Don't Retire...Graduate!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of a financial advisor, featuring a special guest from our own team: Joey Mills, who recently became a Certified Financial Planner™ and is on the path to becoming an associate advisor at BFG Financial Advisors.I’m excited to introduce Joey, who joined us in 2022 after graduating from Towson University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Planning. Beyond his financial expertise, he’s also a baseball enthusiast who recently checked off a major personal goal: visiting every major league baseball stadium in the country—even though we still haven’t converted him from being a Yankees fan!5 Key Takeaways:The Value of Specialized Education: Joey Mills shared how Towson University’s financial planning concentration gave him both a solid foundation and the flexibility to shift from corporate finance to a more people-focused career.Lifelong Learning Is Essential: Success as a financial advisor requires constant learning—both through formal education and by keeping up with ever-changing financial rules and best practices.Mentorship and Community Matter: Having peers and mentors who’ve followed a similar career trajectory provides invaluable support, insight, and motivation for professional growth.Behavioral Finance Is the Game-Changer: Understanding not just the numbers, but also the psychology behind money decisions—both in clients and oneself—is critical to effective advising.Start Early, Communicate Often: Open family conversations about money and starting good financial habits early—like saving and living below your means—are powerful tools for long-term success.Join us for this candid conversation as we demystify the career path of a financial advisor and share lessons that can help anyone on their own journey to financial freedom. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s passionate about meaningful work, lifelong learning, and living with purpose!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! For our season six finale, I was thrilled to talk taxes in a way you’ve probably never heard before. Today’s episode features a conversation with Hannah Cole, tax expert, author, founder of Sunlight Tax, and a practicing artist who is on a mission to demystify tax planning for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners. Not only does Hannah Cole bring a wealth of knowledge from both the art and tax worlds, but she also brings a bit of humor and a whole lot of practicality—just check out her new book, "Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self Employed," and her PG-rated "Tax Dominatrix" character! In this episode, Hannah Cole and I dig into why tax education is so hard to find for creatives and what inspired her to blend a career as a professional artist with expert tax advice. We talk about her journey—staying an artist while becoming a tax pro—and why that dual perspective matters for artists, freelancers, and anyone trying to turn a side hustle into a sustainable business. We get into the weeds on the distinctions between LLCs, S Corps, and sole proprietorships, but with an approach that isn’t just technically sound—it’s grounded and totally accessible. Hannah Cole breaks down concepts like her "Power Triangle" (tax-smart saving, tax planning, and investing), discusses the difference between tax planning and tax filing, and explores the shades of gray between tax avoidance, evasion, and truly strategic tax moves. We also don’t shy away from big issues: the structure and complexity of the U.S. tax code, how to find a good and ethical tax pro, the realities of audits and IRS letters (why they’re scary for everyone!), and why a fairer and simpler system could benefit us all. We even debate the merits of estate taxes, VAT taxes, and the potential for a flat tax—always with respect, openness, and a sense that, with a little creativity, we could do more to make the tax system equitable and human friendly. Whether you’re an artist with a side hustle, a small business owner, or just allergic to the idea of tax planning, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and maybe just a little bit more optimistic about taxes. 5 Key Takeaways: Creatives Need Tailored Tax Help:Hannah Cole identified a huge gap for artists and freelancers, who are often stereotyped as being "bad at money," and built resources to help them thrive, including her book and visual guides.Tax Planning, Not Just Tax Paying:Tax planning is about making the system work for you—not just paying what you owe. It’s about grabbing “the coins in the couch cushions” and using the tax code’s incentives to your advantage, which is very different from the pain of cutting a check.Choosing the Right Tax Pro Matters:Not all CPAs are created equal. Hannah recommends prioritizing respect in your tax adviser relationships and being wary of anyone who’s aggressive to the point of danger. A good adviser makes you part of the decision-making process.Myths About the IRS and Enforcement:The societal fear of the IRS is often fueled by those who benefit from weakened tax enforcement. Hannah contends that, in practice, IRS agents are often kinder and easier to deal with than their reputations suggest—and that real “tax terror” often serves the interests of high-net-worth rule breakers.Calls for a Fairer, Simpler System:We debate estate taxes, sales tax, VAT, and even the promise of a flat tax. Regardless of where you stand politically, we agree: a fair, equitable tax code—one that doesn’t require an army of CPAs and endless stress—would benefit everyone. Join us for this engaging and lively conversation that will leave you rethinking what taxes can mean for your life and work. As we wrap up season six, don't forget to subscribe so you won’t miss our season seven premiere in January 2026. Share this episode with anyone dreading tax season—or dreaming of their next creative endeavor—and remember: don’t retire… graduate! [embed]https://youtu.be/ERJrIIFZVn8[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of building wealth through commercial real estate, entrepreneurial leaps, and personal growth. Joining me is Meredith Mears, an accomplished Senior Advisor at SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate and co-chair of the SVN National Self Storage Product Council. Meredith brings decades of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in industrial and office assets—and her unique journey from the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia to a trailblazing career in development and brokerage is as inspiring as it is instructive. In our conversation, Meredith and I trace her path from humble beginnings—growing up with a scarcity mindset in a family of immigrants and Depression survivors—through her education at Salisbury University and formative roles in workforce and economic development. We discuss how she made the courageous leap from public sector “safe” employment to private consulting, development, and eventually managing her own investment portfolio. Meredith shares how real estate can be a powerful long-term vehicle for wealth, why she values owner-occupied properties, and the intricate dynamics of landlord-tenant negotiations. We also dig into the gender dynamics of commercial real estate, the critical role of mentorship, shifting from scarcity to abundance mentality, and why developing properties that serve and uplift her community is her true definition of “success” as she continues to grow—personally and professionally. 5 Key Takeaways: Long-Term Wealth Through Real Estate: Meredith emphasizes that real estate is not a “get rich quick” endeavor but rather a slow, steady path to building family and generational wealth, requiring patience, liquidity, and a focus on long-term holds.The Value of Owner-Occupied Properties: We discuss how owner-occupants place higher value on their spaces, often investing more into the property—making these transactions particularly beneficial for both the buyer and the asset itself.Courage in Career Transitions: Meredith’s leap from secure government work to the uncertainty of private development and brokerage highlights the importance of preparation (financial and emotional), calculated risk-taking, and capitalizing on opportunity.The Power of Mentorship and Networks: Throughout her journey, mentors and professional networks provided Meredith with opportunities, support, and knowledge—demonstrating the necessity of seeking out guidance even (and especially) as you advance in your career.Purpose-Driven Development: Meredith’s vision for “when I grow up” is centered around creating and redeveloping properties that serve community needs—like transforming a dilapidated dentist office into a thriving therapist center—underscoring how wealth-building and positive impact can go hand in hand. Join us for this energetic and enlightening episode as we explore the jungle of commercial real estate, the importance of mindset shifts, and how courage and community can fuel financial freedom. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to make their own leap into a wealthier, more purpose-filled future! To learn more about Meredith Mears, visit m3synergies.com or find her advisor profile at svnmiller.com   [embed]https://youtu.be/BXL6T6XXnTs?si=NamIWBOm4KmpgXiJ[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s special episode, we’re closing the chapter on our beloved “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment as part of this podcast. It’s a bittersweet milestone, but I’m excited to have a fantastic guest to help us celebrate and reflect. Joining me is Kobe Bolanos, a rising star at BFG Financial Advisors whose journey from Operations Associate to budding financial advisor is both inspiring and insightful. I kicked off our conversation by sharing how Kobe Bolanos has been with BFG for just over four years and is rounding out our five-year apprenticeship program, well on his way to leading clients into brighter financial futures. We talked about his academic background—hailing from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and earning his degree at Stevenson University before taking on the rigorous Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Beyond the office, Kobe Bolanos finds joy in reading and taking on unique fitness challenges—a testament to his discipline both personally and professionally. 5 Key Takeaways: Growth Beyond the Textbook: Kobe Bolanos emphasizes that real financial advising isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about understanding clients’ emotions and unique situations—skills you only build through experience.Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is crucial, especially when guiding clients through transitions, losses, or fears. Effective advisors translate technical concepts into language clients can relate to, tailoring advice on a client-by-client basis.Early Advocacy for Estate Planning: Kobe Bolanos is committed to bringing estate planning awareness to younger generations, having witnessed firsthand the financial and emotional impact of being prepared—or not.Building Young Professional Networks: By connecting with the Young Lawyers Group and leading professional organizations, Kobe Bolanos is fostering relationships that will shape the future of the industry, proving the value of starting early in building a professional community.Learning from Mistakes: Neither career nor personal growth happens without a few stumbles. Kobe Bolanos’s ability to laugh at himself, learn, and roll with mistakes demonstrates resilience—an invaluable trait for any professional. Join us as we continue to inspire and educate you on your journey toward financial freedom and purpose. Thank you for supporting “Diary of a Financial Advisor.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode, and stay tuned for exciting updates with BFG University. As always, don’t retire—graduate!   [embed]https://youtu.be/HctOJgfKOhI?si=LONX9Qzvl-6akcSy[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking the mystery out of one of the most overlooked financial assets: life insurance. I’m joined by Jamie Mendelsohn, Executive Vice President of the Ashar Group, a nationally licensed life settlement broker dedicated to helping families, business owners, and institutions maximize the value of their existing life insurance policies. Jamie’s family business has been leading the way in educating advisors and policyholders since 2003, and she’s recognized as a go-to resource for anyone seeking a profitable exit solution for their policies. In our conversation, Jamie and I dive deep into the world of life insurance—far beyond the “death benefit” stereotype. We unpack the concept of treating life insurance as an asset, not just a checkbox or a forgotten document in a drawer. Jamie shares how the Ashar Group acts as an “auctioneer” for policies, helping clients leverage the secondary market for life insurance—often unlocking significant liquidity for retirement, long-term care, business needs, or philanthropic goals. We also discuss the importance of insurability, the little-known benefits of buying insurance early (especially for kids and grandkids), and how life settlements can empower policyholders to give while living, creating immediate impact for charities and loved ones. Throughout the episode, Jamie brings relatable stories and real-life scenarios that illustrate the life-changing potential of managing—rather than discarding—your life insurance policies. We wrap up with Jamie’s personal story and her authentic, heartfelt perspective on what she wants to be when she grows up, sprinkling in a few laughs, some Orioles nostalgia, and a reminder to see the value in assets you might be overlooking. 5 Key Takeaways: Life Insurance Is an Asset: Life insurance isn’t just “death insurance”—it’s a buy-and-manage asset that can be valued, sold, and leveraged for retirement, business liquidity, or charitable giving.The Life Settlement Market: Many policyholders don’t realize they can sell their policies in a regulated secondary market, often for more than the surrender value. This liquidity can solve long-term care needs, support philanthropy, or keep a business afloat.Insurability Matters: Buying life insurance for children or grandchildren can preserve their insurability for life, opening doors for future financial planning—even if health challenges arise later.Charitable Solutions and Giving While Living: Life settlements can fund significant charitable gifts, allowing donors to witness the impact of their generosity now rather than waiting for a bequest after passing.Don’t Throw Away Your Policy—Value It First: Before surrendering or lapsing a policy, policyholders should explore its market value. Life insurance can be worth tens, hundreds of thousands, or even millions—and could change the trajectory of a family, business, or community. Join us as we build purpose, passion, and financial wisdom for every stage of life. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone curious about the real value of their life insurance policy! [embed]https://youtu.be/gETax_SPZTI?si=XD4ibrBWNxgXwCio[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode of our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hannah Dennis, who transitioned from teaching young children to becoming a client relations associate and our resident marketing guru at BFG Financial Advisors. Hannah’s journey is a compelling example of how diverse skills—like those honed in the classroom—can create an immediate impact in the financial services industry. Hannah joined us after graduating from the University of Scranton and teaching for four years in the Baltimore area. Her background in education has been invaluable in shaping her communication style, her empathetic approach to clients, and her ability to keep all of us, especially me, in check! In addition to her client relations role, Hannah dove headfirst into the marketing aspect of our firm, helping to track and optimize our initiatives, including this very podcast. In our discussion, Hannah and I explored her transition from education to finance, noting the shift from an “island” of classroom independence to a collaborative team environment. She explained how data-driven decision-making from her teaching days now influences our marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of tracking what’s truly working—whether that’s a successful webinar or a standout podcast episode. We also discussed the stressful yet rewarding reality of managing marketing in a busy firm and the value of slowing down to implement changes efficiently. Hannah shared what it’s like to be behind the scenes, wrangling not just the team, but also vendors, deadlines, and creative ideas. With the podcast and Diary segment both evolving—particularly with Diary moving to a webinar format through BFG University—Hannah’s skill set has never been more crucial. For some lighter moments, we talked about our firm’s annual summit, our karaoke adventures (stay tuned for a possible duet reveal!), and what our listeners can look forward to as we launch new and improved educational content in the coming year. Hannah’s journey is not just about a career shift but about leveraging strengths, embracing change, and always striving for personal and professional growth. 5 Key Takeaways: Embracing Career Change: Hannah’s journey from teaching to finance demonstrates that transferable skills, like collaboration and data-driven thinking, are invaluable—even across vastly different industries.Data-Driven Marketing: By applying her experience as a teacher, Hannah transformed our marketing approach—utilizing data to determine which initiatives, webinars, and podcast episodes best engage our audience.The Power of Collaboration: Moving from a solo teaching role to a team environment at BFG allowed Hannah to learn from colleagues, share new ideas, and innovate more effectively than ever before.Adapting to Growth and Change: Hannah’s advice to “slow down, trust the process, and implement change gradually” is a lesson for anyone stepping into a new role or industry.Looking Ahead—Interactivity and Fresh Content: With “Diary of a Financial Advisor” moving to a webinar format on BFG University, our content will become more timely, interactive, and driven by what you—our listeners—want to see. Join us as we share, learn, and grow together on the path to financial independence and a fulfilling, purpose-driven future. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment (especially if you want to see our karaoke duet!), and share this episode with friends and colleagues on the journey to “Don’t Retire… Graduate!”   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYAlhnCjcLc[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest whose personal journey offers hope, resilience, and valuable lessons about financial wellness: Matt Paradise. Matt is a financial wellness speaker for young professionals, an award-winning author, and a living example of perseverance—having gone from being a homeless teen to achieving financial independence and now dedicating himself to helping others beat financial stress and unlock their full potential. In our conversation, Matt and I dive deep into his incredible story of transformation, moving from addiction and hopelessness to sobriety, stability, and success. He shares candid reflections on the intersection of addiction, mental health, and financial habits, reminding us that these struggles can affect anyone, and that there’s always hope—even in the darkest times. We talk about the ongoing commitment involved in both addiction recovery and financial wellness, as well as the pivotal role that mindset, mentors, and community play in helping us overcome adversity. Matt draws on his decades of experience in credit counseling and financial coaching, sharing powerful insights into behavioral addictions like overspending and debt accumulation—and how these patterns often stem from deeper emotional or psychological challenges. He recounts his own family’s story of long-term financial planning, caring for aging parents, and the anxieties and transitions that come with giving up independence later in life. Together, we explore the importance of vision, purpose, and building support systems—whether for our children, our elders, or ourselves as we pursue wellness and growth at every stage. 5 Key Takeaways: Pain to Purpose: Matt’s journey shows that personal pain can be transformed into service and purpose—helping others find hope and resilience amid their own struggles. Recovery Is Lifelong: Addiction recovery, whether chemical or behavioral (like debt or spending), is a lifelong process. Accountability, support, and “speaking the truth in love” are critical for lasting change. Financial Wellness Is Holistic: True financial wellness goes beyond dollars and cents—it's deeply linked to mindset, emotional health, and the support systems we build. Financial anxiety can persist even after basic needs are met, especially when rooted in past trauma or scarcity. Generational and Individual Challenges: Our experiences around money, independence, and mental health are shaped by generational patterns, cultural backgrounds, and personal histories. There’s no “one-size-fits-all”—every journey is unique. The Importance of Vision and Purpose: Building a vision for our future—even if it feels difficult or intimidating—is essential. Whether planning for retirement, caregiving, or breaking out of survival mode, a clear purpose helps us create better present and future outcomes. Join us for this powerful and motivating episode as we shine a light on overcoming adversity and creating financial and personal well-being through mindset, action, and community. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a message of hope and practical wisdom—on their journey to financial freedom and purpose-filled living! Access special book bonuses from Matt's award-winning and best-selling book, Financially Capable: A Friendly Guide to Building Whole-Health Wealth, here: https://www.mattparadise.com/capablebonus [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FiSQk8mVE8[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In this special “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, I’m thrilled to welcome Andrew Harrell. Andrew’s journey is one of passion, commitment, and ongoing growth. He began at BFG as an associate in 2018, quickly advanced to lead advisor in 2023, and recently became a shareholder. Andrew graduated cum laude from Coastal Carolina University and was recognized with an Outstanding Alumnus Award from their Wall College of Business. He holds his CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) and his CFP (Certified Financial Planner), already making an impressive mark in the field. Andrew and I dove into his evolving role, the significance of financial wellness, and the value of professional networking through the Financial Planning Association (FPA). We traded familiar office banter—yes, his “Young Protege” and “EJ” nicknames are alive and well!—before unpacking how staying engaged with the FPA not only shapes the profession but also impacts legislative advocacy and community outreach. Andrew explained how collaboration with fellow advisors, not competition, best serves clients and the financial planning industry. We then explored a pivotal initiative at BFG: our corporate financial wellness program with KCI and other organizations. Andrew shared how this program empowers employees at every level to make sound financial choices, alleviating stress and fostering peace of mind through holistic planning. We also talked about the importance of taking off the “planner hat” and embracing well-rounded wellness for clients and ourselves. To wrap up, Andrew reflected on his vision for the future—staying true to his own strengths while continuing to make a difference. 5 Key Takeaways: The Power of Professional Community: Andrew emphasized that working together with other financial advisors through the Financial Planning Association fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and positive impact—rather than rivalry. Legislative Advocacy Matters: Involvement with the FPA and similar organizations keeps financial advisors aware of regulatory changes and provides a voice to influence legislation that affects both advisors and their clients. Financial Wellness for All Levels: Our corporate wellness program brings personalized financial guidance directly to employees, helping them understand complex benefits packages and make informed decisions regardless of their asset level. Holistic Wellness is Essential: True financial planning goes beyond numbers—it’s about providing peace of mind, making sure beneficiaries and wills are in place, and reducing stress for both advisors and their clients. Never Stop Growing: Andrew’s journey reminds us that ongoing professional development, community engagement, and the desire to elevate those around us are keys to a fulfilling and impactful career in financial planning. Thank you for joining us on this episode as we continue to inspire, educate, and guide you toward financial freedom with purpose. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone looking to reshape their financial future! [embed]https://youtu.be/lhKmqEqDFvU?si=dpcJY6mcvdOm9P2F[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to explore the art and science of financial literacy with our guest, Scott Yamamura. Scott is an expert in communication and design with over 25 years of experience, boasting a Fortune 15 background and numerous industry accolades. He’s also a certified financial coach and the author of Financial Epiphany, a book designed to distill financial concepts into simple, actionable steps for everyday people. Scott joins us from outside Seattle, bringing his unique perspective on how effective messaging and creative thinking can help cut through the complexity of personal finance. In this episode, Scott and I dive deep into the challenges many people face with financial literacy, including intimidation, overwhelm, and the myth that financial expertise requires advanced knowledge or age. We revisit Scott’s personal journey from financial confusion to mastery—thanks to a multi-faceted approach involving books, workshops, and plenty of notes in the margins. This obsession led him to write Financial Epiphany, capturing the foundational wisdom that made a difference for his own family and now serves others. We discuss Scott’s “three rules of thumb”—his financial epiphanies—using frameworks like the Rubik’s Cube and “chunking” to make investing approachable. We explore concepts like the rule of 72, the power of compound interest over time, and the behavioral aspects that drive real action and change. Scott shares how simple, creative frameworks can empower anyone, especially young savers, to start investing early and avoid the common regret of wishing they’d begun sooner. We talk about how financial success is more about good habits and consistent behavior than advanced math, and how loss aversion can be a powerful motivator for doing the right thing today instead of waiting for tomorrow. Scott also opens up about his experiences as a coach, the impact of seeing family financial success firsthand, and how he hopes his work inspires others to steward their resources wisely. Finally, Scott shares a moving story about his inspiration—“becoming an Ernie”—which beautifully illustrates how financial empowerment leads to generosity and a purpose-filled life. 5 Key Takeaways: The Rule of 72: Scott breaks down how money doubling every ten years—based on a 7.2% average annual return—can be a simple, empowering way to visualize long-term growth and motivate early action. Harnessing the Power of 16: By shifting perspective, we realize that starting to invest early offers the unique ability to multiply money by sixteen over forty years, turning long-term discipline into an immediate “superpower.” Loss Aversion as Motivation: Scott’s third epiphany highlights how our multiplying power halves every ten years after we begin investing—creating urgency and leveraging our innate drive to avoid loss for faster action. Financial Literacy Is for Everyone: You don’t need to be a math whiz or have years of experience to succeed at personal finance; simple, practical habits and behavioral shifts make the greatest impact over time. Generosity and Purpose: Financial mastery isn’t just for personal gain; Scott’s story about “becoming an Ernie” reminds us that wise stewardship leads to opportunities to make a difference and gives deeper meaning to financial success. Join us for this inspiring conversation as we demystify the world of personal finance and empower you to take confident action today, no matter where you are on your journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with your friends and family as you take another step toward financial independence and a purposeful future! Get your copy of Scott's book, Financial Epiphany, here: https://a.co/d/2FOtauH [embed]https://youtu.be/zu5HpUj_bNk[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is part of our exclusive “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series, where I sit down with fellow advisors to explore their professional paths, motivations, and insights for helping others succeed financially. I’m excited to introduce our guest for this conversation, Claudia Glover, CFP®, who serves as the chair of our investment committee here at BFG and brings a wealth of experience from her time in both large institutions and more personalized advisory roles. In our discussion, Claudia shares her inspiring journey from watching her immigrant parents model financial discipline to building an impressive career in finance—including time on a fixed income trading desk, supporting advisory services, and managing a growth and income SMA at Wells Fargo. We dive into the cultural shift she experienced moving from a vast institution to our close-knit BFG team, and how that transition has allowed her to connect more deeply and meaningfully with clients. We talk about Claudia’s “why”—what drives her to do this work—and the joy she finds in guiding clients through major milestones, from retirement to paying the final tuition bill. I put her on the spot about how she’s become the organization’s go-to volunteer for committees and projects, and Claudia candidly reflects on her commitment to both personal and professional growth. We also discuss the value of having an accountability partner, a program we utilize at BFG to keep each member focused and supported, as well as the transformative impact of our financial wellness initiatives for clients and employees alike. If you’re curious about what drives top advisors and how intentional planning—both personal and professional—can fuel better outcomes, this episode has something for you! 5 Key Takeaways: A Personal History Fuels Professional Passion: Claudia’s early exposure to her family’s disciplined financial management instilled in her a drive to enter the finance industry and help others achieve similar stability and success. Diverse Industry Experience Matters: From trading desks to portfolio management, Claudia’s varied background equips her to navigate complex client needs and deliver thoughtful, informed advice. Intimate Client Relationships Set BFG Apart: Transitioning from a large corporation to a boutique firm, Claudia emphasizes the ability to deeply understand clients' financial worlds and provide true financial planning. Milestone Moments Motivate Advisors: The most rewarding aspect of the work, according to Claudia, is witnessing clients achieve significant life events—whether it’s retiring or finishing paying for a child’s education. Accountability and Wellness Programs Enhance Growth: Regular check-ins with accountability partners and participation in BFG’s financial wellness programs not only help advisors stay focused but also expand the reach and impact of financial education. Join us as we continue to spotlight the journeys and wisdom of financial advisors who shape lives and build legacies. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone eager to graduate into a life of financial purpose and fulfillment! [embed]https://youtu.be/TDTrkfwT_nk[/embed]