Financial Fortitude

About Financial Fortitude

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 strategies to provide in-depth advice about high-income earning professionals’ unique situations. Each episode delves into critical financial topics, helping you enhance your knowledge, strengthen your financial fortitude, and guide you toward becoming an Extraordinary Wealth Builder (#EWB). Financial Guidance for High Earners Smart Money Moves for High-Income Professionals Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for Top Earners Financial Planning for Doctors, Lawyers & Execs Wealth Management Tips for High-Income Earners Expert Advice on Taxes, Investing & Growing Wealth High Earner Money Talk Financial Wisdom for 6-Figure+ Entrepreneurs Smart Strategies for Managing High Income Money, Taxes & Freedom for High-Earning Professionals

Publisher

Genesis Wealth Planning

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Aug 2024

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

57 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   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 and long-term tax planning. They explore the trade-offs between spending, minimizing lifetime taxes, preserving wealth for heirs, and managing concentrated stock positions. The conversation also reveals why the Rule of 55, Social Security, healthcare costs, capital gains, and future inheritances can dramatically change an otherwise well-designed retirement strategy. Most importantly, they explain why a strategy that looks perfect on paper needs to be stress-tested against the unexpected realities of markets, interest rates, taxes, health, and life itself. If you're approaching retirement with significant investments and want to understand how different financial decisions can work together, this episode offers a valuable look at the bigger picture. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Retiring At 55 Creates A Complex Financial Planning Challenge (06:00) – The Real Question Behind Using A Securities Backed Line Of Credit (08:00) – Balancing Retirement Spending And Lifetime Taxes (12:00) – The Rule Of 55 And Accessing 401k Money Before 59½ (17:00) – How Early Withdrawals Can Reduce Future Roth Conversion Flexibility (20:00) – Using An SBLOC As A Retirement Planning Tool (36:00) – Creating A Tax Control Window Between Retirement And RMDs (41:00) – The 10 Year Inheritance Rule And Its Impact On Retirement Planning (44:00) – Using Home Equity And A HELOC To Fund Retirement Goals (46:00) – Coordinating Capital Gains, Roth Conversions, And Retirement Income (47:00) – Healthcare Costs Medicare IRMAA And Social Security Timing (51:00) – Why Retirement Planning Must Account For Life’s Unexpected Disruptors (54:00) – Why An SBLOC Should Be A Tool Not The Entire Retirement Plan Key Takeaways: • How a securities-backed line of credit can potentially provide liquidity during early retirement while creating room for Roth conversions. • Why borrowing against a portfolio becomes more complicated when a large portion of the portfolio is concentrated in a few highly appreciated stocks. • How tax-loss harvesting can potentially create opportunities to diversify appreciated investments while offsetting realized gains. • How the Rule of 55 can provide access to certain 401(k) assets before age 59½ and become part of a broader retirement income strategy. • How healthcare costs, Medicare IRMAA, Social Security timing, and future inheritances can disrupt an otherwise carefully designed retirement strategy. • Why an SBLOC should be treated as a financial tool within a coordinated retirement plan rather than the foundation of the entire plan. Key Topics Discussed: Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Tax Strategies, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, Financial Guidance for High Earners, Smart Money Moves for High-Income Professionals, Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for Top Earners, Financial Planning for Doctors, Lawyers & Execs, Wealth Management Tips for High-Income Earners, Advice on Taxes, Investing & Growing Wealth, High Earner Money Talk, Financial Wisdom for 6-Figure+ Entrepreneurs, Smart Strategies for Managing High Income, Taxes & Freedom for High-Earning Professionals, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show, We Study Billionaires, ChooseFI, Afford Anything Mentions: Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/ (https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/) Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/) Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/) Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco (https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta) This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 7237198.45. Expiration 10/28

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   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 traditional cash-flow equation from “sales minus expenses equals profit” to “sales minus profit equals expenses” can fundamentally change how business owners manage money. You’ll learn how profit, owner compensation, taxes, and operating expenses can be intentionally separated into different accounts, creating greater clarity and discipline around every dollar your business earns. The conversation also dives into lifestyle creep, cash-flow management, business valuation, and the connection between your business finances and personal financial plan. If you’re a business owner who has ever achieved record revenue but wondered why you aren’t keeping more of it, this episode offers a practical framework for taking control of your cash flow and building a healthier, more profitable business. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Business Owners Need To Pay Themselves First (06:00) – Why High Revenue Does Not Mean Financial Health (14:00) – Profit First Versus Bookkeeping And Tax Planning (18:00) – The Five Bank Accounts Every Business Owner Needs (24:00) – Separating Owner Compensation From Business Profit (26:00) – Building A Realistic Operating Expense Budget (28:00) – Creating Scarcity To Control Business Spending (32:00) – Using Cash Flow Clarity To Make Better Decisions (36:00) – Why Profit First Can Increase Business Value (38:00) – The Emotional Impact Of Financial Organization (40:00) – Why Revenue Is Not The Number That Matters Most (43:00) – Building A More Intentional Financial Future Key Takeaways: • How the Profit First formula flips the traditional equation from sales minus expenses equals profit to sales minus profit equals expenses. • How the five-account Profit First structure works and why giving every dollar a specific purpose can change spending behavior. • Why owner's compensation and profit distributions serve different purposes and how separating them can help prevent profits from disappearing into operating expenses. • Why business lifestyle creep can cause expenses to rise alongside revenue and leave owners financially stuck. • How creating intentional scarcity in the operating account can force better spending decisions and reduce unnecessary business expenses. • Why financial organization can make a business more attractive to potential buyers and contribute to a stronger business valuation. • The emotional impact of finally seeing where your money is going—and why greater financial clarity can make business ownership feel more rewarding. Key Topics Discussed: Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Tax Strategies, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, Financial Guidance for High Earners, Smart Money Moves for High-Income Professionals, Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for Top Earners, Financial Planning for Doctors, Lawyers & Execs, Wealth Management Tips for High-Income Earners, Advice on Taxes, Investing & Growing Wealth, High Earner Money Talk, Financial Wisdom for 6-Figure+ Entrepreneurs, Smart Strategies for Managing High Income, Taxes & Freedom for High-Earning Professionals, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show, We Study Billionaires, ChooseFI, Afford Anything Mentions: Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/ (https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/) Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/) Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/) Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco (https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta) This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 7237198.44. Expiration 8/28.

3. 

   10 Sept 2026

   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. They explore the psychology behind investing, compare dollar-cost averaging with lump-sum investing, and unpack real research from Vanguard and Wells Fargo on long-term market performance. Whether you're just beginning your investing journey, building wealth for retirement, or wondering how to invest during volatile markets, this conversation delivers practical strategies to help you invest with greater confidence and discipline. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – What Dollar Cost Averaging Really Means (04:10) – How Retirees Use Dollar Cost Averaging Too (05:45) – Why Emotions Matter More Than Market Timing (07:05) – Investing During Market Highs And Market Crashes (09:00) – Why Younger Investors Benefit From Market Volatility (10:45) – Adjusting Investment Strategies in Retirement (11:50) – Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing (13:10) – Combining Lump Sum and Consistent Investing (15:05) – What Vanguard Research Reveals About Investing (17:10) – Why Time In The Market Beats Waiting (19:00) – Who Should Choose Dollar Cost Averaging (21:00) – Matching Investment Strategy To Risk Tolerance (22:15) – The Hidden Cost Of Trying To Time Markets (24:00) – Missing The Best Trading Days Can Cost Thousands (25:20) – Automating Investments For Long-Term Success (26:35) – Building A Financial System That Removes Emotion Key Takeaways: • What dollar cost averaging really is—and why you're probably already using it without realizing it. • Why trying to time the market often creates more stress, fear, and missed opportunities than long-term success. • How consistent investing helps remove emotion from financial decisions and builds confidence over time. • The key differences between dollar cost averaging and lump sum investing—and when each strategy makes the most sense. • What Vanguard's research reveals about getting your money invested sooner rather than later. • Why younger investors and retirees should approach dollar cost averaging differently based on their time horizon and income needs. • How automating your investments creates a stronger financial system that doesn't rely on perfect timing or perfect discipline. Key Topics Discussed: Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Tax Strategies, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, Financial Guidance for High Earners, Smart Money Moves for High-Income Professionals, Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for Top Earners, Financial Planning for Doctors, Lawyers & Execs, Wealth Management Tips for High-Income Earners, Advice on Taxes, Investing & Growing Wealth, High Earner Money Talk, Financial Wisdom for 6-Figure+ Entrepreneurs, Smart Strategies for Managing High Income, Taxes & Freedom for High-Earning Professionals, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show, We Study Billionaires, ChooseFI, Afford Anything Mentions: Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/ (https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/) Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/) Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/) Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco (https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta) This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 7237198.43. Expiration 8/28.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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