Building Financial Wellness and Community: Kobe Bolanos' Journey at BFG Financial Advisors

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m delighted to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we dive deep into the journeys, motivations, and unique perspectives of professionals in the financial planning world. Today, my guest is Kobe Bolanos, an Investment Operations Associate turned Financial Advisor at BFG Financial Advisors, and a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and community empowerment.

I first met Kobe during his time at Stevenson University, and I’ve watched with pride as he’s grown from a recent graduate—overwhelmed by the complexities of investing—into a rising star at BFG. In our conversation, Kobe and I explore his transition from corporate finance to wealth management during the COVID era, and how an early reading of “Don’t Retire... Graduate!” first introduced him to the world of personal financial planning (even if it went way over his head at the time!).

Kobe shares candidly about why he chose to join BFG over other opportunities, especially valuing our firm’s apprenticeship-style model that prioritizes education and mentorship over sales quotas. We discuss his hands-on experience with investment operations, associate work, and now advisory client meetings, and how this 360-degree perspective has deepened his appreciation for the emotional and behavioral elements of financial advice.

We also talk about the importance of representation in the industry. Kobe recounts his experience attending his first large industry conference, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that come with being an outlier in a room—and how that drives his passion for empowering others in his community. We dig into his specific interest in estate planning, the critical (and often overlooked) area he’s eager to champion for families and high earners alike.

Throughout our conversation, Kobe emphasizes his holistic vision for the advisor role, blending financial guidance with conversations around wellness and life coaching. His ultimate goal? To help people become the best versions of themselves—financially, personally, and beyond.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Mentorship and Education: Kobe’s positive experience at BFG underscores the value of an apprenticeship model in building true advisory skills and prioritizing client relationships over sales targets.

2. Financial Planning is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Every client’s goals and life situation are different, requiring truly personalized planning and a team-based approach for optimal outcomes.

3. Emotional and Behavioral Finance Matter: Kobe notes that success in financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the unique motivations and concerns of each client, and easing the emotional burden money often brings.

4. The Neglected Importance of Estate Planning: Kobe is passionate about raising awareness for estate planning, pointing out that even high earners tend to overlook this crucial aspect of financial wellness—one that can have lasting generational impact.

5. Representation and Community Impact: As a young advisor of color, Kobe is actively building his network through organizations like the Baltimore Estate Planning Council and QuadE. He sees himself as both an advocate and a role model, working to create a more inclusive and supportive industry for all.

Join us on this episode as we celebrate the journey of a financial advisor who’s making a tangible difference—one client and one community at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast with anyone looking to graduate into retirement with purpose, passion, and a solid plan!

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