A Wiser Retirement®

In this episode of  A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith, Andrew Pratt, CFA, CBDA, and Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA®, dive deep into the state of America’s national debt, what it is, how it got this large, and what it could mean for the country and for everyday investors. While it’s common to compare government debt to household finances, national debt is far more complex because the U.S...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore the financial and emotional realities of stepping away from the workforce to become a stay-at-home parent. Whether you're considering staying home temporarily or long-term, it's a decision that deserves careful financial planning. From budgeting for a single income and understanding the trade-offs in retirement savings, to e...

In this episode of  A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith sits down with Robert Swarthout, founder and CEO of Teton Crypto Capital , to unpack how recent legislation is reshaping the crypto landscape in the U.S. From tax changes to new opportunities for investors, here’s what you need to know. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 281: Crypto Update: Tariffs, Ripple’s Victory, and What’s Next for Inv...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Estate Planning Attorney Arun Gupta joins Senior Financial Advisor Shawna Theriault to discuss how taking the simplest step in estate planning, creating a will, can make a profound difference. While many assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy, a will helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reduces confusi...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we cover how principles from aviation, like threat and error management, proactive and reactive planning, and strong team communication, can be applied to personal financial planning. Casey Smith is joined by airline Captain Evan Bogan to explore how pilots handle unexpected challenges and how families can do the same with their finances. From b...

Whether you're planning to retire, sell your business, or pass it on to the next generation, having a clear succession plan is essential. Unfortunately, many business owners delay this process, putting the value of their life's work at risk. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we cover the key steps every business owner should take to successfully transition out of their...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore whether pursuing an MBA is truly worth the investment. We’re joined by Nancy Mercer , Assistant Dean and Director of MBA Marketing and Admissions, and Dr. Lauren Heller , Dean of the Campbell School of Business at Berry College, for an inside look at how MBA programs have evolved and what prospective students should consider. We highl...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore how financial planning is different for entrepreneurs. From managing fluctuating income and separating personal and business finances to building a strong emergency fund and maximizing retirement contributions, we cover the essentials of creating a stable financial foundation as a business owner. We also dive into choosing the right b...

Gold has long been considered a safe haven during times of uncertainty, often used to hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk. In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore how shifting economic conditions, the rise of lab-created gold, and growing interest in digital assets like Bitcoin are prompting investors to ask: Is gold still a good investment? Related Blog Post : -...

Pensions can provide a valuable source of retirement income , but deciding whether to stick with a job solely for the pension is more complex than it may seem. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we give a breakdown of the key benefits and trade-offs of relying on a pension, and how to assess whether it's the right move for your financial future. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 13...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial in determining eligibility for financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Whether or not your family qualifies for aid, understanding the FAFSA’s purpose and process is essential for anyone  navigating college costs . Related Podcast Episodes: -...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we talk about financial concepts that most people aren't taught in school but are essential for everyday life. From how taxes work to whether buying a home is always the better choice. We tackle common misconceptions that can lead to costly mistakes, and offer practical advice to help you make smarter financial decisions. Related Podcast Episod...

Join us for this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast as we dive into how to evaluate cryptocurrency as a potential investment and whether it deserves a place in your portfolio. We’ll also unpack the latest crypto news, from major acquisitions to pending legislation, and discuss how these developments could impact the future of digital assets. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 281: Crypto Update: T...

Emotional investing is one of the biggest barriers to long-term financial success. With constant news cycles and market noise, it’s easy to make decisions based on fear, recent events, or overconfidence. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we explore how the right framework, discipline, and guidance can help you stay focused and invest with confidence. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 2...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss how emotions like fear, greed, and regret can influence investment decisions and lead to costly mistakes. We explore common behavioral biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion, anchoring, and confirmation bias that often derail long-term financial plans. We emphasize the importance of staying disciplined, thinking long-term, and avoid...

Receiving a large money windfall from an inheritance, business sale, IPO, or legal settlement can be life-changing, but it can also lead to costly mistakes if not handled wisely. Here’s how to take a thoughtful, strategic approach to ensure your newfound wealth supports long-term financial well-being. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 227: I’ve inherited $200k, what should I do? - Ep 278: Avoid These...

Join us for this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast as we explore private credit, a unique investment option offering potentially higher yields by lending to non-public companies. While it can generate attractive returns, it comes with risks such as illiquidity, higher fees, and limited transparency, making it best suited for high-net-worth individuals with significant liquid assets. Tune in t...

Join us for this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast as we dive into the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency. From Bitcoin’s price swings to regulatory breakthroughs and Ripple’s legal victory, major developments are reshaping the market. Tune in to learn how these shifts could unlock both new opportunities and risks in today’s digital asset landscape. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 277: T...

Divorce can bring significant financial changes, but many overlook how Social Security benefits fit into their post-divorce financial strategy. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss several misconceptions about claiming these benefits. Understanding the rules can make a substantial difference in long-term financial stability.  Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 160: How Finances...

Planning for the future of a child with disabilities is a complex and emotional journey, but taking proactive steps can help ensure a stable and fulfilling transition into adulthood. Families often face significant challenges when essential services suddenly end, making it crucial to have a well-structured plan in place. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , Casey Smith and Meaghan Timk...

Receiving a large inheritance can be both a blessing and a challenge. While it offers the opportunity to improve your financial future, it also comes with important decisions that can impact your long-term stability. Without a clear plan, it's easy to make costly mistakes. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we discuss key considerations to help you make the most of your inherita...

Tariffs, fiscal policy, and market volatility have become growing concerns for many investors. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , we unpack what tariffs are, how they work, and how current market conditions may affect your investment portfolio. Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 263: Trump’s Economic Policies: Tax, Tariffs, and More - Ep 268: Top Financial Mistakes and How to Avoid Them...

Join us on this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , where we break down the essential steps to help you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement. From creating a realistic budget and eliminating debt to maximizing Social Security and Medicare benefits, we cover key financial strategies to set you up for success.  Related Podcast Episodes: - Ep 245: Strategies for Early Retirement and Lo...

Join us for this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast as we explore the U.S. government's growing Bitcoin holdings and the potential creation of an official Bitcoin reserve, a proposal now under legislative review. We also dive into the latest developments in crypto regulation, Sam Bankman-Fried’s unauthorized interview with Tucker Carlson, Binance’s legal challenges, and NASDAQ’s bold plan...

Join us on this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast , as Casey Smith and Paul Montaperto from Family2Family Relocation discuss tips for families looking to buy a home in a great school district. We explore how to evaluate school quality beyond online ratings, considering factors like administrative stability, private school options, and future zoning changes. Paul also gives practical tips to h...