Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Bam Olayisade

07/09/2026

One thing I've noticed in conversations about personal finance is that many focus on investing before they've built a meaningful cash reserve.

I think about money in three buckets:

1️⃣ Day-to-day cash for bills and spending
2️⃣ Emergency cash for unexpected expenses or income disruptions
3️⃣ Investments for long-term growth

1 and 3 are widely accepted but emergency funds are less common.

The role of an emergency fund isn't to increase returns. It's to provide access to funds when markets are down or when you can't wait for an investment to sell.

The right amount will vary based on job stability, income sources and family responsibilities, but 3-6 months of expenses is often a useful starting point.

This provides a buffer from unpredictable expenses e.g. medical bills, car repairs, family support.

It can also reduce your dependence on short term financing e.g. credit cards, overdraft.

What's your approach to financial emergencies?

Do you keep 3-6 months of expenses in cash, prefer a smaller emergency fund, or rely on other sources?

P.S. Picture of the day is a Weeping Redbud.

04/09/2026

We are so excited to be the Official Wealth Management Partner of Oregon Athletics. Edward Jones knows every win starts with a smart game plan. Our hometown team is here to help you build yours. We're proud to be invested in your traditions and helping you plan for what's next. Reach out to get started today.

03/09/2026

Market volatility doesn’t just impact investments — it can shape careers and income too.

As job competition increases, building in-demand skills like analytical thinking, adaptability and communication can play a key role in supporting long-term earning potential. Stronger income can mean more opportunities to save, invest and stay on track toward your goals.

If you’re thinking about your financial future, your career strategy matters more than ever.

Discover five essential skills, from AI literacy to emotional intelligence, that can help you stand out in today's job market and boost your earning power.www.edwardjones.com/us-en

02/09/2026

As our children head back to school, I'm reminded of Proverbs 22:6:

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Education extends beyond the classroom.

Whether it's teaching them to save, give or budget, the lessons we teach today can impact generations.

What is one money lesson you hope your children carry with them for life?

Today's picture is a beautiful zinnia flower.

01/09/2026

As we head towards the back half of 2026, it’s a good time to step back and remember three important ground rules for long-term investors. Principal, Head of Investment Strategy Mona Mahajan discusses strategies and best practices for investing during uncertainty.

Watch the full episode: https://bit.ly/4qLTj5P

31/08/2026

I recently spoke with a retired registered representative who manages his own investment portfolio.

Given his years of experience in the industry, I was curious what opportunity he was most excited about today.

He immediately mentioned a popular technology stock.

Then he mentioned he was also adding money to bonds.

That combination stuck with me.

Confidence in an investment opportunity doesn't eliminate the need for diversification.

In fact, some of the most experienced investors understand that both can coexist.

28/08/2026

A 22-year-old just started a new job.

His mother's biggest concern wasn't what he would earn. It was whether he would develop good financial habits early.

We set up automatic investing from every paycheck.

One of the best financial decisions you can make is to remove yourself from the process.

Don't rely on motivation. Don't rely on memory.

Automate your savings and investing whenever possible.

Building the habit is just as important as building the balance.

P.S. Photo is the fruit of the Kousa Dogwood.

27/08/2026

A 48-year-old nurse spoke with me recently to discuss retirement planning.

She earns six figures and works in a state with income tax.

Her question was straightforward:

"Should I contribute to my retirement plan pre-tax or Roth?"

We spent time discussing how each option affects taxes and how the right choice often depends on your personal situation.

But that wasn't what surprised me most.

What surprised me was learning she wasn't contributing enough to receive her full employer match.

Think about that.

We were discussing tax optimization while she was potentially leaving employer dollars on the table.

It's a reminder that many people focus on advanced strategies before maximizing foundational opportunities.

Before debating:

• Pre-tax vs. Roth

• Investment allocations

• Market outlook

Ask yourself one question:

Am I receiving my full employer match?

That's often one of the highest-impact retirement planning decisions available.

The basics aren't always exciting.

But they're usually where the biggest opportunities live.

Moments like this remind me that access to financial education remains a bigger challenge than access to financial products.

Educational purposes only. Not tax or investment advice.

27/08/2026

You can offer your employees practical, judgment-free financial education — including interactive tools, on-demand content and live webinars — at no additional cost to eligible organizations.

Help employees with their personal finances

24/08/2026

Final Call Everyone!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all in my webinar tomorrow at 5 PM PST.

We're talking investing basics. There are no dumb questions.

Link to register:
https://bit.ly/4xSRhD4