Can I Retire Now?

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 readines...

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 gro...

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 vola...

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 likel...

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 ex...

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...

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...

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 allocati...

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 ass...

Do your New Year's resolutions fade by mid-January? Are you ready to approach goal-setting in a way that actually works for you? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore practical strategies for setting and achieving goals throughout the year. From choosing the right time to set goals based on your personal rhythm to understanding why writing them down makes such a dramatic dif...

Health is the foundation that allows every financial plan to matter because if you can’t enjoy your wealth, what’s it really for? In this episode, Nick Russell welcomes back Dr. Ara Suppiah, Founder of The Functional Sports Medicine Institute, to separate myths from facts on nutrition, sleep, and movement.  They discuss how simple daily choices can extend both lifespan and relevance, not just year...

The end of the year brings more than just holidays.  It’s also a key moment to make tax-efficient moves that can shape your financial picture for the next year. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share a practical year-end checklist to help you stay proactive with your retirement accounts, avoid tax penalties, and make informed planning decisions before December 31.  From Roth convers...

The holidays bring joy, but they also bring financial pressure that can leave you dazed come January. What if you could enjoy the season without the post-holiday regret? What if your spending reflected what truly matters to you? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share strategies for managing holiday expenses while staying aligned with your values. From creating supportive budgets to...

Taxes don’t stop when you retire; they just get sneakier. From Social Security surprises to Medicare premium surcharges, retirees face more hidden taxes than they might expect. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner reveal how to spot and manage the “Big Four Hidden Taxes” that can quietly drain your retirement income. They break down these taxes, how they interact, and what proactive pla...

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about giving your loved ones clarity and control when it matters most. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explain why estate planning should start early, the essential documents everyone needs, and how to protect digital and financial assets for your family’s future.  They share personal stories, practical advice, and even a touching fa...

Running a business means wearing many hats, but retirement planning doesn’t have to get lost in the shuffle. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner unpack retirement savings strategies designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs. From SEP IRAs to solo 401(k)s, they explain how different plans work, who they’re best suited for, and why offering retirement options can help retain e...

Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down what retirement planning really looks like at each stage of life. From the first savings habits in your 30s, to protecting your income and family in your 40s, to running “stress tests” in your 50s to see if you are truly on track, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable stories.  Nick shares how even $300 a month in your 30s can grow i...

Nick and Becky open up about a deeply relevant topic: divorce and finances.  Drawing from both personal experience and professional perspective, they highlight the hidden financial pitfalls and overlooked steps that can make or break a secure future after separation. Listeners will learn: Why updating beneficiaries is one of the most urgent post-divorce tasks How Social Security benefits may still...

Marriage isn’t just about romance. It’s also one of the most impactful financial partnerships you can form. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner mix humor and practical advice as they explore the financial pros and cons of tying the knot.  From tax breaks to Social Security benefits, they cover how marriage can boost your finances and where it can cause headaches. The conversation also...

From geopolitical conflicts to viral financial trends, there’s no shortage of worries bombarding investors daily. But how much of it matters for your money? This week, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner answer the burning questions they keep hearing from clients, busting myths and calming nerves about global events, political chatter, and financial TikTok trends. Nick and Becky discuss: Whether global...

What do poker and smart investing have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore how strategies from the poker table can lead to smarter financial decisions. From managing emotions under pressure to calculating odds and pivoting in uncertain environments, they draw surprising parallels between poker psychology and sound financial planning. You’ll also...

Life insurance isn’t just about death, it’s about what happens to the people you care about most. How much coverage is enough? What kind of policy should you have? And why do most policies never pay out? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner uncover the purpose, types, and real value of life insurance. From ancient burial clubs to modern strategies, they share relatable stories, surprisi...

Social Security is one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning, but understanding it can make a big difference. What does it take to qualify for benefits? How does timing impact your payout? And what strategies can you use to maximize your benefits? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner discuss the essentials of Social Security, covering its role in retirement planning,...

Volatility gets a bad reputation, but is it really something to fear? Is the market truly unpredictable, or are we just reacting to the wrong signals? What if understanding volatility could help you make better, calmer financial decisions? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner talk about the misunderstood concept of market volatility, how it impacts emotional decision-making, and what hi...

Want to know the truth about nutrition and supplements? Are you confused by all the conflicting information out there? Find out as Nick Russell continues his conversation with Dr. Ara Suppiah, Founder of The Functional Sports Medicine Institute. They explore the facts and myths surrounding nutrition, multivitamins, and plant-based diets, and their impact on your energy. They discuss: The importanc...