Well Balanced

Where should you keep your cash in retirement? The answer is about more than just finding the highest interest rate. In this video, Sharon Calhoun, Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Bluespring Wealth, discusses how cash fits into a broader retirement strategy. From high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts to CDs, each option can serve a different purpose depending on your...

For most people, retirement doesn’t stay the same from start to finish. It tends to move through distinct phases, each with different priorities and financial rhythms.   Presented by Joe Grochowski, a senior wealth advisor at Vector Wealth Management.  Connect with Joe and the team: vectorwealth.com/contact   In this short video, I walk through what are often called the Go-Go years, the Slow-Go ye...

Retirement isn't just leaving your job—it's a life shift. Your time, your days, and your finances all change.   Here's what matters: ✅ Replace your paycheck with steady income from savings & investments ✅ Protect against inflation over 10-20 years ✅ Time Social Security & Medicare strategically ✅ Coordinate withdrawals to minimize taxes   But it's not just financial. Work gives life st...

In this informative presentation, Paul Ewing, Schwab’s Senior Technology Consultant, and Boima Freeman, Senior Financial Fraud Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, share real-world examples and actionable strategies to help you safeguard your financial accounts and personal information. Vector’s Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim moderates the fireside chat and Q&A with the au...

Fraud is no longer rare—it's happening everywhere. In 2024 alone, three out of ten people experienced attempted fraud, with one in ten falling victim. For Minnesotans age 60 and older, reported losses reached $52.2 million, with actual losses potentially much higher since many cases go unreported. In this recording, Boima Freeman, Senior Financial Fraud Investigator at the Minnesota Department of...

The S&P 500 closed 2025 with an impressive 17% gain, underscoring the market’s resilience and strength. That strong finish came despite a challenging start to the year. In this update, we revisit what last year’s swings taught us and look ahead to how broader market participation is shaping the landscape for 2026. - More details on our website: vectorwealth.com Contact us: vectorwealth.com/con...

As we kick off the new year, we want to share a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference in your financial life: organizing your financial documents.   Think of this as your Marie Kondo or Barbara Costello moment—but for your finances. A small amount of effort now can make the rest of the year feel smoother, more organized, and less stressful.   What does financial decluttering involve?...

Get a head start on your financial goals for 2026! In this episode, Chris Wagner, Wealth Advisor at Vector, shares six financial planning topics for the year ahead. Financial Planning in the New Year 73+ in 2026? Plan for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax accounts Maximize Giving with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Roth Conversion for tax-free growth once in a Roth IRA...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) recently lowered interest rates again. We discuss why—and what it could mean for markets and investors. Here’s a clear, plain-English update.   What the Fed Did   The Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate by another quarter of a percent this December, bringing the federal funds rate to about 3.50%, the lowest level in roughly three years. This marks the third consecutiv...

When it comes to retirement planning, one crucial piece often gets overlooked: your will. As you near retirement, a quick review can help ensure your wishes are clear and up-to-date, and your loved ones are protected. In this short video, we share about why, when, and how to update your will and ensure your estate documents are current and complete. If you have questions or need guidance on updati...

vectorwealth.com/contact - At Vector Wealth Management, we believe that strong families build strong legacies. One of the most effective—yet often overlooked—tools for achieving this is the regular family meeting.   Why Family Meetings Matter   Family meetings aren’t just for large family offices or businesses. They’re a powerful way for any family to improve communication, strengthen relationship...

vectorwealth.com/contact - High-earning families often do everything right: they save, they invest, and they plan ahead. But many still bump into a frustrating limitation—income limits that prevent direct Roth IRA contributions.   In this episode of Well Balanced, Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim shares a story that highlights a potential solution for high earners: the backdoor Roth IRA.   The h...

A Moment of Low Consumer Confidence — and What’s Behind It   In the most recent episode of Well-Balanced, Vector’s Jason Ranallo discusses the latest drop in U.S. consumer sentiment. November’s reading from the University of Michigan fell to 50.3, the second-lowest point since the pandemic recovery. The decline spanned age groups, income levels, and political affiliations — though households with...

Some lessons are too valuable to keep to ourselves. If there’s someone in your life—a child, grandchild, or friend—who’s just beginning to save or invest, consider passing along this episode of Well Balanced. David Moser shares a simple, yet powerful illustration of how compound interest turns small, consistent investments into lasting wealth over time. Even for those already living off their port...

If you own property in Minnesota but live elsewhere, you could face estate tax liabilities. Let’s say you live in Florida but own property in the great state of Minnesota—perhaps a summer cabin or investment real estate—understanding Minnesota’s estate tax laws is crucial for your financial planning. In this week’s Well Balanced podcast episode, Vector’s Managing Director, Sharon Calhoun discusses...

Online Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late   Fraudsters are getting smarter — and more personal. One in three adults will face an online scam attempt this year, and even the most tech-savvy among us can be caught off guard.   In this recent Well Balanced podcast, Chief Compliance Officer Suzy Klapperich and Vector advisor Charlie Gruys discuss the rising threat of online scams, i...

Medicare is an important part of retirement planning, and for many is a topic that can feel overwhelming—especially with significant changes on the horizon. In our latest video, Joe Grochowski, Senior Wealth Advisor at Vector Wealth Management, breaks down what you need to know about Medicare, upcoming changes, and how to prepare. Understanding Medicare: The Basics Medicare is the government’s hea...

Fall is the perfect time to do a little “financial spring cleaning.” At Vector, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve long-term goals, but there are also some small steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success.   Here are five easy financial tasks you can tackle this fall:   Review Your Beneficiaries Take five minutes to log into your retirement accounts, life insurance, or...

Fall is a natural time to pause, reflect, and make sure your financial plan is aligned. At Vector, we proactively look across our client’s financial picture to identify opportunities that could improve tax efficiency before December 31st.   Five Year-End Tax Planning Strategies 1.    Roth Conversions – Paying some taxes now at current rates may provide more flexibility in retirement. 2.    Tax Los...

Why September Stands Out   If you’ve heard of the “September Effect,” you already know the reputation. Over a century of data, every month of the year has averaged a positive return for the S&P 500—except September. Its historical average is a decline of about 0.8%.   At the other end of the spectrum sits July, the strongest month, with an average gain of nearly 2%. In 2025, July (and August)...

In moments when you need short-term liquidity—whether for a home down payment, a business opportunity, or bridging a timing gap—your portfolio can offer more flexibility than you might think. In our latest podcast, Wealth Advisor David Moser explores three strategic solutions available to Vector clients through their Schwab accounts. We talk though how each solution can provide access to funds bas...

In this edition of the Well Balanced podcast, we dive into three major financial stories making headlines: Stock Market Highs: The S&P 500 and NASDAQ have reached record highs, driven by optimism over potential interest rate cuts and strong corporate earnings. Earnings Season Highlights: Overall strong corporate earnings for Q2, with significant earnings growth across sectors like technology,...

In this conversation, Tom Lyons, chairman of the Minnesota Veterans Pantry and Vector’s Chris Wagner, discuss the importance of charitable giving and philanthropy. Tom shares his personal journey from military service to establishing the Minnesota Veterans Pantry, which addresses food insecurity among veterans. They explore the tax benefits of charitable contributions and the role of financial pla...

In this conversation, Tom Lyons, founder of a mergers, acquisitions, and advisory firm, and Vector’s Sharon Calhoun, discuss the intricacies of business valuations, exit strategies, and how to maximize the value of a business. They explore the importance of planning and preparation for business owners considering selling their business, the role of management in enhancing enterprise value, and com...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping tax changes—many of which could directly affect your income, savings, and estate plans.  From an expanded standard deduction to new rules for charitable giving and 529 plans, the law offers opportunities—but also new limits and deadlines you’ll want to keep on your radar.  In our latest podcast and blog, Vecto...