BCSWM’s The Benchmark

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 balanced information on these questions.

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 between the “wealthy” and the “rich.” They discuss how to approach saving, spending, and generally handling money in a healthy way to remain on the right side of the “thin green line.”

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:

1. Markets go up or down based on which political party holds the presidency. (2:58)

Charts referenced: https://bcswealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Benchmark-Podcast-Financial-Myth-Busters-Episode-Charts.pdf

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 provide.

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 drivers this year.