TRACED Act Offers Consumers Additional Protections Against Robocalls
If you pick up an unwanted robocall, hang up right away. Avoid answering “yes” or “no” questions, providing personal information,…
Thank You for Your Consultation Request
Our team will link you to an advisor in one of our offices in Arden Hills, MN, Woodbury, MN or Punta Gorda, FL and someone will respond shortly.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin
Financial Resolutions for 2020
It’s a new year, a new decade, and the perfect time to renew healthy habits, including those in your financial…
Financial Planning for Freelancers: Q&A with writer Kate Racculia
The gig economy accounts for more than one third (36 percent) of U.S. workers — that’s approximately 57 million people…
3 Tips for Personal Finances During the Holiday Season
Ballast Financial Professionals share tips for your personal finances this holiday season. (originally published November 2018) Between holiday gifts, parties and meals…
IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2020
IRA contribution limits The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA in 2020 is…
Manufacturing Slowdown: What Does It Mean for the Economy?
The slump in U.S. manufacturing is being driven by a variety of factors, including a weakening global economy, the strong…
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15
Where can you get more information? Determining what coverage you have now and comparing it to other Medicare plans can…
4 Questions If You’re Thinking About Retiring to Punta Gorda
If retirement is on your mind, Realtor.com recently ranked Punta Gorda as the number one of the top 10 hottest…
Why You Need Life Insurance
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a good time to evaluate your life insurance needs and review your life insurance…
Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Decrease for 2019-2020
For the first time in three years, interest rates on federal student loans will decrease for the 2019-2020 academic year….
Ballast Advisors Sponsors First Tee Charity Golf Tournament
Eagle Valley Golf Course in partnership with The First Tee of the Twin Cities at Eagle Valley will host the…
Changing Jobs? Know Your 401(k) Options
If you’ve lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan…
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
Is it smarter to pay off your mortgage or invest your extra cash? Owning a home outright is a…
5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Personal Finances
Just like caring for and cleaning your house, regular maintenance on your personal finances will save you loads of time…
I’m about to get married. Should I adjust my 401(k) asset allocation?
I’m about to get married. Should I adjust the asset allocation in my 401(k) to take my spouse’s investments into account? That…
Merging Your Money When You Marry
Getting married is exciting, but it brings many challenges. One such challenge that you and your spouse will have to…
Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
*There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results. Common financial goals Saving…
There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2018
Making a last-minute contribution to an IRA may help you reduce your 2018 tax bill. If you qualify,…
How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences — an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world….
Kanne CPA is now Ballast Tax and Business Services
(March 5, 2019 — Woodbury, MN) For over 30 years Kanne CPA, LLC has been providing superior accounting services for…
Ask an Advisor: Saving for College Tips and Options
Q & A with parent and Twin-Cities-based financial advisor Steven Schmidt on planning for college Curious how a financial…
How Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is…
How Much Do I Need to Save for College?
The U.S. Department of Education has named February Financial Aid Awareness Month. For many families, saving for college is a primary financial…
Financial Aid 101
Financial Aid 101 Many parents pay for college with a combination of current income, savings, and financial aid. By learning…
529 College Savings Plans
A brief history 529 plans were created by Congress in 1996 and have been modified through the years by various…
Ballast Blog: Housing Options for Older Individuals
Housing Options for Older Individuals As you grow older, your housing needs may change. Maybe you’ll get tired of doing…
Ballast Blog: Your Home as a Source of Dollars in Retirement
Your Home as a Source of Dollars in Retirement If you own a home, you may be wealthier then you…
Why Do I Need a Financial Planner?
Why do I need a Financial Planner? Financial planning is about more than just managing money. It’s about setting goals…
Ballast Blog: Qualifying for the Home Office Deduction
Qualifying for the Home Office Deduction Working from home can certainly provide you with personal benefits, such as a flexible…
Financial Planner vs Financial Advisor? Making sense of these titles and other tips on choosing a financial professional
Professionals at Ballast Advisors, LLC delineate differences between financial professional terms and designations to help empower your choices around personal financial…
2018 Year-End Tax Planning Basics
Timing of itemized deductions and the increased standard deduction The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December…