Shows / Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Financial Fortitude is a podcast for high-income earning professionals facing complex financial issues/challenges such as: - How to pay off MASSIVE student loan debt as quickly as possible? - Where should I be saving today so I can retire early? - When can I retire and how much do I “need” to have saved? - I’m ready to sell my business, what should I be doing? Hosted by experienced financial advisors and CFP®s, Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle. This show goes beyond stale and generic…
Episodes
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
How the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) Actually Works - E58
Imagine spending years building your career, watching your income grow, and finally feeling like you're making financial progress — only to discover that your…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Could the Timing of Your 401(k) Contributions Affect Your Employer Match? - E57
Michael and Brady uncover a costly retirement savings mistake that can quietly drain thousands of dollars from even the most financially disciplined…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
The Tax-Efficient Way to Withdraw Money in Retirement | AMA #2 - E56
Michael and Brady unpack whether a securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) can help fund an early retirement while creating opportunities for Roth conversions…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Your Business Is Making Money. But Are You Keeping Any? - E55
Michael and Brady unpack the Profit First Mentality and explain why revenue alone is not a reliable measure of business success. They explore how flipping the…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
What 2 Major Studies Reveal About Timing the Market - E54
Michael and Brady break down the fundamentals of dollar-cost averaging, explaining why consistent investing often beats waiting for the "perfect" opportunity…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
529 Plans—The Mistake Most Parents Make | AMA #1 - E53
Michael and Brady answer two thoughtful listener questions that uncover some of the smartest ways parents can build long-term wealth for their children. From…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Why "Just Make a Budget" Is Terrible Advice - E52
Michael and Brady explain why most budgets fail—not because people lack discipline, but because they're relying on systems that don't fit real life. Discover a…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
The Costly Mortgage Mistake Most Homeowners Never See - E51
Michael and Brady challenge one of the most common beliefs in personal finance and unpack the real tradeoffs between becoming debt-free and creating long-term…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Whole Life Insurance: Overhyped or Over-Hated? - E50
Michael and Brady unpack the real truth behind permanent life insurance, separating internet myths from practical financial planning strategy. They break down…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
SAVE Is Ending July 1: What Happens Next for Your Student Loans? - E49
Michael and Brady talk about the major policy shifts taking effect on July 1, as borrowers will step into an entirely new landscape where old strategies may no…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Are Structured Notes the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan? - E48
Michael and Brady break down the mechanics behind structured notes, explaining how they can be used to customize risk and reward, provide downside buffers, and…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
The Social Security Wage Cap: What If an Extra $14,000 a Year Was Already Yours? - E47
Michael and Brady uncover one of the most overlooked wealth-building opportunities available to high-income professionals. Every year, physicians, attorneys…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
What Money Mistakes Did We Make in Our 20s and 30s? - E46
Michael and Brady pull back the curtain on real-life money mistakes that cost them time, opportunities, and millions in potential wealth. From delaying…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
When You Lose a Spouse the Last Thing You Need Is a Financial Headache - E45
Michael and Brady walk through a clear, compassionate financial game plan for widows and widowers navigating one of life’s most overwhelming transitions. From…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Only Using a 529 Plan? There’s a Better Way to Save for Your Kids’ Education - E44
Michael and Brady break down the real strategy behind building wealth for your children, one that goes far beyond the typical “set it and forget it” approach…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
The First 5 Money Moves Every New Attending Should Make - E43
Michael and Brady break down the essential financial roadmap every new resident, fellow, or newly attending physician needs. From managing lifestyle creep and…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Stop Overfunding Your Future and Start Funding Your Life - E42
Michael and Brady break down the real evolution of financial planning: from reacting to stress and uncertainty to building a life driven by purpose, clarity…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
One Big Beautiful Bill: What Federal Student Loan Borrowers Must Know for 2026 - E41
Michael and Brady unpack the sweeping impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for parents, high-income professionals, and borrowers pursuing…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
How SBLOCs Can Help Retirees or Business Owners Access Cash Tax-Free - E40
Michael and Brady move beyond theory and into real life, showing exactly how Securities-Backed Lines of Credit (SBLOCs) are used by high earners, business…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Mortgage Rates Are Falling—Should You Buy, Refinance, Or Wait? | Keena Gehringer & Brittney Morrison - E39
Michael and Brady invite two mortgage specialists, Keena Gehringer and Brittney Morrison to break down how to choose the right mortgage in today’s market, when…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Buying a Home in 2026 | David Scibor - E38
Michael and Brady invite top Charlotte real estate agent David Scibor to break down exactly how buyers can put their best offer forward in a competitive and…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Triple the Value on Your Travel Points Redemption With These Credit Card Hacks | Colin Stroud - E37
Michael and Brady sit down with Colin Stroud, founder of Go Somewhere, to reveal how everyday spending can unlock premium travel, luxury experiences, and…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
How to Build Your Financial Survival Kit After a Sudden Layoff - E36
Michael and Brady break down the first 30 days after losing your job, teaching you how to protect your cash flow, navigate health insurance changes, and make…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
What Happens to Your Money if You Die? 5 Beneficiary Mistakes That Could Cost Thousands - E35
Michael and Brady discuss one of the most overlooked but high-impact parts of your estate plan: your beneficiary designations. Even the most carefully written…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Why Every Catholic Investor Should Rethink Traditional Investing | Daniel Catone - E34
Michael and Brady sit down with Daniel Catone, founder and CEO of Arimathea Investments, to explore how faith, purpose, and finances can coexist in powerful…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
5 Common Open Enrollment Mistakes to Avoid This Year - E33
Michael and Brady provide a comprehensive guide on navigating employee benefits and retirement planning during open enrollment. Key topics include the…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Too High-Income for a Roth IRA? Try This Tax-Free Strategic Move - E32
Michael and Brady dive deep into the Roth Waterfall, a practical framework for deciding how and when to use Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s. They unpack the real…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
529 Plans Explained—& Their Role in Higher Education Planning - E31
Michael and Brady break down everything you need to know about 529 plans: the education savings tool that parents, grandparents, and families often hear about…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
What Financial Issues Should You Consider When Going Through a Divorce | Sabreena Barboza - E30
Michael and Brady sit down with powerhouse family law attorney Sabreena Barboza to uncover the often-overlooked financial consequences of separation. From…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
You Make Good Money… So Why Don’t You Feel Wealthy? - E29
What does it really mean to feel wealthy? Michael and Brady dive into the emotional side of money, exploring why so many high earners still feel financially…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
You’re Making Money—Now What? Smart Money Moves for Residents, Fellows & Attendings - E28
Michael and Brady break down the essential financial roadmap every new resident, fellow, or newly attending physician needs. From managing lifestyle creep and…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
When Life Throws You a Curveball—Don’t Go Broke - E27
When life throws an unexpected curveball, job loss, medical crisis, or the AC goes out in the middle of July, will your finances strike out or stand strong?…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Not Your Grandma's Annuity—Why The New Breed Might Actually Work For You - E26
Forget everything you thought you knew about annuities. Michael and Brady unpack the modern annuity revolution, how today’s annuities have evolved from the…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
How the Wealthy Use SBLOCs to Borrow Tax-Free Without Selling - E25
Michael and Brady dive into one of the most misunderstood yet increasingly leveraged financial tools for high earners and investors, the Securities-Backed Line…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Is Renting a Waste—or Is Homeownership Just Too Expensive? - E24
Michael and Brady dive headfirst into one of the most debated financial decisions of our time: renting vs. buying. With candid personal stories, professional…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Should You Buy That New Car? - E23
Michael and Brady confront a challenge many retirees face but few openly talk about: when peace of mind outweighs the numbers on a spreadsheet. Is your aging…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Why Millennials Feel Behind Financially Despite Doing Everything Right - E22
Michael and Brady dig deep into a paradox affecting a generation: Millennials and Gen Z are planning their finances more than ever, yet still feel financially…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
4 Important Considerations for RSUs Every High Earner Needs to Know - E21
Are your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) helping you build wealth—or holding you back? Michael and Brady break down one of the most misunderstood components of a…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
The Roth Opportunity Hiding in the Market Meltdown - E20
Market corrections can be unsettling, but for savvy investors, they also unlock powerful planning opportunities. In this eye-opening episode, Michael and Brady…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Student Loans: SAVE Plan Lawsuit, Time-Based Forgiveness, and PSLF Buyback Explained - E19
Michael and Brady dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of federal student loans — and why now is the time to pay attention. From the return of online…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Should We Fear a Recession? Explaining Market Volatility - E18
The stock market has been a wild ride lately, and if your emotions are following every twist and turn, you're not alone. Market swings can be nerve-wracking…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Are You Really on Track for Retirement? The $7.9M Wake-Up Call | E17
Retirement—it's the finish line we're all running toward, but how do you know if you're actually on track? Michael and Brady break down the key questions you…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Waiting on THIS Could Cost You More Than You Think - E16
Most young professionals think they’re invincible. They’re healthy, thriving, and focused on building their careers and wealth. The idea of life insurance? It…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
How to Make the Most of Your Inheritance & Avoid the Pitfalls - E15
Michael and Brady delve into the complexities of managing an inheritance. They guide listeners through the steps of handling an inheritance wisely—from…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
What You Don’t Want to Overlook When Buying or Selling Your Business | Justin Sandridge - E14
Justin Sandridge, an experienced M&A advisor from Murphy Business Sales, discusses the intricacies of buying or selling a business, emphasizing the importance…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Are You Down with #EWB, Yeah You Know Me! - E13
Michael and Brady dive into the concept of becoming an Extraordinary Wealth Builder (EWB). They discuss the importance of saving intentionally and breaking…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Leveraging Good Debt and Avoiding the Rest - E12
Michael and Brady dive into the intricacies of debt management and its impact on financial well-being. They explore the concept of good debt versus bad debt…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Be SMART and Set Financial Goals that Stick - E11
Kick off the New Year by exploring the power of SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—in achieving your financial ambitions…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Spending with Purpose: How to Curb Lifestyle Creep - E10
Michael and Brady discuss the concept of lifestyle inflation, where increased income leads to increased spending, often hindering long-term financial goals…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Roth Conversions: Smart Year-End Strategies to Reduce Your Future Tax Burden - E9
Michael and Brady delve into the important topic of Roth conversions and their potential to revolutionize your retirement strategy. They provide a…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Buy-Sell: A Must-Have Legal Agreement to Safeguard Your Business | Shawn Garrett - E8
Brady and Michael talk with Shawn Garrett, an experienced business law attorney, about the crucial importance of buy-sell agreements in ensuring business…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
When the Math Doesn’t Matter: Rationale and Reasonable - E7
Life throws us curveballs. From unexpected expenses to sudden health issues, Michael and Brady discuss how such events can disrupt financial plans. They…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Protecting Your Biggest and Greatest Asset: Understanding Long Term Disability Insurance - E6
Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle discuss the critical importance of long-term disability income protection insurance. They break down what it is, why you need…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Who to Trust? Are You Working With the Right Financial Advisor - E5
Michael and Brady discuss how technology and industry changes have broadened access to financial advice, making it more accessible beyond just wealthy…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Maximizing Student Loan Forgiveness as a Graduate Student - E4
Michael and Brady discuss the significant burden of student loans on Americans and delve into current strategies for managing this debt while still achieving…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Open Enrollment Benefits That Do and Don’t Matter - E3
Michael and Brady provide a comprehensive guide on navigating employee benefits and retirement planning during open enrollment. Key topics include the…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
5 Financial To-Dos Before Saying I Do - E2
Michael and Brady dive into the crucial steps couples should take after getting married. They emphasize the importance of communication, setting joint goals…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Don’t Hire a Financial Advisor Until You Hear This - E1
Brady and Michael introduce themselves and share the vision for their new show, Financial Fortitude. They discuss their personal journeys into the financial…
- Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners
Welcome to Financial Fortitude
Financial Fortitude is a podcast for high-income earning professionals facing complex financial issues/challenges. Hosted by experienced financial advisors and…