๐๏ธ The Truth About “Social Pressure”
The Middle Class Podcast โข Episode 1
Welcome to the premiere episode of The Middle Class Podcast!
Hosted by Moshe Alpert (CLUยฎ, CFPยฎ, ChFCยฎ, RICPยฎ, AEPยฎ), CEO of Ceremian Financial, this show explores the real financial reality of the middle classโbalancing large households, community expectations, and long-term stability.
In this episode, Moshe sits down with Ari Boiangiu, a real middle class business owner and the founder of Blue Melody, a premier event band. Ari shares the honest truth about raising seven kids in Brooklyn while navigating the financial pressures of weddings, seminary, family life, and staying grounded. He brings a refreshing take on financial independenceโwhile still appreciating the safety net of family support when it’s needed.
๐ Follow Ari: @bluemelodygroup
๐ What We Discuss:
[00:01:24] Who is Ari Boiangiu? Balancing life as a father of seven, business owner, and community figure
[00:04:46] The Business of Trust โ How Ari built Blue Melody by prioritizing relationships over products
[00:08:40] Defining โEnoughโ โ Why success means covering your bills without debt (Parnassah Bโrevach)
[00:11:34] The Taboo of Family Help โ Accepting support with gratitude, not guilt
[00:21:12] Weddings & Social Pressure โ The danger of going into debt for simchas and the value of takana weddings
[00:26:12] The Seminary Debate โ Is the $35k+ price tag worth it? Pressure vs. personal values
[00:34:00] Financial Regrets โ Why Ari wishes he started planning in his 20s
[00:40:40] The $1,200 Pizza Hack โ How homemade dough saved thousands
๐ผ About the Host
Moshe Alpert is the CEO of Ceremian Financial, a firm dedicated to helping families simplify complex financial decisions.
โComprehensive financial planning can feel like a daunting task. At Ceremian Financial, my team aims to create a plan that is simplified and actionable.โ
๐ก Sponsored by Chai Lifeline
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๐ 646-981-6945
๐ Connect & Subscribe
Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?
๐ฉ Email: middleclassalpert@gmail.com
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