The Financial Leadership Podcast

Episode 48: Mortgage Insider Reveals What Lenders Won't Tell You

Think your low Covid-era mortgage rate is "trapping" you in your home — or that you can't buy until rates drop? A 20-year mortgage insider says you may be wrong on both counts. In this episode of The Financial Leadership Podcast, David Afraimi sits down with mortgage professional Jacalyn Forleo to unpack what's really happening in today's housing market — and why the smartest buyers and sellers are moving NOW instead of waiting on the sidelines. From the 20% down myth, to down payment assistance most people don't know they qualify for, to creative ways parents can help their adult children buy a home — this is the conversation every pre-retiree, near-retiree, and family with kids in the housing market needs to hear. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Why your interest rate shouldn't be the deciding factor the monthly payment is what matters * The truth about the 20% down myth and how PMI can actually work in your favor * How Colorado's CHFA down payment assistance program works (and the surprising income limits) * Creative ways parents can help kids into their first home — including HELOCs and cosigning * Red flags that signal a lender is more interested in commission than your best interest BAM Advisory Group is an independent financial services firm assisting individuals preparing for retirement through the use of investments and insurance products. Insurance products and services provided by BAM Advisory Group. Investment Advisory Services offered through its affiliate, BAM Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. We are not affiliated with any government agency, and do not provide tax or legal advice or services. This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal advisors. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.

Episode 47: What Your CPA May Not Be Telling You About Retirement Taxes

A licensed CPA reveals some of the most common - and most costly - tax mistakes retirees make, and why your CPA and financial planner may not be talking enough. In this episode of the Financial Leadership Podcast, David sits down with Jonathan Solsbery, CPA and founder of Solsbery CPA, to break down some common retirement tax issues many people don't think about until it's too late. From the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill to inherited IRA rules under SECURE Act 2.0, Roth conversion strategy, and why a tax refund might not be the good news you think it is - this conversation is a candid look at what proactive tax planning actually looks like when your CPA and financial advisor work together. Individual tax situations vary significantly - consult a qualified tax professional before acting on any information discussed in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The most expensive tax mistake retirees make isn't necessarily about day-to-day income mismanagement – it could be failing to plan ahead of major events like selling a business, receiving an inheritance, or making a large withdrawal. By the time many people bring it to a CPA, the window to act has already closed. * A financial planner and a CPA serve different but complementary roles. A financial planner focuses on forward-looking tax mitigation strategy; a CPA ensures accuracy, compliance, and year-specific execution. When they don't communicate, the client may absorb the potential consequences of any gaps. * The One Big Beautiful Bill includes significant changes to the SALT deduction cap - potentially impactful for many itemizing taxpayers - as well as updates to estate tax exemptions and certain retirement planning provisions. * Under SECURE Act 2.0, most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA are now subject to a 10-year distribution window - which can create significant tax exposure depending on the beneficiary's income situation. This is a complex area; consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. * Roth conversions aren't just a tax strategy - they can be a legacy planning tool. Converting pre-tax IRA assets at a favorable rate today may reduce the tax burden passed on to beneficiaries, particularly under the inherited IRA 10-year rule. Want to know if your CPA and financial advisor are working together the way they could be? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation 15-minute call with a BAM advisor to see what proactive tax planning looks like in practice: 👉www.bamadvisorygroup.com 🌐 Learn more about Jonathan Solsbery, CPA: 👉 www.solsberycpa.com [http://www.solsberycpa.com] BAM Advisory Group is an independent financial services firm assisting individuals preparing for retirement through the use of investments and insurance products. Insurance products and services provided by BAM Advisory Group. Investment Advisory Services offered through its affiliate, BAM Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. We are not affiliated with Solsbery CPA, or with any government agency, and do not provide tax or legal advice or services. This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal advisors. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.

Episode 46: 25 Years, One Mission. The Real Story Behind BAM Advisory Group

For more than 25 years, David and Kristy Afraimi have been building something bigger than a financial planning firm.In this episode, they share the real story behind BAM Advisory Group — from moving to Colorado with a young family, surviving the 2008 financial crisis, nearly losing everything, rebuilding with intention, and ultimately creating a championship team culture built to last beyond them.This isn’t just a conversation about money.It’s about:• Why a 401(k) is NOT a retirement plan• What 2008 taught them about vision and culture• The biggest misconception about retirement• Why “retire with confidence” means more than having a pile of money• Building Gen 2 and Gen 3 leaders• Creating the “Uber of financial planning”• Why trust is the real differentiator in financial services• The power of hospitality over a basic service model• Digital, AI, and the future of financial adviceYou’ll also hear about:– The BAM Gala and what it revealed about their impact– Winning Best of Mile High Planning 2025– How they define their ideal client– What makes BAM unapologetically authentic– Why culture beats strategy in the long runIf you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a firm that survives market crashes, evolves through COVID, scales a team, and still keeps the human element at the center — this episode is for you.At BAM Advisory Group, the mission is simple:Empower each person to have a healthy and confident relationship with money so they can live freely, give generously, and face the future with peace of mind.If you're thinking about retirement, navigating market uncertainty, or just want to make sure you’re not walking into your most important years without a real plan — this conversation will challenge the way you think about wealth.Your support helps us reach more people and provide more value! Don’t forget to comment if you have any questions or want to share your own experience with retirement planning.Visit WWW.BAMADVISORYGROUP.COM to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation call with a BAM Advisor. ◆ For more information, please email our team: info@bamadvisorygroup.com #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #InvestmentPlanning #ThreeBucketStrategy #RetirementIncome #IncomePlanning#BAMAdvisoryGroupBAM Advisory Group is an independent financial services firm assisting individuals preparing for retirement through the use of investments and insurance products. Insurance products and services provided by BAM Advisory Group. Investment Advisory Services offered through its affiliate, BAM Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. We are not affiliated with any government agency, and do not provide tax or legal advice or services.This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal advisors. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.

EPISODE 45: Why Successful People Struggle in Retirement

Cash feels safe. Staying busy feels productive. Chasing performance feels smart. But all three could quietly sabotage your retirement—and the reasons why might surprise you.In this video, David Afraimi shares insights from over 26 years as a financial advisor, revealing the overlooked psychological and financial challenges that catch even successful professionals off guard when they retire.You'll learn:→ The real framework for building long-term financial confidence→ Why holding too much cash may actually be one of your biggest risks→ The emotional gap retirees face when workplace validation disappears—and 6 strategies to navigate it→ How to shift from measuring accomplishment to measuring fulfillmentWhether you're approaching retirement or already there, understanding these dynamics could change the way you think about this next chapter of life.Visit WWW.BAMADVISORYGROUP.COM to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation call with a BAM Advisor. ◆ For more information, please email our team: info@bamadvisorygroup.com #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #InvestmentPlanning #ThreeBucketStrategy #RetirementIncome #IncomePlanning#BAMAdvisoryGroupBAM Advisory Group is an independent financial services firm assisting individuals preparing for retirement through the use of investments and insurance products. Insurance products and services provided by BAM Advisory Group. Investment Advisory Services offered through its affiliate, BAM Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. We are not affiliated with any government agency, and do not provide tax or legal advice or services.This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal advisors. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.

Episode 44: The Two Life Events That Can Reshape Your Retirement Taxes

Many retirement plans assume life stays predictable. But there are major life events that can quietly reshape your retirement taxes—often at the worst possible time—if you’re not prepared. In this video, we walk through two such life events:→ The two life changes that most commonly affect retirement taxes→ Why tax brackets can change after major life transitions→ How retirement income may be taxed differently when circumstances change→ Common planning mistakes people make without realizing the long-term impact→ Steps that may help reduce tax surprises before they occur This isn’t about fear or worst-case scenarios.It’s about understanding how the tax system works so you can make informed decisions and protect your long-term retirement income. If you’re approaching retirement—or already retired—this is an important conversation to have before life forces it on you.BAM Advisory Group is an independent financial services firm assisting individuals preparing for retirement through the use of investments and insurance products. Insurance products and services provided by BAM Advisory Group. Investment Advisory Services offered through its affiliate, BAM Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. We are not affiliated with any government agency, and do not provide tax or legal advice or services.This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal advisors. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.