Skip to content
Well Balanced podcast artwork

PODCAST · business

Well Balanced

by Vector Wealth Management

Well Balanced - Financial Planning, Bucket-Based Investing, Market Perspective, Wealth Management. A passionate and entertaining look at money and investing in and for retirement. For those that enjoy podcasts like Smart Money, On Investing, and BiggerPockets, Well Balanced is worth adding to your feed.--Disclosures about our firm and this podcast.Vector Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. A copy of Vector’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Vector’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at:

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jul 8, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Where to Keep Your Cash for Retirement

    Where should you keep your cash in retirement? The answer is about more than just finding the highest interest rate. In this video, Sharon Calhoun, Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Bluespring Wealth, discusses how cash fits into a broader retirement strategy. From high-yield savings...

  2. The Three Stages Stages of Retirement

    For most people, retirement doesn’t stay the same from start to finish. It tends to move through distinct phases, each with different priorities and financial rhythms. Presented by Joe Grochowski, a senior wealth advisor at Vector Wealth Management. Connect with Joe and the team:...

  3. Is Your Retirement Plan Ready for Reality?

    Retirement isn't just leaving your job—it's a life shift. Your time, your days, and your finances all change. Here's what matters: ✅ Replace your paycheck with steady income from savings & investments ✅ Protect against inflation over 10-20 years ✅ Time Social Security & Medicare strategically ✅...

  4. Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part Two Fireside, Q&A

    In this informative presentation, Paul Ewing, Schwab’s Senior Technology Consultant, and Boima Freeman, Senior Financial Fraud Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, share real-world examples and actionable strategies to help you safeguard your financial accounts and personal...

  5. Fraud Prevention and Cybercrime Tactics – Part One with Boima Freeman

    Fraud is no longer rare—it's happening everywhere. In 2024 alone, three out of ten people experienced attempted fraud, with one in ten falling victim. For Minnesotans age 60 and older, reported losses reached $52.2 million, with actual losses potentially much higher since many cases go…

    more
  6. Market Perspective: 2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus

    The S&P 500 closed 2025 with an impressive 17% gain, underscoring the market’s resilience and strength. That strong finish came despite a challenging start to the year. In this update, we revisit what last year’s swings taught us and look ahead to how broader market participation is shaping the...

  7. Organizing Your Financial Documents for the New Year with Charlie Gruys

    As we kick off the new year, we want to share a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference in your financial life: organizing your financial documents. Think of this as your Marie Kondo or Barbara Costello moment—but for your finances. A small amount of effort now can make the rest of the...

  8. Six Tips for Retirees and Savvy Savers with Chris Wagner

    Get a head start on your financial goals for 2026! In this episode, Chris Wagner, Wealth Advisor at Vector, shares six financial planning topics for the year ahead. Financial Planning in the New Year 73+ in 2026? Plan for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax accounts Maximize Giving...

  9. Market Perspective: Changing Interest Rate Environment

    The Federal Reserve (Fed) recently lowered interest rates again. We discuss why—and what it could mean for markets and investors. Here’s a clear, plain-English update. What the Fed Did The Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate by another quarter of a percent this December, bringing the federal...

  10. Updating Your Will as You Approach Retirement

    When it comes to retirement planning, one crucial piece often gets overlooked: your will. As you near retirement, a quick review can help ensure your wishes are clear and up-to-date, and your loved ones are protected. In this short video, we share about why, when, and how to update your will and...

  11. The Power of Family Meetings: Building Trust, Clarity, and a Lasting Legacy

    vectorwealth.com/contact - At Vector Wealth Management, we believe that strong families build strong legacies. One of the most effective—yet often overlooked—tools for achieving this is the regular family meeting. Why Family Meetings Matter Family meetings aren’t just for large family offices or...

  12. The Backdoor Roth Explained - Unlocking a Retirement Savings Strategy

    vectorwealth.com/contact - High-earning families often do everything right: they save, they invest, and they plan ahead. But many still bump into a frustrating limitation—income limits that prevent direct Roth IRA contributions. In this episode of Well Balanced, Senior Wealth Advisor Mike Nesheim...

  13. Consumer Confidence Is Low — Here’s What That Means

    A Moment of Low Consumer Confidence — and What’s Behind It In the most recent episode of Well-Balanced, Vector’s Jason Ranallo discusses the latest drop in U.S. consumer sentiment. November’s reading from the University of Michigan fell to 50.3, the second-lowest point since the pandemic…

    more
  14. A simple lesson worth sharing: The power of compound interest with David Moser.

    Some lessons are too valuable to keep to ourselves. If there’s someone in your life—a child, grandchild, or friend—who’s just beginning to save or invest, consider passing along this episode of Well Balanced. David Moser shares a simple, yet powerful illustration of how compound interest turns...

  15. Minnesota Estate Taxes: What Non-Residents Need to Know about Owning Property in MN with Sharon Calhoun

    If you own property in Minnesota but live elsewhere, you could face estate tax liabilities. Let’s say you live in Florida but own property in the great state of Minnesota—perhaps a summer cabin or investment real estate—understanding Minnesota’s estate tax laws is crucial for your financial...

  16. FYR033: Online Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late

    Online Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late Fraudsters are getting smarter — and more personal. One in three adults will face an online scam attempt this year, and even the most tech-savvy among us can be caught off guard. In this recent Well Balanced podcast, Chief Compliance...

  17. FYR032: Medicare: Upcoming Changes and How to Prepare with Joe Grochowski

    Medicare is an important part of retirement planning, and for many is a topic that can feel overwhelming—especially with significant changes on the horizon. In our latest video, Joe Grochowski, Senior Wealth Advisor at Vector Wealth Management, breaks down what you need to know about Medicare,...

  18. FYR032: Your Fall Financial Checklist: 5 Simple Tasks with Chris Wagner

    Fall is the perfect time to do a little “financial spring cleaning.” At Vector, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve long-term goals, but there are also some small steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success. Here are five easy financial tasks you can tackle this fall:...

  19. FYR031: 5 Tax Prep Opportunities Before Year End with Mike Nesheim

    Fall is a natural time to pause, reflect, and make sure your financial plan is aligned. At Vector, we proactively look across our client’s financial picture to identify opportunities that could improve tax efficiency before December 31st. Five Year-End Tax Planning Strategies 1. Roth Conversions…

    more
  20. MP025: The “September Effect”: Myth, Data, and Market Perspective

    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...

  21. FYR030: 3 Ways to Use Your Portfolio for Short-Term Borrowing with David Moser

    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...

  22. MP024: All-time Highs, Earnings, Rates. Market Perspective with Vector’s Jason Ranallo

    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...

  23. FYR029: Charitable Giving with Veteran Tom Lyons and Chris Wagner

    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...

  24. FYR028: Business Valuations and Exit Strategies with Tom Lyons. Hosted by Sharon Calhoun.

    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...

  25. FYR027: One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What It Means for You. A conversation with Vector’s Sharon & Joe.

    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...

  26. MP023: Markets, Debt Ceiling, Home Un-Affordability at All Time Highs

    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...

  27. FYR026: Treat Yourself: Why Intentional Spending Matters in Retirement with Chris Wagner

    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…

    more
  28. FYR25: Target Date Funds in Retirement Accounts with Mike Nesheim

    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,...

  29. FYR024: Weddings and Financial Planning with Joe Grochowski

    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...

  30. FYR023: The 10X Retirement Savings Rule with Charlie Gruys

    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...

  31. WB005: Art, Math, and Financial Planning with Emily Victory

    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...

  32. MP022: Moody’s Downgrade of U.S. Credit with Jason Ranallo

    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...

  33. MP021: The Latest GDP Report, Imports, and Context with Jason Ranallo

    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...

  34. MP020: A Steady Framework to Navigate a Turbulent Market with Jason Ranallo

    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…

    more
  35. MP019: Facts, Framework & Approach with Jason Ranallo

    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…

    more
  36. MP018: Consumer Sentiment and the Stock Market with Jason Ranallo

    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...

  37. MP017: Moderate Corrections are Part of the Investing Journey with Jason Ranallo

    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…

    more
  38. FYR022: Protect Your Partner’s Financial Future. Why Every Couple Needs a Plan for the Surviving Spouse with Mike Nesheim.

    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...

  39. MP016: Tariffs, Economic Activity & The Super Bowl with Jason Ranallo

    You might wonder—do tariffs or the Super Bowl cause inflation? Locally, and in the short term, yes. This week, two seemingly unrelated events—proposed tariffs and the Super Bowl—offer us a chance to dig into consumer behavior in the face of potentially rapidly changing pricing. Tariffs can drive…

    more
  40. MP015: Why Markets Move: The Power of Shifting Expectations with Jason Ranallo

    This week’s Market Perspective explores the significant influence of future expectations on economic activity. We illustrate the point through a few examples: Nvidia's stock volatility, the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, and the impact of social media on tourism. The discussion...

  41. FYR021: Sharp Edges and Smooth Runs with Charlie Gruys

    In this episode we discuss the importance of regular maintenance in both skiing and financial planning, emphasizing how proactive measures can prevent larger issues down the trail. Vector advisor Charlie Gruys shares insights from his experience as a youth ski coach, detailing the process of…

    more
  42. MP014: 2025 Market and Economic Outlook with Kara Murphy

    Jason Ranallo and Kara Murphy discuss the economic and market outlook for the upcoming year. They explore various themes including market trends, the impact of U.S. debt, the performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks, and the influence of AI on productivity. The conversation also covers mergers...

  43. FYR020: A Bucket-Based Approach to Navigating Market Uncertainty

    When it comes to withdrawing from your portfolio, timing is everything. During your working and saving years, the average annual return over time is what matters most since you’re not actively withdrawing funds. However, as you approach retirement and begin drawing from your portfolio, the…

    more
  44. FYR019: Financial Planning Tips for a New Year with Chris Wagner

    As we approach 2025, it’s great time to plan for a financially strong year ahead. In this podcast, Vector Advisor, Chris Wagner discusses Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and explores Roth conversions. Chris also reminds us to review beneficiary...

  45. MP013: Consumer Confidence, Holiday Spending, and Market Trends with Kara Murphy

    In this episode of our podcast, Jason Ranallo and Kara Murphy discuss the current state of the markets and consumer behavior, particularly in the context of the holiday spending season. They explore the complexities of consumer confidence, the impact of inflation on spending habits, and the...

  46. FYR018: The Art of Business Valuation & Exit Readiness: A Conversation with M&A Attorney Matt Hartranft

    In this engaging conversation hosted by Vector’s Jason Ranallo, Matthew Hartranft, an experienced M&A attorney with Brutlag Trucke & Doherty, shares practical strategies for business owners navigating the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape. With a background in banking and inspiration drawn...

  47. WB004: Inside Senior Living - A conversation with Melissa Fritz & Joe Grochowski

    Senior living is more than just a place—it’s a journey, and this episode explores how to navigate it with intention and empathy. In this engaging podcast episode, creator and executive producer of the groundbreaking PBS docuseries Inside Senior Living, Melissa Fritz explores the important and…

    more
  48. MP012: All-Time Highs, Recession, and Long-Term Investing with Jason Ranallo

    With major stock indices at record highs, some investors are asking, ‘Is now the time to pull back?’ In this podcast we dive into the numbers, address recent market movements, and explain why a long-term perspective remains essential. Key discussion points: Market Milestones in 2024 51 all-time...

  49. FYR017: Mortgages, Market Trends, and Real Estate with Mike Nesheim

    In a recent conversatior, Vector senior wealth advisor Mike Nesheim hosts mortgage expert Tyler Wiltse from Cambria Mortgage. Tyler shares his insights into the current mortgage landscape, focusing on everything from interest rate trends to strategic refinancing. Tyler emphasizes that while…

    more
  50. FYR016: Three Timeless Investing Principles with Charlie Gruys

    In our latest podcast, we explore three key investing principles that we believe every investor should keep in mind. First, time in the market is generally more effective than trying to time the market. Trying to predict the highs and lows is challenging and can reduce your potential gains if you...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Well Balanced - Financial Planning, Bucket-Based Investing, Market Perspective, Wealth Management. A passionate and entertaining look at money and investing in and for retirement. For those that enjoy podcasts like Smart Money, On Investing, and BiggerPockets, Well Balanced is worth adding to your feed.--Disclosures about our firm and this podcast.Vector Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. A copy of Vector’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Vector’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at:

HOSTED BY

Vector Wealth Management

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Well Balanced have?

Well Balanced currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Well Balanced about?

Well Balanced - Financial Planning, Bucket-Based Investing, Market Perspective, Wealth Management. A passionate and entertaining look at money and investing in and for retirement. For those that enjoy podcasts like Smart Money, On Investing, and BiggerPockets, Well Balanced is worth adding to your...

How often does Well Balanced release new episodes?

Well Balanced has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Well Balanced?

You can listen to Well Balanced on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Well Balanced?

Well Balanced is created and hosted by Vector Wealth Management.
URL copied to clipboard!