For many Americans, planning is limited to the “one-size-fits-all” benefit plans offered by their employer. They may point employees in the right direction, but they are unable to address individuals’ unique household financial circumstances and resources for the goals being pursued.
BAI Financial believes households deserve better. That’s why its approach is focused on providing comprehensive financial guidance that is tailored to each client’s household.
“At BAI Financial, we are committed to helping clients understand their life goals and how to achieve them,” explains Richard Balkcom, Founder and CEO of BAI Financial. “The comprehensive and customized strategies we develop for clients provide them and their families with a plan they can reference daily as they move toward their goals.”
BAI Financial is a family-run financial money coach based in Florida that serves middle-income and blue-collar households that primarily earn between $50,000 and $250,000 annually. The firm specializes in helping individuals and families make the most of their existing employee benefits, cash flow, and long-term financial opportunities through a transparent, flat-fee model.
Rich Balkcom was an advisor for over 50 years with LPL Financial, Merrill Lynch, MetLife, Phoenix Home Life, and New England Financial, as well as an employee benefit counselor for telecommunications employees. He provided guidance and planning services to universities, public schools, telecommunications, and healthcare organizations. In 2020, he implemented his succession plan and transitioned from advisor to business development.
BAI Financial empowers every family to have a fiduciary personal money coach
Anyone seeking financial guidance should do so with the help of a fiduciary money coach. Many believe working with a fiduciary money coach is typically something only the super wealthy can afford.
BAI Financial changes that. The firm’s services allow anyone to connect with a fiduciary money coach who considers their unique circumstances and makes the most of their financial resources.
“We believe anyone can and should have access to a fiduciary money coach who can show them how to integrate the financial advantages of all of their assets and household resources,” says Geoff Balkcom, President and Advisor at BAI Financial. “I fill that role for our clients, determining their current financial position with a comprehensive review of their cash flow, benefits, current investments, and protection options. Regardless of where someone is on their financial journey, from just starting out, ready to retire, or anywhere in between, we customize our service for their specific needs and develop financial strategies that address their goals.”
BAI PLAN 120 ensures BAI’s clients make meaningful progress
BAI PLAN 120 is BAI Financial’s copyrighted planning framework. It is built around a 20-month working period that allows adequate time for discovery, analysis, implementation, and measurable results.
“We developed PLAN 120 because we don’t believe meaningful financial progress happens quickly,” Geoff says. “The plan serves families’ households by reframing financial success over a 10-year horizon rather than encouraging them to chase short-term gains.”
BAI rejects “get rich quick” narratives that dominate much of the financial media landscape. Instead, the firm promotes a philosophy of “living rich and going far slowly.” It welcomes any household that is willing to commit to thoughtful guidance, behavior change, and long-term decision-making as a client.
BAI Financial has the experience and keys to unlock the doors of employee households by integrating all workplace benefits
Maximizing the impact of employer benefit plans is one of BAI Financial’s specialties. The firm intentionally seeks employers, particularly large telecommunications companies, school systems, healthcare organizations, and other benefit-rich workforces with 500+ employees in the Southeast US, Tennessee, and New England. By collaborating with employers, BAI supports employee financial wellness while helping organizations increase retention, engagement, and long-term workforce stability.
“We help people integrate the financial advantages of employee benefits, which is something they often overlook in their planning,” Geoff says. “We make sure our clients know all the household benefits available to them and how they work so they can be included in an overall strategy that delivers financial success today, tomorrow, and long after they retire.”
BAI Financial invests significant time in understanding its clients’ needs
BAI Financial believes that personalized financial guidance is the most valuable service a household can receive. To optimize the impact of its guidance, the firm dedicates significant time in the initial stages of planning to understanding a client’s financial situation, life stage, goals, and comfort level.
“We want all of our clients to be comfortable with their strategy, so we take ample time to interact with them during the discovery and planning process,” Geoff says. “Our clients are active participants in the process who know their roadmap and what is happening every stop along the way. While ‘one-size-fits-all’ processes are limiting, ours is empowering, moving clients deliberately toward their destination.”
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor Member FINRA & SIPC
