On Course Financial - Charting your Financial Future

Chris Brumlow

On Course Financial: Charting Your Financial Future is a practical, planning-focused podcast for small business owners and individuals who want clarity, confidence, and direction in their financial decisions. Hosted by Chris Brumlow, partner at The BAB Group, the show explores the real-world intersection of business finances, tax strategy, retirement planning, and long-term wealth management. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, relatable conversations — helping listeners move from reacting to their numbers to planning with intention. This podcast is not about chasing market headlines or quick wins. It’s about understanding where you are financially, identifying what matters most, and building a plan that adapts as your life, business, and goals change. Whether you’re growing a business, preparing for retirement, or navigating major financial transitions, On Course Financial helps you stay informed, stay flexible, and stay on course

  1. 1d ago

    8 Questions to Ask Before You Build a Retirement Plan

    Most retirement planning starts in the wrong place — with a product, a projection, or a tax table. This episode starts where it should: with eight questions you answer before a single dollar gets sorted or invested anywhere. No tax tables. No worked examples. No dollar signs. Just the eight questions Chris asks every client — or wishes he'd asked sooner — and why the answers matter more than the numbers. WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY - Why an architect starts with foundation depth, not finishes — and why your plan should too - The eight questions that define what your plan is actually for - How one couple's plan "worked" on paper and still missed what they wanted - Why unfinished answers are normal, and what to do with the gaps THE EIGHT QUESTIONS 1. What matters — your core priorities and values 2. Who — the people your plan has to account for 3. What you'll actually do with your time 4. Why — the purpose underneath the goal 5. When — timing, target dates, and major expenses ahead 6. Who's advising you — and are they coordinated 7. The numbers — income, expenses, and how they're taxed 8. Where — location, cost of living, and state tax exposure CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:28 Why questions matter more than numbers 01:45 No tax tables, no dollar signs — just eight questions 02:30 Planning over reacting, education over jargon 03:15 The foundation everything else sits on 03:55 Question 1 — What matters? 04:30 Question 2 — Who? 04:55 Question 3 — What will you actually do? 05:35 Question 4 — Why? 06:20 Question 5 — When? 07:05 Question 6 — Who's advising you? 07:40 Question 7 — The numbers 08:35 Question 8 — Where? 09:15 Case study: the plan that worked on paper 10:30 You don't need finished answers today 11:15 Close ABOUT THE HOST Chris Brumlow is a Partner and Investment Advisor Representative at The BAB Group, LLC, an integrated accounting, tax, advisory, and wealth management firm serving individuals, families, and small business owners across Georgia and Florida. He holds an MBA and the Wealth Management Specialist (WMS) designation, and teaches retirement planning classes in the community. CONNECT Website: https://babcfo.com Email: chrisb@babcfo.com Schedule a conversation: [BOOKING LINK] Subscribe: @oncoursefinancial DISCLOSURE Investment advisory services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC ("ACM"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or endorsement by the Commission. The BAB Group, LLC and Alphastar Capital Management, LLC are separate and independent entities. The information shared in this episode is for general education purposes only. It is not intended as personalized legal, tax, or investment advice and should not be relied on as a recommendation for any specific strategy. Please consult your own financial, tax, legal, or other expert before making any decisions. #RetirementPlanning #TaxSmartRetirement #FinancialPlanning #PreRetirees #RetirementIncome #OnCourseFinancial

  2. Oct 14

    EP 26 - Chasing the Zero Percent Bracker

    The 0% tax bracket is a real and achievable outcome for many households in retirement, achieved through deliberate planning and strategic financial decisions. It involves structuring retirement income to minimize tax liabilities and maximize flexibility. This episode ties together conversations on tax buckets, Roth conversions, and the impact of the 0% tax bracket on retirement planning. Takeaways 0% tax bracket is achievableStrategic planning minimizes tax liabilities Chapters 00:00 Realistic Expectations and Planning Examples

  3. Oct 7

    EP 25 -Retirement Planning by Life Stage: Roth Conversions, Protection & Income

    The conversation explores the critical role of timing in financial planning, emphasizing the importance of using the right financial tools at the appropriate stage of life. It delves into the concept of sequencing in retirement planning, highlighting the significance of building the retirement structure in the pre-retirement years. The discussion also covers specific strategies for the accumulation years, pre-retirement stage, and execution in retirement, providing valuable insights into each phase of the financial journey. Takeaways Timing is crucial in financial planningRetirement structure must be built in the pre-retirement years Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Timing in Financial Planning02:17 Sequencing in Retirement Planning03:16 Accumulation Years: Roth Strategies and Investment Allocation06:21 Pre-Retirement: Roth Conversion, Protected Sleeve, and Long-Term Care10:23 Execution in Retirement: Conversion Window and Income Management

  4. Sep 30

    EP 24 Social Security and the National Debt: Separating Fact from Spin

    You've seen the posts. "Social Security has nothing to do with the national debt." Or the opposite: "Social Security is bankrupting the country." Both are half right. And when it comes to your retirement income, half right is dangerous, because half right leads to bad planning decisions. In this episode, Chris Brumlow walks through the actual mechanics: how Social Security is funded, where the surplus went, why the Trust Fund's Treasury bonds genuinely do count as part of the national debt, and what the mid-2030s projections mean if you're within 10 to 15 years of retirement. No politics. Just how the plumbing works, and what to do about it in your own plan. What you'll learn: How Social Security is actually funded, and why it ran a surplus for most of its history Where that surplus went, and why the Trust Fund holds IOUs instead of cash The difference between intragovernmental debt and debt held by the public Why redeeming the Trust Fund's bonds increasingly requires new government borrowing What the mid-2030s depletion projection would mean for scheduled benefits Three planning moves if you're 10 to 15 years from retirement Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and what we're covering 0:35 The two claims you've seen online 1:00 How Social Security is actually funded 2:00 Intragovernmental debt: why the Trust Fund's IOUs count 3:00 Cashing in the bonds, and what that triggers 4:00 The bigger deficit picture: no single cause 5:00 What this means if you're 10 to 15 years from retirement 6:00 Closing thoughts Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and what we're covering 0:35 The two claims you've seen online 1:00 How Social Security is actually funded 2:00 Intragovernmental debt: why the Trust Fund's IOUs count 3:00 Cashing in the bonds, and what that triggers 4:00 The bigger deficit picture: no single cause 5:00 What this means if you're 10 to 15 years from retirement 6:00 Closing thoughts Connect with The BAB Group: babcfo.com | chrisb@babcfo.com Disclosure: Investment Advisory Services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered Investment Adviser. The BAB Group, LLC and Alphastar Capital Management, LLC are separate and independent entities. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Inheritance Estate, code GMAEPHMKI555174U. Assurance, code JR5MLEMSNVGKWQP1.

  5. Sep 23

    EP 23 $40 Trillion and your retirement

    The podcast discusses the impact of the $40 trillion national debt on retirement planning, financial stability, and income. It explores the causes, implications, and practical strategies for adapting retirement plans to the national debt, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and stress testing. Takeaways National debt affects retirement incomeAdapt retirement plans to accommodate national debt Chapters 00:00 The National Debt and Retirement01:41 The Impact of National Debt on Financial Planning02:38 Causes and Implications of National Debt03:08 National Debt and Social Security04:03 National Debt and Retirement Income04:57 Tax Implications of National Debt05:42 Inflation and Retirement Planning06:09 Adapting Retirement Plans to National Debt07:06 Flexibility in Financial Planning08:27 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

    EP 23 $40 Trillion and your retirement

  6. Sep 16

    EP 22 - The Social Security Squeeze

    The 2026 trustee report indicates a potential reduction in Social Security benefits, prompting a reevaluation of claiming decisions. This episode provides practical insights on how to navigate the impact of this report on retirement planning and claiming strategies. Takeaways Social Security benefits may face a potential reduction, prompting the need for a reevaluation of retirement claiming decisions.Delaying Social Security claiming can provide a higher benefit base and protection against future percentage cuts. Chapters 00:00 Impact of the 2026 Trustee Report03:03 Practical Insights on Claiming Decisions05:50 Planning for Retirement Income

  7. Sep 9

    EP 21 Tax Law Changes and Roth Conversions in 2026

    The 2026 tax law changes have impacted Roth conversions and withdrawal strategies, removing the false urgency around conversions and prompting a reevaluation of tax planning and retirement. The episode provides insights into when Roth conversions still make sense, the impact of Medicare premiums, withdrawal sequencing, and actionable steps for year-end tax planning. Takeaways Roth conversions no longer carry the false urgency of impending tax rate hikes, prompting a reevaluation of tax planning strategies.Withdrawal sequencing and Medicare premium considerations are crucial factors in retirement tax planning. Chapters 00:00 2026 Tax Law Changes and Roth Conversion Strategies02:20 Reevaluating Roth Conversion Strategy and Considerations04:07 Impact of Roth Conversions on Medicare Premiums05:20 Withdrawal Sequencing and Tax Planning in Retirement06:16 Year-End Tax Planning Actionable Steps

  8. Sep 2

    Ep 20 - The Widow's Penalty

    The episode discusses the widow's penalty, the impact of filing status change on taxes, and the importance of proactive planning, especially Roth conversions, to mitigate financial risks in retirement. It also emphasizes the significance of understanding the three tax buckets and long-term funding commitments in financial planning. Takeaways Understanding the widow's penalty and its impact on taxesThe importance of proactive planning and Roth conversions in mitigating financial risks in retirement. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Widow's Penalty02:14 The Three Tax Buckets and Long-Term Funding Commitments03:13 The Impact of Filing Status Change04:40 Roth Conversion Strategy07:05 Key Takeaways and Planning Ahead

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About

On Course Financial: Charting Your Financial Future is a practical, planning-focused podcast for small business owners and individuals who want clarity, confidence, and direction in their financial decisions. Hosted by Chris Brumlow, partner at The BAB Group, the show explores the real-world intersection of business finances, tax strategy, retirement planning, and long-term wealth management. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, relatable conversations — helping listeners move from reacting to their numbers to planning with intention. This podcast is not about chasing market headlines or quick wins. It’s about understanding where you are financially, identifying what matters most, and building a plan that adapts as your life, business, and goals change. Whether you’re growing a business, preparing for retirement, or navigating major financial transitions, On Course Financial helps you stay informed, stay flexible, and stay on course

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Brumlow
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Brumlow