Testing the Challenges of a Long Retirement
We often joke that our job was created because of increasing life expectancies and pensions seldom being offered. Obviously, finance and investing have become more complicated, and there are an ever-increasing number of investment vehicles and planning strategies we help our clients choose between. We also know there is great value placed in our ability […]
The Hidden Benefits of Saving Early in Life
We’re all aware that saving for retirement is not a strong suit for many Americans. There is no end to the alarming statistics regarding our lack of preparedness for when it’s finally time to call it a day. The most recent head-scratcher I came across was a survey conducted by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and […]
The Similarities Between Running and Saving
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu It’s race season. With the Bluegrass 10k and other races in Lexington approaching, there has been much discussion about training and running plans in the office. This recent talk about running made me realize that achieving a financial goal is […]
Debt Analysis
The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on DEBT. Debt. It’s a subject that not many people really enjoy talking about, but it’s a reality for nearly all of us. Whether it’s “good” debt in the form of a […]
Retirement Savings
The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on Insurance. A fundamental job of a financial planner is to assist clients with retirement savings. How much do you need to save? Which account types should you use? Given multiple options, where […]
Estate Planning
The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on Estate Planning. Estate planning is no longer reserved exclusively for the ultra-wealthy. An estate plan is an integral part of any sound financial plan. Whether it’s a last will, a simple testamentary […]
Evaluating a Pension Buyout
Key Takeaways: Calculating the “hurdle rate” of return is an important first step in determining whether staying in the pension or taking a lump sum is the best option for you. Beyond the math, there are other big-picture variables that should be considered before deciding. The pension vs. lump sum decision should be made […]
Year-End Financial Planning & Investments Among Market Volatility
By: Andy Reynolds, CFP®, MBA COO/Partner – Ballast, Inc. With the recent stock market volatility, many investors have, and understandably so, buried their heads in the sand, shredding investment statements without looking and focusing outside of their financial life. While many choose to simply not look, the volatility provides significant opportunities for financial improvement, several of […]
Zero-Based Budgeting for Individuals and Households
Key Takeaways: In Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB), you start your budget from zero, then only add in what is truly needed. ZBB is not only useful in a business environment, but also for individuals and households. ZBB is a great way to determine whether your spending is aligned with your goals, priorities, and values. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Simplify Budgeting to One Key Number
“Where does the money go?” is a question we, unfortunately, hear all too often when discussing budgeting and cash flow. Often the only thing simple about a family’s cash flow is that it is simply confusing. Let’s look at how we help simplify complicated family finances into one key number. Often times we see clients […]
