Retire Smart Austin - Empower Wealth & Tax

When most investors hear the term "ROI," they think of return on investment . But in retirement, Phil Capriotti Sr. challenges that definition — introducing a more practical and often overlooked concept: reliability of income , and more importantly, tax-efficient income . In this episode of Retire Smart Austin Radio , Phil and host Spike Spengel break down how a strong portfolio on paper doesn't a...

Estate planning is often associated with ultra-wealthy families and large estates, but in reality many retirees with moderate or "middle-wealth" portfolios may face complex planning decisions of their own. In this episode of Retire Smart Austin Radio , Phil Capriotti Sr. discusses why estate planning is an important consideration for many retirees — not just those with multi-million-dollar estates...

The markets have climbed dramatically over the past several years, and many investors are now asking whether the Dow Jones Industrial Average could reach — or even exceed — the historic 50,000 mark. In this episode of Retire Smart Austin Radio , Phil Capriotti Sr. and host Spike Spengel explore the economic forces driving today's market momentum and what those developments may mean for retirement...

What should investors expect in the coming year — and how can retirees prepare without relying on market predictions? In this episode, Phil Capriotti Sr. shares his perspective on the financial outlook for 2026, emphasizing strategic preparation over speculation. Phil and Spike discuss key factors that may influence markets and retirement planning, including inflation trends, portfolio risk manage...

A new year presents an opportunity to reassess your financial strategy — and in this episode, Phil Capriotti Sr. breaks down what investors should review as they prepare for the next phase of retirement planning. From managing risk exposure to evaluating income strategies and tax positioning, Phil shares practical insights into building a plan designed to remain flexible as markets and personal ci...

As one year closes and another begins, many retirees and pre-retirees find themselves wondering how economic cycles, tax changes, and political environments may impact their long-term financial plans. In this episode of Retire Smart Austin Radio, Phil Capriotti Sr. and host Spike Spengel take a forward-looking approach to retirement planning — focusing on how shifting market conditions and electio...

Join Phil Capriotti Sr. and host Spike Spengel in this episode of the Retire Smart Austin Radio Hour, where they dive deep into tax-smart retirement strategies for today's dynamic markets. Learn why Roth conversions can be a game-changer for your financial future, how to leverage tax-loss harvesting, and the benefits of working with experienced advisors amid economic uncertainty. Phil shares perso...

Join Phil Capriotti Sr., senior financial retirement strategist and founder of Empower Wealth, along with Certified Financial Planner Henry Landy, for an insightful episode of the Retire Smart Austin Radio Hour. This week, the team tackles the complexities of financial planning, with a focus on customized solutions for every stage of life and wealth bracket. Discover the difference between working...

Phil Capriotti Sr. takes listeners through the newest round of tax legislation — dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" — and explains how its provisions could reshape retirement and household finances. He outlines key updates such as the permanent extension of individual tax-rate reductions, temporary elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and expanded child credits. Phil details how tariff revenues...

Phil Capriotti Sr. steps into "Economics 101" mode to break down a complex topic — tariffs — and why they're making headlines again. With Spike Spengel guiding the conversation, Phil traces the history of tariffs in the U.S. economy, explaining that before the IRS was created in 1913, tariffs were the nation's primary source of revenue. He revives the Lerner Symmetry Theorem from his college days...

In this episode, Phil Capriotti Sr. and Spike Spengel dive into one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning — the mistakes investors make with their IRAs and other tax-deferred accounts. Phil explains why where and how you open your IRA matters, how to properly execute rollovers, and why "insurance-only" advisors may unintentionally lock clients into the wrong products. He outlines the...