WATCH: Protecting Your Personal Data
One of our favorite clichés is “you’re only as strong as your weakest link.” In your financial life, cash flow, retirement contributions, and spending habits are all “links” that can make or break your plan. One link in personal finance that is often overlooked is data and credit security. While technology has brought major improvements […]
Investing at Stock Market All-Time Highs: What to Do When the S&P 500 and Dow Hit Records
As the S&P 500 approaches 7,000 and the Dow Jones nears 50,000 in early 2026, many investors are wondering: Is now the time to sell? Stock market all-time highs often trigger anxiety, but historical data reveals a surprising truth about investing during record-breaking periods. This article explains why market peaks are a normal part of […]
2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits & Year-End Tax Planning
As 2025 draws to a close, now is the perfect time to review your retirement planning strategy and prepare for the new 2026 retirement contribution limits. The IRS has announced increased limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs, while year-end planning opportunities like tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, and Required Minimum Distributions require attention before December 31st. […]
NIL Gives a Lesson in Time Value of Money
Most of the families we serve are not NCAA athletes at power conference schools, but many are fans and season ticket holders. They are more likely to be athletic boosters than athletic legends, starting with yours truly! But we all inhabit the same financial landscape and use the same tools to make decisions. I hope our families with […]
Managing a Household Allocation
One of our mantras in planning is to “Know What You Own.” Peter Lynch popularized this term during his management of a Fidelity mutual fund in the 1980’s, and we think it applies to more than just investments. Your home, your health insurance, your business, and yes, your investments each have features, risks, and opportunities […]
Market Update & April 16th Video Invitation with Ballast Advisors
As many have noticed, volatility has returned to the equity markets, largely due to the recent wave of global tariffs introduced by President Trump on Wednesday. While these tariffs are intended to strengthen the U.S. economy over the long term, their short- to mid-term impact is likely to bring increased volatility, uncertainty, and market speculation. This […]
Beware of Scams and Fraud Attempts!
At Ballast, safeguarding your financial future goes beyond smart investing—it also means protecting your assets from fraud. This week, we’re featuring insights from our Chief Compliance Officer, Jeff Lehmann, who shares essential strategies to help you recognize and avoid scams. Whether it’s identifying red flags in financial transactions or staying ahead of evolving threats, Jeff’s […]
Social Security Changes for People with Government Pensions
In January, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, which ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change is significant for people whose Social Security benefits are reduced by a government pension from work where Social Security taxes were not collected. A Brief, High-Level Summary […]
Higher for Longer: What Does it Mean for Housing and Markets?
The turn of the calendar has many people resolved to make a positive change, while a few are resigning themselves to eschew the resolutions and embrace their everyday selves. Interest rates are in the latter camp. This time last year, market expectations of rate cuts were “New Year, New Me,” with futures markets pricing in […]
How Will the Fed’s Interest Rate Cuts Affect You?
Last week, the Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate cut since the early days of the Pandemic. The highly anticipated rate cut resulted in a 50-basis point (half of one percent) reduction in the Federal Funds Rate, an important overnight borrowing rate set by the Federal Reserve. Outside of Covid, the last time the […]
Five Attributes of Life-Changing Summer Jobs
Take a Pop Quiz! Suppose you have $100 in a savings account and the interest rate is 2% per year. After five years, will you have more than $102, exactly $102, or less than $102? That’s one of three questions used worldwide to test financial literacy. In the United States, only 30% of adults can […]
The Importance of Asset Allocation and Diversification
As we flip the calendar and enter 2024, many people create New Year’s Resolutions, largely designed to improve an aspect of their lives. Many of these goals are exercise, diet, or financial based. One area we always encourage people to review at the start of each year is their investment portfolio, the risk associated with […]