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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

October is here, which means the 5th Annual Halloween Coloring Contest at Valley Wealth Advisors is upon us! If your child attends a school in one of the areas we are located in, chances are they will receive the coloring sheet at...

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

More than just a bookend to the summer season, Labor Day is a celebration of workers' contributions to the well-being of our country and the economy. Labor Day was first celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance...

Thursday, August 15, 2024

In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...

Monday, May 6, 2024

"The 2024 election is coming up, should I be invested?" I have had numerous clients ask this question lately. The reality is it's more about time in the market versus timing the market. Below you can see a piece from Hartford Funds...

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

I recently read an article in which a financial columnist for a major publication was the victim of an elaborate and expensive scam. The con transpired over several hours, but it began with a phone call from a "trusted" retailer's...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

I recently read that 47 percent of parents provide their adult children with financial support. Termed "parental patronage" by many, some parents even contribute more to their adult children than they do to their retirement accounts....

Monday, March 25, 2024

Economists describe a Goldilocks economy as one that’s not too hot and not too cold; it’s just right. And 2024 is starting to feel just right. When the Fed started to raise short-term interest rates in early 2022 to rein...

Thursday, March 14, 2024

As we continue through 2024, I wanted to share some data that many may find positive. Fidelity Investments just announced that 440,000 retirement savers reached an incredible milestone in 2023: $1 million in their...

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Tax season is upon us when we reconcile our dues with Uncle Sam. However, it's also a period when some unscrupulous individuals exploit this necessity, conducting scams to defraud unsuspecting taxpayers. In this digital age, tax scams...

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

If you dream of your financial legacy leaving a lasting impact on the world, there's a way you can make a difference. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to make charitable donations, a strategy that could benefit...

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Over the last week or so, I've seen multiple headlines celebrating a new child tax credit— just one part of a larger $78 billion tax package recently passed by the House of Representatives.1 Undoubtedly, this could be great news...

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, which recaps where markets have been over the last half of 2023 to help position your portfolio through midyear of 2024. It’s with pleasure that we bring you a few of...

Thursday, December 21, 2023

A wise person once said, “Good things come to those who wait.” While that may be true in most situations, it most certainly is not true when it comes to preparing for your retirement. If you’ve been holding off, now...

Monday, December 18, 2023

As expected, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its final two-day meeting of 2023, marking the third consecutive meeting without a raise in rates. This increases the chances that the Fed has finished its tightening cycle...

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Senate and the House have returned to work but are unlikely to get much done before the Christmas break— which means January is going to be busy. To recap, Congress passed a short-term budget package before the Thanksgiving...

Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Monday, October 23, 2023

The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...

Sunday, October 1, 2023

October is here, which means the 4th Annual Halloween Coloring Contest at Valley Wealth Advisors is upon us! If your child attends a school in one of the areas we are located in, chances are they will receive the coloring sheet at...

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Wall Street is slowly starting to talk about an “expansion economy” and forgetting about any recession fears. July’s consumer inflation report was soft, so attention will soon shift to gross domestic product in the...

Friday, July 28, 2023

Just as they say the kitchen is the heart of the home, some may say the grocery store is the heart of a small town. This phrase beats true for the captivating city of LaMoure, ND. As you drive into town, it won’t take long to...

Friday, July 21, 2023

Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter. Here are a few of the most common travel issues and how to make sure that no matter what happens...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession. But it’s July now, and...

Friday, June 30, 2023

Life is full of changes, and for empty nesters, the shift from a bustling household to a quieter, emptier home can be both liberating and bittersweet. While some empty nesters come to find themselves drowning in their extra free time...

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

When you became a dentist, you devoted your career to caring for the oral health of your patients. However, it is crucial for you to prioritize your own financial well-being as well, in order to help you create a healthy practice and...

Monday, June 12, 2023

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next? Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence? More than likely,...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

You are never too young to begin building an investment portfolio. In fact, investing when you are young can have the potential to produce impactful earnings gains. And that is because of a simple concept: compounding. Like a snowball...

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Flashback to last summer, I was in the first trimester of my second pregnancy and found myself frantically packing up on a Friday after work with my husband and toddler for a stress-free Airbnb weekend at the lake. Naturally, we get...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one? Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low. So are we in one...

Monday, May 22, 2023

After months in and out of the headlines, the issues surrounding the debt ceiling have come into sharp focus, as the U.S. could become unable to pay its bills as soon as June 1. There’s nothing like an impending deadline to force...

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Sunday, April 30, 2023

When the opportunity arose to purchase the Cenex gas station in Oakes, Matt and Brenda Hill, along with Scott and Becky Wood of Oakes, felt it was important to keep the ownership local and made their purchase of Tornado Stop in January...

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Over the years, many clients have come to me asking this question: does it make more sense to pay down my mortgage or invest? Both options have advantages and disadvantages but ultimately the best decision will depend on your...

Friday, March 31, 2023

It is safe to say that most people wish to see the community they live in thrive. However, making that happen is a lot bigger task than simply wishing it. Many people want to support their community through monetary gifts but may not...

Monday, March 27, 2023

When you are putting together a household, it isn’t unusual to delegate responsibilities. One spouse or partner may take on the laundry, while another takes on the shopping. You might also decide which one of you vacuums and...

Thursday, February 23, 2023

If you own an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), perhaps you have heard about Roth IRA conversions. Converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA might be a sound financial move depending on your situation.  But remember, this...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

LaMoure Drug has deep roots in the community. The original drug store was Voegeli Brothers Drug in 1883 and was located at 27 Center Avenue. The ownership and name changed a few times throughout the years but it remained a cornerstone...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Man is mortal. That makes life insurance a little unique and interesting, doesn't it? We purchase things like health insurance, car insurance, and home insurance, then hope we never need to use them. Life insurance is different because...

Monday, January 9, 2023

Imagine if you could preview your retirement in advance. In a sense, you can. Financially and mentally, you can “rehearse” for the third act of your life, while still enjoying the second.Pretend you are retired for a month...

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Valley City may be a smaller community but it sure is a vibrant one with lots of big things happening. In order to make these things transpire, it takes a lot of planning and a lot of people and organizations working together. The City...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

We have all heard the the saying, "Enjoy the Ride." When it comes to our current market, you are likely thinking this has been anything but enjoyable. However, with just a little bit of perspective, maybe the big picture will help us...

Saturday, December 17, 2022

A successful retirement is not merely measured in financial terms. Even those who retire with small fortunes can face boredom or depression and the fear of drawing down their savings too fast. How can new retirees try to calm these...

Thursday, December 8, 2022

The financial markets are on edge this year each time Fed Chair Jerome Powell takes the podium following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.The chart below shows that the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index has gained...

Monday, November 28, 2022

We are pleased to share with you that Valley Wealth Advisors now offers the Federally Insured Cash Account (“FICA”), an FDIC insured high-yield cash account designed to help maximize the safety, liquidity, and yield on your...

Saturday, November 26, 2022

In the not-so-distant past, there was a strong need for a multi-purpose wellness facility in Jamestown. In 2017, with the help of local supporters, Two Rivers Activity Center was able to open it’s doors and fulfill that need.If...

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

If you never worry about money, please go ahead and stop here. If you’re still reading, perhaps you (like me) are among the majority of people who aren’t independently wealthy and don’t have the luxury of never needing...

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

2022 has seen its share of volatility in not only the stock market but also the bond market. It has many people feeling a little uneasy about their finances. One of the common things I hear is, "Should I pull money out and wait a...

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.But despite that skepticism, this...

Saturday, October 29, 2022

In our ag-based communities we think of harvest as a season. A time when the trees begin to look bare and the dust from the fields fill the air. A time when there is a sense of unspoken urgency to gather the crop before the first...

Friday, October 28, 2022

Conveniently located in South Fargo, you will find Cornerstone Dental. Inside this beautiful brick building, you will find a team that is even more radiant. From the front desk staff to the doctors themselves, the team at Cornerstone...

Monday, October 24, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic definitely changed the world as we knew it and will no doubt have lasting effects years into the future. One thing I hope we can take away from this experience is how important it is to have a safety net of funds...

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...

Friday, October 14, 2022

We measure the jobs market in many ways, but the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey or JOLTS report seems to be of particular interest to Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The JOLTS report tells the Fed how many job openings there are each...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Do you feel anxious when it comes to your finances? If you answered yes to this question, you are not alone. There are a number of reasons people feel this way. Maybe they are approaching retirement and are fearful they don’t have...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Fourteen years ago, this fall, owners Dr. Carrie Swier Galbreath and Dr. Ben Galbreath saw a need for quality veterinary services in the Edgeley area and decided to make it their mission to provide just that.  They took a former...

Monday, September 26, 2022

October is almost here, which means it is almost time for the 3rd Annual Halloween Coloring Contest at Valley Wealth Advisors! If your child attends a school in one of the areas we are located in, chances are they will receive the...

Monday, September 26, 2022

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail" -- Benjamin FranklinHaving a plan is a crucial in striving towards your goals. Having something that you can reference will help you stay on track and be accountable. A financial plan...

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

Friday, September 16, 2022

Believe me, everyone on Wall Street wants inflation to go away, or at least shrink back to below 2%, a level we enjoyed not so long ago.But Tuesday's Consumer Price Index report showed it might be some time before we see 2% again....

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...

Monday, September 5, 2022

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month so if you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, now may be a good time to do so. You may...

Monday, August 29, 2022

On the evening of August 8th, I had the pleasure of hosting our 15th Annual Valley City Evening of Appreciation. Cheryl Storhoff, our Branch Operations Manager, and I put together the first event in 2007 as a way to say thank you to...

Saturday, August 27, 2022

The answer to this question in Valley City is...definitely! Located in Downtown Valley City, you will find the ARC Thrift-E-Shop. It is operated by The ARC of Barnes County, which is a not for profit organization with a mission to...

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Average returns on an investment can sometimes sound better than they are. If I asked you if you would be happy with a 25% average return over the next two years, what would you say?Most people I ask would be ecstatic with a 25%...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Last month I had the pleasure of co-hosting our second Community Appreciation Luncheon with Dacotah Bank in Jamestown. We served lunch to over 100 members of the community, gave away prizes, and had a wonderful time...

Monday, August 15, 2022

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This saying has been around a long time and still holds merit today. The purpose of diversification is to spread out risk by investing in different categories or sectors. Is this a guarantee...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been higher.While tech is becoming more secure in response to threats, there...

Thursday, July 28, 2022

In the heart of South Fargo, you will find Schmidt's Gems & Fine Jewelry. From the moment you step foot inside, you will notice that you are somewhere special. This isn't your average chain jewelry store found in the center of a...

Monday, July 25, 2022

A topic that is brought up quite a bit in my meetings with clients, is whether you should make an extra payment on a loan or invest that money instead. In my opinion, there is no one size fits all answer to this question but...

Monday, July 18, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon. But the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate what lies ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a full-blown...

Monday, June 27, 2022

LaMoure Hardware was built from the ground up in August of 2015 by owners Ryan and Eve Lesko and shares its building with LaMoure Foods. The couple moved back to Eve’s hometown to raise a family in the quaint, rural community of...

Monday, June 27, 2022

On June 16th, I had the pleasure of cohosting a Community Appreciation Picnic with Garitt Irey at Douglas Weaver Park across from our offices in Edgeley. We were blessed with a gorgeous day (despite the wind) and a spectacular turnout...

Monday, June 20, 2022

The Rule of 72 is a simple and useful formula used to figure out the approximate time to double invested money at a given rate of return. You divide 72 by the rate of return and that will give you the approximate years to double your...

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Last month Valley Wealth Advisors had the pleasure of hosting two Create Your Own Container events at local greenhouses. Guests were invited to grab a friend and join us at Harmsen's Greenhouse in LaMoure or Country Gardens Floral and...

Monday, June 13, 2022

In your retirement strategy, you’ve likely put a good deal of thought into putting away enough money to enjoy your life, once you’ve put the daily grind in the rearview mirror. Like many, you’ve probably planned for a...

Monday, June 6, 2022

With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection...

Friday, May 27, 2022

The Valley City Town and Country Club (VCTCC) has deep roots in Valley City. The course layout was created by E.H. McFarland and the course and original clubhouse were completed in 1922, making this year their 100th year! If you...

Monday, May 23, 2022

Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the preparation, itself. Sure, it can be difficult to...

Thursday, May 12, 2022

To say the start of 2022 has been a disappointment in the markets is an understatement! Inflation, rising interest rates, and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have affected both the stock and bond markets. It is never fun to...

Monday, May 9, 2022

Military members and their families face one-of-a-kind challenges, such as deployment to conflict zones, overseas assignments, and the constancy of change, all of which make dedicating time to personal finance a challenge.Luckily,...

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

When you step inside Tara's Thrifty White Pharmacy in Oakes, you will immediately see that they offer more than just medication refills. Nestled in the heart of downtown Oakes is an independent, pharmacist owned, retail pharmacy with a...

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

In recent weeks, the word recession has started creeping into business news and financial market coverage. Is that cause for alarm or just another attention-grabbing headline? There’s no simple answer. A recession is defined as...

Friday, April 8, 2022

Last week, the yield curve inverted for the first time since August 2019 (as a refresher, a yield curve inversion means that long-term interest rates have dropped below short-term rates).Why do we pay attention to this?Because this...

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Friday, March 25, 2022

Whether you walk inside Alley Beans or visit through the drive up, you are immediately met with a warm smile and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. On any given day, you will find owners Carol and Tim and their team working...

Monday, March 21, 2022

Some retirees succeed at realizing the life they want; others don’t. Fate aside, it isn’t merely a matter of investment decisions that makes the difference. There are certain dos and don’ts – some less apparent...

Monday, March 7, 2022

Are you saving for the future? People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If...

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Credit card transfers can be worrisome for certain individuals as they can often lead to more debt; however, when used appropriately, they can be a helpful financial tool. If you are thinking of doing a credit card balance transfer...

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Your team at Valley Wealth Advisors (VWA) loves to host events and in January we had the pleasure of hosting two. On each night, friends of Dacotah Bank and VWA gathered together to enjoy a evening of beer and wine sampling. The first...

Monday, January 3, 2022

I bonds are a hot topic as of late. An I bond is a savings bond that earns interest based on combining a fixed rate and an inflation rate. These are really attractive now as the rate is 7.12% on bonds issued between now...

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Our resurgent economy grew at over a 6% pace in the first half of 2021 and is on track for over 5% growth for the year by the time 2021 draws to a close. During the early recovery, we had a hand up from stimulus and policy that saw us...

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Think you don’t need disability coverage? Think again. We draft a will. Create an estate strategy. And purchase life insurance. But few of us consider disability insurance – the coverage that can help us maintain our...

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Fall is a favorite time of year for lots of folks, including many of us at Valley Wealth Advisors. It is a wonderful time to reflect on the past months and truly be thankful for the countless blessings we have received and all the...

Monday, November 15, 2021

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes. One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Sunday, October 17, 2021

When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as Financial Planning Month, so it's an excellent opportunity to...

Friday, October 1, 2021

October is here and so begins the 2nd Annual Halloween Coloring Contest at Valley Wealth Advisors. Participate and you just might end up winning one of our five Halloween gift baskets. Simply download the page, color it, have your...

Monday, September 20, 2021

It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...