FINANCIAL PLANNING

OUR PROCESS

Through our six-step process, we work closely with you to identify goals, analyze your balance sheet and develop actionable wealth management recommendations. We also bring together your various advisors, including accountants, attorneys and bankers to make sure everyone is working toward a common goal with their support to you.

  • 1-on-1 Meetings

    Our initial steps help define how we will work together. We can work in person or virtually.

  • Goal Setting

    We want to learn what matters most to you. We'll determine goals and begin to gather your financial information

  • Fiduciary Analysis

    Our team will analyze your information and develop strategies based on your goals, stage of life, and risk tolerance.

  • Customized Recommendations

    We develop recommendations based on real experience rather than pre-listed products.

  • Financial Plan

    With your comprehensive financial plan as the foundation, our advisors will guide you on your financial journey, leading you along the path towards goal achievement.

  • Ongoing Follow-Up

    We work with our clients ongoing. We monitor your progress to keep you on track.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

At Ballast Advisors we believe a well-diversified portfolio will provide our clients with an efficient balance between risk and reward — giving our clients the best opportunity to meet their long-term goals. Generally, our clients’ portfolios will be invested in asset segments across a full investment spectrum – domestic and global, equity and fixed income, developed and emerging markets, real assets, and alternative strategies.

We strive to maintain our strategic allocation discipline in all economic environments and market conditions, periodically re-balancing all your holdings as needed – including your 401(k), stock options and other executive benefits – creating a portfolio in harmony.

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TAX PLANNING

Because we believe efficient tax strategies play an important role in the success of our clients’ financial objectives, whether we are creating year-end investment tax strategies, or it is time for the preparation of your individual or trust tax returns, the impact of taxes is an integral part of our analysis, so we encourage clients to partner with one of our affiliates. Have your taxes done by some who understands our process and shares information seamlessly. Depending on your unique situation this may be included in your wealth management package. The ability to seamlessly integrate this service into your comprehensive financial plan, allows our advisors to create solutions that complement all aspects of our clients’ financial plan.

ASSUMPTION IS NOT PART OF OUR STRATEGY

When preparing a tax return it’s important to make sure that you have all of the correct information. Ballast Advisors brings to the table the experience of collecting financial information safely and securely to complete your tax return in a timely manner. We don’t rely on assumptions or guesswork when preparing a client’s federal or state tax return. We will help you gather the necessary information correctly the first time.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

We utilize a personalized approach to retirement planning that incorporates income distribution planning, investment management, Social Security planning, health care planning, long-term care planning, estate planning and risk management. We draw on the experience of our financial professionals to help create a clear, actionable road map in planning your retirement.

ESTATE PLANNING

Whether you want to maximize inheritance for your heirs, keep the family business in the family, or leave a philanthropic legacy, our estate planning experts work diligently to make your wishes a reality. With an emphasis on reducing estate taxes and minimizing probate costs, our advisors will help coordinate key aspects of your estate plan—wills, life insurance and trusts—and assemble a team of experienced professionals to work with you and your other advisors.

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PROTECTION PLANNING

Our team of professionals conduct insurance policy reviews and evaluation, and draw on an unparalleled selection of insurance products to structure programs that will provide instant liquidity for an estate tax need, protect a business, replace an income in the event of death or disability, and more. We make sure you and your family have a risk management plan that is comprehensive and allows you to rest easy, knowing you have all of the bases covered.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS CONSULTING

Our financial service professionals help executives navigate the maze of regulatory issues and diversification strategies affecting your wealth, through customized, comprehensive solutions tailored to your tax, liquidity, and diversification needs. We help you understand your total economic package, and if needed, we can help you create it.

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SMALL BUSINESS PLANNING

We help you make optimal financial decisions for your business. Our goal is to maximize business financial management and personal wealth building for our clients. We consult in areas of executive compensation, key employee planning, tax planning, business succession planning, employee benefits, retirement services-qualified and non-qualified plans, portfolio management, asset allocation, and cash management.

Our approach starts with understanding you and your business. Your answers to the following questions will help us create a customized plan that is unique to you and your business, and fit in with the culture you have created:

  • We believe developing a clear exit strategy is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition when you decide to step away from your business. Our firm specializes in crafting tailored exit plans that align with your personal and financial goals. We help you evaluate options such as selling, succession planning, or mergers, and provide strategic advice to maximize value and minimize disruption. With our experience, we believe you can confidently plan your exit and achieve a successful transition.

  • Many businesses unknowingly overpay on taxes due to missed opportunities for tax optimization. Our firm offers comprehensive tax review and planning services to identify potential savings and ensure you’re taking full advantage of available tax strategies. From optimizing deductions to exploring tax-efficient investments, we work to reduce your tax liability and improve your overall financial efficiency.

  • We believe understanding your business’s value is essential for making informed decisions about growth, sale, or succession. We provide thorough business valuation services to determine the accurate worth of your enterprise. Our team uses detailed analysis and industry benchmarks to assess your business’s value, helping you plan effectively for future opportunities or transitions.

  • Changes in your business or personal situation can significantly impact your estate plan. Our firm offers estate planning services in an effort to ensure your business interests and assets are effectively integrated into your overall estate strategy. We help you navigate complex scenarios and optimize tax implications in an effort to ensure that your wishes are clearly defined and legally protected.

  • Attracting and retaining top talent is vital for driving business success. Our firm provides strategic HR consulting and benefits planning to help you create competitive compensation packages and employee incentives. We work with you to design programs that not only attract key employees but also enhance their engagement and loyalty, ultimately contributing to your business’s profitability.

  • Navigating changes in healthcare can be challenging when designing employee benefits packages. We offer specialized consulting services to help you understand the latest healthcare regulations and trends. Our team assists in creating comprehensive benefits plans that meet legal requirements while providing valuable options to your employees, ensuring you remain competitive and compliant in the evolving healthcare landscape.

  • Your business can be a powerful tool in achieving personal financial goals. Our firm provides strategic planning to help you leverage your business assets and income to reach your personal objectives, whether that’s funding retirement, purchasing real estate, or other aspirations. We offer tailored advice on integrating business strategies with personal financial planning for a balanced and successful approach.

Ballast Advisors may recommend clients engage the Firm for additional related services, its Supervised Persons in their individual capacities as insurance agents and/or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest exists if clients engage Ballast Advisors or its affiliates to provide additional services for compensation. Clients retain absolute discretion over all decisions regarding implementation and are under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations made by Ballast Advisors under a financial planning or consulting engagement. Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Firm of any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for Ballast Advisors, the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising Ballast Advisors’ recommendations and/or services. Some of the services described above are provided by a third party engaged by the Firm. Specifically, if not provided by the Firm, tax services are provided by a Third Party engaged by Ballast Advisors, or an affiliate of Ballast Advisors, Ballast Tax & Business Services, LLC, or other third party.