Finance – The BamCam

The Hidden Raise Every Parent Gets (If They Use It Right) (Ep. 46)

By The-BamCam | October 28, 2025

When the daycare bill finally disappears, most families don’t notice the extra money for long; it vanishes into everyday spending.

Adrian and Alison Castellano explain why the daycare transition is one of the most powerful money moments young families face and how to avoid lifestyle creep. From redirecting half your daycare savings into retirement or college to automating new habits that “pay your future self,” this discussion reveals how small, intentional steps can compound into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Discover:

How the daycare transition frees up thousands annually
Why lifestyle creep erases progress if you’re not intentional
Simple strategies for investing freed-up dollars
How to recreate the same effect even if daycare days are behind you
And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

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Connect with Adrian Castellano:

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Clear the Money Clutter: How to Organize Your Financial Life (Ep. 45)

By The-BamCam | September 23, 2025

Old accounts, forgotten 401(k)s, outdated beneficiaries, this ‘money clutter’ lurks in nearly every household.

In this episode, Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano share why cleaning up your financial junk drawer matters and how to tackle it without feeling overwhelmed. From tracking down long-forgotten retirement accounts to using state unclaimed property databases, you’ll hear real-life examples (including a $400 surprise) and practical steps to create clarity and confidence in your finances.

Expect to learn:

Common sources of money clutter
How to track down and consolidate old accounts
Why outdated beneficiaries can create major problems
Simple systems to help keep your finances streamlined

Resources:

Connect with Alison Castellano:

Connect with Jack Burnette:

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How to Build Wealth on a Modest Income (Ep. 44)

By The-BamCam | August 26, 2025

Building wealth isn’t reserved for high earners, and Alison and Adrian Castellano prove it’s possible at any income level.

In this episode, they share their journey from modest incomes to financial stability, breaking down the myths that keep families from feeling secure. From redefining wealth around your values to avoiding lifestyle creep, they offer five practical steps anyone can start today: know your numbers, spend intentionally, automate savings, avoid lifestyle creep, and invest early and often.

You’ll hear how everyday decisions, even small ones, can add up over time, and why financial confidence is as valuable as any dollar amount.

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Connect with Adrian Castellano:

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Digital Fraud: How to Protect Your Money and Identity (Ep. 43)

By The-BamCam | July 2, 2025

What do fake text messages, Nigerian princes, and high-tech AI scams have in common?

They’re all digital fraud tactics, and they’re more sophisticated than ever!

Join our hosts, Alison and Adrian Castellano, as they dive deep into the world of online scams and arm you with the tools to protect yourself. Listen as they unravel the complex web of digital fraud. From fake package delivery texts to deepfake videos and AI-generated emails, no one is safe, not even city governments! Gain practical advice on recognizing scams, securing your personal information, and protecting your loved ones from online threats.

Key highlights include:

Eye-opening statistics on the financial impact of scams (07:00)
The role of AI in crafting realistic phishing attempts (05:17)
Social media vulnerabilities and the importance of strong passwords (10:14)
Red flags to watch for in investment “opportunities” (16:13)
Tips for safeguarding children in their digital lives (20:02)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

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You Got A Raise, Now What? (Ep. 42)

By The-BamCam | June 3, 2025

What can you do with a raise to make it truly impactful? How can you prevent it from slipping through the cracks of everyday expenses?

Adrian and Alison Castellano delve into the exciting realm of managing a new raise. They explore how that extra bump in income doesn’t just mean more cash to burn but can be transformative in achieving your financial goals. By pausing before spending, aligning new funds with your personal goals, and even automating some financial decisions, this episode provides you with the tools to make your raise matter.

Adrian and Alison discuss:

Understanding the traps of lifestyle creep [02:29]
Strategizing with the 50-30-20 model for optimal financial growth [05:37]
Automating financial decisions for seamless wealth-building [09:41]
The delicate balance between long-term planning and enjoying the present [12:51]
And more

Connect with Alison Castellano:

Connect with Adrian Castellano:

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Making Sense of Market Highs and Lows (Ep. 41)

By The-BamCam | May 6, 2025

Jack Burnette, Alison Castellano, and Adrian Castellano continue their mission to decode financial jargon, diving into bull and bear markets, volatility, and even Warren Buffett’s timeless advice, as they work to demystify market complexities and guide you toward a resilient investment mindset.

Jack, Alison, and Adrian discuss:

What defines a bull market, and what does it mean for your portfolio? (04:08)
How can you navigate a bear market and potentially find benefits in market downturns? (08:30)
What are practical strategies for managing market volatility? (14:51)
How do recessions and economic cycles influence your long-term investment strategy? (19:36)
How can investor sentiment impact market movements and your investment approach? (26:13)
And more

Previous Episode of Interest:

Making Sense of Financial Jargon (Ep. 40)

Connect with Alison Castellano:

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Connect with Jack Burnette:

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Making Sense of Financial Jargon (Ep. 40)

By The-BamCam | April 25, 2025

Financial terms like fiduciary, inflation, and annuity can be more than just confusing—they can feel downright intimidating.

Join Jack Burnette, Alison Castellano, and Adrian Castellano from Iter Financial Wellness as they break down complex financial jargon into simple, practical insights. With their clear and approachable style, they empower you to make informed and decisive financial choices.

Jack, Alison, and Adrian discuss:

Why it matters whether your advisor is bound by this standard
Understand why your grocery bill feels heavier than ever
Efficiently managing and navigating old retirement accounts
The Roth vs. Traditional IRA decision and its tax implications
And more

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Connect with Jack Burnette:

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How the Let Them Theory Can Transform Your Life (Ep.39)

By The-BamCam | April 9, 2025

What happens when you let others be themselves without letting their opinions dictate your life?

Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano tackle this question as they delve into the “Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, a concept that promotes emotional freedom and financial peace.

Jack and Alison discuss:

The essence of the “Let Them Theory” and how it applies to personal and financial well-being [00:01:46]
Jack’s personal insights from his journey towards sobriety and learning to live authentically [00:02:14]
The influence of social media and avoiding the trap of keeping up with the Joneses [00:07:01]
Practical examples from Alison’s life, like deciding against a costly bathroom remodel [00:12:29]
The importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values, especially within relationships [00:22:05]
And more

Resources:

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

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Connect with Jack Burnette:

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Empowering Women in Finance with Shannon Spotswood (Ep.38)

By The-BamCam | March 26, 2025

What makes women the future of financial wealth control?

Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano as they converse with Shannon Spotswood, President of RFG Advisory. Shannon shares groundbreaking insights on women’s growing influence in wealth management and how they are changing the financial landscape. Explore topics like generational wealth transfers, women’s leadership in finance, and the necessity of inclusive financial services without excessive jargon.

Jack and Alison discuss:

Breaking down barriers for women in finance and investment (00:09:36)
“Wonder Woman Stats” and why they matter (00:11:39)
The crucial role of mentorship and encouragement in finance careers (00:15:16)
How Strong Her Money empowers women through financial education (00:19:07)
And more

Resources:

Strong Her Money

Connect with Alison Castellano:

Connect with Jack Burnette:

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

About Our Guest:

Shannon Spotswood is a 25+ year industry veteran in financial services with an outstanding reputation built on leadership roles in professional management, investment banking, hedge fund management, and business development.

Joining RFG Advisory in 2015, Shannon recognized the opportunity to combine her entrepreneurial experience with her passion to build an innovative, Advisor-focused RIA of the future. At RFG Advisory, Shannon of RFG 2.0, a fully integrated platform for independent Financial Advisors and the implementation of strategic initiatives contributing to advisor success

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The Difference Between Financial Literacy & Financial Wellness (Ep. 37)

By The BamCam | March 11, 2025

What’s the difference between Financial Literacy and Financial Wellness?

Hosts Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano discuss how financial literacy is understanding budgets, interest rates, credit scores, and insurance, a key first step to being money smart, but is often not enough to achieve true financial security. Financial wellness, on the other hand, is about feeling confident and in control of your financial future, allowing for reduced stress even when unexpected challenges arise.

Discover more as this episode highlights:

Understanding Financial Literacy vs. Financial Wellness [00:01:00]
The importance of Emergency Funds [00:07:52]
The Role of Financial Advisors in Crafting a Financial Game Plan [00:12:36]
How Couples Can Work Together Towards Financial Wellness [00:09:25]
And more!