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Financial Planning is what we do! Our Blogs are designed to inform you on the various aspects of financial planning and wealth management and how they apply to your personal plan. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and comments on the ideas we share.  You can find us on Facebook or LinkedIn; or send us a question HERE.








Wednesday, May 24, 2023

What’s your business plan? Your long-term business plan, that is.Your practice is likely the largest asset you own, and it’s critical to ensure its value is safeguarded. That’s why Cetera created the Legacy Builder...

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

If you’re a business owner and you’re ready to start enjoying your retirement, a succession plan is essential for transitioning in new owners and keeping the business afloat.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

If you own a business, you may have already considered who will take over the company once you retire. As you know, this may include tasks like identifying and training potential replacements for key roles in the organization, as well...

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

If you’d like to discuss your options with someone who specializes in being a financial quarterback for small business owners, give the office a call to schedule a no-cost business ownership consultation. 

Monday, May 1, 2023

What is Crowdfunding?  Most likely, you have seen or heard of a GoFundMe appeal.  Someone presents a need and then asks friends and family to donate and share with their circle of influence. This concept is going to a...

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Thursday, April 27, 2023

With goal-based wealth management services, you can get a holistic perspective on your finances and risks. Strategies are tailored toward your short- and long-term goals while keeping focus on maximizing the benefits of business ownership.

Monday, April 24, 2023

It’s okay to like expensive things (we all do it); inexpensive  yet chic living takes a good eye and a little planning. Here are six tips to designer taste on a budget.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

No matter how simple or complex your business, tax considerations are central to many important decisions: how you structure your business, how you pay yourself, whether to buy or lease office space and equipment, and more. 

Thursday, April 13, 2023

As a small business owner, the burden of saving for retirement falls squarely on your shoulders, but a smart strategy can quickly turn that burden into an advantage.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

As a new business owner, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is how you’ll provide healthcare coverage for yourself, your family, and/or your employees. Learn how to make this decision well this week.

Monday, April 3, 2023

April is Financial Literacy Month. Throughout April, we will be sharing articles focused on financial literacy and the importance of saving as a base for a successful financial plan.

Monday, March 27, 2023

As Women's History Month comes to an end, we'd like to introduce you to a remarkable woman whose name you may not know – Betty Dukes. Dukes' story shows that we all have the power to change the world, even if it's one corner at a time.

Monday, March 20, 2023

This week we wanted to highlight Billie Jean King, one of the most influential figures in the world of sports and beyond. 

Monday, March 13, 2023

This week we chose to highlight Sara Blakely - the woman Forbes named the world's youngest self-made female billionaire. 

Monday, March 6, 2023

March is Women's History Month and a chance for us all to celebrate the trailblazing women who have contributed to our history, culture, and society. Learn about Katharine Graham, the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Monday, February 27, 2023

If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now. Here is how to do a quick review to know what you need.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Your legacy doesn’t have to stop when you pass on. There are ways for your legacy to live on and inspire others. While there’s more than one way to ensure you’re remembered, using your life insurance policy is one avenue to consider.

Monday, February 13, 2023

As you and your loved ones get older, it could be time to start considering how you'll pay for long-term care. Your life insurance policy could help you pay for any long-term care that's needed. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

The "5 Retirement Strategies for Small Business Owners" report provides insights into mistakes small business owners often make and steps to take when building toward the retirement you desire.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the preparation itself.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

In celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and their integral role in our nation’s history, here are eight Black wealth builders we believe should be remembered.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

If your small business offers a benefit plan, here's how to help your employees understand their fee disclosure statements.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Reducing your tax burden begins with understanding the “ADCs” of reducing your tax burden: avoid, defer, convert.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Plan sponsors often wonder how to nudge their employees to save more in their 401(k)s. One simple and promising strategy is to change your matching contribution formula.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Whether you’re getting married or divorced, welcoming a new baby, sending a child off to college, changing jobs, or retiring, most life events have tax implications.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Employees need the ability to ask follow-up questions to truly understand complex topics. The best way to facilitate that? Through in-person conversations between employees and a knowledgeable professional.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Employers can greatly enhance the value of their retirement benefits by providing employees with access to professional guidance.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Tax planning is a part of our ongoing process that should occur year round. Working together can help avoid surprises and take advantage of provisions that can help you manage your tax exposure.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

No matter how simple or complex your business, tax considerations are central to many important decisions: how you structure your business, how you pay yourself, whether to buy or lease office space and equipment, and more.In order to...

Monday, January 2, 2023

Happy New Year!  With the new year often comes resolutions. If financial wellness is one of your goals this year, let's start by looking at some common misconceptions. As always, call us if you want help sorting through all the...

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Here’s a list of five valuable exercises you can do to make sure you’re closer to where you want to be financially by this time next year.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

As we look back on the year, THANK YOU for making 2022 a successful year for Balanced Financial Concepts. Every year we strive to earn your trust in new and different ways by adapting to the ever-changing world and being proactive for...

Monday, December 12, 2022

As part of a comprehensive financial strategy, an estate plan helps you manage your financial affairs now and control the distribution of wealth upon your death. Your estate plan helps to ensure your legacy is carried out according to your

Monday, December 5, 2022

An estate plan acts like a roadmap for your heirs by providing directions on how to settle your financial and personal affairs while ensuring your wishes are being honored. Take the time to educate yourself about the estate planning process

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

To give is better than to receive, unless you’re giving more than your fair share to Uncle Sam. As you prepare your holiday gift list, you may opt to give family and friends gifts with lasting value that also offer tax benefits...

Monday, November 21, 2022

Attacks on your online security are even more frequent around the holidays. This time of year, be on guard for cyber criminals. To help you stay safe, here are some tips.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Everybody wants to save on their taxes. Year-end tax planning means going over potential tax deductions that you may have missed during the year. Use these planning strategies with enough time to take advantage of any potential deductions.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Considering a QCD in 2022? Act Now!As the winter holidays approach, many people are thinking about ways to satisfy their annual charitable giving goals. For those who meet certain requirements, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)...

Monday, November 7, 2022

Do you know which documents to keep and which you can shred? Make room in the overflowing filing cabinet now. Download our quick reference guide to keep, store, or shread with confidence.

Monday, October 31, 2022

To keep you informed and keep us connected, you now have access to AdviceWorks®, a powerful technology tool where you can view all your financial data and easily and securely share documents.

Monday, October 24, 2022

How can you take full advantage of this time of your life? Here are 3 tips for being financially savvy in your 70s and beyond.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Creating and sticking to good habits can help you feel more in control and give you a sense of confidence about your finances. Here are five steps to being financially healthy.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

We are guessing that you didn’t even know that was a thing.  Well, you are not alone.  Gautam is often asked if he is a fiduciary or what that means.  So today is a great day to learn all about the AIF® designation.

Monday, October 10, 2022

Before you can set attainable goals for yourself, you have to have a solid understanding of some basic financial terms. That's where we can help. 

Monday, October 3, 2022

Our BFC team is focused on providing customized financial guidance to help individuals and families navigate their finances in a logical and easy-to-understand way. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

“Aren’t you supposed to know when to get in and when to get out? Aren’t you supposed to protect my accounts before they go down? Aren’t you supposed to help me make money AND help me not lose it?”These are...

Monday, September 26, 2022

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great cost-saving financial tool. Learn how to get the most out of yours here.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

2022 has been a whirlwind so far and will prove to be one of the most memorable years we’ve had! Here’s a glimpse at what the year has held for us already:In February, we celebrated my wife Rhonda’s 40th birthday...

Monday, September 19, 2022

Have confidence that you can cover the costs of retirement. Be aware of these healthcare costs that can come up in retirement.

Monday, September 12, 2022

An average 65-year-old couple who start receiving Social Security payments at 65, healthcare expenses will consume 68% of their benefits.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

2022 has been a whirlwind so far and will prove to be one of the most memorable years we’ve had! Here's a glimpse at the past year for us.

Monday, August 22, 2022

Long-term care insurance can help ensure that you’re never in that position, and it can allow your parents to ultimately pass more of their wealth to their children or to worthy causes, rather than to care providers.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Making sure your parents receive all of the government healthcare insurance they’re entitled to is an important element of caregiving. Learn more about what Medicare and Medicaid offer here.

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

If you have aging parents, it’s almost inevitable that at some point in the not-so-distant future, they’ll need long-term care in one form or another. To help you prepare, it’s best to start anticipating expenses sooner than later.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

In too many cases, adult children first start caring for their parents as the result of an unexpected medical or financial crisis. This approach—of reacting to crises and not having a game plan in place ahead of time—can be a recipe for unc

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

This free downloadable white paper outlines critical elements worth considering when creating your own estate strategies. 

Monday, July 18, 2022

Divorce is challenging, and you’ll most likely be faced with difficult financial decisions that have far-reaching implications. Based on experience helping people through this process, here are four things you can do to ease the process.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Military members and their families face one-of-a-kind challenges. Follow these five tips to take advantage of potential benefits and simplify your military family’s personal finances.

Monday, June 27, 2022

Part of goal setting is saving. Saving a portion of your income helps you develop financial discipline and allows you to envision your future more clearly. Saving also applies to—but is not exclusive to— preparing for your retirement.

Monday, June 20, 2022

While budgeting establishes the foundation of your financial health, setting goals sets the direction. Here are a few ways to set lasting goals.

Friday, June 17, 2022

In recent days, I’ve read things like “Brace yourself for economic hurricanes” and “Wall Street investor survey paints a dire outlook.” It makes you wonder where the bullish thinkers have gone.

Monday, June 13, 2022

The first step in creating financial wellness is to gain knowledge. Knowledge is power—the power to build robust financial health.

Monday, June 6, 2022

While finances and health may seem unrelated, the two are often closely intertwined, especially in America’s bustling, free-flowing marketplace. Learn more about the intersection of financial wellbeing and health.

Monday, May 30, 2022

Start on your way to building a financially stable future after graduation with these six tips for paying off your college debt.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Thank you for joining us IN THE ROOM with Ben Stein. If you’d like to watch the discussion again, or if you were unable to join us, the replay is available for you to view until June 19, 2022. To access the replay:If you...

Monday, May 16, 2022

To help you prepare for the cost of college, there are options to help you save. Planning ahead for college savings can keep you from resorting to using your retirement funds for education spending when the time comes.

Monday, May 9, 2022

When you’re ready to start thinking about saving for your kids’ college funds, it’s time to learn about the different types of education-based savings accounts. Here are three of the most common options.

Monday, May 2, 2022

Explore a 529 Plan and how the tax benefits of this plan could make it the right choice for your family.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Many parents today suffer from sticker shock when they learn what it costs to send their children to college. While the cost of college can be a hard pill to swallow, it’s never too early to get familiar with a 529 college savings plan.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

The importance of having a savings plan can’t be stressed enough. Here are three simple things you can do right now to start saving more.

Monday, April 11, 2022

Americans are living longer than ever and that, of course, means they need more and more retirement savings.

Monday, April 4, 2022

There are many ways to start saving, even if you start out small, that can increase your net worth without significantly altering your current quality of life.

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

While many of you will be “going green” on the 17th of March, Leprechauns have their eyes set on gold. Find out how much a pot of gold is worth and why it might not be wise to invest like a leprechaun.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what now?”

Monday, February 28, 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Monday, February 21, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Determining the right type of life insurance for your family’s needs can be confusing and complex. Do you need term, permanent, or a combination of the two? Do you need whole, universal, or variable life? Term insurance is...

Monday, February 7, 2022

Most people are aware of the typical life events that trigger a need for life insurance, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a home. But life insurance can also help with other important financial needs: Life...

Monday, February 7, 2022

Tax returns must be filed on April 15 of every year unless an extension is filed or if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday.   A quick reference for what to expect with your tax forms: W-2 (Employment income) and 1099...

Monday, January 31, 2022

Make sure you’re taking advantage of opportunities to reduce your tax liability. That begins with understanding the “ADCs” of reducing your tax burden: Avoid, Defer, or Convert.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Whether you’re getting married or divorced, welcoming a new baby, sending a child off to college, changing jobs, or retiring, most life events have tax implications. While some of these events result in welcome new credits and deductions, o

Monday, January 17, 2022

Tax planning is a part of our ongoing process that should continue beyond tax season. Working together can help avoid surprises and take advantage of provisions that can help you manage your tax exposure.

Monday, January 10, 2022

No matter how simple or complex your business, tax considerations are central to many important decisions: how you structure your business, how you pay yourself, whether to buy or lease office space and equipment, and more.

Monday, January 3, 2022

People often view financial guidance as investment guidance. However, there’s a big difference between simply managing your investment portfolio and taking a holistic approach to coordinating your entire financial picture.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Turning 65 means you’re now eligible to receive Medicare benefits. But sorting through the Medicare alphabet can be challenging. How do you get started and what do you need to know before you enroll? The first step is to visit...

Thursday, December 16, 2021

2021 was the hangover from the year that we still can’t believe actually happened. Life started to feel more normal (whatever that means anymore!) but we still wonder if this is the new normal that we should accept as reality....

Monday, December 13, 2021

Whether you’re receiving Medicare benefits now, or will begin soon, it’s important to understand how income-based premiums are calculated for Medicare Parts B and D. Your premium is determined by your modified...

Monday, December 6, 2021

Right about now you’re probably thinking time flies—and it does! Many people aren’t aware that the best time to begin planning for and learning about their Medicare options, eligibility, and enrollment requirements...

Monday, November 29, 2021

If shopping without braving crowds and weather sounds attractive, you’re not alone—the amount of shopping done online is constantly going up. And as you can imagine, when online shopping increases, online fraud does, too....

Monday, November 22, 2021

There’s good news for the growing number of Americans approaching retirement age who are ready to scale back, but aren’t ready to completely stop working: Work-from-home jobs give you more options than ever before, whether...

Monday, November 15, 2021

Managing your retirement income and Medicare costs can be confusing. For instance:Most people who are eligible to receive Medicare benefits pay no premium for Medicare Part A. However, Medicare Parts B, C, D, and Medigap charge...

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Social Security Announces the Largest COLA Increase in 40 YearsThe Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in four decades. For Americans receiving Social Security benefits,...

Monday, November 8, 2021

USE THESE YEAR-END TAX PLANNING TIPS Everybody wants to save on their taxes. If you think tax-saving strategies are too complicated, you could be missing out on tax savings. There are a few simple tax-saving strategies available to...

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Saturday, October 30, 2021

What Does Your Credit Score Say About Your Financial Health?Your credit score, the three-digit number lenders use to help measure your credit worthiness, has the power to save—or cost you—thousands of dollars in interest...

Thursday, October 21, 2021

It’s not too late to get a handle on spending. Begin with these tips:Develop a holiday spending budget—Whether you plan to travel, host or attend holiday parties, shop for friends and family members, or all the above, a...

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Do you control your finances, or do your finances control you? If you’re like many people, today’s rapidly changing economic picture and frantic pace of everyday life prevent you from effectively working toward pursuing...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Creating an estate plan is an essential component of your financial life, but one that can lead to uncomfortable conversations. For one, it forces us to discuss that none of us will live forever. And, it may reveal details about your...

Monday, September 20, 2021

How Technology Is Making It Easier and More Cost Effective for Retirees to Age in PlaceAccording to a recent national survey, 90% of adults, age 50 or older, say they want to remain in their current homes as they age. The survey also...

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Thank you for joining us IN THE ROOM with Heroes of 9/11. If you’d like to watch the discussion again, or if you were unable to join us, the replay is available for you to view until October 9, 2021. To access the replay:If you...

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Many of you know that my dad started Balanced Financial Concepts in 1987. If you haven't heard The American Dream story, READ IT HERE. I joined the firm in 2009 and quickly began to learn how to provide customized financial guidance to...

Sunday, August 8, 2021

4 Things You Can Do About Rising InflationIn June, the Consumer Price Index, which measures the change in the prices of a broad range of goods and services over time, rose 5.4% from a year earlier, marking the sharpest increase in...

Thursday, August 5, 2021

We are living in a pivotal moment of American history, and there’s one word that best sums up our hope and optimism: resiliency.It’s in this spirit that I’d like to invite you and your family to join me IN THE ROOM...

Friday, June 11, 2021

4 Reasons to Consider Selling Your Business in 2021Like many business owners, you may have spent more time over the last year focused on keeping your businesses afloat and navigating rapidly changing public health orders, rather than...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

On Thursday, June 17, you and your family are invited to join us for an invitation-only conversation and performance with a legend in the making: Leslie Odom, Jr.Get your digital front-row seat as Leslie shares his journey to success...

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

We recently hosted our first IN THE ROOM virtual event featuring Ben Bernake. If you missed it or would like to watch it again, the replay is available for you to view until April 18, 2021. To access the replay: If you registered in...

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

The Cetera Advanced Planning Group has released an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This provides explanation and analysis on how this may affect your financial planning interests.This overview provides information...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Unbelievably, we’re now one year since the Coronavirus (now affectionately called COVID-19) pandemic forced us to change the way we see the world and the way we go about our lives. As we look back on what I hope is just...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Friends, A few tax updates as we welcome Spring: IRS has extended the 2020 tax filing and payment deadline to May 17. Here is the official announcement, though IRS will provide further guidance soon: https://www.irs...

Monday, March 8, 2021

3 Ways to Boost Cash Reserves in RetirementHow would you pay for an unanticipated home or car repair, medical emergency, or other expense? A recent study indicates that fewer than 4 in 10 Americans have enough savings to pay for an...