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THE BALLAST BALANCE Plan for the Future. Live for Today. https://ballastplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Hero-Video_Ballast.mp4 Built For Financial Security, By Financial Experts You work hard every day. Let us take on some of the work so you can fully enjoy life. Maximum Utility We help you optimize the way you accumulate, spend, and give your money. As your life […]
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 […]
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 […]
Cash Flow Planning
The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on Cash Flow. Cash flow planning is perhaps the most fundamental building block of financial planning. You need to have the money in to cover required expenses, entertainment, and saving for future […]
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 […]
Pre-RMD & Social Security Roth Conversions
Key Takeaways: Retiring before age 70 is the norm in the United States. While longevity continues to increase, the desire to retire later, work part-time in retirement or have a transitional job before retirement does not appeal to the masses. From a financial advisor standpoint, this presents ample financial planning opportunities for retirees before they […]
Asset Allocation Factors: Time and Emotion
When we meet with a new client, one of our tasks is to determine an appropriate asset allocation for the funds they invest. At a very basic level, the question we are trying to answer is “what percentage of the investment portfolio will be comprised of equities (stocks), and what percentage will be fixed-income (bonds)?” […]
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 […]
Give and Get: Qualified Charitable Distributions
Key Takeaways With Scottie Scheffler donning the green jacket Sunday, it’s no longer Masters week. Now, we move on to everyone’s second favorite spring tradition, tax week! We all love Augusta, GA, where cellphones are not permitted, and pimento cheese sandwiches are still only $1.50; they have a great formula, and it won’t change anytime […]
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 […]
Planning Opportunities with SECURE Act 2.0
SECURE Act 2.0 is good for retirement savers. Key Takeaways: RMD Age Delayed from 72 to 73, then 75 for those born in 1960 & later Expanded Roth savings opportunities Expanded savings opportunities, especially for pre-retirees It’s becoming a holiday tradition. On the morning of Christmas eve, I sat down to a cup […]
