Gretchen Muller, Director of Communications, and Wes Crill, Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director for Dimensional Fund Advisors Global Client Group, discuss how markets price uncertainty, why discipline matters more than reaction, and what history tells us about navigating volatility – including the Iran conflict and its economic implications.

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Recent developments involving Iran have been a reminder of how quickly geopolitics can affect markets. In this Financial Perspectives conversation, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer share perspective on what we’re seeing in stocks, oil, and investor feelings and why short-term volatility does not always change the long-term outlook.

Gretchen and Kent discuss why uncertainty is a normal part of investing, what history can teach us during periods of conflict, and why a thoughtful financial plan should already account for times like these.

At Foster Group, we believe in educated optimism: acknowledging real risks without losing sight of the bigger picture.

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In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer introduces Gretchen Muller, Foster Group’s Director of Communications. Gretchen shares her background in investment research, teaching, and communication, along with her vision for helping Foster Group communicate clearly about markets, financial planning, and investing.

Kent also shares that he will retire from Foster Group, and as host of Financial Perspectives, at the end of 2026. He reflects on how the series began in 2020, and why Foster Group’s commitment to thoughtful, hopeful communication continues to grow.

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Tax strategy plays an important role in financial planning, but the right approach depends on your specific goals, timeline, and overall plan. In this episode of Financial Perspective, Gretchen Muller, Marcus Iwig, and Michael Westphal discuss how tax considerations can affect retirement planning, business sales, farm ground, stock compensation, account types, and investment implementation. The key takeaway: taxes matter, but they should be considered within the context of a broader financial plan.

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In early 2026, concerning headlines feel nonstop and uncertainty can make investors wonder, "should I adjust my financial plan?" In this episode, Gretchen Muller and Kent Kramer discuss how to separate market noise vs fundamentals and share a planning-first approach to staying disciplined through volatility.

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Cybersecurity is evolving fast and phishing remains one of the most common and costly threats. In this episode, Gretchen Muller & Kate Juelfs break down what modern scams look like in 2026.

We share practical, everyday steps you can take to reduce your risk: multi-factor authentication, strong unique passwords, and simple habits to pause, verify, and stay skeptical before acting on unexpected messages.

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Year-end giving doesn’t have to be rushed or random. In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Director of Communications Gretchen Muller and Senior Lead Advisor Ashlee Vieregger walk through a practical year-end giving checklist to help you align your generosity with what matters most to you. They discuss “generosity languages,” how donor-advised funds could simplify giving across years, and ways to involve your family in leaving a legacy of generosity.

Interested in more content on these topics? Check out our education center: www.fostergrp.com/YearEndGiving.

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In this edition of Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer explores why market highs often trigger anxiety and how investors can cultivate educated optimism. Discover the psychology behind market fears, learn from historical trends, and understand our approach to portfolios.

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