Can I Retire Now?

Money may fund your dreams, but your body is what allows you to chase them. What if feeling tired, stressed, or “off” wasn’t just aging but something fixable? In this episode, Nick Russell interviews Dr. Ara Suppiah, Founder of The Functional Sports Medicine Institute, about the essential connection between health and financial well-being.  They discuss how traditional healthcare often overlooks r...

Selecting a financial advisor can shape your financial future, so asking the right questions is vital. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner discuss key considerations when choosing a financial advisor, emphasizing the importance of understanding fiduciary responsibilities, communication styles, and compensation models.  They highlight how advisors’ approaches can significantly impact yo...

Annuities can be a confusing financial topic, often met with strong opinions and misconceptions. What are they, how do they work, and who should consider them? Are they really as complicated as they seem? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle the fundamentals of annuities, explaining the four main types and how they function. They break down the potential benefits and drawbacks, p...

Financial decisions can be daunting, especially when they involve understanding complex options like in-service distributions. How can you make sure your retirement planning stays on track? What steps should you take to optimize your savings without falling into common pitfalls? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore the concept of in-service distributions, demystifying its nuance...

Retirement planning doesn’t have to be daunting, even if you feel like time has slipped away. With a little strategic action, you can still make significant progress toward financial stability. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle practical ways to increase retirement savings, even if you’ve started late. They explore little-known opportunities to contribute retroactively to your...

Managing finances for retirement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Learn straightforward strategies that can help simplify your financial planning! In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share three practical "cheat codes" for managing retirement investments, from understanding how money grows over time to determining safe withdrawal rates.  With humor and clarity, they break d...

Holidays bring joy but often come with hidden financial pressures.  Balancing festive cheer and budgeting is crucial for long-term financial health. How can you celebrate the season without overspending?  This week, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner delve into practical tips for managing holiday budgets, fostering meaningful connections, and avoiding post-season debt. Discover strategies to prioritiz...

Ever wondered how you could save money on taxes by losing money?  What if those past financial losses could actually be a blessing in disguise? In this episode of Can I Retire Now? Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner take you through the ins and outs of tax loss harvesting. Join them as they discuss how this financial strategy might turn your investment losses into tax savings, all without corporate li...

Should you invest in renovating or find a new home altogether? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share their recent whirlwind experience of deciding between renovating and moving.  Recently caught off-guard by a sudden home move, they discuss the factors that led to their decision shift, offering insights into navigating big life changes with clear financial thinking.  Will their sto...

What role does the election cycle play in your financial future? Should political shifts influence your retirement planning? In this episode of Can I Retire Now?, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the effects of presidential elections on the stock market and retirement savings.  They share unbiased insights on the historical performance of the market under different political regimes, reve...

Are you nearing retirement and wondering if you should pay off your mortgage first? Is downsizing or relocating a good idea upon retirement? Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner discuss the mortgage question in retirement. They explore whether it's a good idea to pay off a mortgage before retirement and the factors to consider when making this decision. They also discuss downsizing and relocating i...

Saving for your kid’s college doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own financial security. Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore the ins and outs of 529 plans, the versatile college savings vehicles that can do so much more than just cover tuition fees. From understanding the tax advantages to exploring the flexibility and contributions limits, Nick and Becky break down everything you need to kn...

Ever wonder who controls the rise and fall of interest rates and how it impacts your financial life?  Join Nick and Becky as they delve into the role of the Federal Reserve and explain what happens when interest rates go up or down. Discover how these changes can affect everything from your mortgage to your retirement portfolio. Gain insightful tips on how to navigate the shifting landscape of int...

Have you ever wondered how you'll introduce yourself once you retire?  Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore the often-overlooked challenge of identity after leaving the workforce. Tune in to hear Becky’s personal experiences and get tips on how to craft a new, meaningful self-description that doesn’t rely on your job title.  Nick and Becky discuss:  The importance of redefining personal ide...

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to retirement is finding something to replace the time you would be spending working.  The question "What are you going to do with all that free time once you retire?" seems to always creep up.  We aim to answer this question and more! Join in the conversation as Nick and Becky guide you through discovering multiple hobbies that can bring joy, fu...

Think you can just 'set it and forget it' with your retirement plans? Think again!  Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner dive into the key factors that impact your investment returns, using relatable and amusing analogies to demystify financial concepts. They discuss how to manage investment risk, the difference between asset allocation and diversification, and why regular reviews are essentia...

Are your savings smartly diversified to beat the tax man in retirement? Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner delve into the intricacies of taxes and retirement savings, breaking down the 'tax triangle' to shed light on how different tax treatments affect your investments. Their easy-to-understand explanations aim to make a complex topic more approachable, ensuring you're better prepared f...

Did you know that over 60% of people don't understand the differences between various retirement accounts? Are you ready to decipher the mysteries of retirement accounts and take control of your financial future? Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner dive deep into the essential topic of financial literacy in retirement planning. Get ready to untangle the complexities of products like 401(k)s, IRAs,...

How much are you spending on eating out and “treats”? If you add up the miscellaneous costs, would it equal less than your monthly pay? Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore the art of tracking your spending habits. They reveal how this simple act can uncover surprising truths about your financial health and pave the way for a firmer grip on your future finances.  Nick and Becky discuss:  The dif...

Are you feeling lost in the maze of your finances and dreaming about retirement? Imagine how changing one small habit could transform your financial future. Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner dive deep to unravel the secrets of mindful spending and its pivotal role in shaping your retirement dreams. Whether it's about setting a budget or the nuances of tracking daily expenditures, this conversati...

Have you ever wondered if retirement is just a dream or a feasible reality? What’s holding you back from starting your retirement planning journey? Join Nick Russell and his wife Becky Wagoner in the first episode of "Can I Retire Now?" as they explore various questions related to retirement planning. Listen in as they discuss their backgrounds, the motivation behind the podcast, and why...