Build a Better Financial Future 129: When Opportunity Knock$ with Louis Barajas, MBA, CFP®, EA
23 snips
Nov 30, 2022 
Louis Barajas, a trailblazing first-generation Latino CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, shares his inspiring journey from East LA to empowering underserved communities. He dives into the importance of financial mindset over mere literacy and discusses his innovative approach to financial planning that focuses on real community needs. Louis also highlights the PBS show Opportunity Knocks, his coaching methods, and how he is reshaping financial success for others. Tune in for insightful ways to teach financial independence and promote sustainable community development!
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From Barrio Helper To Ethical Planner
- Louis Barajas started helping his dad run a small multifamily office in Boyle Heights as a child and later built a formal planning firm.
- He left a product-driven firm, retrained as a CPA, then returned to build ethical financial planning for his community.
Mindset Outweighs Literacy
- Financial literacy alone didn't fix outcomes; mindset drives whether knowledge is applied.
- Louis found that changing financial mindset mattered more than just teaching concepts.
Prioritize Readiness Over Automatic 529s
- Before funding a 529 plan, verify the child's academic standing and needs rather than blindly saving for college.
- Reallocate education savings to tutoring or counseling when those interventions increase the chance of graduation.