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Eric J. Hutchens

Hello! I’m Eric, the chief executive officer at Allodium Investment Consultants, located in Minneapolis, MN. I am dedicated to helping clients achieve their unique goals through designing tax-efficient investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning. In my spare time away from the office, I enjoy relaxing at my cabin in northwest Wisconsin with my wife, two sons, and two rescue dogs. I have also volunteered with my church, serving on the elder board and as a youth group leader.

When Headlines Rattle the Markets

Eric J. Hutchens

Geopolitical events capture our attention and stir concerns about what comes next. As tensions in the Middle East continue to evolve, investors are once again being reminded that uncertainty is a permanent feature of financial markets. The key question is not how to avoid uncertainty, but how to navigate it thoughtfully.

Five Behavioral Finance Resolutions for a Better Financial Year

Eric J. Hutchens

Budgeting goals are important, but they are only part of the picture. Learn how managing emotions, seeking outside perspectives, staying open-minded, and being thoughtful about media consumption can help you make better financial choices in the year ahead.

Timeless Wisdom from Warren Buffett

Eric J. Hutchens

n May, legendary investor Warren Buffett announced he will retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the age of 95. Sixty years ago, Buffett took over Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling New England textile company, and built it into a powerhouse that operates everything from insurance companies to household brands like Duracell batteries. Along the way, […]

Equity Compensation: Big Opportunity or Risk?

Eric J. Hutchens

Equity compensation can be a valuable benefit, offering employees an opportunity to share in their company’s success. But with that opportunity comes a unique set of risks and decisions. Understanding how equity compensation works—and how it fits into your overall financial plan—can help you maximize its potential while avoiding costly mistakes.

Reflections on the Stock Market and My Career

Eric J. Hutchens

Major market milestones often provide an opportunity to reflect. As the Dow surpassed 40,000, it prompted a look back at more than twenty years of investing through booms, busts, layoffs, market crashes, and recoveries. The lessons learned along the way reinforce a simple but powerful truth: successful investing is often less about predicting the future and more about staying the course.

Who Is the Media?

Eric J. Hutchens

Financial news is everywhere. While staying informed has its place, a steady diet of headlines, predictions, and market commentary can sometimes create more confusion than clarity. Knowing how to separate useful information from background noise can help you make better long-term investment decisions.

Should You Depend on Dividend Stocks? Part 2: Dividend Stocks vs. Total Return Investing

Eric J. Hutchens

When investors need income from a portfolio, dividends are often the first place they look. However, dividends are only one part of an investment’s overall return. This article explores why a total return strategy may provide more flexibility than relying heavily on dividend-paying stocks.

Should You Depend on Dividend Stocks?

Eric J. Hutchens

For many investors, dividend-paying stocks offer an appealing promise: steady income without having to sell investments. While that sounds attractive in theory, the reality is more nuanced. Understanding how dividends work can help investors avoid common misconceptions and make more informed portfolio decisions.

Considering Private Debt in Diversified Portfolios

Eric J. Hutchens

For years, investors seeking diversification have relied primarily on stocks and bonds. Today, alternative investments are becoming increasingly accessible, and private debt is gaining attention as a potential addition to a well-diversified portfolio. Understanding how this asset class works may help investors make more informed decisions about their long-term investment strategy.

What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?

Eric J. Hutchens

A strong U.S. dollar can sound like a win, but the effects are not that simple. It may help lower the cost of some imported goods, while also making life harder for U.S. companies that sell overseas and adding pressure to parts of the global economy.