Covid-19

By Maura C. Schauss, CFP® and Todd Youngdahl, CFP®

Have you found yourself unsure of your financial situation in the past few weeks? For many people, that answer is a resounding yes. In seasons like this, it is abundantly clear that we all need someone in our corner who is helping us navigate the unknown in areas where we lack expertise.

Just like we all are realizing that virtual opportunities are beneficial, they are not always as effective as human interactions. The same can apply if you are using a robo-advisor or trying to manage your financial situation by yourself.

Consider the following 3 benefits for you and your family when you have someone you trust, who holds a holistic view of your financial situation, and who can tailor a financial plan specifically for your lifestyle and goals.

By Maura C. Schauss, CFP® and Todd I. Youngdahl, CFP®

Keeping your information secure online is critical every day, but especially during times of crisis. Unfortunately, predators take advantage of these kinds of situations in order to get information or money from people. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself online from scams and combat this issue head-on.

By Craig Strent of Apex Home Loans, Guest Blogger

Many of our clients are thinking about their overall financial plan and making appropriate adjustments to ensure they stay on track with their financial goals – this includes real estate.  We turned to Apex Home Loans CEO & Co-Founder Craig Strent to share his perspective on the mortgage market given today’s environment.  He is a thought leader in the industry and a knowledgeable resource when exploring home financing options. 

We appreciate Craig for providing his take on the mortgage market for our readers.  He offers a video format as well.  Read on and click here for Craig's video.

By Maura Schauss, CFP® 

Riding the highs, and experiencing the lows, it is the way of the investment market. However, what if we told you that the key to sound and quality investing is learning how to keep it cool when the market is in turmoil? Yes, this includes our markets today, where Coronavirus has caused a shocking amount of volatility. Let’s look at some of the tools that can help you manage your emotions and expectations during market uncertainty.

By Todd I. Youngdahl, CFP®

Kids are smart. Depending on the age of your children, they may not know or understand exactly what is going on right now, but they are looking to you for guidance and assurance.

By Todd Youngdahl, CFP® and Maura Schauss, CFP®​ 

Many investors, especially those currently seeing major losses due to COVID-19’s impact on the markets, have developed a low tolerance for volatility. As a result, they have moved a significant portion of their investments into bonds or other fixed yield vehicles. What many investors may not realize is that large changes from one asset class to another in order to avoid volatility, can actually increase it. Secondly, for investors with a long-term perspective on their investments, volatility is actually a good thing, as it is the primary driver behind the sustained market gains over the last century.

By Maura C. Schauss, CFP®