Building a Financial Strategy That Will Endure
Building a Financial Strategy That Will Endure Like the Pyramids What’s the key to a financial strategy built to last? The pyramids of Giza have stood the test of time, …
A Financial Advisor’s Role is Like Fishing With Kids
A Financial Advisor’s Role is Like Fishing With Kids This summer, I realized my job as a financial advisor is in some regards, similar to a parent fishing with their …
Convert Savings Into Retirement Income
How Do You Convert Savings into Retirement Income? How to turn retirement savings accounts into a steady income stream is one of the most crucial questions most people will want …
Tax Free Retirement
Is There Such Thing as a Tax Free Retirement? “I’m going to sell my house and buy a condo on the beach!” “I’m going to buy my dream car!” “We’re …
ETF Investments
Why Are Savvy Investors Flocking to ETFs? Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) originated in 1993 as an easy and low-cost way for individuals and investment firms to have easy access to …
The CARES Act Reaction to Market SCARES
The CARES Act Following Market SCARES Panic How Can the CARES Act Help Those Facing Economic Losses Rapid market drops and fears of a recession set Congress into quick action …
Secure Act Changes to Retirement Plans
The most sweeping legislative tax or retirement reform in over a decade became active on January 1st, 2020. For some, it may help prepare for retirement, but for others, it may not have a positive impact at all. Those that will be hurt the most are likely those that don’t understand the new changes and how to adjust. As with any change, The SECURE Act may reveal new opportunities with a new retirement strategy.
This Rookie’s Contract Like a Well-Timed Fixed Annuity
A Lesson in Locking in Financial Security from an Unlikely Cubs Newcomer I loved the Cinderella story of this Cubs newcomer even before he displayed his financial savvy. When he …
Feeling Queasy in Market Turbulence
That Queasy Feeling in Turbulence Recent Market Drops Can Raise Tension Like a Bad Flight As an investment advisor, when we see a significant market drop, it sometimes warrants a …
Best Investment Firm and Financial Planner: McBeath Financial Group Chosen Again!
Best Investment Firm and Financial Planner: McBeath Financial Group Chosen Again! Pantagraph Reader’s Choice Awards for 2019 announced that once again we were chosen for two first place awards! Central …
Who is Taking a Bite Out of Your Retirement Account?
Who is Taking a Bite Out of Your Retirement Account? Don’t Watch Your Retirement Account Savings Melt Away Like an Ice Cream on a Hot Day! Our family has a …
Don’t Buy an Annuity Before Reading This!
Before You Buy an Annuity, You Need to Know This! Purchasing an annuity might be a huge mistake for you! I’m not saying annuities are bad products. In fact, I …
Dave Ramsey and Mutual Funds
What Dave Ramsey Should Explain About Mutual Funds Many Dave Ramsey fans follow his advice about only investing in mutual funds. For certain individuals, it may not be bad investment …
Is It Enough Money to Retire?
“How Much Will I Need to Retire?” When it comes to retirement planning, it’s my quest to help people realize their retirement goals. Often, when people come to see me, …
Is Fear Putting Your Financial Plan at Risk?
Is Fear Putting Your Financial Plan at Risk? Some say the old mansion is haunted, and I live just down the road from it! It’s the Duncan Manor, a historic …
This Financial Advisor’s Hurricane Encounter Reveals Investment Insights
In The Path of Hurricane Michael, Here’s This Investment Advisor’s Insights As an Investment Advisor, located in Bloomington/Normal IL, the biggest danger I face on a daily basis is a …
Best in Financial Planning and Investment Firm, McBeath Financial Group Voted as Pantagraph Reader’s Choice!
Awarded #1 for Best in Financial Planning and #1 Investment Firm, McBeath Financial Group is Proud to be The Pantagraph Reader’s Choice! Yes, Pantagraph Reader’s Choice Awards for 2018 have been …
Hammered into an Investment?
The Investment Services Toolbox: Avoiding “Maslow’s Hammer” “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” American …
How Could the New Tax Plan Affect My 401K Options When I Retire?
You might have seen the news about how Trump’s initial tax plan might have affected IRA limits. It appears those changes did not make it into the final legislation, but …
Improving Portfolio Performance with Asset Allocation
One of the most important decisions for your investment portfolio is your choice of asset allocation. Asset allocation refers to how a portfolio is divided up among the various types …
Is It Wise to Trade Your Pension for a Lump Sum?
Most private employers have already replaced traditional pensions, which promise lifetime income payments in retirement, with defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. But 15% of private-sector workers and 75% of …
Financial Focus on Liquid Money Options with Julie Workman of Mid-Illini Credit Union
How important is low-risk, short-term, liquid money to the success of a financial plan? When financial planning with clients, I place strong emphasis on having the availability of adequate funds …
Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each …
Investor, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions
Traditional economic models are based on a simple premise: people make rational financial decisions that are designed to maximize their economic benefits. In reality, however, most humans don’t make decisions …
Do You Know the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and Broker?
Today’s financial climate is drastically different than it was 50 years ago. Now most households are run on two incomes, people have to take out second mortgages to put their …
How “Safe” is Your “Safe Money?”
One day I was talking with a lady who shared with me she had been busy digging money out of her parent’s back yard and from under their porch!! I …