You’ve probably seen the guy with the high energy and the sharp analytical mind sitting next to Brian Preston on YouTube. That’s Bo Hanson. He’s one half of the duo behind The Money Guy Show, and honestly, he’s a bit of a statistical anomaly in the world of financial influencers. While a lot of people on the internet just "talk" about money, Bo is actually out here managing over a billion dollars in assets.
He didn't just fall into this.
Bo Hanson started as a financial representative intern back in 2007 at Northwestern Mutual before he was even legally allowed to order a beer. That’s a wild thought, right? Most of us were just trying to pass college exams, and he was already looking at spreadsheets and insurance policies. He eventually joined forces with Brian Preston at Preston & Cleveland Wealth Management in 2008, and the rest is history.
The Credentials Behind the Bo Hanson Money Guy Persona
People often lump all "money gurus" into the same bucket, but Bo carries some serious weight in his signature. He’s a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner).
If you aren't familiar with the CFA, it’s basically the Everest of finance exams. It’s a three-level marathon that covers everything from derivative investments to ethical standards. It has a notoriously high fail rate. Having both the CFA and the CFP® means he’s not just a "personality"—he’s technically qualified to handle the most complex tax and investment structures you can throw at a person.
He’s currently a Partner, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), and the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at Abound Wealth Management in Franklin, Tennessee.
What exactly does a CIO do?
Essentially, Bo is the architect. While Brian is often the visionary and the face of the "Financial Order of Operations," Bo is the one deep in the weeds of asset management and investment policy. He’s the guy making sure the firm’s long-term strategic vision actually aligns with what the markets are doing.
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Basically, he’s the math engine.
The Real Story of How He Joined the Show
There’s a common misconception that Bo and Brian started the show together on day one. They didn't. Brian actually started The Money Guy Show as a solo podcast back in 2006—ancient times in the podcasting world.
Bo didn't make his first appearance until 2011.
The chemistry was so obvious that he became the permanent co-host shortly after. It’s that classic "Odd Couple" dynamic that works. Brian is the "Financial Mutant" who has been doing this since the Reagan era, and Bo brings that analytical, slightly younger perspective that connects with people in their 20s and 30s who are just starting their wealth-building journey.
- Hometown: Lives in Franklin, TN.
- Education: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!).
- Family: Married to Jenna; they have three kids: Barrett, Baylor, and Stone.
- Weird Fact: He reportedly sleeps with his eyes open. Yeah, his wife finds it pretty creepy.
Why the "Financial Order of Operations" Matters
If you’ve watched more than five minutes of Bo Hanson, you’ve heard about the Financial Order of Operations (FOO). It’s the backbone of their philosophy. Most people think investing is just about "buying stocks," but Bo argues it’s about the sequence of your dollars.
He’s very vocal about the "Boiling Point."
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That’s the stage in your 30s or 40s where your money starts doing more of the heavy lifting than your labor does. It’s a concept that hits home for a lot of people who feel like they are on a hamster wheel. According to Bo, hitting that point requires strict adherence to a plan that prioritizes high-interest debt and employer matches before you ever touch a Roth IRA or a brokerage account.
Is He Actually a Millionaire?
People always want to know the "net worth" of the people giving them advice. While Bo doesn't go around flashing a bank statement on screen, he’s been very transparent about his own journey. In a 2023 appearance on George Kamel’s YouTube channel (in a segment called Millionaires in Cars Getting Coffee), it was pretty much confirmed.
He’s a "Baby Step Millionaire" who practiced what he preached.
As a partner in a firm like Abound Wealth Management, which manages over $1 billion in assets (as of recent SEC filings), and having been a partial owner of their commercial real estate through Bribo, LLC, his financial stability is tied to the success of the advice he gives. He’s not getting rich off of "get rich quick" schemes or selling crypto courses. He’s getting rich because the firm he helps lead is growing.
What Most People Miss About Bo
A lot of viewers think Bo is just "the sidekick."
That’s a mistake.
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In the actual business of Abound Wealth, Bo is the one who leads the regulatory oversight. Being the Chief Compliance Officer is a high-stakes role. If the firm messes up on SEC regulations, it’s on him. This is why you’ll notice he’s often more cautious and "by the book" than other financial creators who can say whatever they want because they aren't registered advisors.
He’s actually tethered to the truth by law.
He also spends a lot of time with Preston Taylor Ministries in Nashville. It’s a part of his life that doesn't always make it into the "3 Quick Tips for Your 401k" videos, but it’s a big part of his "Why." He’s a big believer that wealth is just a tool to allow you to do the things that actually matter, like service and family.
Actionable Takeaways from Bo Hanson’s Philosophy
If you want to apply the "Bo Hanson" method to your life today, don't just watch the videos. Do these three things:
- Calculate Your Number: Bo is obsessed with the "wealth multiplier." Know exactly what every dollar you invest today will be worth when you’re 65. If you’re 25, that $1 might be worth $88. If you’re 35, it’s closer to $23. Use that math to stay motivated.
- Audit Your "FOO" Status: Are you investing in a brokerage account while you still have credit card debt? Bo would tell you you're doing it wrong. Stop. Go back to Step 1 of the Financial Order of Operations and work your way up.
- Find Your "Why": Wealth-building is boring and hard if you don't have a reason. Whether it's being a "billionaire of time" with your kids or retiring early to volunteer, define it now.
Bo Hanson isn't just a guy with a microphone. He’s a technical expert who happens to be good at explaining things. Whether you like his Georgia accent or his "Financial Mutant" energy, it’s hard to argue with the credentials and the results he’s helped thousands of people achieve.