Unlocking Your Financial Future

We Made the List: What It Means to Be on AdvisorHub’s Top 250

In this episode, Kaitlin and Ben talk about an exciting milestone moment for their firm: being named one of AdvisorHub’s 2025 RIAs to Watch! Ranked #231, BA Schrock Financial Group joins a distinguished group of firms recognized not just for growth, but for balancing scalability, service, and professionalism. Tune in as they reflect on what this honor means, look back on the firm’s humble beginnings, and, most importantly, express their gratitude to the incredible clients and team who made it all possible.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📈 How firms are selected for AdvisorHub’s RIA rankings
🏡 How our small-town team earned this recognition
💬 Why we put service and relationships ahead of growth
🤝 BA Schrock’s journey since 2012
 
Resources for this episode:
See the full list of AdvisorHub’s advisors to watch: https://www.advisorhub.com/advisors-to-watch-ria-2025/
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The Real Costs of Running a Restaurant: Chef Anthony Scolaro’s Journey (Part 2)

Opening a restaurant is a dream for many, but few realize the relentless risk, sacrifice, and strategy it demands. Chef Anthony Scolaro has done it not once, but twice. In part two, Anthony returns to share the raw truths of restaurant ownership, from managing razor-thin margins to making decisions that impact not only your bottom line but your team’s livelihood.
This episode dives into the real math behind running a successful restaurant: capital investment, shifting supply costs, labor challenges, and adapting to sudden economic turns like tariffs and inflation.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🛠️ How Chef Anthony found funding without the SBA
🧠 The emotional cost of small business ownership
🔁 Adapting fast when the market flips overnight
💬 The pressure of leading a team when times get tough
 
Check out Chef Anthony Scolaro’s two restaurants:
https://thevuewads.com/
https://111bistro.com/
 
Connect with Chef Scolaro: https://www.instagram.com/chef_scolaro/
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

From Family Meals to Fine Dining: Chef Anthony Scolaro’s Journey (Part 1)

From dishwashing at 13 to owning two acclaimed restaurants, Chef Anthony Scolaro has built a culinary career rooted in passion, hustle, and heart. In this episode, Ben sits down with Anthony to explore his journey from the family kitchen to founding 111 Bistro and Vue in Wadsworth.
Part one of a two-part discussion is focused more on the man in kitchen. We discuss what it takes to thrive in the restaurant business, how leadership and humility go hand-in-hand, and why creating unforgettable food experiences is about more than just what’s on the plate.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
👨‍🍳 From dishwasher to restaurant owner: Anthony’s path to culinary success
🪑 Why naming a restaurant might be the hardest part
🔁 Balancing creativity, business, and leadership in two kitchens
🍽️ How food events serve as edible business cards
🏡 Where Anthony finds peace away from the heat of the kitchen
 
Check out Chef Anthony Scolaro’s two restaurants:
https://thevuewads.com/
https://111bistro.com/
 
Connect with Chef Scolaro: https://www.instagram.com/chef_scolaro/
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Our New App: Tech Updates For 2025

Welcome back to Unlocking Your Financial Future! In this episode, Ben is joined by his wife, Kaitlin, who oversees operations at B.A. Schrock Financial Group. They’re excited to share some great new tech updates for 2025 that will make managing your finances with us easier and more intuitive.
Tune in to hear all about how you can access your account information through our website, plus the launch of the new B.A. Schrock Financial Group app! We’ll also dive into some of the additional educational resources available on our site, including market update webinars, blog posts, white papers, and more.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Accessing your account information through our website
The launch of the B.A. Schrock Financial Group app
An upcoming video tutorial on how to use our client portal
The numerous resources available on our website
Resources for this episode:
Download the B.A. Schrock App
https://baschrock-fg.com/app/
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The Social Security Fairness Act: What It Means For You

The recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act has sparked significant discussions among public employees, especially in states like Ohio. In our latest podcast episode, Ben is joined by Dan Oaklief, ChFC®, RICP®, CFP® and Colleen LeMasters, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ to dive into the implications of this new law and what it means for those relying on public pensions.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What types of workers/former workers are impacted?
How does the law impact the future of Social Security.
Impacts on individual planning.
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The New Age of Cyber Threats: Staying A Step Ahead with Ben Zelei from SBT

In today’s digital age, cyber threats are constantly changing. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. We’re thrilled to welcome back cybersecurity expert Ben Zelei from SBT and Palitto Consulting Services, Inc to share insights on the latest scam techniques you need to watch out for.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Ben’s background in cybersecurity and the military
Different kinds of phishing, pig butchering, and Ai attacks to be aware of
Some educational resources for scam awareness
Updating to Windows 11 in October 2025
Resources for this episode:
Check out our previous episode with Ben
https://unlocking.podbean.com/e/ep-92-cyber-security-and-protecting-yourself-against-cyber-criminals-%e2%80%93-part-2/
Scammer Payback YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@ScammerPayback
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Year-End Planning Part 2: 2025 Tax Planning Strategies

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to talk about some year-end planning strategies. In this two-part episode, Ben and Dan will cover what you need to know and think about before we head into the new year. Last episode, we focused on updates regarding Social Security, and today, we’ll shift our focus to year-end planning from a tax perspective.
With significant changes in tax laws on the horizon for 2025, it’s more important than ever to be proactive and plan ahead. 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why 2025 is an important year for tax planning
How the upcoming election could impact tax laws
Considering Roth conversions + year-end contributions to employer-sponsored plans
The benefits of HSAs for early retirees + determining the right time to take RMDs
The importance of tax loss harvesting at the end of the year
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Year-End Planning Part 1: 2025 Social Security Updates

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to talk about some year-end planning strategies. In this two-part episode, Ben and Dan will cover what you need to know and think about before we head into the new year. Listen in as they discuss the new cost of living adjustments, earnings limits, and the Windfall Elimination Provision. Don’t miss part 2 of this conversation and we talk about year-end tax planning!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Social Security Cost of Living (COLA) adjustment
The FICA Wage Base and Earnings Test Limit increase
The average retirement benefit on Social Security right now
The impacts of the Windfall Elimination Provision
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/