Ahead In The Count

BIP Wealth
  • 5.0 (6)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED DAILY

On top of over 25 years of professional baseball experience, the BIP Wealth baseball division has established successful careers as financial advisors, helping newly drafted to recently retired players meet their financial goals. Take away something fresh, or find clarity on what was confusing before in the intersection of life on and off the field on Ahead in the Count, presented by BIP Wealth, with Nolan Alexander.

  1. 12/01/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 112 - Mark Milam Talks Housing and Mortgage Rates

    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. Mark Milam returns to discuss the state of the mortgage and housing market, exploring how recent Fed rate decisions are impacting borrowers, what's on the horizon for 2026-2027, and practical strategies for homebuyers and those considering refinancing. Key Topics Discussed: - Current State of the Market - Fed Rate Cuts & Market Impact - Current Mortgage Rates (as of Nov 21, 2025) - Smart Borrowing Strategies - Innovative Mortgage Products - Market Outlook for 2026-2027 - Hot Topics Debunked Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com,

    18 min

  2. 11/17/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 111 - CIO Eric Cramer's Unique QMR

    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, BIP Wealth Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer gives an overview and insight into his quarterly market report.  Cramer highlights how revised economic data has shifted how he and others view the markets. Large changes in employment data now provide different signals than before, and how do these changes affect his outlook on the next quarter? Find out on this episode.  Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    23 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 110 - Welcome Danny Hall

    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, get to know the newest member of BIP Wealth! Danny Hall joined as Vice President of Strategic Growth. Hall has long been connected to BIP Wealth, first through Randy Carroll, BIP's Chairman, and has coached a total of 5 current BIP team members over the years who played baseball at Georgia Tech (Michael Sorrow, Kyle Schmidt, Chase Murray, Drew Byers, and John Giesler). Hall and his family have been clients of BIP's Baseball Division since 2007 and had the privilege of having Jim Poole as their Personal Wealth Advisor before he succumbed to ALS in 2023. During his career, Hall racked up 1,452 wins across 38 seasons as a head coach of which 32 seasons were spent at Georgia Tech. He ranked 10th in NCAA Division I history in career wins before deciding to step away from coaching after the 2025 season. While at Georgia Tech, Hall guided the team to 7 ACC regular-season championships, 5 ACC Tournament titles, 24 NCAA Tournament berths and 3 College World Series. Across 32 seasons, Hall saw 146 players selected in the Major League Draft, with 41 going on to play in the major leagues. Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    16 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 109 - Arizona Fall League: Inside Baseball's Prospect Showcase

    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, discover what makes the AFL a premier opportunity for baseball's rising stars. Learn how the league brings together the best prospects from all 30 MLB organizations to compete in a unique six-week showcase that runs from early October through November. In this episode, you'll learn: How the Arizona Fall League works and which prospects get selected The logistics of AFL participation: housing, pay, and travel arrangements Why scouts from every MLB organization attend these games The laid-back yet competitive atmosphere that makes AFL special Behind-the-scenes stories from John Hester's AFL experience playing alongside future stars like Max Scherzer How the league has evolved to include more international prospects What the AFL means for player development and trade opportunities Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    14 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 108 - Private Investment News with Mark Flickinger

    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, Mark Flickinger returns to discuss why the fall of 2025 presents a unique opportunity for investing in private markets. The conversation covers current market dynamics, the importance of manager selection, and new accessibility options for private market investments. Key Topics Discussed Why Now Is an Attractive Time for Private Markets Valuation opportunities Buy low strategy Market fundamentals Current Market Dynamics Capital constraints Opportunity zone Consolidation potential The Private Market Shakeout Market correction: Approximately 50% fewer venture funds active compared to recent peak years Discipline matters Long-term perspective: Removing the COVID-era bubble reveals a consistent growth trajectory from 2017-forward Increased Accessibility to Private Markets Evergreen funds and BDCs 401(k) developments IRA options: Self-directed IRAs already enabling private market participation with tax advantages Investment Considerations for Ballplayers Manager selection is critical: Not all private equity returns are equal - performance varies significantly by manager Portfolio fit: Best investment available isn't always the right one for individual circumstances Professional guidance: Importance of working with experienced managers who evaluate deals daily Tax efficiency: Private credit investments work well in tax-advantaged accounts Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    21 min

  6. 09/17/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 107 - Depths of MLB Realignment

    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 features a comprehensive discussion about Major League Baseball's potential realignment and expansion plans, featuring insights from former professional players Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida. Key Topics Discussed MLB Realignment Plans Commissioner Rob Manfred has been discussing realignment for approximately a decade Plans potentially tied to the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiration in December 2026 Balancing tradition and history with modernization needs Recent rule changes (pitch clock, bigger bases) have been well-received, suggesting fans can adapt to changes Expansion Possibilities Potential new cities mentioned: Nashville (most frequently discussed) Salt Lake City Raleigh Montreal (return) Two additional teams would create 50 new roster spots  New teams would require complete farm system development Player Perspective on Travel & Schedule Current 162-game schedule creates significant wear and tear Cross-country flights after late games (finishing at 10:30-11:00 PM) followed by 2:00 AM departures Potential schedule reduction to 156 games being considered Geographic realignment could reduce travel burdens Collective Bargaining Implications Realignment may be a negotiating tool for owners ahead of 2026 CBA talks Salary cap discussions: Players' opinions Would potentially hurt middle-tier players most Baseball's historically strong players union Revenue sharing and competitive balance Tax Implications for Players Players taxed based on where games are played (prorated basis) Realignment could significantly impact players' take-home pay Financial Considerations Franchise valuations at all-time highs Revenue sharing already addresses some competitive imbalance Tax implications could influence free agent decisions Middle-tier players most vulnerable under potential salary cap Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    20 min

  7. 09/05/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 106 - Overcoming Angry August

    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.   Episode Description Former MLB pros Chase Murray and Jeremy Hermida share their firsthand experiences of what it's like to navigate the final stretch of a 162-game season. Key Topics Covered: "Angry August" Phenomenon The term that perfectly captures the late-season clubhouse dynamics Strategies to maintain professionalism and team chemistry when tensions run high Three Different Season Scenarios: Teams in playoff contention and the excitement of the hunt Clubs fighting for wild card spots and monitoring scoreboard watching Organizations out of contention  Mental Approaches to Season's End: The challenge of maintaining focus when some players are "raking" and others are struggling How playoff-bound teams shift from individual stats to team-first mentality The psychological boost that comes with a "fresh start" mentality in October Off-Season Preparation: Financial planning and budgeting for the months ahead Mapping out training, living arrangements, and social commitments The importance of evaluating what worked and didn't work during the season Navigating wedding season and family time during the off-season Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    14 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 105 - CIO Eric Cramer's QMR

    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. Key Topics Covered with Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer: Economic Update & Market Analysis Recent employment data revisions and their economic implications Federal Reserve interest rate policy and anticipated cuts in September Impact of tariff policies on inflation and market performance Strong second-quarter market performance across global markets Financial Planning for Athletes Unique challenges facing young baseball players with significant early-career earnings Why traditional financial planning timelines are accelerated for professional athletes The importance of maintaining long-term investment strategies despite market volatility Risk tolerance assessment for younger, high-income earners Advanced Tax Strategies: 529 Plans Deep Dive Expanded uses beyond college tuition (K-12, vocational training, professional credentials) Strategic funding techniques, including the 5-year gifting rule Multi-generational wealth transfer strategies using 529 plans Converting 529 assets to Roth IRAs for additional flexibility Real-world examples of tax-free compounding over multiple decades Estate Planning Updates New higher estate tax exemption limits Long-term wealth preservation strategies for high earners Multi-generational investment planning considerations Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

    31 min
See All (144)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

On top of over 25 years of professional baseball experience, the BIP Wealth baseball division has established successful careers as financial advisors, helping newly drafted to recently retired players meet their financial goals. Take away something fresh, or find clarity on what was confusing before in the intersection of life on and off the field on Ahead in the Count, presented by BIP Wealth, with Nolan Alexander.

Information

  • Creator
    BIP Wealth
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Ahead In The Count