Mortgage rates just hit their lowest point in over three years—but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to refinance or jump into a home purchase

In this week's episode of Financial Fortitude, Michael and Brady invite two mortgage specialists, Keena Gehringer and Brittney Morrison to break down how to choose the right mortgage in today’s market;  when refinancing actually makes sense, and why waiting for “perfect” rates can cost more in the long run.

You’ll learn how to think beyond interest rates, avoid common first-time buyer mistakes, and align your mortgage with your broader financial goals. 

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, or managing investment properties, this conversation delivers practical clarity you can act on with confidence.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Mortgage market reality check
(03:00) - Understanding homebuyer goals
(06:00) - First-time buyer fundamentals
(09:00) - Understanding today’s interest rates
(12:00) - Waiting versus buying
(15:00) - Mortgage options beyond 30-year
(18:00) - Adjustable-rate mortgage explained
(21:00) - Down payment myths clarified
(24:00) - Refinancing purpose and timing
(27:00) - Using home equity wisely
(30:00) - Investment property loan strategies
(33:00) - When refinancing actually makes sense
(36:00) - Pre-approval versus pre-qualification
(39:00) - Managing your mortgage long-term
(42:00) - Aligning mortgages with life goals

Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach,  Hiring a Financial Advisor, Financial Guidance for High Earners, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show,  ChooseFI, Afford Anything

Mentions: 

Website: https://grandlinelending.com/
Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/
Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/
Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/
Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco

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Guest speakers and the firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by Securities Guardian or Genesis. Wealth Planning, LC and opinion stated are their own. Guardian subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation.

All investments in investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. All scenarios. Names mentioned here are purely fictional and have been created solely for educational purposes. Any resemblance to existing situations, person or fictional characters is coincidental. The information presented should not be used as the basis for any specific investment advice.

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Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle are Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Michael Acosta'sCA Insurance License # 0M50974. Brady Hemmerle’s CA Insurance License # 4353077.  7237198.27 Exp 2/28