Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it means to grow—personally and professionally—within the world of financial advising. I’m joined by Cody Niedermeier, who returns for his second visit to our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Cody’s journey is one for the books: he began his career at BFG Financial Advisors in investment operations back in 2019, transitioned to the advisory team by 2020, became an advisor in 2023, and recently took the bold step of becoming a shareholder in 2025.

Cody’s passion for guiding individuals and families through all stages of life shines through, both in his commitment to financial planning and his role as a leader. A proud graduate of the University of Maryland and former captain of the soccer team, Cody brings both team spirit and perseverance to his professional journey. In our discussion, we explore what it takes to go from an entry-level role to company ownership—and the crucial decisions, sacrifices, and mindset shifts required along the way.

In our conversation, Cody shares the reality of apprenticeship and gradual career growth, contrasting it with the allure of instant gratification so common in today’s workforce. We talk candidly about the financial and emotional considerations of becoming a company shareholder—“it's a mortgage,” as Cody puts it—and the support and tough love provided by those closest to us during major decisions. Cody opens up about the added responsibilities and pressures that come with being a leader and owner, the importance of mentoring others, and the privilege of helping both colleagues and clients achieve their goals.

We also touch on industry trends—such as the push for rapid growth and private equity buyouts—and why we believe in cultivating a firm with a close-knit culture and opportunities for meaningful, long-term advancement. Finally, Cody offers advice for recent grads and young professionals navigating their first job offers, including the importance of culture fit, patience, and seeking guidance from trusted friends and family.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Apprenticeship Matters: Cody’s journey from investment operations to advisor and eventually shareholder underscores the value of learning the business from the ground up, even when it means being patient and resisting the urge for immediate advancement.
2. Ownership Is a Big Commitment: Becoming a shareholder in a financial advisory firm is a major undertaking—financially and personally. It requires careful deliberation, family discussions, and a firm belief in the firm’s mission.
3. Leadership Beyond Management: Moving into ownership is not just about management; it’s about genuine leadership—inspiring others, setting an example, and mentoring the next generation of advisors.
4. The “Tortoise and the Hare” Career Path: Choosing the slower, steadier growth path—one that offers room for advancement and aligns with personal values—can yield far greater long-term rewards than chasing the quick buck.
5. Find Your Fit & Use Your Network: Cody emphasizes the importance of finding the right cultural fit in a workplace, using your network, and seeking advice from loved ones, rather than accepting the first appealing offer that comes along.

Join us as we dive into the real-life experiences and lessons learned on the path from entry-level to ownership, and the importance of pursuing a career—and a workplace—that supports your growth, your values, and your financial dreams. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with others who are ready to graduate into their next chapter—one step, and one decision, at a time!

1. Financial Trauma Goes Beyond Numbers: Financial struggles often stem from deep-seated emotional and generational wounds—not just poor habits or lack of information. Understanding your relationship with money is key to breaking free.
2. Boundaries and Lifestyle Design Are Transformational: You don’t have to quit everything to make substantial change. Small but decisive shifts—like setting boundaries or redefining your social environment—can drastically improve financial and personal health.
3. The Snowball Method is Not Just Math—It’s Motivation: Alejandra used the snowball method (paying off smallest debts first) as a way to stay motivated and hack her emotional triggers, showing that psychology is as important as strategy in financial recovery.
4. Financial Independence is More Than a Dollar Figure: True financial independence involves breaking generational patterns, healing inherited beliefs, and gaining mental freedom—not just reaching a certain net worth.
5. Context and Culture Matter: Alejandra underscores that standard financial advice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Addressing systemic issues, generational trauma, and cultural context is essential for serving women of color and building sustainable financial confidence.