Unlocking Your Financial Future

Hosted by BA Schrock Financial Group

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149

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Feb 2026

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About the show

Weekly financial and retirement guidance with Ben Schrock of BA Schrock Financial Group in Wadsworth, Ohio. Also serving the Cleveland and Akron areas. This podcast will help you learn important financial concepts that allow you to retire with confidence.

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60 recent

February 26, 2026Episode 15254 min

2026 State of the Markets: What’s Really Driving Stocks?

Markets can look calm on the surface while powerful forces build underneath. In this episode, Ben and Keith step back from the day-to-day noise and examine the bigger structural trends shaping the investment landscape. They dig into how professional forecasters are positioning for the year ahead, what scenarios could surprise investors, and why disciplined strategy matters more than reacting to headlines. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Earnings Power: Profits justify elevated valuations 💵 Consumer Strength: Spending still driving growth 🤖 AI Disruption: Productivity up, jobs pressured 🌍 Trade Noise: Tariffs loud, impact limited 🔌 Energy Demand: Data centers fueling growth 💻 Digital Currency: Asset class, not currency For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

December 18, 2025Episode 15130 min

The AI Boom, Hidden Debt, and What Markets May Be Missing with Keith Lockwood (Part 2)

The AI boom has driven headlines, soaring valuations, and a lot of excitement in the markets, but what might be getting overlooked along the way? In Part 2 of this conversation, Ben and CIO Keith Lockwood step back to discuss how debt, market structure, and investor behavior can quietly shape risk during fast-moving trends. Want to make more informed decisions in an AI-driven market? Tune in to hear what others may be missing. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤖 AI Valuations: rapid growth pushing market expectations 💳 Debt Risk: borrowing fueling AI expansion 📉 Hidden Debt: off-balance-sheet exposure increasing volatility 🧭 Portfolio Positioning: managing risk through diversification 📊 Future Trends?: There may be regulation and market shifts ahead For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

December 4, 2025Episode 15021 min

Market Performance Review: S&P, Tech Stocks, and Preparing for 2026 with Keith Lockwood (Part 1)

In this episode, Ben and Chief Investment Officer Keith Lockwood break down the major forces shaping today’s financial markets, from the rise of AI and big tech to the evolving role of the Federal Reserve. They explore how these trends are impacting investors, jobs, and economic outlooks as we approach 2026. Don’t miss this episode if you want to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter financial decisions in a rapidly changing landscape. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Market Bifurcation: why headline performance hides what’s happening underneath 📉 Yield Curve & The Fed: what inversion means—and what it doesn’t 🤖 AI & Employment: how automation is reshaping the job market 🎯 The Fed’s Mandate: inflation, employment, and their current dilemma 📈 Rate Expectations: what rate cuts (or no cuts) could mean for markets For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

November 26, 2025Episode 14919 min

Inside Ashland Basketball with Head Coach John Ellenwood & Forward Maceo Williams (Part 2)

In this episode, we dive back into the world of Ashland University basketball with Coach John Ellenwood and standout forward Maceo Williams. They share how college athletics has evolved and the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent. It’s a candid look at leadership, discipline, and teamwork beyond the scoreboard. Tune in for powerful insights on how coaches and players adapt in an ever-changing college sports landscape. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏅 Career Highlights: standout stats and leadership moments 🤝 Recruiting Challenges: finding the right cultural fit 🔁 Player Retention: building loyalty through connection 🎯 Team Goals: shared purpose for the season ahead ⚖️ College Basketball Today: balancing competition and character Learn more about the Ashland University Eagles: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/mens-basketball For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

November 13, 2025Episode 14815 min

Inside Ashland Basketball with Head Coach John Ellenwood & Forward Maceo Williams (Part 1)

In the first part of this two-part conversation, we get to know Ashland University Eagles Forward Maceo Williams and Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Ellenwood: their backgrounds, goals for the upcoming season, and what makes the Ashland experience so special. You’ll hear candid reflections on balancing academics and basketball, the impact of strong mentorship, and the determination it takes to thrive both on and off the court. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏀 Maceo’s Journey: How Maceo became one of Ashland’s top athletes 👀 Coach’s Perspective: What Coach Ellenwood looks for in a player beyond stats and highlights 🕒 Life of a Student-Athlete: Balancing classes, practices, film study, and personal life 🤝 Asking for Help: The underrated skill that leads to success on and off the court 🔥 Motivation: Lessons in discipline, leadership, and lifelong teamwork Learn more about the Ashland University Eagles: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/mens-basketball For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

October 30, 2025Episode 14724 min

Sky’s the Limit: How Aviation & Balloons Are Elevating Wadsworth

Wadsworth, Ohio, is soaring thanks to a unique partnership between aviation enthusiasts and community leaders. In this episode, Ben is joined by Mike Bowser, a retired USAF pilot and President of Inspire Aviation, and Tom Strong, organizer of Balloons Over Wadsworth. Together, they share how two grassroots efforts have evolved into major community events that fuel economic growth, inspire the next generation of aviators, and bring thousands of people together every year. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Economic Impact: how local aviation events are driving growth in Wadsworth 🎓 STEM Outreach: inspiring young minds through hands-on aviation programs ⚙️ Aviation Challenges: workforce shortages and opportunities for skilled trades 🚀 Future Vision: expansion plans, partnerships, and continued community engagement 🙌 Get Involved: volunteering, sponsorships, and ways to support aviation education Resources for this episode: Learn more about Inspire Aviation: https://www.inspireaviation.org/ Learn more about Balloons Over Wadsworth: https://www.balloonsoverwadsworth.com/ For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

October 2, 2025Episode 14613 min

The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Retirees Need to Know (Part 2)

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” may be a mouthful, but it brings major changes for retirees. In this follow-up episode, Ben and Kaitlin dive deeper into how the new tax law impacts retirement planning strategies. They discuss expanded standard deductions for those over 65, the long-term effects on required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how Roth conversions can help manage future taxes. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Updates to tax brackets and standard deductions 🕰️ Why today’s tax moves affect future RMDs 🔄 Roth conversion opportunities under OBBB ⚖️ Key considerations like SALT deductions and legislative changes 💡 Why a personalized plan is important for long-term retirement success For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

September 18, 2025Episode 14522 min

The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Retirees Need to Know (Part 1)

The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is already reshaping the retirement planning landscape, and it’s left many pre-retirees and retirees wondering what it truly means for them. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin break down the most talked-about provisions, like changes to tax brackets, the permanence of the standard deduction, and how “tax-free Social Security” headlines don’t always tell the whole story. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Tax brackets remain unchanged for now 🏡 Standard deduction increases offer big relief, but only for some ⏳ Extra deductions for those over 65 will phase out after 2028 📰 Headlines can be misleading, so focus on your own personalized strategy 🔄 “Permanent” tax changes may still shift with future elections For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

September 4, 2025Episode 14410 min

What Really Leads to a Successful and Fulfilling Retirement?

Retirement isn’t about hitting a magic number- it’s about building a fulfilling next chapter and creating a life you truly enjoy. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin share the common themes they’ve noticed among people who thrive after leaving the workforce. From disciplined budgeting habits to seeking guidance on taxes and distributions, they unpack what really drives a fulfilling retirement and why it looks different for everyone. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Budget discipline translates into retirement success 🏖️ Having a post-retirement game plan eases the transition 👥 Retirement impacts social circles and identity 📊 Planning cash flow and taxes avoids future pitfalls 🗺️ Common themes of retirees who retired successfully For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

August 21, 2025Episode 14314 min

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/