Unlocking Your Financial Future

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 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/

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/

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/

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/

We’re excited to announce that one of our team members, Dan Oaklief, has recently earned his Certified Financial Planner designation. This is such an awesome achievement and one that he’s worked diligently to accomplish, but what does this actually mean for advisors and clients? Today we’re sitting down with Dan to discuss this milestone, what it means to be a CFP®, and the importance of continuing education in this industry.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is the value of CFP® accreditation in the field?
Why CFP® accreditation is the gold standard in the industry.
Dan’s favorite and least favorite part of becoming CFP® accredited.
Dan’s advice to people planning to get their CFP®.
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

In this episode of Unlocking Your Financial Future, Ben is joined by Chief Investment Officer, Keith Lockwood. He’s here to help dive into some of the market volatility we have seen lately and what it could mean for your investments. Tune in as Ben and Keith look at how geopolitical factors can impact the market, how recent recession talk could be a little overblown, and what investors should expect as we head into Q3 and the election season. 
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What was really behind the bad day for the stock market in early August
How geopolitical factors can impact the market
Why some of the recession talk may be overblown
The VIX hitting its third highest day ever
How elections invite market volatility
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

In today’s episode, we’re continuing our conversation on the annual Social Security Trustees Report.
In this half of the conversation, we’ll cover some interesting statistics from the report, including the impact of declining birth rates and immigration on Social Security's future. We'll also explore how life expectancy trends and recent events like COVID-19 are influencing projections.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What does it mean that Social Security could be insolvent by 2035?
How declining birth rates and changing death rates affect Social Security projections
How immigration contributes to and benefits the trust fund
The importance of personalized planning when it comes to Social Security decisions
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/