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!