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.
What Is The Difference Between A Trust And A Trust Protector
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Dean Huddleston. In this segment we will cover: You've decided to place your assets in a trust for the well-being of your spouse and yourself and you want to ensure the beneficiaries are taking care of as well. What could...
Emotional Investing
Emotions are part of life. Our decisions or reactions to events are often directed by emotions. You experience joy when a child is born and anger in the moment when that child does something that frustrates you. People avoid swimming in the ocean over the fear of rare...
Why A Retirement Budget Is Key
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Aaron Rheaume, CKA®. In this segment we will cover: If you are similar to most people, the term budget is a nasty six-letter word that no one likes. What do you mean I have to track where I am spending? Balance a...
How Emotional Trading Can Wreck Your Retirement
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Aaron Rheaume, CKA®. In this segment we will cover: Emotions play a role in many facets of life, and many of us experience several of them daily. You may experience pure joy and happiness when a child is born and anger...
What To Consider When Hiring A New Financial Advisor
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Aaron Rheaume, CKA®. In this segment we will cover: Do I need to hire a Financial Advisor is a question many folks as themselves. The critical questions to ask yourself would be, Why do I need to hire a financial advisor?...
What Is A Gold IRA & Do You Need It In Your Portfolio?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Aaron Rheaume, CKA®. In this segment we will cover: A gold IRA is one way to save for retirement. As its name suggests, instead of stocks or bonds, it holds gold in the form of bars, coins, and bullion. It can also contain...
The Housing Market
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Housing prices have moved up strongly over the past year and a half or so to fully recover (and then some) the lost ground from the 2008 housing crisis. The pandemic...
Interest Rates
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Interest rates collapsed during the pandemic. But they have been on the rise, moving up quickly after the Biden election in November. (Side point: the real action has...
Drawdown Protection
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Drawdown refers to the decline in value from a prior high. Headlines are everywhere (and in many cases should be) with so many different investment classes seemingly...
Retirement Savings Then Distribution
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Adam Harter, CFA. In this segment we will cover: Investment skill and market results are the two dominant go-to factors for a successful journey from saving to and through retirement. But the luck of timing (the era...
Considerations And Strategies For Long Term Relationships And Employment During The Covid Crisis
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and, co-host Grant Soliven, AIF®. In this segment, we will cover: Staying connected with your family in person and on paper. You have come along way to develop relationships with friends and family. The Covid crisis has been...
How To Maximize Giving During The Pandemic
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and, co-host Grant Soliven, AIF®. In this segment, we will cover: How To Maximize Giving During A Pandemic - You may find yourself in unchartered waters or others in a similar situation. It could be your church, favorite...
What to do with your retirement account after you separate from the workforce
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and co-host Grant Soliven. In this segment we will cover: Rollovers from a job loss, different options for different situations. - What do you do with your retirement account after you separate from the workforce? It depends...
From Mirage to Barrage … Bonds Start ’21 Rough
This year begins as the worst start to a bond year in nearly a decade. According to Adam Harter, CFA and Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Enhancement Group, “2013 was a doozy for bond owners, and this year is so far on pace to well outdo the Taper Tantrum’s...
“Practice Makes Perfect”
Growing up, we all can remember either a parent or coach repeating the famous words, "Practice makes perfect." Or, "Better to be prepared." And although these words were easy to mock in our youth, they have aged well. They have aged so well we now pass the same...
Retirement Practice Year
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and co-host Grant Soliven. In this segment, we will cover: Life comes quickly and change happens. Sometimes by our own doing and sometimes for factors out of our control. (Health, economic slowdown, etc) This conversation...
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Daren Hardesty. In this segment, we will cover: Revocable Trusts are most common, but there are situations where an Irrevocable Trust is the way to go. Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today!...
Defined Distribution Vs. Defined Contribution
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Daren Hardesty. In this segment we will cover: Do you know the difference between a defined distribution and a defined contribution? There will come a day that the IRS is at your door to collect. Distribution of your...
Inflation VS. Deflation
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and guest Daren Hardesty. In this segment, we will cover: Balancing between these two economic conditions can impact the cost of living and investment choices in a big way. Schedule your complimentary Next Steps meeting today!...
Tax Deferral vs. Tax Recognition
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and special guest Daren Hardesty. In this segment, we will cover: In today's unpredictable economic and political environment, does deferring taxes make as much sense as it once did? Schedule your complimentary Next Steps...
Tax Recognition Decisions
You are on a financial journey. That trip will consist of complex decisions. One of the most challenging issues is determining whether to pay taxes today or defer taxation to a later day. No one wants to pay more taxes today, so the default is to delay the tax...
Change In Inherited IRA Rules
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment, we will cover: Your legacy plan is one of the many things in life that you cannot simply check off your list and forget about. The tax code has changed and I promise you that it will continue...
Conflict Of Interest
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment, we will cover: You need to be aware of conflicts of interest when it comes to hiring a new financial advisor. We all have conflicts of interest in one way or another, even myself at Financial...
Cyber Security, Part 2
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment we will cover: What measures do you take to ensure you are safe when surfing the internet? Jeff Lanza, FBI special agent, and Financial Enhancement Group’s Partner and Chief Compliance Officer,...
Cyber Security, Part 1
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment, we will cover: What measures do you take to ensure you are safe when surfing the internet? Jeff Lanza, FBI special agent, and Financial Enhancement Group’s Partner and Chief Compliance...
“Ask The Right Questions When Speaking With a Financial Professional”
Ask yourself this question: when was the last time you asked for an answer, heard something you wanted to hear, and then choose to get a second opinion? It’s not natural to question answers we hope to hear. This is critical in retirement planning whether you are...
Keeping Your Emotions In Check During Volatility
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment, we will cover: In this episode learn why dividing your retirement savings into various investment categories is crucial to the overall success of your retirement. Learn how asset allocation...
“Maintaining The Right Mix Of Assets”
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment, we will cover: In this episode learn why dividing your retirement savings into various investment categories is crucial to the overall success of your retirement. Learn how asset allocation...
Retirement Strategy Decisions
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment we will cover: There are many strategies for a successful retirement, but also critical decisions that have to be made beforehand if they are going to work. Determining whether to draw Social...
The IRS isn’t afraid to throw a flag and charge you with a penalty
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Angi Kinser. In this segment we will cover: The IRS Can be a tough opponent when it comes to imposing penalties. Find out which ones impact your game the most. With the Cares Act, many Americans were given permission to...
The Squeeze Play
Investor behavior is fascinating, and this week the markets have produced a series of occurrences that will go down in history. A small handful of companies unveiled what can happen when things didn't go as planned. A great deal of wealth was created for some and lost...
Social Security Isn’t Necessarily The Best Gift You Receive At Age 62
Should you take social security now? Well, what is your age today? Most people believe that they want to take social security at age 62. However, most people can't answer why they want to do it. Not many people really understand that genesis of it. Primarily, it comes...
What Happens When Your Bond Reaches Its Maturity Date?
One of the reasons that Wall Street loves bonds is that they mature. Then, you have to redo something with capital. About 68-70% of the market is actually driven by bonds. You would think that the stock market is larger; however, it’s not. Bonds mature, they die, then...
Should You Accept The 2020 Coronavirus Distribution Gift Or Send It Back
Congress is trying to figure out a way to keep us alive. It's not our job to figure out ways to manipulate the tax code during a pandemic. However, if you did take a Coronavirus related distribution, find a way to get that back in there. Essentially, when you take...
RMD’s “Turning 72 is more than just receiving gifts… it’s the beginning of paying back a lofty debt!
Pulling money out of your accounts does not feel natural because you spent all your time putting that money in there. Another reason people do not pull money out of their accounts is that they don't need it! Lastly, there's a fear of running out of money. Those are...
Designing Your Distribution Plan
Tax reporting is a statutorily compelled obligation. Saving for retirement occurs every week as we withhold money from our paychecks today to place money in our retirement accounts for a better tomorrow. The first is compulsory, and the second is a decision. Sound tax...
Understanding estate and insurance documents and what needs to happen if you live in two states.
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser In this segment, we will cover: Your trust is still valid if you move to another state. The trust can travel from state to state. When you create a trust in Indiana, it is considered an Indiana trust...
Snowbirds have a huge Impact on the Economy, but what happens when they can’t fly?
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser In this segment, we will cover: Missing northern ‘snowbirds' could have a significant impact for many states and the winter tourism industry. What happens when a pandemic slows the migration? What...
Home is where the heart is” but when it comes to state taxes and legal matters, where is your home?
Consider This Program with host Joe Clark, CFP and co-host Angi Kinser In this segment, we will cover: Determining your domicile is difficult. There are versions of things that matter, but that is not always a guarantee. For a state to become your domicile, you must...
Back To Basics, article by Joe Clark, CFP
The excitement begins when the NYSE bell rings at 9:30 EST. Wall Street begins trading stocks or equity, representing ownership in thousands of companies. Willing buyers and sellers meet at an agreed-upon price and ownership transfers. By 4:00 EST, over two billion...
“The 5 Year Roth Rule” Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser
In this segment we will cover: If you have earned income and it’s not too high, you can put in $6,000 or $7,000 as a contribution, depending on your age. You will pay taxes on this money. However, you will not pay taxes on the growth of this money. You will always...
Becoming Empty Nesters: Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser
In this segment, we will cover: Empty nesting is not all that it is cracked up to be. When the kids are finally gone, and you have some extra money, what should you do? The last thing you want to have happen is that your standard of living dramatically rises. You’ve...
What To Do After The Loss Of A Spouse: Consider This Program
In this segment we will cover: After the loss of a spouse, don’t do anything for the next ninety days to six months because you will likely act emotionally. However, that’s limited advice. There are two different people that can inherit a Roth IRA: a spouse or a...
“Leaving A Legacy, Part Four, The Problems with Incapacitation”
Estate planning documents address three distinctive periods in your life: average days while you are mentally equipped to make decisions, days when you are mentally or physically incapacitated, and when you are deceased. The key participants in the planning are the...
Beginning A New Life After Work 01-05-2021
Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser In this segment we will cover: What is a safe amount of money we can withdraw from our portfolio? If you are in your early sixties, you are looking at 3.2% that you can pull out with reasonable...
“Best Of 2020” Consider This Program 12-29-20
Host Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser, Grant Soliven, Adam Harter In this week’s episode, we will cover: The ways to teach your children healthy money habits How to know if we are really in a recession or not Understanding how to harvest losses How annuities...
Leaving A Legacy, Part Three
The recent increase in suicides and drug overdoses has the CDC concerned with several years of declining lifespan expectations. Hopefully, this isn't impacting you or your family. Your life projection increases as you age. Understand, if you are 65 today, your life...
Tax Year Ending
There are four critical days concerning your taxes every calendar year. April 15th is the typical day your taxes are due – 2020 was the exception, thanks to Covid. October 15th is when your final tax filing is due. The two other dates are apparent but often...
Consider This Program 12-22-20 “A Plan With A Purpose”
Host Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Daren Hardesty In this week’s episode, we will cover: The three phases of finance for a 401(k) What to consider when creating a trust Do you really need a business plan? What to know before selling your business Why you should consider...
Create New Habits Instead of Making Resolutions This New Year’s
The annual goal-setting has begun! Just about everyone seems to make a New Year’s resolution. To not have one is an acceptable answer especially knowing most fail in the first 20 days of January. Health clubs thrive on sales of people who never attend and countless...
Consider This Program 12-15-2020
In this week’s episode, we will cover: The death of deferment End of year tax planning The questions you should ask yourself for tax planning What to consider at the end of your career Tips for giving a eulogy on Zoom Financial Tidbits “I use the Roth as a retirement...
Leaving A Legacy, Part 2.
Undoubtedly, there will be a point where we will exit. We will depart from the workforce, our tax-deferred retirement accounts, and ultimately from life. This five-week series will provide you insight into leaving behind your legacy. Legacy includes our assets, but it...
“Financial Superheroes” Consider This Program 12-8-2020
Host Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser In this week’s episode, we will cover: What to know about the Mega Roth strategy Why gold is so controversial The six amazing wonders of the retirement world The keys to a successful retirement
Leaving A Legacy, Part 1
The world changed with the advent of defined contribution plans where individuals save for their retirements. Dissimilar to a defined benefit plan or pension, where the stream of income stopped at your demise, defined contribution plans leave assets behind to...
“Timing Is Everything!” Consider This Program 12-2-20
In this week's episode, our theme is, "Timing Is Everything!" we will cover: - Timing Social Security may be the most critical decision you make in retirement. - Determining the age-old question...How do I know if I have enough money to retire? - Attempting to time...
Why a prenuptial agreement won’t protect your 401(k) and more! Consider This Program 11-24-20
In this week’s episode, we will cover: · Advice for setting up a business from a tax perspective · Why a prenuptial agreement won’t protect your 401(k) · What happens when you marry someone with debt · The differences between passive and...
401(k) Realities
The average 401(k) balance is $92,148, according to a 2019 Vanguard analysis of over 5 million 401(k) plans issued by the company. But most people don't have that amount of retirement savings. The median 401(k) balance is $22,217, a better indicator of what most...
Tax Considerations When Making Donations This Holiday Season
Tis the season to give generously, gratefully, and wisely. And when it comes to giving wisely, it’s important to understand some basic IRS rules governing gifts and tax deductions. First, there are no deductions for gifts of time or talent. If I provide free financial...
Tax Considerations When Making Donations This Holiday Season
Tis the season to give generously, gratefully, and wisely. And when it comes to giving wisely, it’s important to understand some basic IRS rules governing gifts and tax deductions. First, there are no deductions for gifts of time or talent. If I provide free financial...
Death and Taxes, the two certainties in life! – Consider This Program 11-17-2020
November 17th, 2020 Consider This Program with Joe Clark, CFP and Co-host Angi Kinser! In this week's episode, we will cover: -The crucial Death Tax Exemption and why it's easy to miss. -Is the death of your company also the death of your retirement savings? -Death,...
Fees and Expenses Lurking In Your Financial Plan
Overpaying fees and expenses an area of investing that requires dedicated focus. Twice last year, our firm changed ETF providers due to cost versus benefit. The reduction of fees does not guarantee outstanding performance, but unwarranted or necessary fees and...
Consider This Program 11-10-20
Consider This Program (Live Stream) The theme for this episode is "Financial Mysteries and Myths"! In this episode we will cover: -The Magical Roth IRA -How Does Wall Street really get paid? -Insurance may have you throwing money out the window. -One wrong choice...
Changing Routines
Change happens all the time. Different routines affect people emotionally, financially, and often relationally. Retirement is one of those times. Whether leaving the workforce was your own choice or a result of outside circumstances, it can cause stress with your...
Changing Routines
Change happens all the time. Different routines affect people emotionally, financially, and often relationally. Retirement is one of those times. Whether leaving the workforce was your own choice or a result of outside circumstances, it can cause stress with your...
Consider This Program: November 3rd, 2020
In this week’s episode, we will cover: • How to bring up end of life planning to your loved ones • Tips for surviving your spouse’s retirement • Considerations for leaving assets behind • What to know about paying off student loans in Indiana
Consider This Program: November 3rd, 2020
In this week’s episode, we will cover: • How to bring up end of life planning to your loved ones • Tips for surviving your spouse’s retirement • Considerations for leaving assets behind • What to know about paying off student loans in Indiana
Consider This Program 10-27-20
This is a best of episode!
Consider This Program 10-27-20
This is a best of episode!
Phantom Capital Gains
Volatile markets and elections can lead to ulcers but can also provide a good dose of excitement. Fear and greed drive all markets and when things getting exciting, emotions can take over causing people to forget their long-term plan and jump into or out of the...
Do you need a trustee?
The job description for your trustee should be meticulously outlined in your estate planning documents. Clear direction needs to be provided and contingency issues should be examined and discussed before changes in health occur. Like many, you may have your...
Consider This Program 10-20-2020
Do you have a child with special needs? It is ideal to establish a Special Needs Trust to ensure that any government assistance they are eligible for is not jeopardized by distributions they may receive. Today, our host Joe Clark and co-host Angi Kinser, have a great...
Inheriting Appreciated Assets
Death is a natural consequence of life. Most of us will have assets of one nature or another left behind for others at our passing. How does that transfer work? What are the tax implications? What do you need to consider? Assuming the asset is titled jointly with...
Consider This Program 10-13-2020
What measures do you take to ensure you are safe when surfing the internet? Today we have a fantastic program lined up for you. Our host, Joe Clark, and co-host Angi Kinser have three fantastic guests joining them, namely: · Jeff Lanza- FBI special agent...
What happened to the Stretch IRA?
If you took the time to read the overly complex US tax code, you would find a phrase used, but nowhere in the tax code: The Stretch IRA. Like the back-door Roth IRA conversion, the stretch IRA was a strategy rather than actual tax code. Just as the 2017 TCJA changes...
Consider This Program October 6th 2020
New strategy for inherited IRA The Secure Act ended the Stretch. Now IRA beneficiaries (non-spouse) do not have Required minimum distributions. Rather, they now have to take money only once at the end of 10 years and the account has to be emptied. This could be...