Well Balanced

Vector Wealth Management
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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. Market Perspective: 2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus

    JAN 21

    Market Perspective: 2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus

    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/contact - 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. 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. - vectorwealth.com/regulatory V26020309

    7 min

  2. 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

  3. 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
  4. 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

  5. 12/12/2025

    Updating Your Will as You Approach Retirement

    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 updating your estate plans, contact our office today to schedule a meeting. - vectorwealth.com/contact Sharon Calhoun, Managing Director - 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 - V25342294

    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

  7. 11/21/2025

    The Backdoor Roth Explained - Unlocking a Retirement Savings Strategy

    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 household: a physician and spouse were saving diligently, but their high income meant they couldn’t make Roth IRA contributions. They assumed that opportunity was simply off the table. It wasn’t. After reviewing their situation together, Mike showed them how a backdoor Roth IRA could be a powerful long-term planning strategy.   How the Strategy Works When income is too high for a direct Roth IRA contribution, you may still be eligible to:         1.     Make a nondeductible (after-tax) contribution to a traditional IRA.         2.     Convert it to a Roth IRA, where future growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.         3.     Repeat annually if it aligns with your household tax picture. For this couple, the spouse—who wasn’t working full-time—was still eligible to contribute to an IRA because they filed jointly. That alone opened the door to decades of potential tax-free growth via Roth conversion. A Word About Rules: The Pro Rata Rule This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The IRS looks at all your IRA balances when calculating how much of a conversion is taxable. This is known as the pro rata rule. If you only have after-tax IRA contributions with no pre-tax IRA balances, the conversion is generally tax-free. However, if you have pre-tax IRA balances, the conversion will be prorated.   It’s these nuances that make thoughtful planning and coordination with your advisor and tax professional essential.   Done thoughtfully, this strategy may be a meaningful lever in your long-term plan. If you’re wondering whether a backdoor Roth IRA—or any type of Roth conversion—fits your household, connect with your Vector advisor. We’re here to help you explore your options thoughtfully and in the context of your broader plan.   And if this story resonates or reminds you of someone in your life, feel free to share it. Sometimes the right idea at the right time makes all the difference. - 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. 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. Learn more: vectorwealth.com/regulatory - V25324292

    6 min
  8. Consumer Confidence Is Low — Here’s What That Means

    11/14/2025

    Consumer Confidence Is Low — Here’s What That Means

    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 larger stock ownership were noticeably more optimistic after a strong market year. Uncertainty continues to be the biggest drag. Concerns around the government shutdown and signs of a cooling labor market have made consumers hesitant heading into the holidays. Yet inflation expectations — how we believe future prices will behave — remain fairly steady.   Economic Cycles vs. Market Cycles Cycles are normal. Historically: U.S. economic expansions average about four years Bull markets run for about 70 months, delivering cumulative returns above 220% on average Recessions last just over a year, Bear markets decline for roughly 14 months with an average drop of 39%, (*based on the S&P 500 index over the last ~100 years) Each downturn feels unique while we’re in it — the 1970s, the dot-com era, the financial crisis, the pandemic — yet markets have recovered every time, often stronger than before.   Where Things Stand Today Despite low sentiment, several fundamentals remain supportive: Corporate earnings have generally been solid, Inflation has moderated, And the Federal Reserve has begun easing interest rates, gradually.   Periods like this — when confidence is low but fundamentals are stabilizing — have historically preceded some of the strongest one-year market returns.   A Framework for Uncertain Environments Two core principles that guide Vector’s planning approach: Diversification across markets, assets, geographies, and time periods We can’t predict which part of the market will lead in the short term. A goals-based or “bucket” structure Short-term spending needs are separated from longer-term growth buckets, helping individuals navigate volatility without disrupting their broader plan. Take Aways Low consumer confidence doesn’t always signal weakness in markets. Sometimes, it simply reflects uncertainty during transition — and history shows that patient, long-term investors have often benefited by sticking to the plan. If you’d like to review how your own financial buckets are positioned for the next few years, feel free to reach out. And if you found this helpful, share this Well-Balanced episode with anyone who might appreciate the perspective. - vectorwealth.com/contact 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. 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.

    5 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Vector Wealth Management
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Well Balanced