Ahead In The Count by BIP Wealth | Biz and Tech Podcasts

August 18, 2026Episode 316 min

What to Do When Your First Signing Bonus Check Hits Your Bank Account

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. The 2026 MLB Draft class is officially getting paid. In this episode of Ahead in the Count , host Nolan Alexander sits down with former professional ballplayers and BIP Wealth advisors John Hester and Jeremy Hermida to break down exactly what happens when that first signing bonus payment lands in a rookie's bank account — and what smart, disciplined planning looks like in the weeks and months that follow. From signing bonus tax withholding rates to agent fees, off-season training expenses, and the classic "first phone call" about buying a new truck, this conversation is a practical playbook for first-year pro baseball players navigating the biggest financial moment of their young careers. Signing bonus tax withholding explained : why teams withhold 22% on amounts under $1 million and 37% on amounts over $1 million — and why that's not the same as what a player actually owes The gap between withholding and actual tax liability , which can run six figures depending on the player's total signing bonus Agent fees : the other major deduction that comes out almost immediately after a signing bonus payment Budgeting for the first pro off-season , including training facility costs, travel, and the difference between players living at home versus supporting themselves independently How high school draftees and college draftees approach their first bonus differently , including the impact of NIL earnings for college players The "first phone call" conversation — why buying a truck or car is often the first big financial decision a new pro makes, and how advisors help players make that decision responsibly Planning around the second bonus installment and the extended timeline to full tax resolution, which can stretch into the following year's April filing deadline Building long-term financial maturity so a signing bonus becomes a foundation for the future rather than a short-term windfall Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. To get in touch with a member of today's show, visit bipwealth.com . CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

August 3, 2026Episode 217 min

The CBA Countdown: What an MLB Salary Cap and Shrinking Draft Mean for Ball Players

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. The current collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association expires December 1, and the posturing has already spilled into public view. On this timely episode of Ahead in the Count , presented by BIP Wealth, host Nolan Alexander sits down with former college and professional players John Hester and Chase Murray to separate real negotiating positions from opening-offer theater. The conversation starts with the ownership proposal that would reshape amateur baseball: cutting the draft from 20 rounds to 12, eliminating high school players from the draft entirely, and establishing a minimum draft age around 20 to 21 years old. The union's response has been blunt — by its estimate, the changes would strip roughly $1 billion in amateur compensation over five years . Chase points out he never would have been drafted under the proposed structure. John notes the strange internal tension it creates: scouting directors and GMs want their hands on elite talent earlier , not later, and generational players like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Ken Griffey Jr. reached the majors as teenagers. From there, the discussion turns to the biggest sticking point in the CBA: a proposed salary cap , paired with a salary floor. Nine of the 30 clubs currently sit above the proposed cap for 2026, while twelve sit below the proposed floor — narrowing what teams can spend and what they must spend. Players have publicly held the line, and the two sides remain, in Chase's framing, in "two completely different universes." But John makes the contrarian case: if a cap is genuinely what ownership wants, the union has leverage to trade for it in earlier free agency, earlier arbitration, and a structure that could bring back baseball's vanished middle class of contracts. The episode closes on what to actually expect between now and Opening Day. John's read: expect a lockout when the agreement expires December 1, expect the real work to happen after the World Series, and expect it to get ugly before it gets resolved — but with attendance up, broadcast numbers strong, and rule changes like the pitch clock and ABS system landing well with fans, neither side has an incentive to wreck a product that's working. For ball players and their families, the takeaway is a financial one: bonus pools, service time, arbitration timelines, and free agency eligibility are all on the table, and every one of them changes the shape of a career's earnings. What We Cover Why the CBA expiration on December 1 is the date that matters MLB's proposal to cut the draft from 20 rounds to 12 Eliminating high school players from the draft and setting a minimum draft age The MLBPA's estimate: $1 billion in lost amateur compensation over five years Why bonus pool reduction is the quiet headline in the draft proposal What a draft age floor would do to college baseball rosters and the talent logjam at top programs Whether college development has actually caught up to pro development The maturity and leadership case for college baseball — and why scouts still value intangibles The proposed salary cap and salary floor : 9 teams above, 12 below Why players have historically defended baseball as the only major sport without a cap What the union could realistically win in exchange: earlier free agency, earlier arbitration Rebuilding baseball's middle class of contracts Lockout expectations, spring training risk, and whether regular season games get missed Why both sides have real financial incentive to settle Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. To get in touch with a member of today's show, visit bipwealth.com . CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

July 22, 2026Episode 128 min

Mid-Year Market Update with Eric Cramer, CIO of BIP Wealth

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this quarterly market update episode, Eric Cramer, Chief Investment Officer at BIP Wealth, along with Kyle Schmidt of the BIP Wealth Baseball Division hop on for a mid-2026 check-in on markets, tax strategy, and financial planning for professional baseball players and their families. The conversation covers Monte Carlo simulation and tax-efficient planning, a first look at BIP Wealth's short-term municipal bond strategy, insights on the wave of private equity exits expected later this year, a candid look at stretched valuations in the technology sector, a preview of how the midterm election landscape could shape tax and monetary policy, and a fascinating breakdown of what actually predicts life expectancy — plus why VO2 max matters more than you think. Whether you're a professional athlete navigating a signing bonus, an investor watching the S&P 500 and Russell 2500 diverge, or just curious about the financial world behind the game, this episode blends baseball, markets, and long-term planning. Key Topics Using Math to Your Advantage Short-Term Municipal Bonds Private Equity Exit Wave Market Valuations & Tech Sector Risk 2026 Market Performance Snapshot Political Landscape & the Midterms The Life Expectancy Trivia Question CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

June 30, 2026Episode 313 min

Finding Your Number: How NIL and Revenue Sharing Are Changing the MLB Draft Calculus (Part 2)

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. How do you decide between signing a professional contract and playing college baseball? In Part 2 of this conversation, host Nolan Alexander of BIP Wealth sits down again with former college and professional players Chase Murray and John Hester to dig into the financial and personal side of "determining your number" ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. The trio walks through what actually lands in a player's pocket after a signing bonus. This is once taxes, agent fees, and major purchases are accounted for, and contrasts that W-2 signing-bonus income with the very different tax picture of 1099 NIL earnings in college. They explain how agents and families can use a real bonus breakdown to compare a draft slot value against a college scholarship offer, how agents negotiate a bonus range with organizations, and how that figure can be taken back to a school to weigh both paths honestly. Beyond the dollars, the guests get candid about the human side of the decision: why there's genuinely no wrong choice, why most young players already know in their gut which way they're leaning, and why the jump from high school to college — and from college to pro ball — is harder than almost anyone expects. They share a blunt truth that applies at every level: nobody cares who you were before, nothing is guaranteed, and you have to protect what you've earned. The episode also unpacks a key mindset shift between college baseball (built around winning every game) and the minor leagues (built around player development), and how the modern landscape, like improved minor league pay and housing, plus expanded college scholarships beyond the old 11.7 limit, has turned this into a true win-win for today's draft-eligible players. This is the final episode before the July 2026 MLB Draft, and the guys close with well wishes and a reminder to take a breath and enjoy a moment players will remember for the rest of their lives. What You'll Learn How a bonus breakdown reveals your true net signing bonus after taxes, agent fees, and big purchases The difference between W-2 signing-bonus income and 1099 NIL income — and why roughly 30% should be set aside for taxes How agents negotiate a bonus range with MLB organizations and use it to weigh a college offer Why slot value is not what ends up in your pocket — and why taxes change the math The realities of the high school–to–college and college–to–pro jumps Why college baseball prioritizes winning while the minor leagues prioritize player development How improved minor league pay and housing plus expanded college scholarships make this a win-win era Why nothing is guaranteed in baseball — and how to make your earnings last CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

June 24, 2026Episode 211 min

Finding Your Number: How NIL and Revenue Sharing Are Changing the MLB Draft Calculus (Part 1)

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. What's Covered in This Episode How NIL and revenue share have changed the "find your number" conversation for high school and college players heading into the MLB Draft Why today's draft-eligible players have more leverage than ever The case for turning pro early : faster developmental clocks, the wood-bat transition, and the jump from a college rotation to a five-man pro rotation The exceptions : elite, "uber-talented" prospects who reach the majors within a year or two of being drafted The case for choosing college baseball : education, scholarships at prestigious schools, the College World Series experience, team camaraderie, and life after baseball How NIL has raised the overall talent level and competitiveness of college baseball, including players using the transfer portal with Power Conference (ACC/SEC) rosters Why some top college players are now earning hundreds of thousands of dollars — even approaching $1 million — in NIL money , and how that complicates the pro-vs-college decision Chase Murray's and John Hester's own paths through Georgia Tech and Stanford, and how their college experiences shaped their post-playing careers Key Topics & Themes NIL, Revenue Sharing & Player Leverage Chase Murray and John Hester explain how the draft conversation has shifted from "you get what you get" to a market where high school and college players can weigh NIL income, revenue-share commitments, and draft bonus money against each other — often with a program-backed financial floor for their first year or multiple years on campus. The Pro Ball Case: Start the Developmental Clock John Hester breaks down why front offices and player development staff often push for players to turn pro immediately: more reps, a faster transition to wood bats, and exposure to a full five-man pitching rotation rather than a once-a-week college workload. He notes the exceptions — elite prospects who are major-league-ready within a year or two — but stresses that for most players, professional development reps are hard to replicate in college. The College Case: More Than Just a Paycheck Both guests push back on the "turn pro at all costs" mindset, pointing to the value of a college degree, the buffer years between high school and adulthood, team camaraderie unique to the college game, and unforgettable moments like John Hester's freshman-year run to the College World Series at Stanford. This conversation continues in Episode 2 , where Chase Murray and John Hester go deeper into how to actually calculate "your number" ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

June 10, 2026Episode 115 min

2026 MLB Draft Preparation Guide

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this essential episode, two former professional baseball players, Chase Murray and Jeremy Hermida, provide guidance for the upcoming 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. This episode features expert insights on draft preparation strategies, mental health management, family involvement, and the transition from amateur to professional baseball. Perfect for high school and college baseball players, their families, and anyone preparing for draft season. Key Episode Topics 1. Draft Basics: The Who, What, When, Where 2. College Player Draft Preparation 3. High School Player Draft Preparation 4. Private Workouts & Team Interviews / What Teams Are Looking For 5. Mental Health During Draft Season / The Social Media Challenge / Recommended Approach 6. In-Person vs. Home Celebration Related Episodes to Listen To: Chase Murray's draft story Going pro with the Hermidas: Ep. 1 and Ep. 2 John Hester's moving story (Missoula relocation) CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

May 18, 2026Episode 1919 min

Ep. 122 - Should Baseball Players Sell a Percentage of Their Future Earnings?

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. What if someone offered you millions of dollars today in exchange for a cut of everything you earn for the rest of your career? For a growing number of professional baseball players, this isn't a hypothetical. It's a real pitch on the table. In this episode of Ahead in the Count, host Nolan Alexander sits down with BIP Wealth's baseball advisors Kyle Schmidt and John Hester — both former professional players — to break down one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) financial trends in professional baseball: athlete revenue sharing deals, also known as future earnings investment contracts. From the minor leagues to the majors, companies are approaching ballplayers at every career stage with upfront cash in exchange for a percentage of their future professional earnings. It sounds simple, but the details — and the decision — are anything but. What You'll Learn in This Episode How athlete income-sharing deals work Third-party investment firms evaluate a player's career trajectory and offer a lump-sum payment upfront. In return, the player agrees to pay back a percentage of their future professional earnings — sometimes for the life of their contract. Who these deals are right for (and who they're not) There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Kyle and John break down how factors like career stage, signing bonus, position (pitcher vs. position player), risk tolerance, family situation, and financial discipline all influence whether a deal makes sense. The Fernando Tatis, Jr. example At 18 years old, Tatis reportedly signed over 10% of his future earnings for $2 million. With his massive subsequent contract, that decision became one of the most high-profile, and legally contested, cases in athlete income-sharing history. Kyle and John discuss what this lawsuit signals for the industry. What happens to the upfront money The advisors walk through the financial mechanics: tax implications in year one, investment strategies, long-term growth projections, and how to build that money into a lasting nest egg, because taking the deal wisely is a completely different outcome than taking it without a plan. The devil is in the details Not all deals are structured the same way. Some firms cap the total amount owed back; others don't. Some offer training resources, analytics support, and coaching tools in addition to the investment. Knowing what each firm brings to the table is critical before signing. The psychological side of the decision Does accepting outside investment create a sense of obligation or ownership? Does it relieve pressure — or add it? Kyle and John discuss how a player's motivational style (driven by hunger vs. driven by security) should shape the decision. CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

May 8, 2026Episode 1820 min

Ep. 121 - Early MLB Contracts: Should Young Players Sign or Bet on Themselves?

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. In this episode, former pros Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida break down one of the hottest trends in baseball today: massive, long-term contracts being offered to players early in their careers , often before they've established themselves at the big league level. Teams are making bold commitments to prospects earlier than ever. Kyle and Jeremy explore both sides of the table—what it means for team financial strategy and for a young player's life, career, and wealth . Key Topics Covered The new wave of early MLB mega-contracts and what's driving the trend Risk vs. reward for both teams and players on long-term deals How young players should think about wealth when $100M+ arrives before age 21 Back-loaded contracts, and why the headline number isn't what it seems The MLB arbitration process and why early deals help players avoid it Free agency at 28 vs. 32: why age matters more than ever in today's game Financial mistakes professional athletes make, and how to avoid them Why the right financial advisory team matters as much as the contract itself Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode at the intersection of Major League Baseball and financial intelligence — built for players, families, and fans who want to understand both sides of the game. CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

April 27, 2026Episode 1722 min

Ahead In The Count Ep. 120 - CIO Eric Cramer's Q1 QMR: Shifts, Volatilities, and Opportunities

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. The opening quarter of 2026 was anything but quiet. With a war in Iran reshaping the geopolitical chessboard, fractured Western alliances, the ongoing AI investment surge, and rising questions about the death of Software as a Service, BIP Wealth CIO Eric Cramer unpacks the forces defining portfolio performance right now, and what smart investors should be doing in response. In this episode of Ahead in the Count , Eric, BIP Wealth Baseball Division's Chase Murray , and host Nolan Alexander break down the Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Review with a focus on three tectonic shifts: realigning global trade power, the volatility return, and emerging opportunities hiding inside the chaos — especially for net savers and professional athletes still in their earning years. Shifting Global Trade Alliances How the post-WWII Western alliance system is fracturing — and why the EU–India trade deal, CPTPP expansion, and new South American agreements matter to your portfolio even if you've never heard of them. Market Volatility Is Back — and What Could Happen Eric explains why Q1's selloff was a warning shot, how risk has increased across every asset class including U.S. Treasuries, and why "safe havens" are harder to find than ever before. International Equities Outperforming the U.S. For the first time in years, BIP Wealth is rethinking its traditional overweight in U.S. equities. Find out which global markets are generating real returns as America's share of the global index shrinks. AI & the SaaS Apocalypse The so-called "SaaS-pocalypse" is creating zombie companies in private markets. Eric explains which company traits will pivot successfully to AI and which won't survive — and how that ripples into private equity and private credit valuations. Private Credit: Risk Repricing Creates New Opportunity As spreads widen from SOFR+6% to SOFR+7%, new private credit deals are more rewarding for incoming investors. Eric walks through how to think about the math, and why short-term price marks shouldn't panic long-term holders. Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners With mounting U.S. debt likely to push tax brackets higher regardless of which party holds power, BIP Wealth is rolling out new municipal bond strategies to shelter income; a timely move for athletes in peak earning years. Why This Could Be a Great Entry Point for Net Savers Despite the fear you see online, Eric makes the case that for baseball players and professional athletes still actively earning and saving, right now may be one of the best market entry points in years. CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

April 15, 2026Episode 1823 min

Ahead In The Count Ep. 119 - Private Credit Bubble & AI Disruption: Mark Flickinger Answers FAQs

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth. This episode hits on three critical financial market challenges shaping 2026: the private credit bubble, AI-driven SaaS disruption, and the massive 'dry powder' capital deployment problem. BIP Ventures COO and General Partner Mark Flickinger explains why the headlines are misleading, how to separate good investments from bad ones, and why disciplined investors positioned in the right segments will thrive in this volatile environment. 1. The Private Credit Bubble: Two Triangles Model Flickinger explains the core problem: 90% of private credit capital is concentrated in the top 50 firms, while deal flow remains limited. This creates a 'race to the bottom' where funds lower interest rates, remove covenants, and increase leverage to deploy capital. 2. Why Not All Private Credit Is Bad Opportunities exist at the "bottom of the pyramid" where less capital concentration creates better risk-adjusted returns. BIP's private credit strategy focuses on senior-secured, covenant-heavy credits in underserved segments. 3. SaaS Pocalypse: The AI Disruption Reality AI is rapidly displacing SaaS businesses with rules-based processes. However, SaaS companies with proprietary data or in complex workflows are seeing AI as a tailwind, not a threat. The market isn't distinguishing between companies that will thrive and those that won't survive AI displacement. 4. Liquidity Crisis: Dry Powder & The Deployment Challenge Since early 2022, hundreds of billions in private equity capital remains undeployed due to macro uncertainty (interest rates, tariffs, AI disruption). This creates a cyclical pattern: years without exits followed by 2-3 years of heavy activity. Companies that create value through downturns are best positioned for future liquidity events. CONTACT For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com Visit: BIPWealth.com

Ahead In The Count

About the show

Listen to episodes

What to Do When Your First Signing Bonus Check Hits Your Bank Account

The CBA Countdown: What an MLB Salary Cap and Shrinking Draft Mean for Ball Players

Mid-Year Market Update with Eric Cramer, CIO of BIP Wealth

Finding Your Number: How NIL and Revenue Sharing Are Changing the MLB Draft Calculus (Part 2)

Finding Your Number: How NIL and Revenue Sharing Are Changing the MLB Draft Calculus (Part 1)

2026 MLB Draft Preparation Guide

Ep. 122 - Should Baseball Players Sell a Percentage of Their Future Earnings?

Ep. 121 - Early MLB Contracts: Should Young Players Sign or Bet on Themselves?

Ahead In The Count Ep. 120 - CIO Eric Cramer's Q1 QMR: Shifts, Volatilities, and Opportunities

Ahead In The Count Ep. 119 - Private Credit Bubble & AI Disruption: Mark Flickinger Answers FAQs

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