Balser Wealth Management, LLC

10/03/2025

The third quarter of 2025 is officially in the record books. U.S. stocks extended the strong performance seen earlier in the year, with the S&P 500 finishing the quarter up nearly 8%. Small caps outperformed their large-cap peers, as the Russell 2000 gained more than 12%, its best quarter since 2023.

Contrary to the idea that market gains are concentrated in a few large stocks, the Q3 advance was broad-based. Every sector of the S&P 500 finished the quarter higher except consumer staples. Technology led the charge, followed closely by consumer discretionary, both posting double-digit gains.

International equities also made significant strides despite a strengthening U.S. dollar. The MSCI EAFE Index rose 4%, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index gained 10%.
After a nine-month pause, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September. This move was unusual given that equity indexes were near all-time highs, as the Fed typically eases during periods of economic weakness. Historically, rate cuts in this context have been followed by higher markets one year later, although short-term volatility is common. Bonds benefited, with the Bloomberg
U.S. Aggregate Bond Index up 2%.

Precious metals continued their rally. Silver rose 29%, platinum gained 19%, and gold advanced 16.5%, reaching record highs of over $3,800 by the end of the quarter.

As we enter Q4, domestic equities remain at the top of the asset class rankings in our Tactical Allocation Process (TAP)l, with international equities close behind. Technology continues to lead sector performance, and the broad market strength suggests a continued risk-on environment.

Looking Ahead: This quarter reflects a rare alignment of market momentum, central bank policy, and investor risk appetite. Rate cuts near market highs historically set the stage for continued equity strength, but volatility is inevitable. Maintaining a disciplined process and adapting to changing conditions remains key. The current signals are risk-on — the challenge is turning that into results.

Please be aware that the content of this newsletter is based on the opinion of Balser Wealth Management, LLC. The performance numbers in this article do not reflect transaction costs. Indexes are not available for direct investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results and there is no assurance that any forecasts mentioned in this report will be attained.
Stocks offer growth potential but are subject to market fluctuations. Dividends are not guaranteed; companies can reduce or eliminate their dividend at any time. There are special risks associated with an investment in real estate, including credit risk, interest rate fluctuations and the impact of varied economic conditions.
The information contained herein has been prepared without regard to any particular investor’s investment objectives, financial situation, and needs. Accordingly, investors should not act on any recommendation (express or implied) or information in this material without obtaining specific advice from their financial advisors and should not rely on information herein as the primary basis for their investment decisions. accept no liability to the recipient whatsoever whether in contract, in tort, for negligence, or otherwise for any direct, indirect, consequential, or special loss of any kind arising out of the use of this document or its contents or of the recipient relying on any such recommendation or information (except insofar as any statutory liability cannot be excluded). Any statements nonfactual in nature constitute only current opinions, which are subject to change without notice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed shall constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation or an offer to buy any securities, commodities or exchange traded products. This document does not purport to be complete description of the securities or commodities, markets or developments to which reference is made.
Potential for profits is accompanied by possibility of loss.
The material has been prepared solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy.

09/25/2025

When money talks turn into battles, compromise feels like losing. Instead, true progress comes from listening harder and creating a third solution neither side imagined.

09/17/2025

You don’t need huge income or fancy degrees—just five no-BS money moves anyone can master. Sign-up for my newsletter here https://balserwealth.com/newsletter-sign-up/

09/07/2024

Just saw this BlackRock ad where someone asked, “What will I need at 65?” and got a totally vague response.

Here’s the deal: The real question is, “How much should I save to retire comfortably?” Let’s cut through the BS and get specific.

I recently spoke with high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and this question kept coming up.

To find the answer, start by tracking your current spending. Don’t rely on rough estimates—get precise over a few years.

The reality is, your future expenses won’t drop as much as you might think. Plan based on your current lifestyle.

Leverage tools like Mint.com or partner with a financial advisor who understands the unique challenges of high-net-worth entrepreneurs. They can offer tailored advice that aligns with your specific situation.

Aim to save 20 to 30 times your annual spending.

For instance, if you spend $200k a year, your goal should be between $4M and $6M.

Keep an eye on your Total Term (Tt)—how many years your portfolio will last based on your spending.

So, entrepreneurs, don’t settle for vague answers. Track your spending, set clear targets, and get specific advice from advisors who understand your entrepreneurial needs.

Your retirement is within reach. Build your legacy and keep aiming high!

08/23/2024

Man, after all these years, my trusty 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible has finally called it quits! This little beast conquered Pikes Peak, made countless trips to Annapolis, and even survived two kids’ driving tests. But hey, all good things must come to an end, right? So, we upgraded to a Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Volvo from Leiken Motor Companies, and I’ve got to say, the experience was top-notch. Huge shoutout to Scott Golnik, Brett Leiken, and Francesco Nappo—these guys really know how to do it right. If you’re in the market for a CPO, you’ve got to check them out. Now, Rob Iannelli, it’s your mission to keep this baby rolling past 200K miles!

08/05/2024

Scary Markets: A Drill Sergeant's Guide

Alright, let’s cut the crap and talk about the scary market.

For this, I’m less your buddy and more your Scary Markets Drill Sergeant. So, listen up.

Picture this: We’re having lunch, and you’re freaking out about your investments. Right now, the market has dropped nearly 10% in the last month.

Here’s how our chat would go:
Me: “Why are you invested the way you are?”
You: “Because this portfolio gives me the best chance of meeting my goals.”
Me: “Are your goals still the same?”
You: “Yes, they are.”

Okay, great. Step one: You own the right portfolio. Check.

Now, you’re panicking. “I can’t take it anymore! I’ve got to sell everything.”

Me: “Got it. So, if you sell, is that forever? Are you done with the stock market?”
You: “Well, no…”
Me: “Alright, so when will you get back in?”
You: “When things settle down!”

Pause.

We know three things now:
1. You have the right portfolio.
2. You’re not abandoning the market forever.
3. You plan to reinvest when things calm down.

Let’s break this down. Imagine the market has cleared up:
Will it be less scary? Yes.
Will the economy be better? Yes.
Will the financial news be bullish? Yes.
Will your friends be talking about stocks again? Yes.

So, when the market isn’t scary, the economy is better, and everyone’s bullish, what do you think will happen? The market will be higher, of course!

Here’s your plan: Sell your perfectly tailored portfolio now when it’s down, then buy back in later at higher prices.

Seriously?

That’s your strategy?

It’s ridiculous to sell low and buy high.

Instead, keep your portfolio and tough it out.

Remember these three things:
1. You built your portfolio based on your goals.
2. It still matches your goals.
3. Selling now and buying back later just loses you money.

Think of this as a lifeboat drill. When the ship goes down, don’t jump into the icy water. Stay in the lifeboat, tough it out, and wait for rescue.

Got it, soldier? Stay the course and don’t let fear drive your decisions.

08/04/2024

Dentist: "Hey, what do you think about the market action today?"

Me: "I think it just doesn’t matter."

When you’ve got a well-designed portfolio rooted in your goals and values, the daily market action is irrelevant.

Dentist: "You mean you’re not concerned about China? Ukraine? Recession? The presidential election?"

Me: "Nope. It just doesn’t matter."

Dentist: "You’re kidding, right?"

Me: "Do you understand why your money is invested the way it is? If you do, then the answer to your questions or whatever noise you hear on the Financial Po*******hy Network is simple: it just doesn’t matter.

We often hear or read something and feel the urge to act immediately—like buying the latest hot stock or bailing out of the market because some talking head said so. But in the grand scheme of things, it just doesn’t matter.

If something does impact your portfolio, it's likely out of your control anyway. It’s amazing how quickly we cycle through information. One moment, it's revolutionary, the next, it's forgotten. The news cycle and our attention spans are so short.

We get so caught up in the hype. If you paid attention to everything that was supposed to change the world, it’d be a full-time job. Instead, remember that you have a diversified portfolio designed to meet your goals and values.

So next time you lose sleep over some headline, just remind yourself: 'I have a portfolio built to achieve my goals and values. IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!'"

07/30/2024

Takeaways
1. Proven Strategies: Use time-tested methods that deliver consistent results.
2. Top Experts: Surround yourself with high-caliber professionals with solid track records.
3. Verify Everything: Understand your financial agreements and always get second opinions.

5 Game-Changing Wealth Management Tips from the Super-Rich You Can Start Using Right Now

Ever wonder how the ultra-wealthy keep growing and protecting their massive fortunes?

It’s not just about luck. The super-rich use straightforward, actionable principles anyone can apply to up their wealth game. Here are five killer lessons from the elite that can reshape your approach to managing your money.

1. Use Proven Strategies
The super-rich lean into strategies tested and proven over time. This isn’t about theory—it’s about what’s worked for others already succeeding. By adopting these tactics, you avoid common traps and set yourself up for real success.

2. Partner with the Best of the Best
The ultra-wealthy surround themselves with the best professionals in the game. To find these high-caliber experts, get recommendations from trusted sources, do your homework, and ensure they have a proven track record. The right advisors can boost your financial potential.

3. Get Personal with Your Advisors
Managing money isn’t just crunching numbers; it’s personal. The super-rich work with advisors who understand their unique needs and goals. Your financial team should be deeply engaged with your situation, making all the difference in crafting effective strategies.

4. Know What You’re Signing Up For
Before signing anything, get the full picture. The super-rich meticulously understand how every decision impacts their overall wealth strategy. Being fully informed helps you make decisions aligned with your long-term goals.

5. Verify Everything
“Trust, but verify” is a mantra the super-rich live by. They don’t just accept financial advice at face value; they dig in, get second opinions, and stress-test their plans. This approach ensures their strategies are solid and reliable.

These lessons aren’t just for the wealthy elite—they’re practical steps anyone can use. By adopting proven strategies, working with top experts, focusing on the personal side of money, understanding your agreements, and verifying your plans, you can set yourself on the path to financial success.

Ready to level up your wealth management? Dive in and see how these strategies can transform your financial future.

07/29/2024

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-chicken-wing-day-july-29 The ultimate wing sauce: you want 3/4 cup of Frank's RedHot—that’s your base. Then, go hardcore with 2 tablespoons each of crushed red peppers, pickled jalapeños, and horseradish. Trust me, this is no joke. I’m a total wing snob, and this is the recipe that’s gonna take your wings from mediocre to mind-blowing.

NATIONAL CHICKEN WING DAY On July 29, National Chicken Wing Day encourages a frenzy of dipping and sauce tasting with our chicken wings. With so many choices,

07/11/2024

🌟 Mastering Wealth: The Balser Way 🌟

Today, we’re diving deep into the art and science of managing your wealth. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making sure that money works for you, now and in the future. Think of it as building a fortress around your financial future. So, grab a seat and get ready to level up your game.

Step 1: Know Thyself 🧠
Start with profiling. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about understanding what drives you. Your values, relationships, goals, financials, interests, advisors, and process preferences—each element forms the foundation of your wealth strategy.

Step 2: Building Your Dream Team 🛠️
Assemble a dream team of advisors who bring specialized expertise, integrity, professionalism, and personal chemistry. These experts—tax wizards, investment gurus, estate planners—will guide you through the complexities of wealth management.

Step 3:Playing Chess with Your Future ♟️
Life is unpredictable. Scenario thinking prepares you for any twist or turn, ensuring you have contingency plans in place. From protecting assets to minimizing tax liabilities, it's about being prepared, not paranoid.

Step 4: Making Sense of the Chessboard 🗺️
Your dream team will break down strategies in a way that makes sense to you. Understanding the "why" behind the "what" empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your goals and values.

Step 5: Putting Plans into Action 🚀
Turn your plan into reality. Implementation is an ongoing process requiring diligence and attention to detail. Your dream team will ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Step 6: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse 📈 Life changes, and so should your wealth strategy. Regular monitoring and refining ensure your plan remains relevant and effective. Stay proactive, reassess goals, and seize new opportunities as they arise.

Conclusion - Mastering the Virtuous Cycle 🔄
Mastering wealth management is about strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Apply these principles to your financial journey, watch your wealth grow, and secure your legacy for generations to come.

Whether you’re starting your wealth-building journey or fine-tuning your strategy, mastering the Virtuous Cycle ensures you’re not just managing your wealth—you’re mastering it. Let’s make smart, strategic decisions for a prosperous future!

07/09/2024

The Top Financial Concerns of the Affluent

Alright, listen up, folks. Let’s talk about something that's on a lot of our minds but we often push to the back burner—our financial concerns. I’m talking about the big stuff, the things that keep you up at night. And trust me, even the wealthy aren’t immune to these worries.

Most of us are hustling every day, trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between. But when it comes to your future, you’ve got to hit pause and really think about what’s ahead. Think about it like this: you’re the CEO of your family. You’re the one making the big decisions that will shape whether you hit your financial dreams or not. That’s why you need to be crystal clear on the financial issues and concerns that matter most to you and your loved ones. Only then can you take the right steps to handle them.

Five Key Concerns of the Affluent

From what we’ve seen—and backed by research—people with serious assets usually worry about five big financial issues. Now, not every rich person will agree on all five, but generally, these are the top concerns for those with significant dough. So, as you’re thinking about your own financial life, see how these stack up for you. You might have some unique issues, but chances are, a lot of these challenges are on your list too.

Concern #1: Preserving Your Wealth

The goal here is to get the best returns while sticking to your time frame and risk tolerance. It’s not just about making money; it’s about not losing what you’ve got. This is the biggest issue for most affluent investors today. Ask yourself: How sure are you that you have, or will have, enough wealth to meet your needs, reach your goals, and live the life you want?

A massive majority of affluent investors are wrestling with this question. A study showed nearly 90 percent are very concerned about preserving their wealth. Plus, about 71.5 percent worry about having enough money for retirement. These concerns have been at the top of the list for years. For example, maintaining their financial position was the top concern for investors with $3 million or more, according to Spectrem Group. Clearly, having a lot of wealth doesn’t erase the fear of losing it. There’s too much at stake. The thought of having to cut back on your lifestyle isn’t appealing to most people. Yet, some affluent folks might need to make big compromises because they’re facing the real threat of not preserving their wealth.

Some challenges are new, while others have been around forever. Regardless, they can leave even wealthy families feeling unsure about their future. In the face of that uncertainty, making smart decisions about your wealth based on reality is crucial.

Concern #2: Enhancing Your Wealth

Affluent people also want to grow their wealth by dealing with the tax impact on their finances. Taxes are, as Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “dues we pay for living in a society.” But that doesn’t mean anyone enjoys paying them.

Tax mitigation has been a big deal for the affluent lately, especially with all the talk in Congress about raising taxes on high earners. It’s no surprise that people are worried about this. Taxes can really eat into your wealth.

Take income taxes. Many affluent families have become successful by working hard and earning a lot. High earners’ incomes have grown much more over time compared to lower earners. So, the affluent pay a big chunk of all federal income taxes. Taxes on investment returns can also hit your ability to grow and preserve wealth.

No one knows what the future holds regarding government decisions on tax rates and other tax code aspects. This uncertainty stops many families from taking a proactive approach to tax planning, which is a costly mistake. Waiting for 100 percent clarity? You’ll be waiting forever! Tax mitigation needs to be part of any financial plan, no matter the political environment. You can create a flexible wealth management plan that adapts to tax changes, for better or worse.

Concern #3: Transferring Your Wealth

Have you thought about the legacy and financial resources you’ll leave for your family? Do you have a plan for passing your wealth to family members, now or later? If you do, is it up to date and reflects current laws and your family’s needs and goals?

It’s easy to ignore this crucial concern because it forces us to ask tough questions. How do you want your assets distributed when you die? How and when should your heirs get their inheritance? How can liquidity needs be met if your estate is illiquid?

These questions can be uncomfortable, but ignoring them can lead to bigger problems later and serious consequences. It can impact everything from helping family members achieve their goals (like college) to the long-term success of a family business.

Families need to be proactive in wealth transfer planning to ensure their wealth benefits their families as much as possible.

Concern #4: Protecting Your Wealth

Affluent investors want to preserve their wealth against market losses and rising costs. They also want to protect their assets from being unjustly taken by catastrophic loss, creditors, lawsuits, ex-spouses, children’s spouses, and even identity thieves.

Successful wealth management planning should address wealth protection—controlling risks through business processes, employment agreements, and buy-sells, restructuring assets, and considering legal ownership forms that safeguard wealth from those looking to unjustly take it.

Concern #5: Donating Your Wealth

Many affluent investors are thinking beyond their families to the world at large. Making meaningful gifts to charity in the most impactful way possible is becoming a key issue.

Charitable giving comes with its own set of challenges—from choosing the right means of giving (like direct gifts, donor-advised funds, or private family foundations) to selecting causes and organizations that will have the biggest impact. Any gifting strategy should be set up for maximum effectiveness while ensuring that philanthropic objectives are balanced with other key financial goals, like retirement and long-term family financial security. Charitable planning should be part of a wealth management plan for those motivated to give.

Coordinating Your Response

Review the top financial concerns and compare them with your own. Each one is tough on its own, but facing many—or all—of these challenges can hugely impact your ability to work towards a secure, comfortable, and meaningful life. None of these concerns stand alone. Wealth protection often ties in with wealth transfer needs, and charitable giving can support goals in the other areas.

Remember, all areas of your financial life are interconnected. Focusing on just one area at the expense of others leads to suboptimal results. To be most effective, you need to tackle each area systematically and take an integrated approach to your overall financial picture.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get real about your financial concerns and start making moves. Whether it’s preserving, enhancing, transferring, protecting, or donating your wealth, having a solid plan is crucial. Don’t leave your financial future to chance—get proactive and ensure you’re on the right track to achieving your financial dreams.

06/05/2024

Ever wondered how many books there are on handling failure? About 50,000. I've had my fair share of face-plants. Right out of high school, I dreamed of coaching college football. That didn't pan out. Then there was my stint in the brokerage game—I never made it past vice president before the firm went belly up.

But here's the kicker: where are the guides for dealing with success? Sure, you can find a few, but they’re all about dodging imposter syndrome. Handling success is crucial. Look around, and you’ll see folks who hit the jackpot and lose their marbles. It's like they forgot where they came from.

In the finance game, Money is good. But scoring a fortune overnight can really mess with your head. Take athletes, celebrities—once they're swimming in cash, they lose touch with reality. This applies to anyone who hits a level of success, whether it's a fat bonus at work or winning big on a scratch-off ticket.

Most folks never even stop to think about how to handle success. They never saw it coming. Ever met a power-tripping middle manager at Macy’s? That’s a prime example of how even a little success can turn someone into a total tool.

The Game Plan for Handling Success
First things first, don’t go blowing it all. Resist the urge to splurge on a Maserati or a mansion. Sit tight for a bit, let that cash marinate.

Secondly, take it slow with your rise. Rapidly elevating your lifestyle is a recipe for disaster. Trust me, being poor again sucks way more than being poor in the first place. You blow your newfound wealth on fancy toys and vacations, and before you know it, it's all gone.

I always say, if you come into some cash, don’t go spending more than 10% right off the bat. Cash equals potential. And even with a sudden windfall, those survival instincts from your broke days kick in hard. We're good at scraping by, but not so great at living it up.

So, chill out. Overnight success can turn into overnight failure quicker than you can say “stock market crash.” Save and invest most of that dough, and if you’re not used to having money, don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket.

If you hit the big leagues, consider bringing in the big guns. There are services tailor-made for folks swimming in cash, ways to generate income without touching the principal.

Staying Grounded
Me? I keep it simple. Live below my means. I ran into this big shot once, swimming in dough but staying grounded in the Caymans. Admirable, but if I had that kind of bankroll, I’d probably turn into a real jerk.

So, I stick to my modest lifestyle. Yeah, I treat myself to great bourbon and good food, but it’s all within reason. No interest in becoming a stuck-up snob, thanks.

When you hit that next level of success, maybe you’ll follow my lead and stay humble, or maybe you’ll be the guy lounging in a multi-million-dollar mansion. Either way, hang onto your cash, and just maybe, you won’t lose yourself along the way.