Corporate Strategy: Trick or Treat?

Corporate strategies can tell opposing stories about a firm’s future   Key Takeaways: Earnings season has seen growth companies downgraded amid rate hikes CEO’s actions must be weighed by investors at a firm-specific level Layoffs, buybacks, CapEx, debt, & dividends each contribute to firm outcomes     We are in the middle of third-quarter earnings […]

Evaluation of a Job Offer

Key Takeaways – The following considerations must be made when reviewing an opportunity to take a new job or leave a W2 salary to start a business.   Nearly 93% of Americans earn income outside their primary job1. What are all the aspects of my compensation package?  This includes salary and other benefits such as […]

The Driving Forces Behind the Closely Watched Consumer Price Index (CPI)

By: Brian Burton, CFP®   Key Takeaways: CPI is the average change in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services over time that demonstrates price trends within the economy The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports index weights for eight major categories and many more specific items resulting in the […]

Employee Stock Ownership & Options

Key Takeaways:   Company stock plans & stock options have many customizable details Employees should understand their stock plan’s features & tax consequences With correct utilization, employee stock can meaningfully increase compensation     When evaluating a job offer, it is best not to focus only on salary or an hourly wage.  We have the […]

October Market Update

This week, John Boardman (Founder and CEO) and Andy Reynolds (COO and Partner) sat down to discuss some of the factors at play in this market environment, how we address those as an advisory firm, and share some of the conversations they’ve been having with clients. Check out the video for the full discussion.  If you have any questions, please reach […]

Cash Flow Autopilot

The Ballast Atheneum has focused on many aspects of cash flow planning, including budgeting, retirement savings vs. paying down debt, costs of vehicle ownership, and cash flow planning vs. long-term care.  This article shares a case study that we try to create for working clients.  We have implemented this Retirement Autopilot for many people and […]