S&P 500 both dropped over 3% and the NASDAQ fell 5% the next day as fearful...

Tune Out the Noise

Imagine you’re an elite athlete. Maybe it’s March Madness, it’s the championship game, and you’re about to shoot what could be the game-winning free throw. The crowd is screaming in your ears. Opposing fans are...

Q&A: How the Russian Invasion of Ukraine May Affect Investors

A Short Guide to Dealing with Market Corrections

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you know the markets have endured a topsy-turvy month of January. As a result, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones are both on the verge of what analysts call a market correction.1 (Something...

Webinar Information

Hello everyone! As we are continuing to brainstorm new ways to get more involved with our clients, we have discovered that webinars are a great way for people to stay updated on current market trends, where the economy is at, and how...

Election Year Economy (and Advice)

Last month, election season was officially kicked off with the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. With less than two months to go, it's obvious to see the intense polarization in politics right now, complicated by Covid-19...

Bear Markets Hurt, But History Reminds Us the Pain is Temporary

When we are in them – bear markets, that is – the anxiety is so high. While by some measurements the recent bear market we experienced is technically over, many people are still anxious that it could return. And this time...

Making Sense of the 2020 Oil Crash (Q & A)

How can something cost less than $0? That’s the question many people have been asking in the past week. It all started on Monday, April 20, when headlines like this dominated the news: "U.S. Oil Prices Fall Below Zero For the...

Coronavirus Market Recap

As you probably know, the markets have enjoyed a stellar April. After hitting a low of 18,591 on March 231, the Dow has climbed over 25% since then. (As of this writing, the Dow sits at 23,650.2) Technically, that means the...

CARES Act Fast Facts

Wondering what provisions of the CARES Act apply directly to you? Check out this infographic for quick reference.

Important Provisions of the CARES Act

Breaking down the CARES Act As you know, the coronavirus pandemic has created both a health crisis and an economic crisis. As of this writing, there are over 160,000 known cases.1 By the time you read this, there will certainly be more...

Bob's 5 Do's and Don'ts During Market Volatility

As you know, the coronavirus pandemic is not only a health crisis. It’s also causing an economic crisis. That’s why, over the last month or so, many of my clients, friends, and family have asked me what investors should be...

A Quick Word From Bob

Yesterday, as I watched church via livestream online, our pastor talked about drawing strength and peace from God's Word and that we should encourage one another. In light of that, here are some passages I've been focusing on that I'd...

Responding to Recent Market Uncertainty

We know when there is global panic, it can't help to spill over into the families here in our community. We know lots of people are concerned. While we haven’t had a bunch of calls into our office (we are proactively dialing out...

Coronavirus Market Update

It started in China, then spread to South Korea and Japan. Cruise ships have carried it; tourists have transported it. Now it’s in Italy and Iran, Thailand and Taiwan, and more countries besides. It has infected almost 80,000...

Special Privilege to Honor a Veteran

On Monday, June 17th, I received a call from Tom Roper with Roper & Sons Funeral Home in Lincoln. Tom said that a 91 year old veteran named Dale Quick had passed away with no known relatives. He asked if I would help by contacting the...