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.
Is there a penalty for being prudent?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Being prudent can be very beneficial for your financial future, but what happens when you take it too far? Join us as we discuss a few real-life scenarios where being...
Are You Preparing For The Wrong Average?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Volatility in the market is not a new concept, but that doesn't make it any less scary. Do you have a plan in place to protect yourself from your own emotions? Call...
How Will A Market Decline Affect You?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Things feel great when we see the balances going up on our statements, but what happens when volatility makes an appearance? Call 800-928-4001 or email us at...
Is Your Financial Advisor Keeping Up With The Times?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: With an ever-changing economic and legislative environment, it is crucial to regularly update and evaluate your financial plan. Join us as we discuss what can happen if...
Back To Basics
We are in the heart of college football season, and some teams have separated themselves as elite programs in their respective conferences this year. What does it take for these top football teams to perform at high levels during the game and all season long? They...
What Is The Mega Roth And How Can I Use It
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: News from Washington alludes to the average American losing access to this strategy. However, it isn't gone yet. Make sure you understand your workplace retirement plan...
Tax Brackets – Back To Basics Of Bracket Bumping
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Do you know how to calculate your marginal tax rate? What is a marginal tax rate, and when does it matter? Understanding how to maximize your marginal tax stair step is...
Things you can do now to prepare for the end of the tax year.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: There is a difference between tax planning and tax reporting. Tax planning ends when the clock strikes midnight on 12/31/2021. Make sure you have acted on your conversion...
How Standard Are Tax Audits And What Can I Do To Avoid Them
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Although we fear the dreaded tax audit, the IRS will not likely show up on our doorstep. However, if they did, would you have done the right things to protect your family...
A Ghost of the Past – Inflation
The discussion of inflation is on the rise after being dormant for the last decade. Having Social Security rise by 5.9% this coming year highlights the conversation. Inflation lives a tormented existence. We want our homes to appreciate, yet we want our food cheaper...
What is required is replacing 100% of the money for your standard of living.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: There is no magical percentage of your income needed for a happy retirement. What is required is replacing 100% of the money for your standard of living. Call 800-928-4001 or...
Creating A Retirement Budget
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Practice makes perfect! Your budget will address defining your standard of living in retirement, but what do you need to consider when creating one? Call 800-928-4001 or email...
Reading Your Tax Return Could Change Your Financial Future
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Knowing how to read your return can help you understand the IRS’s impact on your financial journey and can help create various strategies to mitigate unnecessary taxation. Call...
Your Assets vs. Income – Investment Playbook Show
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: There is no magical percentage of your income needed for a happy retirement. What is required is replacing 100% of the money for your standard of living. Call 800-928-4001 or...
What keeps you up at night?
There is an old joke that says, when someone tells you, “I slept like a baby last night,” what that really means is that they woke up every two hours, had to go to the bathroom, and decided they needed a snack before they went back to bed. We worry about everything,...
IRA’s vs Roth – Contributions
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: In a world with many investment options, should you contribute to an IRA or a Roth IRA? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today! www.yourlifeafterwork.com...
Tax Breakdown – 1040, 401K, IRA and Roth Contributions
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: When talking about back to the basics, why are taxes important, and why are they the starting point for the episode? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today!...
The 5 Critical Elements To Your Financial Wellbeing
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: The Five Critical Elements is the process that FEG uses to help our families stick to the basics and help make sure we are guiding them through their financial journey....
Should you contribute to your 401(k)?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Many employers offer 401(k) plans as a benefit for their employees. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, should you contribute to it? Schedule your complimentary Next...
The Case Against Annuities – 1113
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: If you have assets, someone has attempted to sell you an annuity. The sales pitch is hard to argue with, now if only the pitch matched the reality. Buying an annuity can feel...
Your “number” may not be what you think – 1111
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Extrapolating investment returns, tax rates, and inflation many years into the future can be downright daunting. How do you know how much income you will need and what...
How To be Charitable NOW vs After You Are Gone – 1110
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Feeling compelled to be charitable is a wonderful calling. You want your charity to get the most out of your gift, and we want you to get the biggest bang for your...
Why non-family trustees may be the way to go – 1112
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Adam Harter. In this segment we will cover: A conflict of interest anytime a decision is made could benefit or harm the one making the decision. When you name a child or any beneficiary of your estate as the financial...
Are You Paying Taxes On Income You Will Never See?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Daren Hardesty. In this segment we will cover: The world is full of zombie shows. I don't get it, but I do understand phantom gains. Market volatility is frustrating. Unnecessary taxation is devastating. Here's how to...
Coming Back From The Grave – What You Can Do Today To Haunt Your Family Later
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Daren Hardesty. In this segment we will cover: As we age, how should our assets be titled? What do we need to know that we don't know? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today! www.yourlifeafterwork.com...
End Of Life Planning – 1095
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Daren Hardesty. In this segment we will cover: As we age, how should our assets be titled? What do we need to know that we don't know? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today! www.yourlifeafterwork.com...
The Death Tax – 1094
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Daren Hardesty. In this segment we will cover: You make money, and you pay taxes. You invest money, and you pay taxes. If you did well financially, you die, and you pay taxes. Right or wrong, it is what it is. Are you...
Fear of Missing Out
Some individuals go out of their way to be scared for Halloween. Managing money professionally, I regularly find enough monsters in the closet, regularly that so seeking out fresh fears seems unnecessary. One of the destructive challenges for investing when the...
Planning for the Unexpected
Imagine for a moment you are on your way home from the store, and a dog jumps out in front of you. In a moment of surprise and quick reaction, you do your best to avoid the dog; however, you lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree. Thankfully, you survive the...
Preparing for terminal illness – Episode 1076
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: There are days where bad news is worse than others. What do you do when the doctor says you have months to live? There are emotional issues, but there are also economic...
Preparing for the death of a spouse – Episode 1078
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Losing a spouse is traumatic emotionally, but it can also be a financial disaster. What things do you need to consider in the next 30 days, six months and next year....
Wills, Trusts And Successor Trustees – Episode 1079
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven. In this segment we will cover: Who have you named to be in charge of your trust and will? Do they know their responsibilities? Do they have your battle plan to transfer your legacy ready to go? Schedule...
Preparing For Volatility – Episode 1077
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven. In this segment we will cover: There are disruptions in the market. Volatility is the market going up and down, but what if it is trending down for an extended time? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps...
To Sell or Not to Sell
When I was a boy, I mowed lawns around my neighborhood. I started with my parents’ lawnmower, and after I saved up enough money, I went out and purchased my very own mower. I took great care of that mower because I could not perform the job that paid me without it....
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Special Guest Joyce Marter, LCPC.
In this segment we will cover: Special guest Joyce Marter, LCPC is a renowned psychotherapist, entrepreneur, national speaker, author, and media contributor who takes great pride pleasure in empowering others to reach their full potential. From speaking engagements to...
Paying Off Debt vs Saving – Episode 1081
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: Debt is bondage, and leverage is an asset. What is the difference between the two? Join us on Consider This Program to learn more!...
Preparing For Retirement
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: It’s the 4th quarter in your life of work. In grade school, we were able to prepare for the big event. There is no greater event for most people than retirement or separating...
Should I consider a lump sum pension?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: The risk to any employer that provides a pension is the same risk you had with a 401k or a 403b. Should you consider, given the opportunity, to take a lump sum pension? Here...
When you have money to invest, where should you invest it? – Episode 1080
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: People think about money in terms of investment return. Retirement is about income, not assets. Make sure that you are building tax diversification along the way. What is tax...
Tax Diversification
When saving for retirement, many factors determine the most efficient and effective way to save. Should I be saving my money pre-tax or after-tax? Should I also have a bucket of taxable money? What may feel good today is not always what is best for our future. A...
Life changes and many think your investments should change also.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: You started saving when you had little to keep, and nothing accumulated, and now you have something. What needs to change in your strategy and your thought process? Schedule...
Empty Nesters – The sky may not be the limit, but the choices are more expansive
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Your kid’s lives change when they leave the nest – so does yours. What are choices you should consider discussing with your spouse, family, and friends? Schedule your complimentary...
Raising grandchildren and leaving a legacy.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: The sandwich generation is a reality for many. You may be caring for your aging parents, your adult-age children, or your grandchildren simultaneously. Navigating this time in your...
The most important lesson we never taught our children
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: We care for our children. We care about our children. What do you wish you had taught them that you missed? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today!...
Cautionary Tales
Imagine for a moment you are on your way home from the store, and a dog jumps out in front of you. In a moment of surprise and quick reaction, you do your best to avoid the dog; however, you lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree. Thankfully, you survive the...
You and Your 401(k)
Looking at values can be exciting or depressing. Simply throwing more in the proverbial kitty is not the answer. You need to focus on the four areas that will impact your disciplined effort results. This article is the first installment of the four. Never forget that...
Stocks, bonds, real estate, cash, and commodities?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: These are the five main food groups of investing. Just like with food, we need some of each for a balanced diet. Also, like food, we'll lean them in different portions....
Pay off debt vs. save more?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: When times are good, and returns seem easy, this question is often answered mathematically. Over time though, the difficulty in measuring emotional consequences determines...
Suitability vs. Fiduciary
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Fiduciary risks are becoming a buzzword with such prominent use. Proposed legislation mandating fiduciary standards may have failed, but they at least prompted many to...
Tax Planning vs. Tax Reporting?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Think of tax planning as Annie Duke calls a freeroll. A freeroll is a great decision-making tool because the downside cost is very minimal compared to the potential...
Social Security Timing
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Social Security timing: Take early? This could be a massive mistake for many US citizens. Not only do you suffer permanent income loss, but you could be setting up the...
When Can You Take Retirement Distributions Without A Penalty
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: There is often confusion surrounding when one can take penalty-free distributions from retirement dollars. You might be able to access money sooner than you think....
The Two Tax Dates To Remember
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP, and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Many Americans wait until the last possible minute on April 15th to submit their taxes. Not only can that kind of delay put you in an uncomfortable position with the IRS....
Too Many Chefs in the Kitchen
Conventional wisdom in the investment world dictates that when you reach retirement age, your investments should become more conservative Someone in retirement can no longer handle the swings of the market. In theory, that sounds like a reasonable idea. Fiduciaries,...
Tax Considerations Are Right Around The Corner
Fall is on its way and brings about many changes. Autumn’s beautiful foliage arrives. Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. Another year begins to wind down. During this season of transition, the average family does not think much about taxes. Of course, you are not...
Inheritance and the tax rules you need to make sure they know
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: We all talk about financial readiness, but are your beneficiaries prepared for what comes next? What do your heirs need to know about your assets and their future? Join us on...
RMD’s: They are called required for a reason!
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: They are labeled as RMD's, but what they stand for is REQUIRED and come along with a 50% penalty if you get it wrong. This segment will go over what you need to consider before...
How much do you lose if you take Social Security at the wrong time?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: The most significant financial decision most families will ever make is when to take Social Security. Listen in, so you don't make a tragic error. Schedule your complimentary...
How Long Do I Need To Keep Documents And Why? Who Needs To Have Access To Them?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Estate planning documents aren't like tax returns; you don't need a history unless you need a history! Knowing why your documents say what they do can help a court or a family...
Knowing the Differences Between Risk and Volatility
Many investors regard risk and volatility as “one-and-the-same”, but they represent very different conditions. You may hire an individual to serve as your fiduciary, or you may function as your own fiduciary if you work with a broker or manage your own retirement....
Must ask questions before hiring a new financial advisor.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: We will have a refresh on the difference between a fiduciary advisor and a suitability advisor. From there, we will teach you how to take the next steps in bringing on a...
What is a trust and do you need one?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: What is a trust, and do you need one? Those are two frequent questions we get asked when working with families. Trusts are powerful estate documents that help care for you...
Is there a magic retirement number?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: Your life after work is more than just saying goodbye to a paycheck from an employer. It is part art and part science. For example, how and when do you take social security?...
Talking with parents about money – how to have comfortable conversations.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: Taking away the keys is one thing, but the checkbook is a whole other conversation. Planning ahead for this tough talk can make it easier for you and your parents when the...
Top Seven Money Tips For Your Kids
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Managing money is not for everyone. What are the seven things your kids need to know regarding money that keep them from becoming financially independent? Consider these seven...
What Happens When You Are No Longer Filing A Joint Return?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Tax planning and tax preparation are two different things. Women typically live longer than their spouses, so they must be prepared to file as a widow or men as a widower. What...
Suddenly single: What happens when you have to make all the financial decisions?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Jamie Burton. In this segment we will cover: Like it or not, men die first the majority of the time. There are families where one spouse does the short term and the other the long term planning, but it is rare. What...
Suddenly Single
The transition period after a divorce or the death of a spouse is a time when weighty financial decisions about the rest of your life, and possibly your children's lives, will have to be considered and then carried out. Making important life decisions during emotional...
Incapacitation is part of our reality, and you can plan for it.
Our mental capacity for decision-making and dealing with change reduces as we age. Most of us recognize when we are "slipping," but we don't fully realize the extent. Most of us will go through life periods where we can make decisions, periods when we are mentally or...
There Are Options When Choosing Where To Age
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Life changes and will continue to change as we age and as technology and services adapt to an increasing population of seniors. We will discuss your living alternatives...
Do You Know The Best Age To Take Social Security?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Do you know the optimal age to take social security for your situation? When do you have to start, and when should you start. Find out on Consider This Program Schedule...
Maturing Bonds
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF. In this segment we will cover: Everything matures over time. That includes your body, mind, and portfolio. Here are things to consider as your bond portfolio matures. Schedule your complimentary Next...
What to do when one of you begins to slip
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Grant Soliven, AIF In this segment we will cover: A small percentage of people die suddenly. Most of us fade away over time. Some of us fade faster and further than others. We will discuss how to recognize when your...
The Sandwich Generation Dilemma
The Pew Research Center reports almost half of all adults in their 40’s or 50’s were either raising a child or supporting a grown child while also helping a parent 65 or older. If you are “sandwiched” between two generations who need your assistance, saving for...
What do the Olympics and investing have in common?
The Summer Olympics are here! We will take the easy shot and incorporate Olympic talking points into our article. Hey, we only get this chance once every four years. The goal of the Olympic games is for the athlete to wind up on the podium with a ribbon and a medal....