Artificial Intelligence Wrote this Commentary in 5 Minutes

Cameron Hamilton

Weekly Update

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.  … Continued

Cash Flow Planning

Ballast

Weekly Update

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 … Continued

Debt Analysis

Ballast

Weekly Update

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 … Continued

Retirement Savings

Ballast

Weekly Update

The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on Insurance.   A fundamental job of a financial planner is to assist clients with retirement savings. How much do you need to save? Which account types should you use? Given multiple options, … Continued

Silicon Valley Bank, Likely Implications, and Client Action

John Boardman

Weekly Update

By: John V. Boardman, III     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 … Continued

Insurance

Ballast

Weekly Update

The Ballast Atheneum is a collection of our thoughts on the twelve most important topics in financial planning. Today, the focus is on Insurance.   Insurance may be the most common form of financial protection out there. From protecting your loved ones from financial hardship after an untimely loss to protecting your income stream or … Continued

Fed Rates, Inflation, Yields

Frank Yozwiak

Weekly Update

What a difference a couple of years makes.  Even the casual fan has likely heard the talk about interest rates and felt inflation during these past twenty-four months.  Two years ago, in February 2021, the Federal Funds target rate was 0 – 0.25%.  It remained there until just over a year ago in March 2022.  … Continued

Estate Planning

Ballast

Weekly Update

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 … Continued

Planning Opportunities with SECURE Act 2.0

Cameron Hamilton

Weekly Update

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 … Continued

2022 Market Recap and 2023 Outlook

Ballast

Weekly Update

To kick off the new year, John Boardman (CEO, Founder) and Andy Reynolds (COO, Partner) sat down to recap the economic environment in 2022 and discuss the 2023 outlook. Click the play button below to watch.     Topics include: Recent economic data and performance The 1% of market volatility on trading days Market fundaments … Continued