Épisodes

  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 116 - CIO Eric Cramer's 2026 Annual Market Report: Investment Strategies for a Changing Global Economy

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 116 - CIO Eric Cramer's 2026 Annual Market Report: Investment Strategies for a Changing Global Economy
    Feb 16 2026
    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 must-listen episode of Ahead in the Count, BIP Wealth's Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer delivers his highly anticipated 2026 Annual Market Report, breaking down the most important investment trends and opportunities for the year ahead. Hosts Nolan Alexander and the baseball division's Jeremy Hermida explore what last year's market performance means for investors and how to position portfolios for success in an evolving global economy. Discover how international markets performed relative to the S&P 500 in 2025, learn strategic shifts in fixed income investing, and understand how AI is reshaping corporate America. Whether you're a professional athlete managing career earnings or an investor seeking clarity in uncertain times, this episode provides actionable insights for building wealth in 2026. Key Topics 2025 Market Performance Review S&P 500 returns: Up 17.5% in 2025 International developed markets: Gained 32% (nearly 2x US performance)Emerging markets: Up 33%+Tech stock volatility and recoveryCryptocurrency market challenges The Great International Outperformance Why foreign markets crushed US returnsDollar weakness and currency effectsHow diversification paid off for BIP Wealth clientsCompound returns from foreign equity and currency appreciation AI Revolution: From Hype to Reality Shift from AI creators to AI usersValuation concerns for Big TechCorporate America's AI adoption waveWhy non-AI companies face unprecedented volatility 2026 Investment Themes & Strategies Price-earnings ratios: Top 10 tech stocks vs. S&P 490 Global economic power structure transformationTariff impacts and trade realignmentsCurrency revaluation effects on sovereign debt Municipal Bonds: The New Safe Haven? Why munis may replace treasuries for taxable accountsState balance sheets vs. federal debt concernsTax-advantaged investing strategiesPrivate credit opportunities yielding 8%+ Portfolio Construction in Volatile Times The "Moneyball approach" to asset allocationBuilding portfolios with 50%+ probability strategiesPrivate market flexibility and liquidity improvementsIncremental gains philosophy Political & Economic Uncertainty Ahead Midterm election implicationsNational debt sustainability concernsTax policy changes on the horizonBipartisan cooperation potential To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com
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    26 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 115 - Inside College Baseball's First Pitch

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 115 - Inside College Baseball's First Pitch
    Feb 5 2026
    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. Georgia Tech Hall of Famer and legendary college baseball coach Danny Hall, alongside former Yellow Jacket Chase Murray, discuss college baseball pre-season preparation, training strategies, and what it takes to succeed before the first pitch of the season. Biggest Preparation Challenges (Early Discussion) Pitchers: Managing throwing programs during December-January breakWeather dependency affecting practice schedules and developmentBalancing between overworking and underworking during the off-seasonThe importance of non-conference wins for NCAA tournament resume building Mental Game & Routine Building How fall ball differs from spring competition mindsetDeveloping consistent daily routines before the season startsThe psychology of seeing opponents in different uniformsBuilding confidence through process-driven preparation "Fall Stars" Phenomenon Why some players dominate in fall ball but struggle when games countThe importance of coaching trust and patience during slow startsManaging the long season from mid-February through JunePeaks and valleys throughout the baseball season Newcomer Integration Transfer portal players joining established programsHow freshmen adjust to college baseball's elevated competitionThe reality check: "Nobody cares who you were before you got here"Building respect and earning playing timeImportance of veteran leadership in setting team culture Academic Success Systems Managing class load during fall vs. spring semesterCreating homework routines around travel schedulesThe value of academic advisors and support systemsChase's homework strategyGetting ahead of assignments to avoid late-night cramming before games NIL & Revenue Share Financial Planning Handling 1099 documents from NIL dealsTax implications for college athletesBIP Wealth's role in helping athletes manage moneyWorking with tax advisors (Allie Powell) for proper planning Final Advice for First-Year Players Danny Hall: Learning to handle failure and bounce back quicklyChase Murray: Preparing for off-speed pitches and staying disciplined at the plateThe transition from high school success to college competition To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com
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    22 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 114 - Essential Spring Training Prep Checklist

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 114 - Essential Spring Training Prep Checklist
    Jan 26 2026

    Getting ready to report to spring training? Former pro ballplayers Jeremy Hermida and Chase Murray share insider advice on preparing for spring training, from physical preparation to financial planning. Whether you're heading to Arizona or Florida, this episode covers everything minor leaguers need to know before packing their bags.

    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

    Housing (Priority #1)

    • Book early - Prices increase as spring training approaches
    • Secure your housing in January, not February
    • Costs rise significantly the longer you wait

    Transportation

    • Ship your car vs. rent - Consider the $1,200-$1,500 cost each way
    • Arizona complexes may require different planning than Florida
    • Factor in where you'll be assigned for the season
    • Having your own vehicle vs. finding a teammate with a car

    Financial & Tax Documents

    • Set up mail forwarding or have someone collect mail at home
    • Tax documents start arriving during spring training
    • Send financial documents to your advisor immediately
    • LLC expenses - Track them throughout the season, not just in December
    Business Considerations for Players

    Off-Season Income

    • Baseball camps and clinics
    • Part-time work (Uber, etc.)
    • Track all business expenses if you have an LLC
    • Keep receipts and notes throughout the season

    Expense Management

    • Use a dedicated credit card for business expenses
    • Write everything down, even if you're unsure it qualifies
    • Let your financial advisor determine what's deductible
    • Review credit card and bank statements during the off-season
    Mental Preparation

    Getting in the Zone

    • Arrive at complex early to flip the switch mentally
    • Separate from off-season distractions and noise
    • Access to facilities, coaches, and weight rooms before official report date
    • Nothing replicates actual on-complex preparation

    Setting Goals

    • Review what you did last season
    • Set personal and financial goals for 2026
    • Every season is a new chapter of your career
    • Control your preparation, not the outcome
    • "You're only as good as your next at-bat"
    Action Items Before You Leave

    ✅ Secure spring training housing
    ✅ Arrange transportation (ship car or rental)
    ✅ Set up mail forwarding
    ✅ Notify financial advisor of your spring training location
    ✅ Gather any outstanding tax documents
    ✅ Track off-season business expenses
    ✅ Ramp up baseball activities
    ✅ Set personal and professional goals for 2026

    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,
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    14 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 113 - Important Ways to Close 2025 and Trump Accounts

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 113 - Important Ways to Close 2025 and Trump Accounts
    Jan 15 2026

    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 podcast hits on items ballplayers should keep in mind as they close 2025 off the field. It also provides key details on the upcoming Trump investment accounts for children born starting in 2025.

    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,
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    18 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 112 - Mark Milam Talks Housing and Mortgage Rates

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 112 - Mark Milam Talks Housing and Mortgage Rates
    Dec 1 2025

    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,
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    18 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 111 - CIO Eric Cramer's Unique QMR

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 111 - CIO Eric Cramer's Unique QMR
    Nov 17 2025

    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
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    23 min
  • Ahead In The Count Ep. 110 - Welcome Danny Hall

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 110 - Welcome Danny Hall
    Oct 29 2025

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

    Ahead In The Count Ep. 109 - Arizona Fall League: Inside Baseball's Prospect Showcase
    Oct 14 2025

    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
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    14 min