Mike Bergen, CIMA®

Mike Bergen, CIMA®

Mike Bergen, CIMA®

Preparation Helps With Coping Financially When Your Spouse Dies

One of the hardest parts of our job as financial advisors is helping clients whose spouse has recently passed away.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | April 19, 2025

Utilize The Bucket Approach For Retirement Portfolio Construction

There have been many improvements in the world since I graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1987. Back in those days, we didn’t have the internet or cell phones or flat screen TVs. I got an Apple IIc computer for graduation as I headed off for Indiana University. The Apple Watch I wear today is literally 8,000 times more powerful.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | April 12, 2025

Consider These Important Planning Tips When It Comes To Your Estate

We all experience the death of friends and family members in our life. In financial planning, we often find ourselves involved in the aftermath of those deaths. If the deceased planned their estate before their death, it usually makes it easier on the survivors.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | April 5, 2025

Ten Investment Facts To Know, Especially When The Market Is Volatile

Investing in the stock market can be a rollercoaster ride, especially when volatility spikes. However, understanding key market principles can help investors stay the course and make informed decisions. Here are 10 crucial facts to keep in mind when navigating market turbulence.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | March 22, 2025

How And Why Inflation May Be A Risk To Your Portfolio

The market has been a little crazy lately, and stocks closed with a little over a 10% loss this week, which qualifies as a market correction.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | March 15, 2025

It’s A Good Idea To Start Simple When Building A Retirement Portfolio

To get started you just need to do three things to your account: allocate, diversify and rebalance.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | March 1, 2025

Here Are A Few Tips For Organizing Your Financial Records

We’ve been talking on the radio, and in this column about some basic things to do to get 2025 started off right. Getting organized is often the first step. One area where organization really can pay off, is in your financial records. Today we are going to offer some suggestions on organizing your financial records.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | February 15, 2025

A Very Important Part Of Your Financial Plan Remains Asset Allocation

When the markets become volatile, as they have in the last few months, asset allocation can be an important tool. Having a financial strategy that includes an asset allocation plan, may help you to stay on track even as markets change rapidly.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | February 8, 2025

Having An Investment Policy Statement Is Vital To Investment Success

Over the last 40 years, a huge change has taken place in how Americans fund their retirement. Recognizing that change, and what it means to you, may be very important in determining what retirement lifestyle you can afford.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | February 1, 2025

With The New Year Comes A Portfolio Review & Adjustments

As we settle into 2025, it is a good time to review your investments and potentially make adjustments based on your results in 2024.

By MIKE BERGEN, CIMA® | January 4, 2025