Employers: Why should you offer employee benefits?

Key Takeaways: We have discussed at length the benefits that many employers may offer up and above salaries: retirement, insurance, pension, health savings plans, etc. These benefits can be very attractive to employees, with some simply seeking employment to obtain these benefits, like health insurance. This commentary changes the perspective. Let’s start to think about […]

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 […]

Review Your Benefits as You Progress Through Life

Key Takeaways: For many in the workforce, their employers provide them with benefits up and above their salary.  Life and disability insurance are very common examples (Note: health insurance is also a very common example but will be addressed in a later article).  Many times, these benefits show up as a simple line item on […]

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 […]

Evaluating the Benefits of Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts

Most employees face countless and confounding options each year when they select their benefits.  There is no unanimous choice in any benefit area, it really comes down to what the employee needs and will benefit from most, particularly long-term.  Flex spending accounts and health savings accounts are very common options these days, particularly as employers […]

Medical Professionals

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES “…They assist with advice and solutions that meet our unique situation…” This testimonial is from a client of Ballast, Inc. Clients are not compensated for sharing their opinions and experiences with our firm.  Any compensation creates a conflict of interest and any client’s comments may not be representative of any other person’s experience […]

Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES “…The professionals at Ballast, with their expertise and knowledge, were able to prepare our businesses for a safe and secure transition…” This testimonial is from a client of Ballast, Inc. Clients are not compensated for sharing their opinions and experiences with our firm.  Any compensation creates a conflict of interest and any client’s […]

Non-Profits & Charitable Organizations

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES “…our needs are met as individuals and not by a “one size fit all” approach…” Ballast advisors have a devotion to giving back to the community. As such, we have vast experience with the non-profit and charitable communities. We are equipped with knowledge to help advise organizations like yours across multiple facets from […]

Families & Individuals

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES Families & Individuals “…As a long-term client, we would enthusiastically recommend Ballast to any family looking to have a tailored long-term partnership…” This testimonial is from a client of Ballast, Inc. Clients are not compensated for sharing their opinions and experiences with our firm.  Any compensation creates a conflict of interest and any […]

Evaluating a Pension Buyout

Key Takeaways: Those entering the workforce today will most likely never feel the security offered by a pension plan like many of their parents and grandparents have.  As defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, took center stage in the late 1980s, the use of defined benefit plans as employee benefits quickly became a thing of […]

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 […]

Tax Savings on Company Stock

If you work for a publicly traded company, chances are you can own company stock inside your 401(k) retirement plan.  We’ve seen many workers nearing retirement who have accumulated substantial shares of company stock.  These workers are often unaware that they have an option with the tax treatment of these shares that could potentially result […]