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 ahead
The cost of big refunds (and what to do instead)
Common small business tax mistakes
OBBBA tax updates
529 plans, auto loan interest deductions, and standard deduction changes
Why your tax preparer and financial advisor should always talk
The 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 plans
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/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 you
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/
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/
