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 strate ...
…
continue reading

1
4 Important Considerations for RSUs Every High Earner Needs to Know - E21
33:53
33:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:53Are 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 high-income professional’s compensation package: RSUs. From tax implications and diversification strategies to avoiding lifestyle creep and planning with purpose, this episode gives you the …
…
continue reading

1
The Roth Opportunity Hiding in the Market Meltdown - E20
28:25
28:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:25Market corrections can be unsettling, but for savvy investors, they also unlock powerful planning opportunities. In this eye-opening episode, Michael and Brady break down why a down market might be the perfect time to consider a Roth conversion. Learn how converting pre-tax retirement savings to Roth during a downturn can reduce your tax liability …
…
continue reading

1
Student Loans: SAVE Plan Lawsuit, Time-Based Forgiveness, and PSLF Buyback Explained - E19
38:40
38:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:40Michael 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 applications at studentaid.gov to the major legal uncertainty around the SAVE plan, we unpack what borrowers need to do today to stay on track. Whether you're navigating income-driven repayment, t…
…
continue reading

1
Should We Fear a Recession? Explaining Market Volatility - E18
30:14
30:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:14The 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, but staying level-headed is the key to long-term success. In this episode, Michael and Brady break down exactly what market volatility means for your investments, no matter where you are in yo…
…
continue reading

1
Are You Really on Track for Retirement? The $7.9M Wake-Up Call | E17
30:37
30:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:37Retirement—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 need to ask yourself, the common pitfalls to avoid, and the real numbers behind what it takes to retire comfortably. Whether you're in your 20s just starting to save, in your 40s navigating pe…
…
continue reading

1
Waiting on THIS Could Cost You More Than You Think - E16
37:32
37:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:32Most young professionals think they’re invincible. They’re healthy, thriving, and focused on building their careers and wealth. The idea of life insurance? It often gets dismissed as an unnecessary expense—something to "deal with later." But what if later never comes? In this episode of Financial Fortitude, hosts Michael Acosta and Brady Hemerly br…
…
continue reading

1
How to Make the Most of Your Inheritance & Avoid the Pitfalls - E15
50:01
50:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:01Michael and Brady delve into the complexities of managing an inheritance. They guide listeners through the steps of handling an inheritance wisely—from understanding what assets are inherited to aligning the windfall with personal financial goals and avoiding common pitfalls. The episode emphasizes the immense $84 trillion wealth transfer expected …
…
continue reading

1
What You Don’t Want to Overlook When Buying or Selling Your Business | Justin Sandridge - E14
42:17
42:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:17Justin Sandridge, an experienced M&A advisor from Murphy Business Sales, discusses the intricacies of buying or selling a business, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and professional guidance. Justin shares his insights on key financial, legal, and operational details that business owners should not overlook. The conversation also t…
…
continue reading

1
Are You Down with #EWB, Yeah You Know Me! - E13
31:02
31:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:02Michael and Brady dive into the concept of becoming an Extraordinary Wealth Builder (EWB). They discuss the importance of saving intentionally and breaking down the steps to achieve financial greatness. This episode highlights the personal savings landscape in America, presents a comparison between average savers and EWBs, and offers practical step…
…
continue reading

1
Leveraging Good Debt and Avoiding the Rest - E12
56:24
56:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:24Michael 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, discussing common types such as mortgages, student loans, business loans, and consumer debt. The episode emphasizes the importance of using debt as a strategic tool to advance one's financial …
…
continue reading

1
Be SMART and Set Financial Goals that Stick in 2025 - E11
44:44
44:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:44Kick off the New Year by exploring the power of SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—in achieving your financial ambitions for 2025. Michael and Brady provide practical examples and actionable tips to help you stay organized, prioritize effectively, and remain focused despite life’s inevitable distractions. The con…
…
continue reading

1
Spending with Purpose: How to Curb Lifestyle Creep - E10
44:03
44:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:03Michael and Brady discuss the concept of lifestyle inflation, where increased income leads to increased spending, often hindering long-term financial goals. They explore how lifestyle creep happens, how to recognize it, and strategies to spend with purpose. By focusing on aligning spending with what truly matters, they propose a shift towards autom…
…
continue reading

1
Roth Conversions: Smart Year-End Strategies to Reduce Your Future Tax Burden - E9
44:43
44:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:43Michael and Brady delve into the important topic of Roth conversions and their potential to revolutionize your retirement strategy. They provide a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, explain how Roth conversions work, and discuss the tax implications involved. The segment also covers when it makes sens…
…
continue reading

1
Buy-Sell: A Must-Have Legal Agreement to Safeguard Your Business | Shawn Garrett - E8
39:19
39:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:19Brady and Michael talk with Shawn Garrett, an experienced business law attorney, about the crucial importance of buy-sell agreements in ensuring business continuity and protecting business interests. The discussion delves into scenarios such as death, divorce, disability, disagreement and default that necessitate such agreements, and the significan…
…
continue reading

1
When the Math Doesn’t Matter: Rationale and Reasonable - E7
33:15
33:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:15Life throws us curveballs. From unexpected expenses to sudden health issues, Michael and Brady discuss how such events can disrupt financial plans. They emphasize the importance of making purpose-driven decisions rather than solely relying on math. The episode features a real-life case study of a 44-year-old single individual who faced a major heal…
…
continue reading

1
Protecting Your Biggest and Greatest Asset: Understanding Long Term Disability Insurance - E6
37:18
37:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:18Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle discuss the critical importance of long-term disability income protection insurance. They break down what it is, why you need it, and how it can safeguard your financial future when unexpected events occur. Emphasizing the importance of protecting your ability to earn a living, the episode explores various aspects …
…
continue reading

1
Who to Trust? Are You Working With the Right Financial Advisor - E5
37:40
37:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:40Michael and Brady discuss how technology and industry changes have broadened access to financial advice, making it more accessible beyond just wealthy individuals. The episode delves into the challenges of selecting the right financial advisor, examining where Americans currently get their financial advice, and the implications of various advisory …
…
continue reading

1
Maximizing Student Loan Forgiveness as a Graduate Student - E4
1:04:38
1:04:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:38Michael and Brady discuss the significant burden of student loans on Americans and delve into current strategies for managing this debt while still achieving personal and financial goals. They explore the misconceptions surrounding student loans, differences between federal and private loans, and the importance of utilizing loan forgiveness program…
…
continue reading

1
Open Enrollment Benefits That Do and Don’t Matter - E3
52:49
52:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:49Michael and Brady provide a comprehensive guide on navigating employee benefits and retirement planning during open enrollment. Key topics include the differentiation of healthcare plans like HMOs and PPOs and the strategic use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to maximize tax advantages. The episode also cover…
…
continue reading

1
Don’t Hire a Financial Advisor Until You Hear This - E1
46:02
46:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:02Brady and Michael introduce themselves and share the vision for their new show, Financial Fortitude. They discuss their personal journeys into the financial industry, the importance of understanding personal motivations ('whys'), and how these elements drive their work with clients. The episode also explores the value of financial advisors, how to …
…
continue reading

1
5 Financial To-Dos Before Saying I Do - E2
1:00:16
1:00:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:16Michael and Brady dive into the crucial steps couples should take after getting married. They emphasize the importance of communication, setting joint goals, consolidating finances, checking one's financial immune system, and not being afraid to seek professional help. Drawing from personal and client experiences, they highlight practical strategie…
…
continue reading
Financial Fortitude is a podcast for high-income earning professionals facing complex financial issues/challenges. Hosted by experienced financial advisors and CFP®s, Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle. This show goes beyond stale and generic strategies to provide in-depth advice about high-income earning professionals’ unique situations. Each episo…
…
continue reading