Financial Planning – The BamCam

Understanding Social Security: Making Informed Decisions at Every Age (Ep. 49)

By The-BamCam | January 27, 2026

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand how different income sources will work together. Are you making decisions based on what worked for someone else, or on what truly fits your situation?

In this episode, Adrian and Alison Castellano walk through how Social Security works at every stage of life, from your twenties when it feels distant to your sixties when filing decisions become real. They explain how benefits are calculated, the impact of claiming early versus waiting, and why Social Security should be viewed as one piece of your overall retirement strategy rather than a standalone decision.

Key takeaways:

How Social Security functions as a government insurance program rather than a personal investment account
The importance of your 35 highest earning years and why missing years count as zeros in benefit calculations
Claiming strategies and how filing at 62, full retirement age, or 70 affects your lifetime income significantly
Spousal and survivor benefits that make Social Security a household decision requiring coordinated planning
Why creating your online Social Security account early helps you track earnings and catch errors before retirement
And more!

Resources:

Social Security Administration Website

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Girl Math and Financial Wellness: Making Intentional Money Choices (Ep. 48)

By The-BamCam | December 30, 2025

Have you ever caught yourself justifying a purchase with creative mental math?

Maybe thinking that preloaded app money makes your coffee free, or that a dress is automatically 50% off because you only bought one item.

In this episode, Alison and Adrian Castellano explore the viral trend of girl math and what it reveals about our relationship with money. They share relatable examples from their own lives and discuss how these mental shortcuts can work for us or against us.

The conversation focuses on understanding the emotional side of spending, building awareness around purchases, and creating systems that align with personal values and financial goals.

Key takeaways:

How girl math reveals the emotional and psychological patterns behind spending decisions
The importance of awareness when making purchases and catching yourself in justification mode
Practical strategies like paying yourself first automatically and creating a dedicated fun fund for guilt-free joy
Why aligning spending with personal values eliminates the need for mental gymnastics
How to redirect natural spending instincts toward habits that support long-term financial goals using girl math on purpose
And more!

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Let’s Talk About the “Santa Claus Rally” (Ep. 47)

By The-BamCam | November 28, 2025

People talk about the Santa Claus Rally every December, but most investors never understand what is actually happening beneath the surface.

Jack and Adrian break down why the final trading days of the year often feel surprisingly strong and what it reveals about market psychology, timing, and cash flow. They open up the conversation with humor, a bit of holiday spirit, and a practical look at how optimism, low trading volume, bonuses, rebalancing, and investor behavior all intersect.

What to expect in this release:

Why the Santa Claus Rally keeps showing up throughout history
How investor mood affects market movement
What professional managers do behind the scenes in December
Why this is something to understand, not chase
And more!

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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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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:

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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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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)

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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

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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)

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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