Weekly Newsletter

On July 4th, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed into law by President Trump. One of the many provisions it introduced is a new financial tool for minors called the Trump Account. These special accounts are designed to give children a head start on building wealth by offering tax perks, government contributions, and opportunities for growth. But are they as good as they sound, or do existing options still have the edge?

As summer slows and fall approaches, many employers begin sharing updates about their health and benefits plans. Before the forms arrive and deadlines sneak up, August is the ideal time to start preparing for the open enrollment season. Whether you’re reviewing insurance coverage, evaluating savings options, or revisiting your family’s needs, making thoughtful choices now may lead to better outcomes in the year ahead.

On July 18, 2025, President Trump signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act into law. This landmark legislation establishes the first comprehensive federal framework for dollar pegged stablecoins. It requires issuers to back tokens one-to-one with liquid assets like U.S. dollars or short-term Treasury bills, mandates monthly public disclosures of reserves, and sets federal oversight with OCC bank licensing and CFTC involvement.

As summer hits full stride, many families already have their eyes on the next major milestone: back-to-school season. July is the perfect time to begin planning for education-related expenses before the last-minute rush in August. Whether you’re covering the cost of elementary school supplies or preparing for college tuition withdrawals, having a clear financial plan can reduce stress and help stretch your dollars further.

This summer, Congress passed the Opportunity and Balanced Budget Bill, nicknamed the “Big, Beautiful Bill Act” or OBBB. It’s one of the most sweeping pieces of tax and budget legislation in recent years. While much of the media coverage has focused on its political implications, we’re focused on what really matters to you: how this affects your taxes, investments, benefits, and long-term planning.

For many professionals, July marks the bonus season when mid-year or performance-based bonuses hit their accounts. While it’s tempting to celebrate with a big purchase or spontaneous trip, this extra income offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your overall financial picture, if used strategically.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence this July 4th, it’s a great time to reflect on the significance of freedom, not just in the historical sense, but also in terms of financial independence.

Graduation marks an exciting transition, but it also brings a new level of financial responsibility. Whether you’re stepping into your first job or continuing your education, this is a pivotal time to start building fundamental financial habits that will serve you for years to come.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, now is a smart to see if you are on track when it comes to optimizing your retirement contributions. Evaluating your 401(k), Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA strategy can help ensure you’re taking full advantage of 2025 tax benefits, maximizing employer matches, and staying on track toward your long-term retirement goals. A few simple adjustments today can make a meaningful difference in your future financial security.

Inflation has always been an important factor in retirement planning, but in today’s economic environment, its impact on long-term financial security is greater than ever. For retirees and those approaching retirement, rising costs can erode purchasing power and affect income sustainability. At BCA Private Wealth, we offer proactive financial planning strategies designed to help you manage inflation in retirement and maintain financial confidence for the future.

As we approach the midpoint of 2025, now is an ideal time for a mid-year financial review. Economic conditions, evolving tax laws, and personal life changes can all impact your long-term financial goals. Taking the time to assess your investment portfolio, retirement savings, and estate planning strategy helps ensure you’re still on track for success.

Planning for retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s also about anticipating and preparing for rising healthcare expenses. Medicare enrollment, long-term care options, and Health Savings Account (HSA) strategies can play an important role in shaping a strong retirement plan.

As life evolves, your financial plan should evolve with it, especially during seasons filled with weddings, relocations, and family milestones. At BCA Private Wealth, we work with clients to ensure that every major transition — marriage, buying a new home, or expanding your family — fits into a comprehensive financial strategy. Financial planning isn’t just about managing investments; it’s about preparing for life’s biggest moments with clarity and confidence.

As summer approaches, many families look forward to vacations, outdoor activities, and well-deserved relaxation. However, the excitement of the season often brings added expenses—from travel and entertainment to increased utility bills and childcare. Without a thoughtful plan, these costs can easily disrupt financial progress. At Ballentine Capital Advisors, we believe it’s possible to enjoy your summer while staying aligned with your long-term goals. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

For many Americans, a tax refund can feel like a welcome financial boost. As refunds begin to hit bank accounts, the question becomes: how do you make the most of it?

Whether your refund is modest or substantial, thoughtful planning can turn a one-time bonus into a lasting benefit. From strengthening your financial foundation to accelerating long-term goals, there are several smart ways to put that money to work.

As summer approaches, families with college-bound students should take a moment to evaluate their education savings strategies. With fall tuition deadlines just months away, reviewing 529 plans, financial aid options, and student loan opportunities now can help ensure a smooth transition into the next academic year. Whether you are funding a child’s first semester or reassessing your approach for future years, proactive planning can help minimize debt and maximize available resources.

Financial literacy is more than just knowing how to budget or save; it’s about gaining the confidence to make informed financial decisions that support your long-term goals. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, or simply working toward financial security, financial knowledge empowers you to navigate life’s financial complexities with greater understanding and control.

Investing can often feel like riding a roller coaster—thrilling highs followed by sudden, unexpected drops. Market swings are a natural part of the journey, but they can still leave investors feeling uneasy. In times of volatility, staying grounded with a few key reminders can help put short-term movements into long-term perspective. Check out the information below for additional insight.

Learn how to make the most of your 2025 retirement contributions, including updated limits for 401(k)s and IRAs. Ballentine Capital Advisors in Greenville, SC helps clients align savings strategies with evolving market conditions and financial goals.

As we enter Q2 2025, it’s time to review financial goals, optimize tax planning, adjust retirement contributions, and rebalance investments. Ballentine Capital Advisors provides expert wealth management in Greenville, Clemson, and surrounding areas.

The S&P 500 Index extended its losing streak to three consecutive weeks, the longest since October 2022. Market volatility has been on the rise, driven by a mix of factors, including high expectations and valuations for a handful of mega-cap U.S. companies, concerns over tariffs and their impact on economic growth and inflation, declining consumer and investor confidence, and persistently high interest rates.

Achieving financial independence isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating security, flexibility, and the ability to make financial decisions on your own terms. Whether you’re aiming to retire early, build long-term investments, or simply gain more control over your financial future, the path to financial independence requires strategic planning, discipline, and informed decision-making.

Explore key investment strategies for 2025, including market trends, portfolio diversification, tax efficiency, and risk management. Learn how Ballentine Capital Advisors helps investors in Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas optimize their financial future.

Explore key investment strategies for 2025, including market trends, portfolio diversification, tax efficiency, and risk management. Learn how Ballentine Capital Advisors helps investors in Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas optimize their financial future.

Now is the time to review your retirement strategy. Economic shifts and evolving financial goals may impact your long-term goals. In Wealth on Purpose, financial advisor Bryan Ballentine emphasizes the importance of setting obtainable objectives for financial success. Regularly assessing your retirement plan can ensure you’re on track to reaching your goals.

Financial literacy is more than just a tool for managing daily monetary needs; it can also serve as a foundation for strengthening emotional intimacy in your relationship. As Valentine’s Day approaches, take the time to consider how shared financial planning can help you and your partner grow closer and build a more harmonious partnership. Couples can particularly benefit from creating a financial plan tailored to their unique goals and lifestyles.

Tariffs are back in the news, sparking debate about their impact on the economy. But as an investor, should you be concerned? More importantly, should you take any action?
Rather than getting caught up in the headlines, let’s take a step back. Tariffs have played a role in U.S. economic policy for centuries, and while they can create market fluctuations, they are just one of many factors influencing your portfolio. The key to smart investing isn’t reacting to every new policy—it’s sticking to a well-structured plan.

At Ballentine Capital Advisors, we understand the importance of early preparation in navigating tax season. Following certain tax preparation tips may help reduce your tax burden, simplify compliance, and achieve a more structured financial approach.

The start of a new year is always an exciting time, but for families preparing for college, it’s also a crucial one. As of January 6, 2025, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is open for the 2025–2026 academic year. Completing this application is the key to unlocking federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans—and even some state and institutional aid. Today, we will walk you through the process, highlight critical deadlines, and share strategies to help you maximize your financial aid opportunities.

With the president’s inauguration on the horizon, small business owners are exploring how upcoming policy changes could influence their operations in 2025. Leadership transitions often bring both opportunities and challenges, making it essential to stay informed about potential impacts on tax reforms, regulatory shifts, and economic growth. By understanding these changes, small businesses can adapt, thrive, and remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

Start 2025 with a strong financial strategy. Ballentine Capital Advisors, a trusted wealth management firm in Greenville, SC, helps you make informed decisions to secure your financial future.

The new year offers a great opportunity to reassess your financial strategies, especially considering recent IRS updates and anticipated policy changes under the new administration. Implementing informed financial practices now can lead to a prosperous future.

As 2024 comes to an end, now is the time to plan for the year ahead. Understanding the upcoming changes to the IRS contribution limits in 2025 can help you make informed decisions. Additionally, strategies like delaying retirement may allow you to maximize Social Security benefits and extend investment growth.

As the year comes to a close, there are several important financial planning deadlines that may require attention. Timely action can help you prepare for the year ahead while taking advantage of the opportunities available in 2024. Here are some key areas to focus on and the associated deadlines to keep in mind.

Discover expert tax loss harvesting strategies from a trusted financial advisor firm in Greenville, SC. Learn how our tailored tax planning services can help you minimize tax liabilities and maximize investment returns. Contact us today for personalized financial solutions!

Maximize your tax benefits with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) in Greenville, Simpsonville, Clemson, and Anderson County, SC. Learn how QCDs help retirees meet Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) while supporting charities.

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and often gift-giving. Managing holiday spending thoughtfully can help you enjoy the season without impacting your financial health.

Recently, mortgage rates saw their largest drop in three months. While rate fluctuations are common, this particular decline presents an opportunity to reassess strategies around home buying, refinancing, and broader financial planning.

As the dust settles after the recent elections, now is an ideal time to assess how the new political landscape might impact wealth management strategies. Elections often bring uncertainty, but they also present opportunities for informed decision-making. Below, we will outline key insights that may guide your investment approach in this new political environment.

As a financial advisor no matter what happens next week, understanding the intricate relationship between elections and economic dynamics is helpful for effectively guiding clients through periods of uncertainty. While elections often introduce volatility and unpredictability, they also present unique opportunities for potential economic enhancement. This newsletter will explore the historical context of elections and economic shifts, examine the factors that may lead to positive changes in the economy, and highlight the challenges that investors may face during these times.

As a financial advisor, staying informed about tax policy changes is essential, especially as we approach an election year. Tax policies can significantly impact personal finances, investment strategies, and overall economic conditions. This article explores current tax policies and how potential changes in government could affect them.

Factor-based investing is a method that focuses on specific attributes, or “factors,” which historically have influenced the performance of stocks and bonds. This approach is rooted in decades of financial research and seeks to enhance portfolio construction by tapping into characteristics that may drive higher risk-adjusted returns over time. In this article, we’ll explore what factor-based investing is, why it matters, and how it may serve as a powerful tool for investors seeking long-term growth.

When it comes to managing your personal affairs, estate planning is a crucial process that often gets overlooked until it’s too late. Planning for the future isn’t just about ensuring financial stability; it’s about providing for your loved ones, making your medical wishes known, and minimizing the legal hurdles your family might face after you’re gone. This article covers the importance of these documents, the potential consequences of not having them, and the essential components of an estate plan.

As you approach the age of 60 with retirement on the horizon, taking a proactive approach can give you a sense of control and ensure a smooth transition into this new phase of life. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you to navigate the complexities of planning for retirement, covering everything from financial strategies to lifestyle adjustments.

As the year winds down, it’s essential to focus on tax planning to ensure you are well-prepared for the upcoming tax season. Effective tax planning can help you maximize your refund or minimize what you owe. Below is a detailed guide with specific, actionable steps to help you organize your financial and tax-related affairs before the year ends.

As election season heats up, many investors wonder whether the political outcomes will significantly impact their investment portfolios. With each presidential election cycle, the media is filled with speculation about how different candidates’ policies could sway the stock market. However, while it might be tempting to adjust your investment strategy based on the anticipated election results, historical data, and expert analysis suggest that elections, by themselves, should not dictate your investment decisions.

The Federal Reserve, often simply referred to as the Fed, is preparing to make a pivotal shift in its monetary policy by cutting interest rates. As the most influential economic institution in the United States and arguably the world, the Fed’s actions ripple through financial markets, impact everyday life, and shape global economic trends. As inflation nears the Fed’s target, and the job market shows signs of cooling, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller have hinted at the prospect of interest rate cuts in the near future. This article explores why the Fed is considering this move, what it means for the economy, and how investors might respond.

Taxes are an unavoidable part of life. They touch nearly every aspect of your financial existence, from your paycheck to your investments, and even your daily purchases. While it may be tempting to view taxes as just another bill, treating them as such can lead to missed opportunities and costly mistakes. Instead, taxes should be seen as a critical component of your overall financial strategy, one that requires thoughtful planning and proactive management. By understanding and integrating tax planning into your financial approach, you can significantly reduce your tax burden, increase your financial security, and better prepare for the future.