A Wiser Retirement®

When people hear the phrase “generational wealth,” they often picture trust funds, family empires, and names like Rockefeller or Kennedy. Real generational wealth is not just about leaving behind a large account balance. It is about passing down values, habits, opportunities, work ethic, and a clear understanding of how money can support a meaningful life. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Po...

Most people track their spending, monitor their investments, and think carefully about where their money goes. But how often do they apply the same level of attention to their time? In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith sits down with time management expert Megan Sumrell, Founder and CEO of The Pink Bee , to discuss why so many people feel overwhelmed and what they can do to...

For an estate plan to work in real life, your legal documents, account titles, beneficiary designations, tax strategy, and broader financial plan all need to align. That is why coordination between your estate planning attorney, CPA, and financial advisor matters. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Senior Financial Advisor Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA® sits down with Estate...

You weren't worried about your portfolio at breakfast. Then you check your phone and see recession warnings, tariff headlines, Federal Reserve predictions, and market experts declaring that "this time is different." In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss why reacting to headlines can lead investors away from their long-term financial goals. Drawing on decades of...

Crypto is often associated with speculation, volatility, and investors trying to pick the next big token. However, the digital asset space continues to evolve beyond that narrative. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith speaks with Robert Swarthout, owner and founder of Teton Crypto Capital , about how blockchain technology, digital assets, and crypto-related companies are b...

Earning a high income can create opportunities, but it does not automatically translate into long-term wealth. Many professionals, executives, and business owners fall into financial habits that quietly limit their ability to build lasting financial independence.  In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss five common investment pitfalls high earners should avoid and how intention...

Confidence is often viewed as a strength, especially when it comes to building a career, running a business, or making investment decisions. But when it comes to retirement planning and long-term wealth management, overconfidence can create blind spots that lead to costly financial mistakes. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore the mindset traps that often affect high earner...

Losing a loved one is emotional enough without having to navigate legal paperwork, financial accounts, and estate settlement decisions at the same time. Yet for many families, those responsibilities begin almost immediately after a death occurs, often without clear guidance or preparation. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast ,  Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA®, and Estate Planning...

Celebrating 25 years in business offers a rare perspective, one shaped by market booms, financial crises, industry shifts, and, most importantly, real client experiences. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , founder Casey Smith reflects on the journey from a startup firm to a comprehensive financial planning team, sharing the lessons learned and what the future holds. Related Podcast E...

About 70% of Americans feel confident about retiring, but most don’t actually have a plan. Confidence without clarity isn’t confidence at all, it’s hope. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down how to turn uncertainty into a structured, testable retirement plan, especially if you’re within five years of retiring. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 308. The Silent Tax: How Inf...

Passive income is one of the most talked-about wealth-building strategies today, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From rental properties to online side hustles, many income streams labeled “passive” actually require far more time, effort, and involvement than people expect. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast ,  we take a closer look at the reality behind passive income,...

Most people don’t actually have a financial plan, they have a scattered collection of accounts, insurance policies, and investments they’ve picked up over time. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down what financial planning actually looks like behind the scenes, and why so many people are missing it entirely. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 327. What Tax Planning Strategies S...

Owning property with others, whether it’s a spouse, sibling, friend, or business partner, can seem like a smart financial move. It can reduce costs, create investment opportunities, and simplify certain aspects of ownership. But without proper planning, it can also lead to serious financial and legal complications. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast ,  Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA,...

There is a moment many families are not prepared for: when the roles begin to shift. One day, your parents are helping you make big financial decisions, and the next, you are wondering whether they need help managing their own money. It is emotional, uncomfortable, and deeply personal, but it is also one of the most important conversations a family can have. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement®...

Annuities are often marketed as the safe, guaranteed, no-risk answer for retirement income. For many retirees, that promise can sound incredibly appealing, especially during volatile markets or uncertain economic times. But the reality is far more complicated. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we unpack the truth about annuities, why they are so commonly sold, and why many investors...

More than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits every month. For millions of retirees, disabled workers, and surviving family members, that monthly check is a crucial part of their financial stability. But what would actually happen if Social Security suddenly disappeared? In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down how Social Security works, why it matters so mu...

Housing affects nearly every part of life, whether you rent, own, invest, or you’re just trying to keep up with rising costs. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we sit down with Tom Townsend, REALTOR® of Tom Townsend Realty Group to break down the housing trends shaping 2026. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 267. The 2025 Housing Market: Trends, Changes, and What to Expect Ep 198. Real...

Crypto is becoming a bigger part of retirement conversations, but how does it actually fit into a coordinated tax and estate strategy? In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down how to thoughtfully integrate crypto into a diversified retirement plan without derailing your long-term goals. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 326. Why Crypto Still Confuses Investors Ep 306. Crypto in Y...

A lot of entrepreneurs start a business for the same reason: freedom. Freedom to set their schedule, choose their clients, and build something meaningful. But for many owners, the reality flips suddenly the business can’t function without them, and the very thing they built to create flexibility becomes the reason they feel trapped. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we sit down with...

In today’s world, much of our financial, personal, and sentimental lives live online. From bank accounts and crypto wallets to photos, emails, and social media profiles, your digital assets don’t disappear when you’re gone. If they’re not planned for, they can create confusion, stress, and even permanent loss for your loved ones. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast ,  Shawna Theriau...

Airline pilots love to debate (and sometimes complain about) unions, but do pilot unions actually make pilots “richer”? In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down what unions really change, what they don’t, and why the answer depends on how you define “richer.” Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 259. What Pilots (& Others) Should Consider 5 Years Before Mandatory Retirement Ep 2...

As a new tax year begins, it brings important updates that can significantly impact your retirement and tax strategy. On this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we break down what’s changing in 2026, what’s staying the same, and how to make smarter decisions early in the year, before opportunities slip away. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 86. Important things to Know About Taxes Ep 262. O...

Crypto continues to be one of the most misunderstood areas of investing. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we sit down with Robert Swarthout, Founder and CEO of Teton Crypto Capital , to unpack why crypto still feels confusing, what problems it’s actually trying to solve, and how regulation could shape its future. Related Podcast Episodes:  Ep 312. Is Crypto Right for You? Ep 306. C...

If someone called you today claiming your bank account was hacked, would you know exactly how to respond? In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we dive into the latest financial scams, how they work, and most importantly, how to protect yourself and your loved ones before real damage is done. Related Podcast Episodes:  95. ESG: Scam or Saving the World? Related Financial Education Video...

Families navigating a special needs diagnosis often find themselves overwhelmed, emotional, and unsure where to begin. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith sits down with Meaghan Timko, Founder of Parallel and COO of Gradual Behavioral Health , to unpack what thoughtful, proactive planning really looks like for families supporting children with special needs. Related Podcas...