Resources
We keep informed on the latest trends and market insights so we can offer you the best opportunities, support and expertise – whenever you need it. Topics Select Topic 401k & Benefits Asset Allocation Ballast News Budgeting Business Buying & Selling Business Decision Support Business Planning and Consulting Business Plans Career Counseling Cash Flow Center […]
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 […]
Artificial Intelligence Wrote this Commentary in 5 Minutes
By: Cameron Hamilton, CFP®, MBA Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will Improve Productivity Tools are Publicly Available for Laypeople without Coding Knowledge Workers and Companies Must Adapt to New Technology Artificial Intelligence wrote this commentary in five minutes. Not the one you’re reading, but rather the one available at the hyperlink. […]
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 […]
Silicon Valley Bank, Likely Implications, and Client Action
Friday morning started on a positive note. Markets rejoiced with a favorable labor report showing wage inflation falling below expectations signaling that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to contain inflation may be working. However, the New York Stock Exchange, before the market opened, announced that trading on Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) had been halted. Two days […]
Employee Stock Ownership & Options
Key Takeaways: When evaluating a job offer, it is best not to focus only on salary or an hourly wage. We have the pleasure of speaking to MBA students each year and it seems like this is the biggest slip-up in job searches and compensation negotiations; you have to include benefits to get a true […]
December Market Update 2022
During the Ballast Open House last week, the advisors led a brief market update and economic discussion for those in attendance. This video was recorded live in the Ballast Conference Room with a full audience. Listen as they share current market conditions, financial planning strategies, and updates. Advisors: John Boardman, CFP®, Founder and […]
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 […]
The Investor Taxation Lifecycle
We are not CPAs nor are we tax preparers, but a great deal of our time is spent working with clients and their professionals honing a financial plan that is tax efficient. We advise our clients to hire a CPA with whom we can work together to manage their financial plans. The financial plan and […]
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. […]
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 […]
Alternative Uses of Social Security Income
Key Takeaways: Many unique situations could justify taking Social Security earlier. The psychological benefits of a new income stream can relieve anxiety around a new planning strategy. To take Social Security before age 70, the financial and non-financial benefits of claiming Social Security early should outweigh the benefits of deferral. If you […]
