At Balanced Rock, we’re constantly looking for ways to help our clients lower investment expenses and plan more cost-effectively. This is usually accomplished with a combination of tax savings, lower fees and expenses, value-oriented outside service providers, and the use of technology. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, with future investment returns expected by […]
What should you bring to your preparer? You can file your federal tax return starting January 20. IRS filing season will start right on time in 2015, and there is wisdom in filing your 1040 well before April 15. You can get it out of the way earlier, and if you e-file, you can put […]
Social Security benefits are increasing 1.7% in 2015. This marks the fourth straight yearly cost-of-living adjustment, following a 1.5% COLA for 2014.1 Next year, the average monthly Social Security payment for a single retiree increases by $22 to $1,328. The average retired couple will get $2,176 per month in 2015 (a $36 monthly increase). A […]
ESG Isn’t a Trade-off, It’s a Trade-Up We often hear people say, “I like the idea of honoring my values with my investment choices but I’m more concerned about good overall performance and solid returns” or “I’m actually okay with giving up some investment returns because at least I’m investing in companies that I can feel […]
A rundown of the big & little alterations coming next year. Each year, the retirement benefits landscape looks a little different, and next year is no exception. Here’s a look at what will change, what might develop, and even what won’t change for 2015. The 401(k) contribution limit expands $500 to $18,000 next year. […]
A War of Words – Fiduciary Duty vs Suitability Standard Here at Balanced Rock, we are constantly fighting a war of words. Fee-Only or Fee-Based? What’s the difference? Fiduciary duty or Suitability standard? Why does it matter? What’s problematic about being sold financial products? Isn’t that what all advisors do? There’s a storm of confusion in […]
Your Actively Managed Mutual Funds Are Unnecessary, and Worse Actively managed funds continue to lose, after fees and expenses, to their passive index fund competition. Jason Zweig’s recent article in the WSJ suggests exactly what we at Balanced Rock believe – that the investment expertise of most fund managers would be better used helping clients plan […]
Why Farmers Markets? Because Our Votes Count A wonderful teacher I had in high school used to tell us over and over again to “vote with your feet!” I went to a small girls’ school in Shaker Heights Ohio and she was a lovably impassioned history teacher. “Girls, you have got to get out there […]
“I Own What!?!?” Understanding Socially Responsible Investing, Sustainable Investing , ESG and Impact Investing You probably wouldn’t eat processed food without knowing what it is and where it came from, and maybe not even then. Who knows if it’s good for you or whether it was created in a way of which you’d approve? So […]
If you haven’t rebalanced lately you may be exposing yourself to unwanted risk and missing out on better returns. Why would now be a good time for rebalancing? Year-to-date gains in the S&P 500 and other broad U.S. stock (equity) indices are as high as 18% and above in just the first six and a […]
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