The Ballast Life

As we wrap up 2024, Ballast is here to provide clarity on the major financial themes shaping this year and what they could mean for the future.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zoMJv1O3fUg

This year-end review offers insights into:

00:00:00 🎬 Begin

00:00:38 1️⃣ Markets since COVID: How far we’ve come and what’s ahead.

00:08:23 2️⃣ Historical Valuations: Lessons from the past to guide the future.

00:24:23 3️⃣ The Federal Reserve and Rates: Interest rates and their implications for investors.

00:31:08 4️⃣ Tax reform updates: How changes could impact your financial planning.

00:38:34 5️⃣ U.S. debt: Understanding its growing role in economic stability.

00:49:59 6️⃣ Tariffs and global trade: Navigating the complexities of international markets.

00:55:40 7️⃣ Artificial Intelligence: How AI is transforming industries and portfolios.

01:06:27 📝 Recap and how to connect with our team.

At Ballast, we’re dedicated to helping you stay informed and prepared. Together, let’s face the challenges and opportunities of the new year with confidence.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights and updates. Don’t forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay connected!

#BallastYearEndReview #FinancialInsights2024 #Markets #TaxReform #USDebt #InterestRates #ArtificialIntelligenceLearn

At Ballast, we specialize in personalized financial planning tailored to your unique goals. Whether you’re looking to grow your wealth, navigate tax changes, or better understand market trends, we’re here to help you build a solid financial foundation.

Ready to take control of your financial future?

👉 Visit our website at https://ballastplan.com/get-started/ to learn more about our services.

📅 Book a free consultation today and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.

Contact Ballast:

Web: https://ballastplan.com/

Phone: 859.226.0625

IG:  @Ballast_Inc 

Email: [email protected]

Ballast is located in Lexington, Kentucky but serves clients nationwide.

Ballast, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration with the SEC does not indicate that the adviser has achieved a particular level of skill or ability, nor is it an endorsement by the SEC. All investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss. Ballast, Inc. is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Did you know: that 75% of business owners regret selling their business within a year? 😱 Don't let that be you.

At Ballast, we help business owners plan their next move with confidence. From maximizing the value of your sale to crafting a fulfilling post-sale life, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Visit ballastplan.com/business to:

✨ Download our free whitepaper on exit strategies

🎥 Watch a full-length video with expert tips

✅ Start planning for your best exit yet

#BusinessOwner #ExitPlanning #BusinessStrategy #FulfillmentAfterExit #FinancialPlanningLearn

Learn more about Ballast: https://ballastplan.com/

Ballast, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration with the SEC does not indicate that the adviser has achieved a particular level of skill or ability, nor is it an endorsement by the SEC. All investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss. Ballast, Inc. is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging times in life, especially for high-net-worth individuals or those with a variety of assets and complications. In this video, Ballast CEO John Boardman, and COO Andy Reynolds share expert advice on the crucial financial steps you need to take before, during, and after a divorce. Learn about the importance of updating beneficiaries, selecting the right legal and financial team, understanding tax implications, and more. Whether you’re preparing for a divorce or navigating its aftermath, this video provides valuable insights to help protect your wealth and secure your financial future.

As pensions have largely been eliminated within the private sector, generational wealth accumulation continues to be a phenomenon impacting more and more families.  Whether it be an accumulation from retirement assets, a business sale, or family generational wealth, a large amount of assets has been passed from one generation to the next.  Over the next twenty years, a projected $90 TRILLION ($90,000,000,000,000!!) of assets will move within generations.

Historically, Corporate Trustees have been largely associated with ultra-high net worth, young children, and special needs situations.  However, as wealth transfers have become more significant to a greater number of families, Corporate Trustees have become more popular again.

Directed Trusteeship, where the Corporate Trustee separates the Fiduciary role with other professionals – Investment Advisors, CPAs, Real Estate Professionals, etc. – is a model that has gained in popularity over the past one or two decades.  With a bifurcated relationship, no longer is a beneficiary required to work with a Bank/Trust company who requires the beneficiary to utilize the organization in all aspects of the Fiduciary roles.  It is believed that this bifurcation allows beneficiaries to utilize best-in-class roles for each service, rather than a bundle model.  It also helps provide greater checks-and-balances to each service provider.

Above is an introductory conversation with Michelle Diamond, an early partner with Cumberland Trust located in Nashville, TN.  In this video, we discuss the Directed Trust model and the popularity of a more flexible option for beneficiaries.  We would encourage anyone who is considering wealth transfers, generational planning, or asset oversight for the next generation to watch this video.

As always, we are here to be a resource to our clients regarding all aspects of their financial life.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us regarding Trustees, estate planning, or any questions about generational wealth.

About Ballast

We help you optimize the way you accumulate, spend, and give your money. As your life evolves, so do our recommendations. We are here to guide you with expert financial advice that encompasses all aspects of your life. With a foundation rooted in a thorough understanding of your desires, goals, and preferences, we provide you with the leadership, proactivity, and stewardship you need to optimize your financial future.

We take pride in bringing solutions to challenging situations and providing comfort in the unknown.

Andy Reynolds, CFP®, CEPA®, MBA

PARTNER, COO

[email protected]

Born and raised in Columbus, Indiana, Andy grew up in a family who believed in two fundamentals: give to others and be the best version of yourself. He and his wife, Laura, have since gone on to instill those values in their children, Harper, Emma Kate, Caroline, and Mack. Whether it is family, clients, or colleagues, Andy’s greatest sense of achievement is in helping others reach their goals and desires.

Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Centre College and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Kentucky. He then earned his CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner) a few years later.

As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Andy helps business owners plan for their future by advising on their business growth/exit strategies, personal financial planning, and personal life planning outside of their business. The intentional pursuit of improvement in all three of these areas has helped business owners live a more fruitful and fulfilled life.

Giving back to the community is one of Andy’s passions. He has served in several volunteer roles, including the: University of Kentucky’s MBA Advisory Council Committee, Board Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Blue Grass Community Foundation, Life Plan of Kentucky Board, President of the Bluegrass Estate Planning Council, and OperaLex Board.

Cumberland Trust was founded in Nashville in 2001 as a better alternative to traditional fiduciaries for trust clients and their advisors. We work alongside our clients and professional advisors to provide exceptional trust and estate administration and attentive support.

Michelle Diamond at Cumberland Trust

Specialty: Business Development, Executive Management Location: Nashville

Michelle Diamond is Chief Development Officer. She joined the Cumberland Trust team in 2001, at the firm’s founding. At Cumberland’s start, Michelle, a Trust Officer, helped to establish the open architecture platform that focuses on helping families and forming partnerships with advisors. Early on, she developed the Special Needs Trust group, serving the needs of client family members with disabilities. As Cumberland Trust grew, Michelle developed the blueprint for expansion into regional markets and she worked to open our nine regional offices. Currently, Michelle manages the business development team, who work in Cumberland Trust’s headquarters and in each of its regional offices. She is responsible for overseeing the development team and its new trust opportunities.

Prior to joining Cumberland Trust, she was a Trust Officer at First Tennessee providing account and administration support to families in the areas of personal trust, employee benefits, and investment management.

Michelle holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. She was awarded the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor Designation (CTFA) and is a graduate of Cannon Trust School, through Cannon Financial Institute.

Michelle is a regular speaker for industry-related events nationwide, and she has been published in The Tennessean.

Learn more about Ballast: https://ballastplan.com/

Learn more about Cumberland Trust: https://cumberlandtrust.com/

Ballast, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration with the SEC does not indicate that the adviser has achieved a particular level of skill or ability, nor is it an endorsement by the SEC. All investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss. Ballast, Inc. is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

We recently invited local business owners to Ballast for a discussion on topics important to them. This is the video from our meeting.

Topics Include:

• What makes businesses attractive to buyers?
• What is the current state of the private equity market?
• How to separate finances between business and personal?
• How should owners prepare now for life after they sell?
• What are the options for internal transitions vs. external business sales?

Speakers:

• John V. Boardman, Ballast
• Andy Reynolds, Ballast
• Andy Demoss, RFH CPAs and Consultants
• Tyler Garrett, Benchmark International

https://ballastplan.com/ballast-business-owners-forum/

Cameron Hamilton, John Boardman, and Andy Reynolds discuss the market environment, trends, and more in this beginning-of-the-year update.

To kick off the new year, John Boardman (CEO, Founder) and Andy Reynolds (COO, Partner) sat down to recap the economic environment in 2022 and discuss the 2023 outlook.

Topics include:

• Recent economic data and performance
• The 1% of market volatility on trading days
• Market fundaments and the role of the Fed
• Inflation and housing
• Consumer behaviors and spending
• Are we in or heading toward a recession?
• A disciplined financial plan

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/GC5t2s2V368

Watch other Market Reports here: https://ballastplan.com/ballast-live/

Listen as John Boardman (Founder and CEO of Ballast) and Andy Reynolds (COO and Partner of Ballast) discuss the current market environment. Additionally, John and Andy consider a few common questions and share their thoughts on the cyclical market, inflation, portfolio management, raised rates, and economic outlook.

John V. Boardman, III, CFP®

FOUNDER / CEO / FINANCIAL ADVOCATE

Andy Reynolds, CFP®, MBA

PARTNER / COO / FINANCIAL ADVOCATE

If you have any questions, please reach out to us:

859-226-0625 or [email protected].

Learn more about Ballast: https://ballastplan.com/

Ballast, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration with the SEC does not indicate that the adviser has achieved a particular level of skill or ability, nor is it an endorsement by the SEC. All investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss. Ballast, Inc. is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

In this episode of The Ballast Life Podcast, the Ballast advocates sat down to share their thoughts on 2020 with the benefit of hindsight, as well as potential head/tail winds that we may experience as 2021 marches along.

In this episode of The Ballast Life Podcast, John and Andy discuss the implications of the the recent US elections, the impact the COIVID-19 vaccine may have on the markets, as well as their predictions for the months to come.