Could you be paying taxes in retirement that you didn't actually have to pay? Many retirees spend years focusing on saving money, only to discover that how they withdraw it can be just as important. Understanding the difference between taxable income and cash available to spend can open planning opportunities that many people never realize exist. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explain how the 0% long-term capital gains tax rate can create opportunities for recently retired co...
Jul 15
32 min
Retirement gets a lot more real when the calendar starts counting down. Questions around healthcare, taxes, income, routines, and timing can suddenly feel overwhelming. What happens if you miss Medicare deadlines? How do you avoid tax surprises? And what does life actually look like once the work routine disappears? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner walk through a retirement readiness checklist covering the final 12 months before retirement. They discuss Social Security timing, ...
Jun 24
34 min
Summer travel is exciting…until the costs start piling up before you’ve even packed a bag. Between rising prices, group trips, and social pressure to “upgrade” every experience, it’s easy for vacation budgets to spiral. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner discuss how rising travel costs are changing how Americans vacation this summer. They cover why fewer people are traveling, how group trips can quietly wreck budgets, and why planning conversations matter before booking any...
Jun 12
29 min
Uncertainty in the market can make even the most experienced investors question their decisions. How should you respond when headlines, politics, and volatility start influencing your financial choices? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down how midterm election years have historically impacted the market and what investors can expect during these periods. They explain why volatility tends to rise leading into elections and how markets often recover afterward. Nick a...
Apr 29
28 min
Most people avoid thinking about future care needs until it suddenly becomes real. What happens when everyday tasks become difficult, and how does that impact your finances and family? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down what long-term care really means and why it is a key part of retirement planning. They explain how care is tied to basic daily activities, who is most likely to need it, and the surprising reality that many claims happen before age 65. The conversation ...
Apr 8
36 min
Many people think saving for retirement is the same thing as financial planning. But are they really the same? And could focusing on one while ignoring the other leave major gaps in your financial future? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the difference between retirement planning and financial planning and why the distinction matters more than most people realize. They explore how many advisors focus mainly on investments while overlooking taxes, insurance, debt, and...
Mar 25
27 min
Buying a car can feel exciting, but the payment can quietly shape your financial future. Are you thinking about what that monthly number means for your long-term plans? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share the real numbers behind their recent $40,000 car purchase. They break down when financing at 1.9% made more sense than paying cash, how a $3,000 Costco discount changed the deal, and why your car payment should never exceed what you save for retirement. They also expl...
Mar 13
29 min
What happens if your paycheck suddenly stops, not because you lost your job, but because you can't work? Most people never consider this possibility until it's too late. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning: disability insurance. They explain what disability insurance actually is, who needs it, and why protecting your income is just as important as protecting your life. Nick shares his personal experience f...
Feb 18
28 min
Are you making the most of your retirement savings? Many people contribute to their 401(k) without understanding how to truly maximize its potential. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the essentials of 401(k) optimization. They explore common mistakes people make with their retirement accounts, explain employer matching strategies, and reveal how proper investment allocation can impact long-term wealth. Nick also introduces a powerful tool that helps anyone opti...
Feb 5
40 min
Should couples keep their finances separate or merge everything together? What happens when money meets commitment? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle the often uncomfortable topic of combining finances in relationships. They discuss why couples who merge their accounts tend to be happier and more financially successful, share practical steps for combining bank accounts and assets, and explore when it makes sense to keep certain accounts separate. Nick and Becky also...
Jan 21
37 min
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