As the world of health insurance evolves, the Annual Enrollment Period can be overwhelming and confusing. For those nearing age 65, it’s essential to understand the paths in and around Medicare regarding your financial plan. As a full-service financial planning firm, Ballast Advisors works closely with seasoned professionals in many areas of personal financial planning, … Read more
2023 survey revealed a notable shift in public opinion over the past decade about the value of a college degree: 56% of Americans think a four-year college degree isn’t worth the cost due to students graduating with significant debt and a lack of specific job skills vs. 42% who believe college is worth it. The … Read more
The IRS recently released the 2024 contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs), as well as the 2024 minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket amounts for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). What is an HSA? An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that enables you to save money to cover health-care and medical costs that your insurance doesn’t … Read more
Yes, there are good things about being old, such as increased happiness, less stress, better marriages and deeper friendships. You seldom hear that: People tend to focus on the negatives of aging. How old is “old?” I don’t know exactly, but after my recent birthday I can say that it’s much older than 58. My … Read more
The home mortgage is often the biggest transaction of a person’s life. In today’s dynamic economic landscape, mortgage interest rates play a significant role in shaping individuals’ financial plans. Whether you’re a homeowner, prospective homebuyer, or even an investor, understanding the impact of the current mortgage interest rate environment is crucial to one’s overall personal … Read more
Financial planning is a vital aspect of life. Often, the financial lessons and advice passed down from generation to generation shape an individual’s approach to finances. In honor of Mother’s Day, we are delighted to have a multi-generational family of Ballast Advisors clients, Jean, Val, and Amanda, who have agreed to share their experiences and … Read more
When working with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), investors may have heard the term “custodial relationship.” This refers to a partnership between the RIA and a financial institution that acts as the custodian of the client’s investment assets. For example, Ballast Advisors uses Charles Schwab as custodian for client investment assets. However, recent events involving … Read more
Reducing your tax liability can literally save you thousands of dollars Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, especially if you’re not fully prepared. However, with some advance planning and preparation, you can take steps to reduce your tax bill for the upcoming year. Here are 7 things you can do now … Read more
When you think of retirement, you probably envision the enjoyable ways you will spend your free time. But, you may also want to give some thought to receiving your funds while in retirement. If you participate in a company pension plan, you will have to decide how you want to receive your pension proceeds. Consider … Read more
Market downturns, like the one through the first half of 2022, could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and in the future. Taxable accounts you hold longer than a year incur long-term capital gains taxes … Read more
