Blog
Jaimie Blackman, a former music educator, has demonstrated that music is far more than recreational entertainment. Using his guitar and music metaphors to engage his audience, Jaimie uses music as the bridge to financial harmony. Blackman’s financial wellness & education platform, called The Sound of Money®, is instrumental in helping people find their unique inner voice, essential for making sound financial decisions.
Women on the Rise
Women on the RiseConquering Unique Retirement Challenges Financial success is a goal for many, but women face unique barriers that can make that goal more difficult to achieve. Understanding today's financial landscape can help women...
Read More
Why You Need An ESTATE STRATEGY
Why You Need an ESTATE STRATEGY. The probate process typically costs between 4-7% of the total value of your estate, but in certain circumstances it can cost more. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an...
Read More
Three Keys to a Great Password
Three Keys to a Great Password A great password is often the only thing standing between you and identity theft. But what makes a password really secure? Turns out, there are some important guidelines to follow to keep information safe...
Read MoreThe History of Currency
The History of CurrencyTo Barter or Not to Barter? Contrary to popular belief, the idea that bartering pre-dates the invention of other forms of currency is now seen as unlikely. The reason? Bartering is extremely inefficient....
Read MoreThe Half Million Dollar Baby. The True Cost of Having a Kid.
The Half Million Dollar Baby. What does it actually cost to raise a child? A hospital bill for a childbirth can run quite high. Births can cost as much as $20,000, depending on a wide variety of factors. Not to mention the costs...
Read MoreShow All
Navigating Retirement Pitfalls
RETIREMENTREAD TIME: 4 MIN Navigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to...
Read MoreMastering Mobile Lingo
Mobile communications continue to grow at an astounding rate. At least half of all emails are now opened on mobile devices. And 95% of 13-to 17- year-olds have access to a smartphone. Mobile communication is important, but what do all...
Read More
How To Conquer the World
Five Financial Strategies for Savvy Single Women. If you're a woman making all of the financial decisions for your household, you're in the majority. Sixty-nine percent Publishof American women are living without a spouse or partner....
Read MoreHow Stock Works
In short... Entrepreneurs have many choices when they want to raise capital for a venture. They can turn to family and friends or they can look to outside investors, including venture capitalists. When the time is right, entrepreneurs...
Read MoreData Thieves From Outer Space
It was a dark and stormy night, when Janet decided to log in to her email..... CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT JANE'TS FATE.
Read MoreBudgeting After A Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events you can experience, not far behind the death of a spouse. Financial disruption can add to the stress. Read on to learn how you can create a post-divorce budget that can help you take...
Read MoreManaging the Dissonance of Financial Stress
Managing the Dissonance of Financial Stress Lesson # 1: If you want to resolve dominant cadence, end with the tonic. COVID has motivated us to take stock of what matters to us. With 25 million cases, 500,000 lives lost, countless...
Read MoreA Meal for All Generations
Millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers are often portrayed as a trio constantly at economic odds with one another. But how much of this is actually true? There's no denying that these groups are different, but they may have more in...
Read MoreCompound Interest
Whether you're taking out a loan or opening a new savings account, compound interest is a term you should know. It's the interest owed based on the principal amount and how often the interest is applied.
Read MoreHow Insurance Deductions Work
INSURANCEREAD TIME: 3 MIN How Insurance Deductibles Work An insurance deductible is the amount you, the insured, pay before any claim is paid by your insurance carrier. Depending upon the type of insurance, a policy may set the amount...
Read MoreWomen. Bridging the Confidence Gap.
The idea of a confidence gap among women has gained notice in recent years. And in the world of finance, the effects of this gap can be especially apparent. Even though women have no more reason to lack confidence than men do, Only...
Read MoreMarket Recap August 2-6
August 2 - 6, 2021 Recap Jobs Data Soothes Delta Fears Stocks ReboundU.S. stocks posted moderate gains last week following a stronger-than-expected July jobs report that eased concerns about the detrimental impact the Delta viral...
Read More5 Ways a Roth IRA Can Help Minimize Your Taxes in Retirement
1. Tax-Free Withdrawals Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want...
Read MoreA Roaring Start To Earning Seasons
Corporate earnings season has begun, and the results are turning heads on Wall Street. Of the 120 companies in the S&P 500 index that reported numbers as of Friday, July 23, 89% of them beat the Street’s earnings-per-share...
Read MoreA 6.1% bump in Social Security?
The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2...
Read More4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities
ESTATEREAD TIME: 3 MIN 4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities Raising a child is expensive and can cost a quarter of a million dollars, not including college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than double.1 If...
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Own Disney Ending
Orchestrating Your Own Disney Ending [This blog post has been published in July issue of MMR magazine.] My wife enjoys watching movies with fast action scenes where people inevitably get hurt. As the decibel level in the movie’s...
Read MoreThe Business Cycle
INVESTMENTREAD TIME: 3 MIN The Business Cycle What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle. The...
Read MoreA Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
ESTATEREAD TIME: 3 MIN A Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts "I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money."Entertainer Arthur Godfrey1 The irrevocable life...
Read More8 Financial Terms You Need to Know
8 Financial Terms You Need to Know As you start out in life, your finances can seem overwhelming. How can you start saving money? Taking out loans? Financing a house? Before you can set attainable goals for yourself, you have to have...
Read More5 Steps to Being Financially Healthy: Steps 1 & 2.
"5 STEPS TO BEING FINANCIALLY HEALTHY: #1 EVALUATE" Improve your financial health by getting a more comprehensive look at what your expenses are. You might already have a general idea of your regular expenses, but seeing bank...
Read MoreManaging the Dissonance of Financial Stress
Managing the Dissonance of Financial Stress Published in MMR Magazine. Lesson # 1: If you want to resolve dominant cadence, end with the tonic. COVID has motivated us to take stock of what matters to us. With 25 million cases, 500,000...
Read MoreTrifecta All-Time Highs
Weekly Recap July 5 - 9, 2021 Recap Trifecta All-Time Highs Equities Extend Record-Setting GainsAll three major U.S. equity indices finished the week at fresh all-time highs as a relief rally Friday more than fully erased earlier...
Read MoreMirror Mirror. How Valuable is My Business?
Mirror Mirror. How Valuable Is My Business? Published in MMR Magazine. Ask a group of people how many feel they have excellent listening skills? Everyone raises their hands. Ask a group of people how many feel they have above-average...
Read MoreFrom FOMO to GROMO
From FOMO to GROMO Your buddy who is a music retailer calls to tell you she just won an incredible school contract to supply a well-endowed district with band and orchestral instruments. Are you happy for your colleague, or are you...
Read More5 Benefits of Working in Retirement
5 Benefits of Working in Retirement In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force participation among those aged 65-74 is predicted to...
Read MoreSECURE ACT 2.0
Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0. As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...
Read MoreKeeping Good Records is Good Business
LIFESTYLEREAD TIME: 3 MIN Keeping Good Records is Good Business Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may...
Read MoreInfrastructure Plans Boost Optimism
June 21-25, 2021 Recap Infrastructure Plans Boost Optimism From Worst to BestU.S. equities rebounded last week with the S&P 500 transitioning from its worst week since January to its best week since February. Risk-on equity buying was...
Read MoreCreative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
LIFESTYLEREAD TIME: 2 MIN Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees The common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s...
Read MoreSelling Your Business? A Transition plan can help with this change.
If the time has come for you to sell the business you’ve spent countless hours growing into a successful operation, create a transition plan to ensure the legacy of your hard work. The questions below should be considered by any...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.1 If you have yet to develop...
Read MoreStocks Rise, Nearing Record Highs
Stocks Rise, Nearing Record Highs Equities Rebound Second WeekThe S&P 500 rose to within a whisper of its May 7 all-time high as Friday’s jobs data boosted recovery confidence while a pickup in wages (+0.5% M/M, +2% Y/Y) added to...
Read More4 REASONS TO CONSIDER SELLING YOUR BUSINESS IN 2021
4 REASONS TO CONSIDER SELLING YOUR BUSINESS IN 2021 Like many business owners, you may have spent more time over the last year focused on keeping your businesses afloat and navigating rapidly changing public health orders, rather than...
Read MoreMaking Sound Financial Decisions.
Organize. Understand. Decide. A way to make sound financial decisions. Music is organized sound. Its organizational structure provides musicians a way to perform, compose, record and share their music with the rest of the world. The...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
READ TIME: 4 MIN Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.1 If you...
Read MoreSucceeding at Business Succession
Succeeding at Business Succession According to the Conway Center for Family Business, family businesses account for 64% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet 57% of family businesses have no formal succession plan.1 While the...
Read MoreSuccession: Your Value Lies Deep
Succession. Business owners dream about it the moment they turn on the lights. One day this business will provide a beautiful life for my family. One day, my children will begin working in the business. One day my business will give me...
Read MoreChoosing a Business Structure
Choosing a Business Structure In March 2020, about 804,398 new businesses had been created in the preceding year.1 All individuals pursuing the dream of exercising their entrepreneurial muscles, will face the same question,...
Read MoreHarmony is Letting Go of Dissonance
Harmony is letting go of dissonance. The same principles of money, apply to every other part of your life. If you want more peace, bring your attention to what gives you peace. All great religions and spiritual and wellness practices...
Read MoreChanging Unhealthy Behaviors
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors...
Read MoreInflation Fears Fuel Rotation Out of Growth Stocks
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team explains the causes for the recent stock market volatility. Primarily, investors fear rising inflation which impacts stock valuations and especially technology...
Read MoreFrom FOMO to GROMO
Your buddy who is a music retailer calls to tell you she just won an incredible school contract to supply a well-endowed district with band and orchestral instruments. Are you happy for your colleague, or are you feeling sad because...
Read MoreHow Stocks Work
Entrepreneurs have many choices when they want to raise capital for a venture. They can turn to family and friends or they can look to outside investors, including venture capitalists. When the time is right, entrepreneurs also can...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family will be about $285,000.1 That’s roughly equivalent to the median value of a new home in the U.S.2 And if...
Read MorePotential Changes in Capital Gains
Now and again, the price action on Wall Street can surprise even the most seasoned investors. Look no further than when President Biden in late April proposed an increase in the tax on capital gains to 39.6% from 20% for those...
Read MoreChanging Unhealthy Behaviors
Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...
Read MoreCatch -Up Contributions
READ TIME: 4 MIN Catch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in...
Read MoreManaging the Dissonance of Financial Stress
Lesson #1: If you want to resolve the dominant cadence, end with the tonic COVID-19 has motivated us to take stock of what matters to us. With 25 million cases, 500,000 lives lost, countless businesses owners having to close their...
Read MoreChoices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer
RETIREMENTREAD TIME: 4 MIN Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.1...
Read MoreMusic, Money and Mindfulness
Readers of my blog will recognize the high value I place on a mindfulness meditation practice. Present moment awareness of the breath has transformed my life and it can do the same for you. Educators like Panache Desai has been...
Read MoreHappy Earth Day. Show your love. Hug a tree.
Did you know that there is growing evidence that going barefoot strengthens feet and improves body alignment? Want to experience more peace and harmony in your life? It turns out that the feet are packed with nerve-rich meridians which...
Read MoreEconomic Outlook
Positive Economic Outlook The world economy is set to accelerate later this year, but prospects are expected to vary regionally and by economies, according to success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. While China and EM Asia...
Read MoreSuccession Planning is not the end. It's the beginning.
If you dislike talking about estate planning, you will exponentially dislike talking about succession planning. I have a work around. Rather than looking at succession planning as the end game, and loss of one's purpose, take a fresh...
Read MoreThe Zen of Saving
The Zen of Saving. Zen is about feeling peaceful. Feeling relaxed. Connecting with one’s inner harmony has to do with “remembering” that we have always had access to this space. It’s more accurate than saying we...
Read MoreYou are a uniquely tuned instrument. Embrace your tonality.
As part of my music education degree, I was required to be aware of all of the musical instruments in the band and orchestra. I noticed very quickly that each instrument was truly unique. Not just in its physicality, but perhaps more...
Read MoreThe Do-Re-Mi of Financial Harmony.
When financial decisions are made from your authentic heartfelt space, decisions will always have better long-term consequences.When made from fear, decisions will eventually be regretted. For example, when the market declines and the...
Read MoreWant to end your war with money? Check-in on your inner harmony.
There are many reasons why people engage a financial advisor. After the advisor peels back the surface, it’s not unusual to discover a heightened emotional concern about an immediate or long-term financial goal. Exacerbated by money...
Read MoreAre You Listening?
The Greek philosopher Epicetus said, “Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” So it’s surprising that while schools encourage various oratory skills through debate teams...
Read MoreMaking Sound Financial Decisions in the State of “Flow.”
We’ve all had the experience of feeling like we are in the “flow.” During those moments, all that is unfolding seems like it was designed just for us. From our own unique experience being in the flow is an enjoyable...
Read More2021 Passover Music Video
2021 Passover Video from BH Wealth on Vimeo.
Read MoreBringing Meaning To Money.
I have always had an awkward relationship with money. From my observation, I'm not alone. In practical terms, we need a certain amount of wealth to live in this world. How much wealth, how we derive this wealth are questions that are...
Read MoreSpotting Credit Trouble
Spotting Credit Trouble American households with credit card balances carry an average debt of $8,602.1 The wise use of credit is a critical skill in today’s world. Used unwisely, credit can rapidly turn from a useful tool to a...
Read MoreRetirement Planning
Jaimie Blackman. The Maestro. We all have mastered Dissonance. It’s time to master Harmony. The conductor of an orchestra plays no instrument, and makes no sound. From where does the conductor contribute his or her value? By...
Read MoreCollaboration. Love. Caring. Kim Koch, Vice-President Saied Music
Read More
End Your War With Money. It's Time to Master Harmony.
We all have mastered Dissonance. It’s time to master Harmony. Let me begin by setting the stage. Any business advisor regardless of repertoire, who shares knowledge with clients from a place of peace and harmony will project...
Read More3- 5- 7. Rock Your 401(k)
To Rock your 401(k), remember the numbers 357. If you had a blank check to invest in your 401(k) each year in your retirement, how much would it be? In 2021, $19,500 is the annual 401(k) contribution limit if you are under age 50, and...
Read MoreRoth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k) Your retirement income can vary widely depending on what type of account holds your savings and what assumptions are made about overall returns and tax rates during the accumulation and withdrawal...
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
READ TIME: 3 MIN 9 Facts About Social Security Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that...
Read More
Changes to Paycheck Protection
On Monday, Feb. 22, the White House announced several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that went into effect on Wednesday, Feb. 24. These changes are intended to further target “the smallest businesses and those...
Read More
Need a 401(k) Tune-Up? Strike the right chord with a Cash Balance Plan .
Business owners with income greater than $400,000 could experience greater tax dissonance in 2021. Loss of Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) and an increase in Capital Gains tax is just the start. If you want to bring harmony...
Read MoreDiversifying Your Portfolio Managers
Jaimie Blackman, President of BH Wealth Management, speaks with Joseph Hosler, Managing Principle with Auour Investments, about the value of diversifying portfolio managers. https://vimeo.com/504117809
Read More
Outlook 2021: Bond Prices
The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed higher since the New Year, which means that some bond prices are dropping. You may have seen the headlines that say, “10-Year Yields Over 1%.”For some, the first time they experience...
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High
The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreSurprising Leadership Lessons From Jazz.
Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership lessons from Jazz. Frank J. Barrett Fix your business like a Jazz musician improvises. In his book Yes To the Mess, Dr. Barrett, a Management Professor, and accomplished jazz pianist, talks about...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreTune-Up Your 401(k) With A Cash Balance Plan
401(k) + Cash Balance plan offers the highest contributions and tax savings. Designed for owners of highly profitable small businesses Has your small business or professional practice reached a sustainable level of profitability?...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MorePeer Accountability With Individual + Group Support= Succession Success.
Recently I’ve noticed an increase in the number of music retail sharing groups, who are expressing an interest in having me add a succession planning component to a member meeting. Having participated in several, I’m a...
Read MoreWhy Key Managers and Young Owners Need To Be Thinking Succession.
Try to have a conversation with a 20 or 30+ owner or manager about the business exit strategy, and you’re bound to get blank looks. At last winter NAMM, I got my share. Here’s a typical conversation. Scenario 1. JB- Hey...
Read MoreAMRO Music: The First 100 years
July 1 2020 The Sound of Money. Published in MMR Magazine. Column by Jaimie Blackman. In 2021, Memphis Tennessee’s Amro Music will be celebrating its centennial. It is rare for a company to survive ten decades. Less than 50...
Read MoreThe Sound of Money: Who Are You?
June 1 2020. The Sound of Money. Published in MMR Magazine. Column by Jaimie Blackman. I live in New York City. I suspect as you read this June column, some social distancing may be relaxed in different parts of the country, but as of...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Regulations: New York
A recent Executive Order issued by Governor Cuomo, together with recent amendments to the insurance and banking regulations (the “regulations”) issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services...
Read MoreFor 401(k) plan sponsors: It’s all about the plan design.
“I have a company with twenty employees. I’m paying a lot of money in taxes. Is there anything I can do to save on taxes?” “I want to set up a retirement plan for my employees. What type of plan should I be...
Read More