Well Balanced

In our latest podcast episode, Jason Ranallo, Director of Portfolio Management, provides an in-depth review of recent market performance and key economic trends. Starting with last quarter’s market performance and discussing recent all-time highs. We also cover September’s Federal Reserve cut, yield curve normalization, and mortgage rates. Whether you're interested in understanding the current sta...

In our latest podcast episode, Scott Rose and Sharon Calhoun dive into financial considerations during and after a divorce. Sharon is managing director at Bluespring Wealth Midwest and holds a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both the emotional and financial aspects of divorce.  Note that this episode is the second conversation on...

In our latest podcast episode with Jason Ranallo, we dive into strong market performance over the last couple of years and rebalancing opportunities. Listen in to learn how prior year tax carryforwards work and how investors use them to offset taxes on future capital gains. Jason explains how investors can use tactics like rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting in their portfolios. Plus, we discuss i...

In our latest podcast, we explore the Federal Reserve’s recent half-point interest rate cut—from 5.5% to 5%. This is the Fed’s first major reduction since 2019 and coincidentally occurred on the same day as a half-point cut in 2007. Here’s a brief look at how this rate cut may impact you: Savers and Borrowers Borrowers: Lower rates mean cheaper borrowing costs, benefiting those with variable-rate...

This week's podcast discusses divorce's emotional and financial complexities. It features personal insights from Vector's Scott Rose and expert advice from managing director Sharon Calhoun, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of asset division, spousal support, and the importance of building a professional team early in the process. Sharon explain...

In this episode of our Well Balanced podcast, Jason Ranallo sits down with George, who is four years into retirement and a client at Vector. In this conversation, they unpack a life enriched by travel, birdwatching, and the pursuit of experiences. George shares how he has prioritized travel and adventure, starting with canoe trips in the Ozarks and SCUBA diving in Mexico. Later in life, when his k...

News Recap: Inflation, Mortgage Rates, and the Stock Market. Learn why owning assets that outpace inflation is a key tenet to navigating today's economic landscape. We explore recent trends in inflation, mortgage rates, and the stock market, offering insights on how to preserve your purchasing power. - vectorwealth.com/contact - vectorwealth.com/regulatory - Transcript: In this episode of Market P...

Did you know that individuals can gift up to $18,000 without incurring any tax? For married couples, this amount can be doubled to $36,000 through gift splitting, making it a powerful tool for transferring wealth. In our latest podcast episode, senior wealth advisor Mike Nesheim discusses the annual gift tax exclusion, among other financial planning strategies for intra-generational wealth transfe...

We are excited to share the latest conversation in our intra-generational wealth transfer series. In this episode, Chris Wagner, one of Vector's knowledgeable wealth advisors, shares financial planning insights to help ensure your financial legacy. Learn how to use different financial planning tools to avoid probate, set wealth transfer conditions, and honor your wishes. We discuss beneficiary des...

Ever wondered how to effectively pass on your legacy while ensuring your own financial security? Learn about intra-generational wealth transfer with Joe Grochowski, a long-serving advisor at Vector Wealth. Joe shares his practical experience to help you navigate the complexities of gifting, inheritance, and financial planning.  This episode isn't just about numbers; it's about making thoughtful de...

In our latest podcast episode, Jason Ranallo, Director of Portfolio Management, provides an in-depth review of recent market performance and key economic trends. Starting with last quarter’s market and discussing the impact of index concentration, this episode is packed with valuable insights. We also cover global investment, currency exchange effects, housing market trends, inflation, wage growth...

We are excited to share insights from Vector’s latest Well Balanced podcast episode, which features Tory Schaefer, Senior Director of Yoga Operations at Lifetime. Tory joins Sharon Calhoun, Vector’s Managing Director , to discuss the importance of integrating a wellness practice, like yoga, into your life. Discover how to stay present, reduce stress, and support better decision-making. Whether you...

As of this month, there are only three companies in the world that have achieved a market capitalization (market value) of over $3 trillion: Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. One thing these companies have in common is artificial intelligence.   In this Market Perspective episode, Vector’s Jason Ranallo discusses past and present concentrations of market leadership. We look back 30 years to companies...

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 star...

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 ad...

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...

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...

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 fundament...

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: Risin...

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 dec...

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 t...

In our latest podcast, Vector wealth advisor, Charlie Gruys delves into the role of scenario planning to align one’s investment policy with their life needs and goals. The conversation explores how engaging with different financial scenarios may help clarify the path towards a more confident financial future. By carefully modeling various financial decisions, such as the purchase of new vehicles,...

Are annuities a boon or a bane for your portfolio? When is it wise to hold onto an annuity, and when might it be time to let go? In this podcast episode, we talk through annuities with Vector senior wealth advisor Mike Nesheim. An annuity is a financial product issued by an insurance company, generally designed to create an income stream. Periodically, clients come to Vector with one or more annui...

In this week’s episode of our Market Perspective podcast, we dive into recent financial news and its implications on the economy. We kick off the discussion with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's recent comments on potential interest rates adjustments. Powell said, “When we do get that confidence, and we’re not far from it, it’ll be appropriate to begin to dial back the level of restriction...

Sharon Calhoun, managing director at Vector, is joined by senior housing counselors Liz Rue and Lisa Woltrang from Folkestone, a senior living community in Wayzata. In this conversation, they emphasize the necessity of discussing transitions during times of calm rather than crisis, allowing for thoughtful decision-making. According to the Administration for Community Living, 70% of adults over 65...