Case Study: Building a Legacy
The Power of a Multi-Generational Family Financial Plan In today’s complex and fast-paced financial environment, families with substantial assets face a critical question: How can we ensure that our wealth not only endures, but also empowers future generations? The answer lies in the thoughtful design and disciplined execution of a multi-generational financial plan. For high-net-worth […]
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 […]
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 […]
Magazine & Webinars
Ballast Financial Planning Resources: Free Webinars & Investment Magazine Read the Magazine Our quarterly wealth management magazine delivers timely financial planning insights written by our team of advisors. Read the latest issue! Read Now Watch Webinars Next Webinar: Tuesday, February 174:00 PM Register here Take the Quiz How does your financial plan compare? Take our […]
Watch: Market Update
In today’s unpredictable financial landscape, market volatility can be daunting for investors. Recently, John, Andy, and Brian discussed the current environment and share their insights on how to navigate turbulent waters while staying the course. With the right strategies, a well-thought-out plan, and a steady hand, investors can weather the storms of market fluctuations […]
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 […]
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 […]
A New Year Update
This past year was, as usual, eventful for investors and beneficial for equity owners. In a Presidential election year, it can often be difficult to measure the true tone of economic optimism within this country. Voters generally feel more optimistic when their party is in power and less so when their candidate is challenging an […]
2024 Year-End Financial Insights: Markets, Taxes, AI & Election Impact from Ballast Advisors
As we wrap up 2024, Ballast is here to clarify the major financial themes shaping this year and what they could mean for the future. Listen to conversations from Ballast advisors John Boardman, Andy Reynolds, Cameron Hamilton, Brian Burton, and Frank Yozwiak as this year-end review offers insights into: 00:00:00 Begin 00:00:38 1️⃣ Markets […]
Positive Thoughts = Positive Results
If you enjoy the deep-dive economic analysis and financial planning strategies, I suggest passing over my more sentimental commentary this week. I sat down to write Sunday after an unprecedented week of family togetherness centered around Thanksgiving, filled with gratitude and positivity. It was a nice reprieve from the generally more negative outlook we receive […]