BCSWM’s The Benchmark

Nick and Philip discuss the catalysts behind the stock market’s decline during the week of July 29 and on August 5, 2024. They explain the economic headlines that led to the selloff. They further discuss the implications for long-term investors. How should investors react to abrupt stock market volatility like on August 5? Giving reassuring context and citing historical data, they encourage folks...

This episode compares and contrasts investing in tangible real estate vs. investing in financial assets. While both approaches may provide income and growth, they both have advantages and nuances to consider. In that light, Philip, Nick, and Scott weigh real estate investing and investing in financial assets like stocks and bonds. Towards the end, they discuss Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)...

In this episode, we’re breaking down something that has been in the market headlines recently: stock splits. Join us as we explore what stock splits are, why companies choose to split their stocks, and how these actions can impact your investments. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, tune in for a concise and informative 15-minute discussion that will keep you ahead in the world o...

Scott Hoilman presents an overview of supplemental group insurance offerings beyond group health insurance. This informative episode describes these extra plans that help employers attract and retain quality employees. Scott discusses the following types of group policies: dental and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage...

Philip, John, and Nick share timeless financial principles that they would tell their younger selves. They discuss the importance of building a base of personal financial knowledge starting in high school or earlier. They talk about personal budgeting and investing. On the investing topic, they explain compound returns and suggest approaching investing with a long-term outlook. Later, they give ad...

Scott, Nick, and Nathan talk about interest rates. Although the topic might seem unexciting on the surface, they explain why interest rates are crucial to the broad world of finance and investing. They discuss topics such as the Federal Reserve’s role in swaying interest rates, how interest rates affect markets, and interest rates’ implications for portfolio design.

Nick, John, and Philip discuss the inevitable volatility of the stock market. A timeless conversation, they put market volatility in perspective. They discuss market volatility statistics, what history shows about the market’s dips, and how to remain resilient during such times. They offer perspective that hopefully is useful and comforting for long-term investors.

Nick, Nathan, and Scott give a candid and informative introduction to Bitcoin. They define Bitcoin and the blockchain, explaining how they work from a high level. They assess the pros and cons to Bitcoin, specifically about the digital asset as an investment. Is it a viable long-term investment? How might it fit into a portfolio? How may an investor access Bitcoin as an investment? They share bala...

This insightful episode highlights learning points from the book “The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy” by Paul Sullivan (2015). Philip, Nick, and Nathan chat about timeless personal finance lessons that Sullivan discusses in the book. They describe the author’s concept of the “thin green line” of personal finance. They talk about the difference that Sullivan aptly notes bet...

Join us for a discussion on some of the high-level topics of employer-offered health insurance. Scott Hoilman and Nathan Goodwin go over striking statistics and compare various types of health plans by defining their key components. Several topics are covered, including advice and ideas for employers and HR to keep costs down, keep employees happy for the long-term, and manage the plan efficiently...

Nathan, Myra, and John offer viewpoints about estate planning basics. They focus this conversation on common estate planning mistakes. They discuss the risks of failing to make an estate plan, not updating documents after significant life events, making mistakes about beneficiary designations, and other blunders.

In this fun episode, Scott, Nick, and Philip debunk 11 common financial myths. The topics range from misnomers about investing to oversimplifications dealing with personal financial planning. Scott, Nick, and Philip address these myths: Markets go up or down based on which political party holds the presidency. (2:58) It’s a bad time to invest when the market is at an all-time high. (6:29) I can ti...

Nick, John, and Myra discuss the various facets of risk that come up during the investment management process. They explain how “risk” has no single definition. Rather, they discuss how different types of risk may come into play in different investing contexts. They offer perspectives about managing and living with risk in order to achieve the rewards that a long-term investing philosophy should p...

Nick, Scott, and P.B. discuss the topic of behavioral finance and share insights to prevent derailing your long term financial plan. 

Join us for a chat reviewing 2023 and looking ahead to 2024! Nathan, Scott, and Philip recap 2023’s market performance and summarize the themes that propelled the markets last year. They discuss what is on investors’ minds in 2024, including the U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. They offer thoughts about how long-term investors should approach these driver...

The end of the year is quickly approaching! The team shares important considerations as we round out 2023 on today's episode. 

What are the main differences between trading and long term investing? Nick, Nathan, Scott, and John share their insights and helpful statistics on this hot topic in today's podcast. 

October is Estate Planning Awareness Month! In this episode, we discuss the basics of trusts, including the different trust types and their uses. 

The BCS Wealth Management team is happy to introduce TheBenchmark! This podcast is a platform for our financial advisors to answer common questions, share insights, and provide tips along the way. We look forward to going on this journey with our listeners!