In this episode of The Liquidity Event , Shane and Kurtis dive into the start of Tax Planning Season at BKFi, unpack Figma’s billion-dollar breakup, and discuss when employees can finally sell their shares. They explore why Silicon Valley’s free perks are disappearing, what the rise of generally intelligent AI could mean for your work, and how new rules are letting you put real estate, crypto, and private equity into your 401(k). Plus, the debate over being friends with your kids, whether spendi...
Aug 14, 2025•36 min•Ep. 154
In this episode of The Liquidity Event , AJ and Shane reflect on their first-ever company retreat where AJ admits to being a sore loser, break down the surprising connection between Toys R Us and crypto, and explain why you should give your parents a secret code word to avoid AI scams. Plus, the latest on UK tax loopholes, how many streaming apps are too many, Iceland’s new four-day work week, and a few surprising lessons about monetizing unused flights and hotel rooms. (00:00) Introductions (01...
Jul 24, 2025•38 min•Ep. 153
On this episode of The Liquidity Event , AJ and Shane are finally reunited, and they cover everything from Missouri’s wild proposal to eliminate capital gains tax to why the return-to-office push might be hurting women more than expected. Plus, Greece’s crumbling infrastructure, sky-high babysitting rates, revoked science grants, and how to track down your long-lost 401(k). Oh… and of course, a little pasta talk. Key Timestamps: (00:00) Introductions (02:37) Where in the world has Shane been? (0...
Jul 17, 2025•32 min
What’s in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and how does it impact your taxes, family, equity comp, and retirement? In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ Ayers and John Owens break down the OBBB and what it means for high earners, tech professionals, parents, retirees, and everyone in between. We also chat micro-retirements, the new NYC mayor, charitable gifting changes, and yes, beavers with zoning issues. Key Timestamps: (00:00) Introductions (03:09) Zohran Mamdani the new mayor of NYC (07...
Jul 11, 2025•35 min•Ep. 151
John Owens CFP®, EA, ECA, CPWA® and Ed Zolotarev CPA, MST, CFP® fill in for AJ and Shane on this milestone 150th episode of The Liquidity Event. FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) is finally figuring out what to do about your outstanding Klarna loans. We discuss how “buy now, pay later” services might soon impact your credit score. TLDR: It probably isn’t the best idea to finance your DoorDash order over 4 months. Plus, alternative investments are getting a lot of attention right now. Why are private...
Jun 27, 2025•33 min•Ep. 150
Hear your Liquidity Event host, Ally Jane Ayers, share expert insights on budgeting, investing, and managing money on the Hello Prenup Podcast with Julia Rodgers, Esq. AJ discusses how to take control of your personal finances, talking money in a relationship, and why a prenup is an important part of financial wellness. For the video recording, check out the Hello Prenup podcast on YouTube. Key Moments: 01:51 Critiquing Traditional Finance 06:51 Importance of Prenups 09:33 Starting Money Convers...
Jun 20, 2025•46 min
While our team is on a quick break, tune in as our co-founder Shane Mason joins the always entertaining Accounting High podcast to talk about the journey of building BKFi. Shane shares insights on BKFi’s team structure and remote work and how we have built a company culture that’s ALWAYS focused on how to best serve our clients. He also discusses his and AJ Ayers’ new Gemifi software for equity compensation and how they have leveraged marketing partnerships to drive growth. Check out the Account...
Jun 13, 2025•50 min
In this episode, AJ and Shane break down why every VC-backed IPO in the past 12 months has been a “down round” and what that means for your equity. Then they tackle a juicy Reddit question from a 32-year-old tech worker vesting $400,000 per month (!) who's considering walking away from $5 million in future equity. Key Timestamps: (0:00) Introductions and summer traipsing vs. gallivanting exploration (4:40) IPO “down rounds” explained (8:45) The economics behind down rounds: cheap COVID money mee...
Jun 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 149
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts Shane Mason (reporting from Ireland! ) and AJ Ayers discuss the showdown between President Trump and Harvard and some of the current cash challenges felt by universities, even those with massive endowments. They also talk through the IPO market ecosystem and which factors may be keeping it frozen. Key Takeaways: (0:00) Introductions and AJ's Broadway theater review (4:18) Shane reports from Ireland, scotch eggs & shoutout to Rubin (6:07) Trump vs...
May 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 148
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ Ayers hosts two Chief Investment Officers, Peter Lazaroff CFA, CFP® from Plancorp and Rubin Miller CFA from Peltoma Capital Partners, for a chat on cash management strategies, investment philosophies, and calling BS on industry trends. Key Timestamps: (0:00) Introductions and background (2:48) Career paths in investment management (12:43) Cash management strategies in today's high-interest environment (13:57) Risk-free rates and building portfolios arou...
May 23, 2025•44 min
Welcome to Episode 146 of The Liquidity Event! This week AJ and Shane talk FinTech corporate espionage and then focus on the proposed GOP tax plan. To wrap things up, they address a listener's concern about preparing for a "coming economic storm," offering insights on why fear-based financial decisions are rarely the best approach. Key Takeaways: (00:00) - Intro & What's Shane doing in AJ's house? (01:52) - Spies Are Everywhere: The Cutthroat FinTech Industry (04:54) - Remote Work & Cybe...
May 20, 2025•26 min•Ep. 146
Welcome to Episode 145 of The Liquidity Event! This week, AJ and Shane tackle some big topics: Are individual investors smarter than the "smart money" hedge funds? Why are CEOs really heading for the exits at record rates (and what's the deal with that vasectomy shirt story)? Plus, we unravel the frustrating Catch-22 of credit card fees for businesses and consumers. Tune in for our signature blend of financial insights and (mostly) educational humor! Key Timestamps: (0:00) - Intro & Shane's ...
May 09, 2025•34 min•Ep. 145
Hear your host, AJ Ayers, share her expertise on equity compensation as a special guest on Peter Lazaroff’s podcast, The Long-Term Investor! In this focused conversation, AJ shares insights on critical year-end tax planning, developing multiyear strategies for stock options and RSUs, managing risk, preserving gains, and simplifying selling strategies. For the video recording, check out the Long Term Investor podcast on YouTube. Key Moments: (00:37) - Year-End Tax Planning for Equity Comp (03:54)...
May 02, 2025•38 min
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane talk non-qualified stock options (NSOs), explaining the common mistakes people make, tax implications, and strategic approaches to maximize your equity compensation. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro and a few laughs (03:45) - The biggest mistake with NQSOs (06:45) - How taxation works upon exercise (10:15) - NQSOs and Alternative Minimum Tax (15:45) - Multiple grant strategies: the Goldilocks approach (19:45) - When to exercise and hold vs. wai...
Apr 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 144
Happy 7th Anniversary to Brooklyn Fi! 🎉 In this special episode of The Liquidity Event, Shane Mason & AJ Ayers reflect on the seven biggest lessons they've learned running a financial planning firm for seven years (though they might have come up with more than seven!). From the surprising rewards (and demands) of entrepreneurship to navigating hiring challenges, managing relationships, and the power of 'disagree and commit,' they share candid insights for anyone running or thinking about st...
Apr 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 143
Market shocks, crypto moves, windfalls, and punk rock? Shane Mason & AJ Ayers unpack the latest financial news and listener questions in this episode of The Liquidity Event. 🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode was recorded on April 8th, 2025, before the April 9th pause on most newly proposed U.S. tariffs (excluding China). While our specific tariff critique reflects the situation known at that moment, the policy landscape remains dynamic and could change again. Therefore, our discussion on the h...
Apr 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 142
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane dive into tech drama, AI disruption, and financial advice with a little spice. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro & Japan Travel Reflections (03:00) - Corporate Espionage: Rippling vs Deel (13:06) - Student Uses AI to Beat Amazon Interview (18:00) - Hinge Health: Revolutionizing Physical Therapy? (23:24) - Listener Question: Best Retirement Account for Musicians (28:00) - Reddit Question: 26-Year-Old Making $400K From Business Like us? Have f...
Apr 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 141
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, BKFi’s AJ Ayers and Eduard Zolotarev tackle market volatility head-on, explore the recent Taco Bell product launch event, and share honest thoughts on Dave Ramsey's controversial rental property comments. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro & Episode Overview (00:34) - Meet Ed & An All Important Update on Taco Bell (03:33) - Market Volatility & Recent Corrections (We aren’t scared) (08:49) - Long-Term Market Performance Charts (13:05) - Why Timing ...
Mar 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 140
In this special episode of The Liquidity Event, BKFi leaders John and AJ interview tax attorney Christopher Karachale about Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) - a powerful tax benefit allowing founders to exclude up to $10 million (or more) from capital gains taxes when selling shares. Key Timestamps: 1:50 - What is QSBS? The $10 million exclusion explained 3:16 - History of QSBS: From 1992 to today's 100% exclusion 8:15 - Qualification requirements: Company & shareholder criteria 11:13 -...
Mar 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 139
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane analyze CoreWeave's transformative journey from crypto trading platform to AI infrastructure powerhouse & share highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) tips, plus unfiltered advice on what it really takes to start a business (from two people who actually did it). Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Market Updates 2:51 - The IPO Market Landscape 2020-2025 8:49 - What Does CoreWeave Actually Do? 10:37 - CoreWeave's Explosive Revenue ...
Mar 07, 2025•45 min•Ep. 138
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with AJ and Shane, we explore how demographics shape friendship networks, examine Elon Musk's exaggerated claims about DOGE savings, and answer a retirement planning question from a business owner. Key Timestamps: 0:34 - Introduction and episode topics 1:55 - Mexico City update and lifestyle chat 3:17 - Billionaire Brian Johnson's extreme anti-aging efforts 6:18 - AJ's Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation 9:04 - Hedonic vs...
Feb 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 137
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we unpack everything you need to know about Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) - from basic tax implications to advanced strategies for maximizing your equity compensation. Key Timestamps: 0:28 - Introduction to Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) 10:26 - Why ISOs get special tax treatment 13:29 - Exercising ISOs: Common pitfalls and best practices 15:45 - Case Study: Recovering $50k in lost tax credits 23:52 - The 5% rule: Wh...
Feb 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 136
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we discuss Spotify's soaring stock price, the reality of New York real estate's "open secret," and why successful entrepreneurs struggle to relax even after achieving their goals. Key Timestamps: 0:01 - Intro and Valentine's Day musings 6:48 - Spotify's journey from IPO to $620/share 8:44 - Evolution of Spotify's equity compensation 11:21 - The Great Wealth Transfer and NYC real estate secrets 15:52 - Millennial housi...
Feb 14, 2025•34 min•Ep. 135
In this week's episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we tackle Trump's tariffs, humanoid robots in manufacturing, and baby boomer women deciding the fate of trillions of dollars. Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro and updates 4:44 - Baby boomer women & the $82T great wealth transfer 10:29 - Humanoid robots: Manufacturing's future 16:06 - Breaking down Trump's trade war with Mexico & China 22:59 - The impact on domestic manufacturing 27:19 - Reddit Q&A: Real...
Feb 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 134
Join AJ Ayers, CFP®, EA, CEP, and John Owens, CFP®, EA, ECA, CPWA® as they dive into the biggest financial headlines of early 2025, from AI market shakeups to real estate trends and credit score strategies. Plus, they tackle a listener question about luxury car decisions when you've "made it." Key Moments: 0:36 - Welcome & 2025 check-in 5:42 - Deep Seek's AI breakthrough and market impact 12:01 - Making sense of market headlines and volatility 15:06 - Credit score gaming: privilege and probl...
Jan 31, 2025•28 min•Ep. 133
In this episode of the Liquidity Event: Money and Finance with Shane and Ally Jane, we cover everything you need to know about RSUs, from basic tax implications to advanced strategies for managing your equity compensation. Key Timestamps: 0:28 - Introduction to RSUs & today's topics 6:38 - What makes RSUs unique among equity compensation 9:20 - How RSUs vest & the one-year cliff explained 12:33 - Tax implications: The crucial moment of vesting 22:08 - Understanding RSU withholding challe...
Jan 24, 2025•34 min•Ep. 132
In this episode, AJ & Shane discuss Alaska Airlines' ambitious challenge to Delta, financial frauds in the FinTech space, and tackle a trending Reddit question about timing your exit. KEY MOMENTS: [2:25] - AJ's Punishment Travel Story: Getting stranded in a Mississippi blizzard [7:20] - Alaska Airlines vs Delta: Breaking down their new international routes, premium offerings, and what it means for the airline industry's recovery [11:28] - Financial Fraud: How a Fidelity employee stole $750k ...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 131
Happy 2025! Ally Jane and Shane kick off the year with a deep dive into which major private companies might finally go public. From SpaceX to Canva, we break down who's ready to make the leap (and who's still playing the IPO waiting game). Plus, an honest discussion about reaching financial independence and whether FIRE is all it's cracked up to be. Society isn’t built for early retirement. What happens if you’re rich and have lots of free time with no one to share it with? Key Moments: 0:00 Wel...
Jan 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 130
In this final episode of 2024, hosts AJ and John explore the complexities of handling sudden unexpected windfalls, major financial decisions like purchasing a home (or vacation home), and some last-minute year-end planning tips. Key Moments & Topics: 0:00 Show introduction and 2024 wrap-up The psychology of sudden wealth and how to avoid common pitfalls 4:35 Handling unexpected windfalls Smart strategies for managing capital injections without lifestyle inflation 9:15 Home purchasing strateg...
Dec 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 129
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Shane discuss year-end business planning and tax optimization strategies. They break down: Essential business credit card decisions for startups and growing companies Year-end tax planning moves business owners should consider now Key business deductions you might be missing, from travel to home offices Special considerations for remote businesses and multi-state operations Strategic 401(k) planning for business owners and the complexities to ...
Dec 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 128
