Unlocking Your Financial Future

Kickstarting Your Savings the Smart Way

Starting to save and invest can seem complicated, especially with so many options and opinions out there. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin cut through the noise and lay out a practical order of steps that will put your money to work right away. They’ll walk you through building an emergency fund that truly fits your lifestyle, explain the pros and cons of IRAs, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts, and show how each choice can set you up for lasting financial momentum.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🛟 Building an emergency fund that fits your lifestyle
💼 Using your employer’s 401(k) match as a savings accelerator
📈 Why brokerage accounts can offer more flexibility than IRAs or Roths
🎓 How new 529 plan rules can also boost your child’s retirement
⚖️ Balancing debt payoff with growing your savings
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Retire Without Regrets: Spending Smarter

What’s the one mistake that can quietly drain your retirement savings year after year? In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin tackle one of the biggest pitfalls retirees face: mismanaging their spending. Ben reveals the real threats to retirement income, and it’s not just inflation. It’s unrealistic budgets, healthcare curveballs, and those spontaneous purchases.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💸 Why overspending early can ruin your retirement plan
🧾 The difference between realistic and wishful budgeting
🏥 Health insurance traps when you retire before Medicare
📉 What happens when you sell investments in a down market
🏠 How to plan for home projects without derailing your future
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

13-Year Reflection: Building a Financial Group from the Ground Up

BA Schrock Financial Group is turning 13 in August, and this episode is all about looking back- and looking ahead. From humble beginnings in a basement to building a firm known for personalized, relationship-driven planning, Ben and Kaitlin reflect on the journey that got them here. They share the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and what it really takes to grow a successful advisory business in a competitive and ever-changing industry.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💡 Ben’s advice to aspiring advisors
📚 Why success in finance requires lifelong learning
🤝 The power of a people-first approach
💼 The shift in the industry toward fee-based and fee-only models
💬 Why referrals are the ultimate compliment
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

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/