Building Wealth From Scratch Podcast

In this episode, Jerry and Bianca dive into the "first-gen pressure" that leaves high-earning millennials feeling burnt out despite their success. They discuss the transition from a childhood of "too little information" to a modern era of social media noise and AI-driven market chaos. Learn why navigating complex assets like RSUs and ISOs for the first time can feel overwhelming. This episode explains why the path to true wealth is about starting with purpose, not numbers.Visit our website to learn more: www.confianzawealth.com

In this episode, Bianca and Jerry dive into a common struggle for first-generation Latino millennials: the disconnect between earning a high income and feeling financially secure. Despite surpassing the earnings of previous generations, many families in 2026 feel "crushed" by inflation, cultural expectations, and the pressure of being the family's financial foundation. We discuss the importance of shifting from a restrictive "debt-payoff" only mindset to one that prioritizes personal joy and strategic investments in oneself.Visit our website: www.confianzawealth.comLocal spotlight: Costa Brava restaurant in Pacific Beach, CA

We’re officially closing out the first quarter of 2026, and if we’ve learned anything so far this year, it’s that life doesn’t wait for you to be "ready." In this episode, Bianca and Jerry get real about the trap of the "perfect time" and why waiting for everything to align is often just another form of procrastination.Website: www.confianzawealth.com

In this episode, Jerry and Bianca break down the "language of taxes" for first-gen professionals. They share their personal journey from waiting until the last minute to file, to focusing on ways to keep more of their money throughout the year. Is your tax refund a "gift" from the government, or is it just your own hard-earned money coming back to you late—and with less purchasing power?Lear more at: www.confianzawealth.com

In this episode, Jerry and Bianca pull back the curtain on the "human" side of building a business. Inspired by Bianca’s recent studies in Organizational Behavior, they discuss why the traditional advice of "just work hard" is often a trap for first-generation professionals. They dive deep into the "first-generation" struggle of breaking the "work hard and keep your head down" mentality, the necessity of embracing failure, and why effective wealth management is actually a form of leadership and accountability. Claim the "FREE CLARITY GUIDE” to answer if your finances are working together or just in pieces? https://confianzawealth.myflodesk.com/jerry?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioWebsite: confianzawealth.com

In this episode, Bianca and Jerry tackle the massive stigma surrounding management fees. They get vulnerable about their own journey—realizing that even as industry experts, they needed to hire their own advisor to find peace in their marriage and clarity in their goals. If you’ve ever felt like you "should" be able to figure this out on your own because the internet exists, this episode is for you. We break down the different types of advisors, the "hidden" fees in mutual funds, and why being a "DIY-er" might be the very thing keeping you stuck. Claim the "FREE CLARITY GUIDE” to answer if your finances are working together or just in pieces? https://confianzawealth.myflodesk.com/jerry?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioSchedule your free initial consultation: https://www.confianzawealth.com/contact

Welcome back to a new era of Building Wealth From Scratch. In this episode, Jerry and Bianca pivot to a more conversational, "real-talk" style to pull back the curtain on what is actually happening in the U.S. economy. While the stock market hits all-time highs, the "everyday American" is feeling the squeeze at the grocery store and paying the bills. We dive deep into why the U.S. is addicted to debt and why homeownership is about so much more than just a financial investment.Claim our "FREE CLARITY GUIDE” to answer if your finances are working together or just in pieces? https://confianzawealth.myflodesk.com/jerry?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioSchedule your free initial consultation: https://www.confianzawealth.com/contactWebsite: confianzawealth.com

In Episode 7 of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca share real-life stories from the people who inspire them most: their clients.They walk through powerful transformations of individuals and families who were working hard, but still felt stuck: drowning in debt, unsure how to invest, and frustrated by slow progress. From a single-income family of five that went from paycheck to paycheck to thriving, to a small business owner finally on track to buy a home, this episode proves what’s possible with the right strategy and support.Confianza Wealth Management helps clients see tangible results in as little as 90 days. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and want guidance tailored to your unique values and goals, this one’s for you.Topics Covered: - Real client case studies and financial turnarounds - Investment strategy alignment for young professionals - Small business tax planning and homeownership goals - Building financial confidence through intentional planning - How Confianza Wealth Management helps clients in just 90 days - Why November is the best time to start building momentum

In Episode 6 of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca break down what tax planning actually is, and why it’s one of the most overlooked strategies for building real wealth.They walk you through the costly mistake of treating tax season like a once-a-year panic, and instead reveal how proactive planning (especially in September) can save you thousands come April.Whether you’re a small business owner, a high-income household, or just starting to understand your tax picture, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter decisions with your money.You’ll also hear updates from Jerry and Bianca’s personal journey, like Bianca starting her Master’s in Accountancy, Jerry’s take on new tax law changes, and a sneak peek at their upcoming podcast tour.💡 Topics Covered:What real tax planning looks like (hint: don't wait until next year)Why September is the month to plan aheadThe cost of big refunds (and what to do instead)Common small business tax mistakesOBBBA tax updates529 plans, auto loan interest deductions, and standard deduction changesWhy your tax preparer and financial advisor should always talkThe personal side of wealth building: education, transformation, and planning with purpose

Jerry and Bianca discuss retirement planning, and how the rules are changing and what to know for a better future.They unpack the major shifts introduced by the Secure Act 2.0, including new incentives for business owners, Roth IRA updates, and expanded retirement access for employees. They also reflect on generational shifts in how people view retirement, the rise of financial independence, and why your 401(k) might not be enough.Whether you’re a first-time wealth builder or small business owner, this episode will help you understand how to make smarter retirement moves today—and why it’s never too early to start.Topics Covered:• Why younger generations delay retirement planning• Pensions vs. 401(k)s and the rise of DIY retirement• Secure Act 2.0 explained• Retirement options for small business owners• Roth IRA income limits and strategy• Pre-tax vs. Roth contributions• Using retirement accounts for emergencies• The FIRE movement and mindset shifts around work• How to define your ideal retirement lifestyle

In this episode of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca walk you through one of the most important (but often overlooked) steps to building wealth: creating an emergency plan. From understanding what an emergency fund actually is, to how much you should save, where to keep it, and why it’s essential for long-term security, they break it all down in a clear, approachable way.They also open up about how having their own emergency fund gave them the confidence to leave their 9–5 jobs and start their business—plus, they share personal updates on their CFP® and CPA journeys and how continuing education plays into building wealth from the ground up.Topics Covered:• What an emergency fund is (and what it’s not)• How much to save based on your household setup• Where to keep your emergency savings• Why mindset matters when building your foundation• Insurance as part of your “defense” strategy• Real-life examples of using emergency savings with confidence• Personal updates: Jerry’s CFP® certification & Bianca’s CPA plansConnect with Jerry & Confianza Wealth Management:🌐 Website: https://www.confianzawealth.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithjerry/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthwithjerry💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardo-garciajr/FREE Webinar Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bGjzPDWiTHKomE0Rg6ospQ Complementary Intro Call: https://scheduler.zoom.us/gerardo-garcia-jr/introductory-meeting

In this episode of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca walk you through their personal journey of learning to budget after moving to California on a single income. They break down the key steps to creating a simple, effective budget — from understanding your money mindset to tracking expenses, setting achievable goals, and learning how to prioritize your spending based on what matters most. Whether you’re new to managing money or trying to build better habits, this episode offers real-life advice you can use right away.Topics Covered:• How to start budgeting (and stick with it)• Why mindset is crucial for financial success• Fixed vs variable expenses• How to manage a surplus or deficit• The emotional side of spending• Building a personalized budget that works for youConnect with Jerry & Confianza Wealth Management:🌐 Website: https://www.confianzawealth.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithjerry/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthwithjerry 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardo-garciajr/

When you’re just starting your wealth-building journey, it’s easy to make avoidable mistakes—especially when no one taught you what to look out for. In this episode of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca break down the top five money mistakes beginners make and how you can sidestep them on your path to financial freedom.From understanding compound interest to creating a financial foundation and managing your emotions while investing, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and examples you can relate to—especially if you’re building wealth from the ground up.🧠 At the heart of it all: Building habits, having a plan and understanding your risk. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and money mindset shifts.Connect with Jerry & Bianca:🌐 Website: https://www.confianzawealth.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithjerry/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbiancaariana/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthwithjerry💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardo-garciajr/

Are you ready to take control of your financial future but don’t know where to start? In this first episode of Building Wealth From Scratch, Jerry and Bianca from Confianza Wealth Management break down everything beginners need to know about investing—from understanding risk tolerance to choosing the right investment strategy.🚀 We discuss:✅ The easiest ways to start investing (even with no experience)✅ The key differences between day trading and long-term investing✅ 401k, Roth IRA, and brokerage accounts—which one is right for you?✅ How to avoid the biggest investing mistakes beginners make✅ The importance of risk tolerance and investment diversification✅ Why consistency beats timing the market📢 Find out your risk tolerance before you invest! Take our free Risk Assessment Questionnaire here: https://www.yourstake.org/questionnaire/intro/gerardo-garcia/?questionnaire_type=risk🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and money mindset shifts.Connect with Jerry & Confianza Wealth Management:🌐 Website: https://www.confianzawealth.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithjerry/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthwithjerry💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardo-garciajr/