Ahead In The Count

On top of over 25 years of professional baseball experience, the BIP Wealth baseball division has established successful careers as financial advisors, helping newly drafted to recently retired players meet their financial goals. Take away something fresh, or find clarity on what was confusing before in the intersection of life on and off the field on Ahead in the Count, presented by BIP Wealth, with Nolan Alexander.

Ahead In The Count Ep. 111 - CIO Eric Cramer's Unique QMR 11/17/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 110 - Welcome Danny Hall 10/29/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 109 - Arizona Fall League: Inside Baseball's Prospect Showcase 10/14/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 108 - Private Investment News with Mark Flickinger 09/30/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 108 - Private Investment News with Mark Flickinger 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, Mark Flickinger returns to discuss why the fall of 2025 presents a unique opportunity for investing in private markets. The conversation covers current market dynamics, the importance of manager selection, and new accessibility options for private market investments. Key Topics Discussed Why Now Is an Attractive Time for Private Markets Valuation opportunities Buy low strategy Market fundamentals Current Market Dynamics Capital constraints Opportunity zone Consolidation potential The Private Market Shakeout Market correction: Approximately 50% fewer venture funds active compared to recent peak years Discipline matters Long-term perspective: Removing the COVID-era bubble reveals a consistent growth trajectory from 2017-forward Increased Accessibility to Private Markets Evergreen funds and BDCs 401(k) developments IRA options: Self-directed IRAs already enabling private market participation with tax advantages Investment Considerations for Ballplayers Manager selection is critical: Not all private equity returns are equal - performance varies significantly by manager Portfolio fit: Best investment available isn't always the right one for individual circumstances Professional guidance: Importance of working with experienced managers who evaluate deals daily Tax efficiency: Private credit investments work well in tax-advantaged accounts Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to , , or /episode/index/show/bipwealth/id/38402100

Ahead In The Count Ep. 107 - Depths of MLB Realignment 09/17/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 107 - Depths of MLB Realignment 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 episode features a comprehensive discussion about Major League Baseball's potential realignment and expansion plans, featuring insights from former professional players Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida. Key Topics Discussed MLB Realignment Plans Commissioner Rob Manfred has been discussing realignment for approximately a decade Plans potentially tied to the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiration in December 2026 Balancing tradition and history with modernization needs Recent rule changes (pitch clock, bigger bases) have been well-received, suggesting fans can adapt to changes Expansion Possibilities Potential new cities mentioned: Nashville (most frequently discussed) Salt Lake City Raleigh Montreal (return) Two additional teams would create 50 new roster spots New teams would require complete farm system development Player Perspective on Travel & Schedule Current 162-game schedule creates significant wear and tear Cross-country flights after late games (finishing at 10:30-11:00 PM) followed by 2:00 AM departures Potential schedule reduction to 156 games being considered Geographic realignment could reduce travel burdens Collective Bargaining Implications Realignment may be a negotiating tool for owners ahead of 2026 CBA talks Salary cap discussions: Players' opinions Would potentially hurt middle-tier players most Baseball's historically strong players union Revenue sharing and competitive balance Tax Implications for Players Players taxed based on where games are played (prorated basis) Realignment could significantly impact players' take-home pay Financial Considerations Franchise valuations at all-time highs Revenue sharing already addresses some competitive imbalance Tax implications could influence free agent decisions Middle-tier players most vulnerable under potential salary cap Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to , , or /episode/index/show/bipwealth/id/38257130

Ahead In The Count Ep. 106 - Overcoming Angry August 09/05/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 105 - CIO Eric Cramer's QMR 08/19/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 105 - CIO Eric Cramer's QMR 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 with Chief Investment Officer Eric Cramer: Economic Update & Market Analysis Recent employment data revisions and their economic implications Federal Reserve interest rate policy and anticipated cuts in September Impact of tariff policies on inflation and market performance Strong second-quarter market performance across global markets Financial Planning for Athletes Unique challenges facing young baseball players with significant early-career earnings Why traditional financial planning timelines are accelerated for professional athletes The importance of maintaining long-term investment strategies despite market volatility Risk tolerance assessment for younger, high-income earners Advanced Tax Strategies: 529 Plans Deep Dive Expanded uses beyond college tuition (K-12, vocational training, professional credentials) Strategic funding techniques, including the 5-year gifting rule Multi-generational wealth transfer strategies using 529 plans Converting 529 assets to Roth IRAs for additional flexibility Real-world examples of tax-free compounding over multiple decades Estate Planning Updates New higher estate tax exemption limits Long-term wealth preservation strategies for high earners Multi-generational investment planning considerations Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to , , or /episode/index/show/bipwealth/id/37876255

Ahead In The Count Ep. 104 - Consumer Sentiment in Summer 2025 08/07/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 103 - Investing in Sports Teams 07/22/2025

Ahead In The Count Ep. 103 - Investing in Sports Teams 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. John Hester and Chase Murray dive into a popular topic amongst clients and pro ballplayers - investing in professional sports teams! They explore the shift in sports ownership, driven by high-profile transactions like the Los Angeles Lakers' $10 billion valuation, evolving regulations, and relaxed ownership restrictions that now allow private equity and individual investors to acquire stakes in teams across baseball, basketball, football, and even eSports. The conversation highlights the appeal of sports franchises as valuable investments due to diverse revenue streams like TV deals, ticket sales, and merchandise. They discuss how ownership groups, rather than single owners, are becoming the norm, and how celebrities like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Ryan Reynolds are entering the sports investment space. The Atlanta Braves stand out as a publicly traded team, offering accessible investment opportunities, though most opportunities remain geared toward high-net-worth individuals. The episode also touches on potential conflicts of interest, particularly for active MLB players, and the importance of due diligence when considering sports investments. The hosts note the emerging trend of private equity in college athletics and the need for investors to carefully evaluate these opportunities. Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count! To contact the hosts, send an email to , , or /episode/index/show/bipwealth/id/37505320