Our Insights
Financial Enhancement Group (FEG) is a wealth management firm based in Central Indiana with offices in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Anderson, and Rensselaer, as well as Bozeman, MT and Sonoma County, CA This page is updated with insightful posts on tax strategies, retirement planning, investing, and the economy. We invite you to read our articles to stay informed on the current and changing financial climate and share this information with your friends and family.
Considering Potential Changes in the Tax Code
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Several expected changes to the U.S. tax code are generating plenty of conversation. While a simplified tax code and...
Consider This… Radio Show 8/26/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/YVAAsnPaM2M
Planning for Tomorrow’s Taxes Today
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text]“This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile,” stated an iconic 20th century ad campaign. Today, there is no Oldsmobile for you...
Consider This… Radio Show 8/19/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/guFLcK6Ld3s
Halo Top Ice Cream, the Latest Example of Rethinking a Brand’s Equity
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] While “brand value” doesn’t appear on financial statements, there is indisputable value in a brand. Venerable...
Consider This… Radio Show 8/12/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/G08F2foapLg
Calculating the Real Cost of Retirement
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Without question, retirement requires a certain mindset. Though we would love to plan for an extended period of health...
Consider This… Radio Show 8/5/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/6MWqIDJoCm4
Be Informed to Avoid Unnecessary Taxes
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] A long-held, unfortunate and inaccurate perception is that the U.S has two tax codes - one for the rich and one for...
Consider This… Radio Show 7/29/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/EzTMtTgs1bg
The FEG Team’s Favorite Books They’ve Read This Year
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] If you're like many of those at Financial Enhancement Group, you're always in search for the next good book to read....
What to Know About Charitable Gifts After Retirement
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] After 29 years in the financial industry, I can say with complete confidence that...
Consider This… Radio Show 7/22/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/lRv9FGksyLk
Are Stocks Speculative or Risky?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] As one of my stated missions is to help people better understand their money, this column along with our weekly radio...
Consider This… Radio Show 7/15/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/WFsghjIjWKY
When Data Becomes Dangerous
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Legendary physicist Albert Einstein described the distinction between information and expertise with the statement,...
Consider This… Radio Show 7/8/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/-FaYntqN4FU
Knowing The ABC’s of Business & How They Impact Your Portfolio
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Depending on the situation, some gauges matter more than others. Take your car’s dashboard, for example. It’s probably...
Consider This… Radio Show 7/1/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Vub3l9dCPw
Don’t Confuse Me With the Facts!
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] We live in a world where stories often trump facts - no pun intended. News outlets and social media seem to fuel this...
Consider This… Radio Show 6/24/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ISGDucmHJRU
What Have Your Investments Done for You Lately?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] When we started the Financial Enhancement Group in 1997, the most commonly held individual stock was GM. The second...
Consider This… Radio Show 6/17/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/MJ96Fg9d0Us
What Comes After “Full Employment”?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Like many things in life, economic development is all about sustaining momentum. Rarely does a stock market, an economy...
Be Careful When Assuming How the Stock Market Will Act During a Crisis
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The speed at which the news cycle reports churns out unsettling headlines can make it feel as if the world is...
Consider This… Radio Show 6/10/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/R5MWqauT22k
Why The Type of Hat Your Advisor Wears Matters
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The financial industry, and the way your money is treated, is about to be forever changed on June 9th. If this...
Bringing Madison County to Capitol Hill
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The Madison County Chamber of Commerce headed to Washington D.C. last week. Comprised of Republicans and Democrats,...
Consider This… Radio Show 5/27/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/36fQkgZUs64
Consider This… Radio Show 5/20/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpcxdC-nz4M
Handling Money in Your Marriage
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Bringing two lives together to form one family unit is an exciting time. The joining of things, beliefs and money...
Should You DIY Your Investment Strategy?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] We all know someone with a natural gift for repairing what’s broken. Those of us not blessed with this handy talent...
Consider This… Radio Show 4/29/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HrNxQaEGtM
What Does a Winning Retirement Look Like?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] While sports fans enjoy the comfort of a big halftime lead, victory ultimately goes to the team with the most points...
Consider This… Radio Show 4/22/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HOt4Ois82A
A Long-Term View on Taxes
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] None of us want to increase our tax burden. To successfully navigate life and taxes, we must take a long-term view...
Consider This… Radio Show 4/15/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/8DwjuEji6Cs
Understanding the Investment Fees You’re Paying
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Fees and expenses related to investments are distinct items. Fees represent an investor’s known cost, while expenses...
Consider This… Radio Show 4/8/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGC6HCK4zho
Knowing the Differences Between Risk and Volatility
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Many investors regard risk and volatility as “one-and-the-same”, but they actually represent very different...
Consider This… Radio Show 4/1/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/od62HO1GLAw
Money Can’t Be a Taboo Topic
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Religion, politics, and money. As children, many of us grew up believing that these topics were taboo – or at least...
Charles H. Dow Award
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] I’m extremely honored to announce that I’ve won the 2017 Charles H. Dow Award given by the Market Technicians...
Consider This… Radio Show 3/25/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ap6ci2d_a6g
When It Comes to Asset Classes More Than Size Matters
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Even the novice investor understands the importance of breaking asset classes into importantly distinctive categories...
How Childhood Projects Transform Into Adulthood Hobbies
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Growing up in the sixties and seventies in Indiana the internet did not exist (I don’t even think it was on Al Gore’s...
Reading and Understanding Your Individual Tax Return
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Tax time is just around the corner. For some of you, refunds are in the mail. But for others, take note - the IRS is...
Consider This… Radio Show 3/18/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/IYTUcol3Dek
Don’t Let Lazy Assets Negatively Impact Your Retirement Plans
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] As spring approaches, many people start thinking about getting back in the yard. While I enjoy a well-tended lawn, I...
Consider This… Radio Show 3/11/17
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfqFybTiXYY
When It Comes To Your 401(k): Should You Stay or Should You Go?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] In 1982 in the early stages of the “British Invasion” a rock band, known as The Clash, had an album that peaked at...
Consider This… Radio Show 2/25/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/r7wzIYu-H2Q
Are You Ready For Life After Work?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Imagine for a moment that your working career is coming to an end and retirement is on the horizon. What does that...
Social Security: “Just the Facts Ma’am”
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] In the days of black and white televisions, when the remote control was one of your children, Jack Webb created and...
The S&P 500 Tops $20 Trillion
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] No doubt about it - $20 trillion is one big number. But what does this mile marker mean when viewed through the lens...
Consider This… Radio Show 2/18/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/V32z4VdRrrQ
Who Will Be the First “Green Chip”?
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Has this ever happened to you? You think of what you would describe as a clever term or phrase only to take to the...
What to Do When Your Spouse Suddenly Passes Away
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] There are those peaceful moments in life - early summer, sitting on the porch swing with your Labrador lying in the...
4 Areas Guide Your Fiduciary Focus
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule has generated much discussion and debate. While we are fully in support of...
Consider This… Radio Show 2/11/17
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9v3rPhoVTfc
What’s Important to A Stock Is Often Different Than What’s Important For The Economy
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Evaluating the state of the economy and predicting the stock market’s response is common practice for those in the...
Consider This… Radio Show 2/4/17
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/zbKmxunub2Q
Understanding Market Indices as the Dow Hits a New Record High
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed the 20000 threshold on Wednesday for the first time. While historic, the...
Consider This… Radio Show 1/28/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/2gWTiR73_Go
Both Basketball And Investing Can Bring Seasons of Frustration
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] You may have noticed (and it’s without coincidence) the basketball connotation in this blog’s design. From the...
Controlling Your Debt In Order To Help Meet Your Future Retirement Goals
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Fiction writers use words to convey a story. If they are skilled, the words used can draw us into the events so much...
Changing of the Presidential Guard
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] The 45th President of the United States of America was inaugurated on Friday. More than two months after the electoral...
When A Company’s Stock Gets Bought Out
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Many Monday mornings start with addressing “surprises” that happened over the weekend. While we can’t predict good or...
Consider This… Radio Show 1/14/17
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/qoRfOTnYtVI
Assessing Your Financial Journey in a New Year
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Welcome to 2017. Most likely, you’ve set some goals for the year ahead, including financial objectives. Now it’s time...
Consider This… Radio Show 1/7/2017
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ArCPjEfxfJM
Purchasing a New or Used Car: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Okay, why read this blog about buying a car from a Financial Advisor? Well I have seen a fair number of sunsets in my...
New Year’s Resolutions, Objectives and the Power of Momentum
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] When I was growing up, the end of another year usually meant setting resolutions for the coming year. Whether it was a...
Stocks, Bonds and Father Time
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" offset="vc_hidden-xs"][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="sidebar-main"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Investors have three primary choices when it comes to selecting investments for their 401k and IRA accounts. First are...
Consider This… Radio Show 12/24/16
Here is this week’s radio show, hosted by Joe Clark, CFP with Sherri Contos. https://www.youtube.com/embed/RdzkIno2t88