Jason Ball

This is it. I didn’t start in a newsroom or with a press pass—I came into journalism through financial education. After running my own RIA firm, I shifted to writing about financial planning, economic policy, and investment strategies to help people make informed decisions. Now, whether I’m breaking down estate planning misconceptions or analyzing how policy changes affect personal finance, my focus is the same: educating, informing, and cutting through misinformation—just without the traditional journalism path.

As an old man who started typing class in junior high—on a typewriter, no less—I’ve seen technology reshape how we communicate. I remember using white-out for mistakes, and when we finally got a typewriter with an erase button, it was revolutionary (and incredibly loud). Then, our school stopped teaching penmanship because we were told we wouldn’t need cursive or even handwriting in the future. Fast forward, and now we’re consuming news in 280-character sound bites, viral TikToks, and AI-generated headlines before we’ve had our morning coffee. Social media has made news faster but not always better. While it gives instant access to information, it also prioritizes engagement over accuracy. The real challenge is sorting fact from fiction in an era where algorithms push the most viral (not necessarily the most truthful) content. And honestly, after all these years, I kind of miss white-out—it at least gave you a moment to think before rewriting history.

Social media has completely reshaped how news is consumed, reported, and spread—for better and worse. On one hand, it provides instant access to breaking news, democratizes information, and allows experts to directly engage with audiences. On the other, it’s amplified misinformation, shortened attention spans, and turned fact-based reporting into a battle for engagement. For financial and political news, social media has made hot takes more popular than deep analysis, which can be dangerous when people make real-life decisions based on viral content instead of sound financial principles. The challenge now is finding ways to balance speed with accuracy, engagement with credibility, and making sure critical topics don’t get lost in the noise.

I have to go with Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. She embodies ambition, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling—traits that make a great journalist. Rory’s dedication to uncovering the truth and reporting with integrity mirrors what I appreciate in financial and political journalism. Plus, given that my wife is a Gilmore Girls fan, choosing anyone else might get me into trouble!

Being a journalist means providing well-researched, fact-based, and accessible information that helps people make informed decisions. While I am not a traditional reporter, I contribute expert analysis on financial planning, economic policy, and investment trends. My work focuses on breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that empowers individuals and businesses. I have been quoted in major media outlets, including MarketWatch, CNET Money, and InvestorPlace, and I prioritize accuracy, transparency, and ethical financial reporting.

Email. Just email. No DMs, no cold calls, no “quick chats.” The best pitches are clear, relevant, and to the point—tell me what the story is, why it matters, and how I can add value. If I have to dig through paragraphs of fluff to figure out the angle, it’s probably not the right fit. If it’s about financial planning, economic policy, or the impact of legislation on personal finance, I’m interested.

I rely on WordPress for website management, social media for content distribution, and a solid computer setup to handle everything from writing to video editing. Google Sheets is my go-to for organizing financial data, tracking content performance, and managing research, while ChatGPT helps streamline brainstorming, drafting, and refining ideas—though, of course, human expertise is always the final filter. For SEO and analytics, I use Google Search Console and Ahrefs, and for video content, it’s OBS Studio and DaVinci Resolve. Whether it’s writing, research, or content creation, the best tools are the ones that help me work efficiently while keeping my focus on delivering quality financial education.

Bluesky—hands down. It’s refreshing to be on a platform that prioritizes conversation over engagement farming. Unlike the algorithm-driven chaos of other networks, Bluesky feels more like the early days of social media, where real discussions happen without the noise. Plus, as someone who covers finance and policy, it’s great to engage with people without the constant battle against misinformation and clickbait.

I’d love for policymakers, financial regulators, and major media editors to follow me—not just to read my work, but to actually engage in fact-based conversations about finance and policy instead of just headlines and soundbites. Too many financial misconceptions get amplified because decision-makers and media outlets chase engagement over accuracy. If more people in power followed experts who break things down clearly and accurately, we might have fewer bad policies and fewer misinformed financial decisions making the rounds

I wouldn’t call myself a journalist in the traditional sense—I didn’t start out in a newsroom or chasing breaking stories. I started as a financial advisor, helping clients navigate personal finance, investments, and long-term planning. But over time, I realized that most people struggle with financial literacy not because they lack intelligence, but because no one explains finance in a way that’s clear, unbiased, and actually useful. When I shut down my RIA firm during COVID-19 and took on full-time caregiving, I had to rethink how I could use my expertise while maintaining flexibility for my family. That’s when I shifted to financial education and writing. Now, through Jason’s Fin Tips and Ball Political Planning, I focus on breaking down complex financial topics, connecting the dots between policy, markets, and everyday money decisions, and ensuring people get the facts—not just headlines designed to drive fear or hype. I became a journalist (or more accurately, a financial educator in media) because everyone deserves access to solid, no-nonsense financial information—no sales pitches, no jargon, just the facts that help people make better money decisions.

Education and school were not a high priority where I grew up, and I didn’t follow the traditional path into journalism. Instead, I built a career in financial planning, helping people navigate money decisions that many were never taught. Over time, I realized that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about access to clear, unbiased information that helps people take control of their future. When I transitioned from running an RIA firm to financial education, I saw how bad financial advice spreads faster than good advice—especially on social media. That’s why I write: to break down complex financial topics, explain economic policy in a way people can actually use, and challenge misinformation. I became a journalist not because of formal training, but because there’s a real need for financial education that puts people first, not just profits.

The story I’m most proud of isn’t just about finance—it’s about reinvention. When COVID-19 hit, I made the difficult decision to shut down my RIA firm and shift my focus to full-time caregiving for my family. It was a major transition, stepping away from managing investments and client portfolios to managing homeschool schedules and life at home. But stepping back gave me perspective—I didn’t want to leave finance behind, but I needed a way to use my expertise without sacrificing family life. That’s how Jason’s Fin Tips was born. Instead of advising clients one-on-one, I pivoted to financial education, breaking down personal finance, investing, and policy issues so more people could benefit from expert knowledge—without the high fees or barriers. Now, I get to help people understand their money, stay flexible for my family, and still do work that matters. It’s not the path I originally planned, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I’m more of an aspiring website creator than a traditional journalist, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you’re never done learning. Whether it’s understanding SEO, content distribution, or how to structure a site for both readers and search engines, the digital landscape constantly evolves. The same applies to journalism—being great at research, adapting to new platforms, and questioning assumptions is just as important as writing well. For journalists, my advice would be: Never assume the first source you find is the right one, and don’t confuse engagement with credibility. Just because a financial idea is viral doesn’t mean it’s accurate. The best journalism (and websites) are built on depth, clarity, and trust—and that takes continuous learning.

Just email me. No need for perfectly timed outreach—I check my inbox when I can. A well-crafted, clear, and relevant pitch will always stand out, no matter when it arrives. The best pitches get straight to the point, explain why the topic matters, and don’t require me to do all the heavy lifting. If you’ve got a solid financial or policy-related story, send it over—I’ll see it.

One of the best pitches I ever got was about a commonly overlooked issue in estate planning—how titling assets can drastically impact an estate and its beneficiaries. Many people assume that their will or trust controls everything, but asset titling can override those documents entirely. Journalists often focus on taxes and investments, but this pitch stood out because it addressed a real financial blind spot that affects everyday people. It was a great opportunity to educate readers on how something as simple as a beneficiary designation or joint account structure can determine who gets what—sometimes with unintended consequences.

The worst pitch I ever got started simple enough—just a quick question about financial planning strategies. No problem. But then, a follow-up came asking for my thoughts on tax policy. Then another about investment psychology. Then estate planning. Then the economic impact of inflation. Before I knew it, I was deep in research, writing what felt like a full report, when I suddenly stopped and thought… Am I doing this guy’s job for him? A good pitch should be clear, concise, and focused—not an endless expansion into every financial topic imaginable. If I wanted to write a full article, I’d publish it myself!

Coffee—in volume. I don’t just drink coffee; I consume it like a financial market runs on liquidity. I even have a home grinder, because if I’m going to fuel my day with caffeine, it better be fresh. Whether I’m writing about financial planning, breaking down economic policy, or just trying to function before noon, coffee is the undisputed MVP of my workflow.

When I’m not at my computer, I’m either spending time with my kids or gaming—sometimes both. Whether it’s a family activity, a strategy game, or just unwinding, I appreciate the balance between real-life learning and digital escapism. Just like financial planning, gaming is all about strategy, decision-making, and adapting to the unexpected—except with fewer spreadsheets (usually).

I don’t follow a lot of big media brands—I prefer niche blogs and YouTube channels that dive deep into specific financial and economic topics. There’s something about independent creators and smaller sites that gives more honest, detailed, and less sensationalized insights compared to mainstream finance media. I follow content that focuses on practical financial planning, economic policy analysis, and real-world money strategies—not just the latest market panic or clickbait investment advice. The best resources aren’t always the biggest names; they’re the ones that provide real value without the fluff.

The biggest issue in financial planning and economic policy isn’t just that people are uninformed—it’s that they’re confidently misinformed. Misconceptions aren’t just common; they’re everywhere. People make major financial decisions based on advice that isn’t grounded in fact, and the unintended consequences can be huge. One of the most damaging myths? That a will controls everything in an estate—when in reality, asset titling and beneficiary designations can completely override it. Or that avoiding debt at all costs is always smart, when in some cases, strategic borrowing can build wealth. The real challenge isn’t just providing good financial information—it’s unraveling bad advice that people have already taken to heart. My work is about cutting through the noise, challenging misinformation, and making sure people have the right facts before they make life-altering financial choices.