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Well Balanced | Financial Planning, Bucket-Based Investing, Market Perspective, Wealth Management. A passionate and entertaining look at money and investing in and for retirement. For those that enjoy podcasts like Smart Money, On Investing, and BiggerPockets, Well Balanced is worth adding to your feed. Disclosures about our firm and this podcast. Vector Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. A copy of Vector’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC discusses among other things, Vector’s business practices, services, and fees, and is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. All content in this podcast is for information purposes. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation. This podcast and related content are not intended to render personalized investment advice, nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities or strategies discussed. Please note that neither Vector Wealth Management nor any of its agents give legal or tax advice. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Charts, graphs, and returns do not represent the performance of Vector Wealth Management or any of its advisory clients. Returns do not reflect the impact that advisory fees and other expenses would on the results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Visit vectorwealth.com/regulatory for the firms form CRS and ADV.
Episodes
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
FYR009: 5 Financial Planning Topics for Recent Grads with Vector's Jason Ranallo
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Our message today is for the students in your life. Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and transitions like graduation can mark milestones in your student’s education journey. We know that many in our audience value the importance of establishing a solid financial foundation, and starting early can be a big part of that.
Here are five financial planning topics perfect for sharing with those just starting out in their careers or taking the next step.
- Create a Budget
- Manage Student Loans
- Build an Emergency Fund
- Start Saving, Consider Investing
- Maintain Good Credit
Focusing on these simple financial habits can help establish a solid financial foundation. Jason Ranallo, director of portfolio management at Vector, discusses these topics and why they are important. We invite you to share this content and start a conversation.
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
v24162132
Wednesday May 29, 2024
FYR008: Savings Strategies for College and Beyond with Chris Wagner
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Did you know that May 29th is 529 Day? This quirky, not-quite-a-holiday day is a great opportunity to learn about planning for your family's future education needs while enjoying some light-hearted fun. Listen or watch our latest podcast episode to find out how 529s, and other savings accounts, can help you save smartly for education expenses.
In this podcast, dated 5/29, Chris Wagner, a wealth advisor at Vector, discusses financial planning to help you maximize your college savings potential. He emphasizes the importance of starting early to benefit from compound growth and discusses contribution limits and the tax implications of various approaches.
Key Features of a 529 Plan:
- Tax Benefits: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free.
- Qualified Expenses: Funds can be used for a range of education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board at eligible colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Recent changes also allow for up to $10,000 per year to be used for K-12 tuition.
- Flexibility: You can open a 529 plan from any state, not just your own, and use the funds at any eligible institution nationwide.
- Contribution Limits: While there are no annual contribution limits, contributions are subject to federal gift tax rules. In 2024, you can contribute up to $18,000 per beneficiary without triggering gift taxes.
- Under recent tax law changes, unused dollars in a college 529 account can be rolled over to a Roth IRA for the same beneficiary. There are a few stipulations; be sure to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making changes.
Time & Chapters
00:00 … Wealth Advisor Chris Wagner
00:52 … What is a 529 Plan?
02:35 … How to contribute to a 529
05:45 … Setting College Savings Goals
09:55 … Taxes & Converting 529 to Roth IRA
17:15 … Potential state tax deductions
19:44 … Alternatives to 529 Plans: UTMA Accounts
23:22 … Savings & Gifting Strategies
26:33 … Closing Remarks and Regulatory
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To learn more about optimizing your college savings strategy, connect with the Vector team for personalized advice.
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24080107
Friday May 24, 2024
FYR007: Master Your Next Car Purchase with Vector’s Mike Nesheim
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
If you’re considering buying a new car within the next few years, this podcast is for you. For many clients, a new car purchase is a significant financial decision. Senior wealth advisor Mike Nesheim, CFP®, talks through several aspects of car buying, from leases and loans to selling taxable investments to fund the purchase. As a financial planner, Mike emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead and strategically approaching car purchases.
Mike says that knowing a vehicle’s cash price upfront is crucial. It allows for a more explicit comparison of financing and leasing options without falling into the trap of attractive monthly payment schemes that might carry high interest rates.
The podcast discussion gets into the implications of different payment methods. With interest rates currently higher than in previous years, Mike says a cash offer might be the way to go, depending on your financial situation. He also points out that the tax implications of withdrawing large sums from retirement accounts could push you into a higher tax bracket.
Additional costs such as insurance, registration fees, and potential add-ons like gap insurance and extended warranties should be part of the financial considerations. While dealership terms and pricing appear more up-front, Mike still recommends being prepared to walk away if the deal is not working for you.
In our view, integrating car purchases into long-term financial planning is a best practice. Mike advocates for earmarking assets ahead of time to avoid liquidating investments during market downturns or suffering potentially avoidable tax consequences. By maintaining a proactive approach, you can make informed, economically sound decisions that align with your overall financial goals.
Contact Mike and the Vector Wealth team for personalized advice tailored to your financial situation.
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Podcast Chapters
00:03 … Introducing Mike Nesheim CFP®
00:36 … Planning Your Car Purchase
01:57 … Buying and Leasing Differences
03:57 … Financial Considerations
07:17 … Additional Costs and Negotiations
11:52 … Comprehensive Financial Planning
15:00 … Regulatory
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24144127
Thursday May 16, 2024
MP005: Market Perspective with Vector’s Jason Ranallo
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
In this week's Market Perspective, we get into some noteworthy stats coming out of markets and the economy. Here are the highlights:
Stock Market: The S&P 500 recently experienced a 5% swing during the March-April-May period. The U.S. stock market is now back to an all-time high. Part of the reason for the move up, we believe, is due to corporate earnings results which have been stronger than expected. About 77% of companies have reported results above expectations.
Jobs Market: The job market continues to present a "Goldilocks" scenario with historically low unemployment rates and robust job growth. However, the Employment Trends Index hints at a slight slowdown in job growth later this year.
Small Business Sentiment: Optimism among small business owners dipped in March due to inflation concerns but rebounded slightly in April, exceeding expectations.
Inflation and PPI: The Producer Price Index (PPI), which is a measure of inflation from the perspective of producers and manufacturers, rose more than anticipated. This suggests potential future increases in the pipeline for consumer prices, potentially foreshadowing persistent inflationary pressures.
Vector Insights: In our analysis we find market declines of 5% occur relatively frequently, every 51 market days on average. A 10% decline occurs about every year and a half. Market swings will occur which can test the emotions of long-term investors. Rather than losing sleep over natural short-term market volatility we stress the importance of having a plan in place for when markets go up, and down.
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24134123
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Finding meaning and purpose beyond financial security becomes principal, especially as one transitions into retirement. In this podcast, Vector's Scott and Ezra talk with senior wealth advisor Joe Grochowski to explore how retirees have harnessed their newfound freedom and resources to lead fulfilling lives.
The acronym PUSH stands for Purpose, Use Time, Socialize, and Health.
Purpose is fundamental, acting as the driving force behind daily activities. For instance, one of our clients found renewed vigor by taking a part-time job, not for the income but for the structure and social interaction it provided. This pivot highlights the necessity of having clear goals and activities that infuse life with meaning and joy.
Using Time is about balancing relaxation with active involvement. Our clients often enrich their lives by engaging in events and activities that also allow them to help others, fostering a sense of achievement and fulfillment. This approach enhances personal well-being and strengthens bonds with friends and family.
Socialization plays a critical role in a healthy retirement lifestyle. Our discussions reveal that social connections are crucial, whether with family, friends, or community groups. These relationships often hold the retirement experience together, providing emotional support and preventing isolation.
Health is the cornerstone that supports all other aspects of a fulfilling retirement. Active lifestyles, whether through walking, yoga, or more intense activities like pickleball, are common among our clients. Maintaining physical Health ensures that retirees enjoy their activities and social engagements without undue constraints.
At Vector, we believe a successful retirement strategy should encompass more than financial stability; it must also consider how one will use their time, who they will spend it with, and how they will maintain their health. Retirement, transitioning from structured routines to what is often referred to as 'free time,' presents a complex yet rewarding journey. We strive to guide our clients towards a retirement that is as rich in purpose as it is in sound financial decisions.
Time and Topics
00:02 … Exploring Retirement Visions
02:03 … Importance of Purpose in Retirement
04:07 … Transitioning to Free Time
06:03 … Financial Planning and Lifestyle Goals
08:05 … The Role of Socialization in Retirement
10:19 … Volunteering and Community Engagement
12:29 … Health and Activity in Retirement
14:22 … Regulatory
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24106115
Friday Apr 26, 2024
FYR006: Social Engineering with Sharon Calhoun and Suzy Klapperich
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
In our latest podcast episode, Sharon Calhoun, managing director at Vector Wealth Management, and Suzy Klapperich, chief compliance officer, discuss the pressing issue of social engineering and cybercrime. Their discussion sheds light on the manipulative tactics that scammers use and provides valuable insights on how to safeguard your personal information.
Key Highlights from the Discussion:
- Rising Threat: We’re seeing an alarming rise in fraud cases, with statistics showing hundreds of millions affected by data breaches and nearly a million complaints reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2023 alone.
- Understanding Social Engineering: Social engineering involves manipulative tactics by scammers to steal sensitive data. These criminals exploit human psychology, targeting stressed or distracted individuals to trick them into compromising their security.
- Common Emotional Triggers: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, trust, fear, desperation, curiosity, or sympathy to manipulate their targets. Each emotion is leveraged to push the victim into making hasty decisions.
- Real-Life Examples: Sharon shares personal anecdotes about suspicious emails that mimicked legitimate communications from known brands like Delta and Xfinity, emphasizing how realistic and convincing these fraudulent attempts can appear.
- Preventive Measures: Suzy stresses the importance of skepticism and caution, especially when dealing with unexpected phone calls or emails. She advises against relying on caller ID or email reply addresses, as scammers can falsify these to appear legitimate.
Three Practical Takeaways
- Stay Informed: Always verify any unusual or unexpected requests by contacting the company using known and trusted contact information.
- Guard Your Data: Limit the personal information you share online. More information available to the public means more ammunition for fraudsters.
- Use Direct Access: Bookmark, use the company's mobile app, or directly type in the URLs of important sites like banking or investment portals to avoid deceptive ads or spoofed websites.
Connect with Us:
Don't hesitate to reach out if you encounter any suspicious activity or need advice on protecting your financial information. Our team at Vector Wealth Management is here to assist you in securing your assets and peace of mind.
Time and Chapters
00:25 ... Introduction to Social Engineering
03:00 ... Emotional Manipulation Tactics Unveiled
11:09 ... Real-life Examples of Fraud Attempts
15:44 ... Preventive Measures Against Fraud
18:32 ... How to Identify and Avoid Scams
22:00 ... Closing Thoughts and Regulatory
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24106114
Friday Apr 19, 2024
MP004: Market Update with Jason Ranallo
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Did you know that over half of the global voting populace will have the chance to vote in what’s been dubbed the biggest election year in history.
In this Market Perspective podcast, Vector’s Jason and Ezra discuss the S&P 500’s recent highs, economic trends, and the implications of geo-political events on the markets. We get into persistent inflation rates, noting a shift from anticipated declines to a slight acceleration, potentially altering the timeline for expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The labor market's resilience continues to be a pivotal force in economic momentum, despite the challenges posed by inflation and higher interest rates, the U.S. economy has added jobs for 39 consecutive months. BLS data shows the unemployment rate was below 4% for 26 months in a row, the longest streak since the late 1960s.
In the episode we also touch on the significance of market breadth, which has recently widened, signaling a healthier participation across a spectrum of companies. If market gains are led by only a handful of companies, then the fragility of the stock market may be greater.
The VIX, not to be confused with Vic’s Bar & Grill in downtown Victoria, is an index that measures market volatility, has been on the rise recently. A higher VIX number coincides with larger or more frequent swings in the stock market. We talk about the volatility index as a tool to inform investors about the current state of unrest or stability in the market.
As we reflect on this historic year of elections, it’s evident that the choices we make can reverberate through the markets and beyond. With each episode, we're committed to providing clarity amidst complexity and fostering resilience in your financial life.
Listen to this podcast and others on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Charts and video available on our blog.
Times & Titles
00:00 ... The Global Election Year: Navigating Political Winds
02:10 ... Market Highs and Economic Signals: Q1 2024 Snapshot
04:51 ... Interest Rate Trajectories and Inflationary Trends
07:14 ... Shelter Costs and Auto Insurance: The Inflation Impact
10:55 ... Consumer Spending and the Power of the Job Market
13:46 ... Political Outcomes and Market Implications
17:45 ... VIX and Market Volatility: Reading the Pendulum Swing
21:33 ... Understanding Market Breadth and Top Company Influence
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vectorwealth.com/regulatory
V24107116
Friday Apr 12, 2024
FYR005: The 10 Best Days with David Moser
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
In this latest podcast episode, David Moser, wealth advisor at Vector Wealth, discusses the implications of missing just the ten best days in the market over 20 years. We look at a recent 20-year period of the S&P 500 stock index and find that its performance was halved from 9.8% annualized to just 5.6% when missing those precious 10 days.
Put another way, an initial investment of $10,000 in the S&P 500, left untouched for 20 years, would have grown to around $65,000. Being out of the market on those ten big-upward-move days would result in the investment being worth just $30,000. *
This episode serves as a reminder of the timeless adage in investing: it's about time in the market, not timing the market. We emphasize the importance of having a plan and sticking to it during periods of heightened uncertainty. Also avoiding the temptation to make emotionally charged decisions.
David points out that many of the best market days are clustered in time near the worst ones, making it nearly impossible to predict the optimal times to enter and exit the market. He advocates for a disciplined, patient approach, focusing on long-term growth rather than chasing short-term fluctuations.
Charts and video available on our blog.
Time & Section Titles
00:05 – Introductions with David Moser
00:52 - The Impact of Staying Invested in the Market
01:39 - Navigating Market Turbulence Over Two Decades
02:21 - The Cost of Missing the Market’s Best Days
03:54 - The Challenges and Realities of Market Timing
05:01 - The Fundamentals of Successful Long-Term Investing
07:11 - Summary: The Importance of Discipline and Planning in Investing
* The historical performance calculations are discussed for illustrative purposes only. Any calculations discussed are gross of fees and reflect the reinvestment of all dividends. If fees were included, returns would be lower. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. An individual cannot invest directly in an index.
vectorwealth.com/regulatory
Media ID: V24081108