Well Balanced

Why September Stands Out

If you’ve heard of the “September Effect,” you already know the reputation. Over a century of data, every month of the year has averaged a positive return for the S&P 500—except September. Its historical average is a decline of about 0.8%.

At the other end of the spectrum sits July, the strongest month, with an average gain of nearly 2%. In 2025, July (and August) lived up to that record, delivering...

In moments when you need short-term liquidity—whether for a home down payment, a business opportunity, or bridging a timing gap—your portfolio can offer more flexibility than you might think.

In our latest podcast, Wealth Advisor David Moser explores three strategic solutions available to Vector clients through their Schwab accounts. We talk though how each solution can provide access to funds based on your existing portfolio value...

In this edition of the Well Balanced podcast, we dive into three major financial stories making headlines:

• Stock Market Highs: The S&P 500 and NASDAQ have reached record highs, driven by optimism over potential interest rate cuts and strong corporate earnings.
• Earnings Season Highlights: Overall strong corporate earnings for Q2, with significant earnings growth across sectors like technology, communication, and financials.
...

In this conversation, Tom Lyons, chairman of the Minnesota Veterans Pantry and Vector’s Chris Wagner, discuss the importance of charitable giving and philanthropy. Tom shares his personal journey from military service to establishing the Minnesota Veterans Pantry, which addresses food insecurity among veterans.

They explore the tax benefits of charitable contributions and the role of financial planning in supporting philanthropic e...

In this conversation, Tom Lyons, founder of a mergers, acquisitions, and advisory firm, and Vector’s Sharon Calhoun, discuss the intricacies of business valuations, exit strategies, and how to maximize the value of a business.

They explore the importance of planning and preparation for business owners considering selling their business, the role of management in enhancing enterprise value, and common mistakes to avoid during the ex...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping tax changes—many of which could directly affect your income, savings, and estate plans. 

From an expanded standard deduction to new rules for charitable giving and 529 plans, the law offers opportunities—but also new limits and deadlines you’ll want to keep on your radar. 

In our latest podcast and blog, Vector Wealth advisors Sharon Calhoun an...

All-Time Highs: What They Mean—and What They Don’t

Today, we’re exploring a topic that’s hitting headlines, stirring conversations, and maybe even finding its way into your family group texts: all-time highs.

Markets Are Up

Let’s begin with the markets. Despite a turbulent first half of the year—rife with tariff negotiations, interest rate debates, geopolitical tensions, and the occasional curveball—the U.S. stock market has show...

What Would You Do With $300?

In the latest episode of Well Balanced, Vector advisor Chris Wagner joins Ezra Firkins to discuss a simple but revealing question: Can a $300 purchase improve your life? From air fryers to flight upgrades, Chris and Ezra explore how small, intentional spending can bring real value—especially for clients who’ve spent a lifetime saving. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own comfort, h...

In this edition of The Well Balanced Podcast, Ezra Firkins sits down with Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim to unpack a scenario that pre-retirees face: I’ve got a target date fund in my 401K and I plan to retire in the next few years.

What next?

Mike and Ezra explore how target date funds work, why they’re often a great accumulation tool, and when it might make sense to move beyond them.

Here are 7 key takeaways about target ...

In this episode of Vector's Well Balanced podcast, senior wealth advisor Joe Grochowski discusses the financial planning aspects of weddings, particularly focusing on how parents can support their children while managing their own retirement plans. We explore the rising costs of weddings, the importance of budgeting, and the emotional significance of these events.

7 Key Takeaways:

• The average cost of a wedding is trending upwa...

In this episode of Vector’s Well Balanced Podcast, our communications director Ezra and wealth manager Charlie Gruys explore retirement savings goals through practical examples, benchmarks, and financial planning insights.

They discuss how income multiples (example: 6x annual income = investable savings at 55 years) can help guide retirement preparedness. The conversation presents two household scenarios: 10 years from retirement, ...

In our latest episode, Vector’s Sharon Calhoun sits down with Emily Victory, a pattern-driven artist whose work lives at the intersection of art and mathematics. Emily shares her journey, revealing how structure and expression come together through a creative process.

Takeaways

• Taking the first steps in any creative pursuit is often the hardest.
• Embrace the journey of exploration.
• Art can make math more accessible.
• Every piece...

A shift occurred in the world of government bonds—one that, if the trend continues, could have implications for interest rates, mortgage affordability, and the broader economy. In our latest podcast episode, Vector’s Jason Ranallo breaks down what rating agency Moody’s downgrade of U.S. Treasury debt means—and if it matters for your financial future.

Summary

Moody’s has lowered the U.S. government’s credit rating from AAA to Aa1, c...

Every quarter, a new set of GDP reports make headlines. In our latest podcast we dig into Gross Domestic Product, market reaction, and dig into the details behind the numbers.  

Here’s the backdrop: The first estimate of Q1 GDP report showed the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of the year—which rattled markets Wednesday morning. That said, if you checked markets after lunch the same day, you might have missed the whole...

This week, we’re applying our facts-frame-approach concept (introduced in last week’s podcast) to a couple of themes making headlines: tariffs and market volatility.

News Theme One: Tariffs and Historic Market Reaction

On April 2, the administration announced sweeping tariffs on a range of imported goods. After an initial market decline of nearly 20%, a 90-day tariff pause was issued, and markets quickly rebounded — posting a 9.5...

In times of market swings, it’s easy to feel like you’re being swept along by a wave of headlines and data points. At Vector Wealth, we believe that while facts, like market prices, are important, they only tell part of the story. Sound investment decisions come not just from knowing the facts, but from having a framework that gives those facts meaning and direction.

In our latest podcast episode, Facts, Framework & Approach, J...

When people feel the worst about the economy, that’s often when markets perform their best. Strange, right? But this is one of the fascinating dynamics we see when we dig into consumer sentiment—a gauge of how people feel about the economy.

The March preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index slumped 7 points to a lower-than-expected reading of 57.9. This was the third consecutive decline, bringing sentiment to its lowest level since 202...

Stock market volatility has returned, driven in part by increased uncertainty. As of March 11th, the S&P 500 was down about 9.3% from its all-time high made in February. The largest tech-oriented companies, like those comprising the Magnificent 7, experienced an even steeper decline. While this can feel unnerving, it’s important to remember that five to 10 percent market declines are not unusual.

Over the past 100 years or so...

In this podcast episode, senior wealth advisor Mike Nesheim discusses the importance of financial planning for surviving spouses. We explore the role of financial advisors in guiding families through the complexities of asset management, distribution strategies, and legacy planning.

The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication between spouses about financial goals and the necessity of involving family members in the ...