BCSWM’s The Benchmark

Bitcoin 101

Nick, Nathan, and Scott give a candid and informative introduction to Bitcoin. They define Bitcoin and the blockchain, explaining how they work from a high level. They assess the pros and cons to Bitcoin, specifically about the digital asset as an investment. Is it a viable long-term investment? How might it fit into a portfolio? How may an investor access Bitcoin as an investment? They share balanced information on these questions.

Book Review - The Thin Green Line

This insightful episode highlights learning points from the book “The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy” by Paul Sullivan (2015). Philip, Nick, and Nathan chat about timeless personal finance lessons that Sullivan discusses in the book. They describe the author’s concept of the “thin green line” of personal finance. They talk about the difference that Sullivan aptly notes between the “wealthy” and the “rich.” They discuss how to approach saving, spending, and generally handling money in a healthy way to remain on the right side of the “thin green line.”

Intro to Group Health Insurance

Join us for a discussion on some of the high-level topics of employer-offered health insurance. Scott Hoilman and Nathan Goodwin go over striking statistics and compare various types of health plans by defining their key components. Several topics are covered, including advice and ideas for employers and HR to keep costs down, keep employees happy for the long-term, and manage the plan efficiently.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Nathan, Myra, and John offer viewpoints about estate planning basics. They focus this conversation on common estate planning mistakes. They discuss the risks of failing to make an estate plan, not updating documents after significant life events, making mistakes about beneficiary designations, and other blunders.

Financial Myth Busters

In this fun episode, Scott, Nick, and Philip debunk 11 common financial myths. The topics range from misnomers about investing to oversimplifications dealing with personal financial planning. Scott, Nick, and Philip address these myths:
Markets go up or down based on which political party holds the presidency. (2:58)
It’s a bad time to invest when the market is at an all-time high. (6:29)
I can time the markets. (13:44)
“Risk-free” government bonds protect against all types of risk. (23:13)
Stocks are risky. (29:47)
I shouldn’t own stocks during retirement. (35:12)
If the market averages 12% and I withdraw 8%, then I’ll net 4%. (38:52)
You should be debt-free before investing. (42:42)
When paying off debt, you should start with the smallest balance first. (46:21)
You have to be wealthy to start investing. (48:03)
I don’t need a financial plan or a financial advisor. (50:23)
Charts referenced: https://bcswealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Benchmark-Podcast-Financial-Myth-Busters-Episode-Charts.pdf

A Discussion About Risk

Nick, John, and Myra discuss the various facets of risk that come up during the investment management process. They explain how “risk” has no single definition. Rather, they discuss how different types of risk may come into play in different investing contexts. They offer perspectives about managing and living with risk in order to achieve the rewards that a long-term investing philosophy should provide.

Behavioral Finance

Nick, Scott, and P.B. discuss the topic of behavioral finance and share insights to prevent derailing your long term financial plan. 

2023 Review and 2024 Outlook

Join us for a chat reviewing 2023 and looking ahead to 2024! Nathan, Scott, and Philip recap 2023’s market performance and summarize the themes that propelled the markets last year. They discuss what is on investors’ minds in 2024, including the U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. They offer thoughts about how long-term investors should approach these drivers this year.