To Inspire: It’s amazing what a group of people can accomplish when they’re all working toward a common goal. Back in 2015, the small community of Galva, Illinois pulled together for what came to be known as The Amazing Harvest. Local farmer Carl Bates, 55, was diagnosed with a “fast, aggressive cancer.” When the word […]

To Inspire: I (Matt) am a big fan of James Clear, author of Atomic Habits and creator of the Habit Journal. Every Thursday I receive his 3-2-1 email blast which consists of 3 of his own ideas; 2 quotes from others; and 1 idea for the reader to ponder. Here’s a recent 3-2-1 that I really liked […]

To Inform: Earlier this week the Federal Reserve announced they are planning to keep interest rates low for years to come, with the Fed’s own projections implying short term interest rates will remain at zero through 2023. Specifically, here is text from the Fed’s statement: “the Committee decided to keep the target range for the […]

“How do we fix the plan?” That’s a question those of us in the Retirement Plans business hear a lot. Let me start by saying that most of the time, the plan isn’t “broken” but may just need an injection of life. Often, a slight tweak to one (or two) of the key plan provisions […]

To Inspire: Tomorrow marks the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. Where were you? I was a young marketing research manager at that time and it still feels like yesterday. I still remember specific conversations and looks on people’s faces as the events unfolded. I remember a colleague named […]

To Inform: When you think of infrastructure investments where does your mind go? Bridges to nowhere? Members of Congress lined up at the trough to capitalize on pork barrel spending? I can see why those things may come to mind, but the kind of infrastructure one ought to think about are the income generating, already […]

To Inspire: Looking for ways to spend your three day Labor Day weekend? Below, Edward Grinnan, Editor-in-Chief of Guideposts Magazine and author of The Promise of Hope, shares some of his favorite personal development websites and authors. Check some of them out and make it a great weekend! Favorite Personal Change Websites: Guideposts.org  True stories […]

To Inform: Several months back when the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 were being digested by financial markets, I remember reading a report talking about how the combination of Federal Reserve stimulus and recovering earnings could lead the S&P 500 to hit a level of 3,400, a new all-time high, before the end of […]

To Inspire:   A lot of celebrations have been missed or changed due to the coronavirus and that can definitely be disappointing. But a northern Ohio couple recently decided to use the downsizing of their wedding as an opportunity to help others. Tyler and Melanie Tapajna of Parma, Ohio decided they couldn’t safely host the […]

To Inform: I recently had a client ask me about the best way to save for college for their grandchildren. Immediately the 529 plan comes to mind but it’s not just that simple. Let’s start with the basics of a 529. Investment earnings and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they are used for qualified […]