Financial Fortitude: Tax, Wealth & Investment Strategies for High Income Earners

Michael and Brady dive headfirst into one of the most debated financial decisions of our time: renting vs. buying. With candid personal stories, professional insight, and a side-by-side breakdown of the emotional and mathematical realities, they unpack what truly makes sense for young professionals, growing families, and everyone caught in the housing dilemma. Whether you're saving for your first...

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 car a financial liability or an emotional burden? Should you stretch your budget for a reliable vehicle, even if the math says “wait”? Together, Michael and Brady unpack the emotional crossroads where safety, lifestyle, and financial planning...

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 stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’re checking all the boxes—budgeting, saving, investing—but still can’t shake the feeling of falling behind, this episode is for you. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about perspective, purpose, and progres...

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 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 tools to turn stock awards into long-term financia...

Market 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 and supercharge your future tax-free growth. Disco...

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 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, thinking about loan consolidation, or just trying t...

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, 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 your financial journey. Whether you're just starting...

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 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 peak earning years, or approaching retirement and wo...

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 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 break down one of the most overlooked yet essential...

Michael 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 by 2045 and the importance of planning for both th...

Justin 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 touches on the importance of early planning, un...

Michael 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 steps to enhance savings strategies. Key topics covere...

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, 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 situation while highlighting the risks and emotion...

Kick 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 conversation also dives deep into personal anecdotes...

Michael 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 automation and disciplined financial planning. They hig...

Michael 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 sense to convert, the benefits and risks of this finan...

Brady 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 significance of proper business valuation and funding. Shawn...

Life 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 health scare, forcing them to rethink their financial...

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 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 of long-term disability insurance, including group...

Michael 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 models (fee-only, fee-based, commission). Key topi...

Michael 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 programs. The episode also provides a comprehensive under...

Michael 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 covers the importance of short-term and long-term disab...

Brady 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 select the right one, key factors to consider, and...

Michael 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 strategies for merging finances, managing cash flow, and en...

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 episode delves into critical financial topics, helping...