Well Balanced

Vector Wealth Management

Well Balanced | Financial Planning, Goals 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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part Two Fireside, Q&A

    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 audience. Suzy Klapperich, Vector’s Chief Compliance Officer, shares a best practice of having trusted contacts on file with your financial advisor and financial custodians. Learn about: Email Security Best Practices - Why email is the #1 attack vector and how to protect sensitive information Password Management - The critical importance of unique, long passwords and password manager tools Multi-Factor Authentication - Adding essential layers of security to your accounts Phishing & Social Engineering - How to recognize and avoid sophisticated scam attempts Romance & Investment Scams - Real cases and warning signs to watch for Check Fraud & Mail Security - Protecting yourself from check washing and mail theft Credit Freezing - Preventing identity theft with credit bureau freezes Minnesota Safe Senior Act - Legal protections available to prevent financial exploitation Discover practical tips like using VPNs, avoiding public WiFi, cleaning up old emails, and setting up trusted contacts. Whether you're concerned about protecting your retirement savings or simply want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, this session provides essential knowledge to keep you and your family safe in an increasingly digital world. - V26050315_2

    59 min
  2. 4D AGO

    Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part One with Boima Freeman

    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 Commerce shares his experience with a presentation focused on: the impact of financial exploitation, trends and tactics, the MN Safe Senior Act, and his advice on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of financial fraud. Sharon Calhoun, Managing Director and Suzy Klapperich, Chief Compliance Officer at Vector Wealth Management kick off this recorded live event and introduce Boima. Check out a second live recording from the event featuring Schwab’s Senior Technology Consultant Paul Ewing and Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim, along with Boima Freeman for a fireside chat and Q&A with the audience. Visit our blog for more. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters impersonate trusted companies, government agencies, and even family members. They create urgency and fear, keeping victims on the phone while coaching them on what to say to their banks. Common tactics include tech support pop-ups, romance scams, investment schemes, and government imposter calls.   Three Critical Rules to Remember: Don't answer unknown calls—if it's important, they'll leave a voicemail Hang up immediately if something feels wrong Verify by contacting the company directly using a number you trust   Red flags include requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers; demands for secrecy; and pressure to act immediately. The IRS will never ask for gift cards. Banks don't call demanding you move money to "secure locations." Vector Wealth Management recently prevented a major fraud when a long-time client attempted to liquidate his entire portfolio. Through persistence and partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, they discovered he'd fallen victim to a Microsoft tech support scam. Protect yourself: Establish trusted contacts with your financial institutions, create unique passwords for different accounts, and never rush financial decisions. If someone pressures you to keep secrets or act immediately, it's a scam. Remember: Only you can prevent fraud. When in doubt, hang up and verify through official channels. - V26050315_1

    43 min
  3. JAN 9

    Organizing Your Financial Documents for the New Year with Charlie Gruys

    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? It really comes down to three key areas: account statements, tax documents, and important legal paperwork.   1. Account Statements & Confirmations   Your monthly or quarterly custodian statements are the official records of your accounts. If you’re still receiving paper statements, consider switching to electronic delivery—it’s faster, easier to store, and more secure.   In most cases, keeping your most recent statement is all that’s needed. If you’re holding onto statements from 10–15 years ago, it’s worth checking with your advisor before discarding them. Older documents may contain cost basis details that aren’t always tracked by custodians.   2. Tax Documents   Keep your most recent tax return somewhere easy to access as new tax documents from the prior year begin arriving. Having last year’s return handy helps you know what to expect and simplifies the process for you or your accountant.   A simple system works best. Consider creating a folder—digital, physical, or both—for each tax year. Inside, include items such as:   W-2s and 1099s Investment statements Charitable giving receipts Medical and childcare expense records Mortgage interest statements Estimated tax payments Any other documents needed for filing   3. Important Legal Documents   This category includes:   • Wills • Powers of attorney • Healthcare directives • Beneficiary designations • Insurance policies • Birth and marriage certificates   Make sure these documents are up to date, stored securely, and accessible to someone you trust. Having them organized provides peace of mind and makes things much easier for your loved ones if they ever need them.   A Simple 30-Minute Challenge Schedule just 30 minutes this week—Tuesday at noon, for example—to: • Review last year’s tax return • Check on your key legal documents • Create folders for the new tax year   You might even consider making this a recurring annual calendar event. Your future self—and your family—will thank you.   Staying organized reduces stress, helps prevent mistakes, and keeps your financial life running smoothly. And if you’d like help getting started or want to review your documents together, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support you. - vectorwealth.com/contact - V25351303 vectorwealth.com/regulatory -   All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.   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 of a strategy or investment.

    4 min
  4. JAN 5

    Six Tips for Retirees and Savvy Savers with Chris Wagner

    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 Beneficiary Designations – Reminder to review and update Fund a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) with appreciated investments Contribute to a 401(k) or HSA: Updated Limits in 2026 Plus, New Catch-Up Contribution Rule for High Earners If you’re age 50 or older and earned more than $150,000 with the same employer last year, all of your 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) catch-up contributions must go into a Roth 401(k) account. 2026 is a transition year for this rule, with full enforcement starting in 2027. Check with your employer or retirement account custodian to learn if your plan is eligible. Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking to optimize your tax strategy, or simply want to stay informed about the latest changes, Vector is here to help. Happy New Year! - Connect with Vector at vectorwealth.com - Regulatory All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice. 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 of a strategy or investment. Vectorwealth.com/regulatory

    6 min
  5. Market Perspective: Changing Interest Rate Environment

    12/19/2025

    Market Perspective: Changing Interest Rate Environment

    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 consecutive rate cut following a period of aggressive rate hikes that began in 2022 to combat inflation.   The federal funds rate is the interest rate banks charge one another for overnight loans, but its influence extends much further—affecting mortgage rates, business borrowing costs, and consumer credit.   Why the Fed Cut Rates   The Fed has a dual mandate: • Price stability, defined as inflation of about 2% annually (measured by the PCE index) • Maximum sustainable employment, meaning healthy job growth without overheating the economy   Recent economic data—some of it delayed by the government shutdown—suggests that hiring is slowing, even as inflation continues to cool. That combination gave the Fed room to ease policy modestly without undoing progress on inflation.   Beyond Rate Cuts: A Shift in Policy   In addition to lowering rates, the Fed announced an important change to its balance sheet strategy. It ended its policy of allowing bonds to mature without reinvestment (known as quantitative tightening).   Instead, the Fed will begin Reserve Management Purchases (RMPs)—buying roughly $40 billion per month in Treasury bills. While framed as a liquidity-stabilization effort, the practical effect is similar to quantitative easing: adding liquidity to the banking system to keep money moving through the economy.   How Markets Have Responded   Markets initially reacted positively, with stocks moving higher following the announcement. That said, not everyone at the Fed agreed—some policymakers dissented—highlighting ongoing uncertainty about how much further easing may occur. See our past Market Perspective episode titled “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword,” where we discuss how the Fed affects markets without adjusting interest rates.   What This Means for Investors   Lower interest rates can support economic growth by reducing borrowing costs and encouraging investment. This environment can be favorable for stocks if inflation remains contained and corporate earnings hold up.   That said, we’re closely monitoring: • Employment trends • Consumer spending • Corporate earnings   Staying Grounded in Your Plan   While Fed decisions and short-term market moves make headlines, our approach remains consistent: bucket-based, goals-focused planning. We align your investment strategy with your personal objectives—whether that’s retirement, a business transition, or legacy planning—rather than reacting to every policy shift.   If you have questions about how recent Fed actions may impact your portfolio or financial plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. - vectorwealth.com/contact - Regulatory All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice. 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 of a strategy or investment. Vectorwealth.com/regulatory - V25349300

    4 min
  6. 12/05/2025

    The Power of Family Meetings: Building Trust, Clarity, and a Lasting Legacy

    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 relationships, and ensure everyone understands the purpose and plan behind your family’s wealth. These meetings create intentional space to talk about what matters most: your values, goals, and the legacy you’re building together.   What Can You Achieve? Share family history and stories Give every family member a voice Educate about shared assets, investments, or estate plans Introduce your advisors and clarify roles within the family Help family members build financial confidence for the future.   Tips for Running Effective Family Meetings   Define a clear purpose for each meeting Decide who should attend—immediate family, spouses, or even older grandchildren Share an agenda and materials in advance Establish ground rules to ensure everyone is heard Foster open, positive dialogue and focus on shared values   The Long-Term Benefits   Families who meet regularly are better prepared for life’s transitions. These conversations build trust, clarity, and resilience, helping your family navigate change with confidence.   We’re Here to Help   If you’d like help getting started—whether it’s structuring your first meeting, hosting a meeting space, or aligning your estate plan with your family’s goals—your Vector team is here to support you every step of the way. -> Regulatory All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice.   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 of a strategy or investment. Vectorwealth.com/regulatory   V25338293

    5 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Well Balanced | Financial Planning, Goals 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.