Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s special episode, we’re closing the chapter on our beloved “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment as part of this podcast. It’s a bittersweet milestone, but I’m excited to have a fantastic guest to help us celebrate and reflect. Joining me is Kobe Bolanos, a rising star at BFG Financial Advisors whose journey from Operations Associate to budding financial advisor is both inspiring and insightful.

I kicked off our conversation by sharing how Kobe Bolanos has been with BFG for just over four years and is rounding out our five-year apprenticeship program, well on his way to leading clients into brighter financial futures. We talked about his academic background—hailing from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and earning his degree at Stevenson University before taking on the rigorous Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Beyond the office, Kobe Bolanos finds joy in reading and taking on unique fitness challenges—a testament to his discipline both personally and professionally.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Growth Beyond the Textbook: Kobe Bolanos emphasizes that real financial advising isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about understanding clients’ emotions and unique situations—skills you only build through experience.
2. Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is crucial, especially when guiding clients through transitions, losses, or fears. Effective advisors translate technical concepts into language clients can relate to, tailoring advice on a client-by-client basis.
3. Early Advocacy for Estate Planning: Kobe Bolanos is committed to bringing estate planning awareness to younger generations, having witnessed firsthand the financial and emotional impact of being prepared—or not.
4. Building Young Professional Networks: By connecting with the Young Lawyers Group and leading professional organizations, Kobe Bolanos is fostering relationships that will shape the future of the industry, proving the value of starting early in building a professional community.
5. Learning from Mistakes: Neither career nor personal growth happens without a few stumbles. Kobe Bolanos’s ability to laugh at himself, learn, and roll with mistakes demonstrates resilience—an invaluable trait for any professional.

Join us as we continue to inspire and educate you on your journey toward financial freedom and purpose. Thank you for supporting “Diary of a Financial Advisor.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode, and stay tuned for exciting updates with BFG University. As always, don’t retire—graduate!