Retirement Salsa: Spicing Up Your Financial Future

What should really happen in your first meeting with a financial advisor? In this episode, Mike DiSalvo pulls back the curtain on the initial consultation process, from the questions advisors ask to the conversations that matter most. He explains how these meetings are less about paperwork and more about understanding your goals, values, and concerns. The discussion also highlights what clients sh...

What happens to your retirement if Social Security isn’t what you expected it to be? In this episode, Mike DiSalvo breaks down the growing concerns around the Social Security trust fund and what potential changes could mean for future retirees. The conversation explores how to plan amid uncertainty, including when to claim benefits, how to stay flexible, and why stress-testing your financial...

Fraud doesn’t always look obvious—and even smart, cautious people can get caught off guard. In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , host and CFP® Mike DeSalvo tackles the growing problem of fraud and identity theft affecting retirees and pre‑retirees. He discusses how scams have evolved with AI, why urgency is a red flag, and the real‑world consequences of phone, email, a...

Did you know Oscar winners don’t fully “own” their trophies—and your retirement money may come with similar fine print? In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , host and CFP® Mike DeSalvo unpacks the rules quietly attached to common retirement assets. Using pop‑culture and real‑world examples, he explores required minimum distributions, the tax reality behind 4...

If your kids think money comes from a swipe, a tap, or a magic card, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo tackles the often-missing conversation of financial education at home. He discusses why money habits are formed early, how technology has changed kids’ understanding of value, and the everyday moments parents can use to teach earning, spe...

What if your “double‑stuffed” retirement turns out to be a little less full than you expected? Using the surprisingly imperfect Oreo as a metaphor, Mike DiSalvo explores the gap between retirement expectations and real‑world outcomes. This episode dives into where surprises often show up—Social Security timing and taxes, healthcare costs, inflation, and how much of your money is...

Annuities might be one of the most misunderstood words in retirement planning. In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo breaks down why annuities spark such strong reactions—and what they actually are beneath the stigma. The conversation explores the different types of annuities, common misconceptions, real-life mistakes, and the questions people should ask before consi...

Sunshine, palm trees, and lower taxes sound great—until the real bills arrive. In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo unpacks the often-overlooked costs of relocating in retirement, from insurance and housing to taxes, health, and lifestyle trade-offs. Using real-world examples, he explores why moving isn’t always an apples-to-apples decision and how emotional i...

Most couples avoid talking about money — yet those conversations may matter more than any investment choice. In this episode of The Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo explores four essential money discussions every couple should have as they approach retirement. From defining needs versus wants, to aligning risk tolerance, planning for “what‑if” scenarios, and keeping financ...

What if a simple decision made at birth could change a child’s financial future decades later? In this episode of The Retirement Salsa Podcast , host Mike DiSalvo breaks down the newly proposed Trump accounts for kids — what they are, who qualifies, and how they compare to tools like 529 plans. The conversation explores the power of time, intention, and early planning, along with real-...

Your money may feel safe – but it could be quietly working against you. In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo takes on “lazy money,” the cash sitting in low‑yield accounts that loses purchasing power to inflation. The conversation explores why holding extra cash can feel comforting, how market and interest‑rate shifts have changed the rules, and where ove...

Ever tried to save money and somehow ended up spending more? In this episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast , Mike DiSalvo breaks down the sneaky habit known as “spaving”—spending more in the name of saving—and how it quietly chips away at long‑term wealth. From free‑shipping traps to buy‑one‑get‑one deals we don’t really need, the conversation explores why these sma...

Nearly 70% of Americans set financial resolutions for the new year, but most give up before February. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Mike DiSalvo tackles why resolutions fail and how daily habits, smart planning, and accountability can make 2026 your most financially confident year yet. From new tax laws and market volatility to budgeting, inflation, and the role of technology in ret...

Americans spend nearly $950 billion during the holidays, but December isn’t just for decking the halls—it’s the perfect time to review your financial plan. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Mike DiSalvo breaks down year-end strategies: maximizing retirement accounts, understanding required minimum distributions, and making smart moves with Roth conversions and tax loss...

What if inheriting your family home feels more like a headache than a windfall? This episode explores the emotional and financial realities behind legacy housing as baby boomers retire in place, leaving aging homes to millennial heirs. Financial planner Mike DiSalvo unpacks myths about passing down real estate, the challenges of outdated properties, and why younger generations value memories over...

What do LeBron James and retirees have in common? Fear of the unknown. In this episode, Mike DiSalvo, certified financial planner, explores how fear shapes our decisions as we approach retirement. From the anxiety of changing routines to the emotional impact of leaving a lifelong career, Mike shares real stories and practical advice for reframing retirement fears. Discover why planning for non-fin...

When Hollywood couples split, the headlines rarely reveal the true financial fallout of becoming suddenly single. This episode of the Retirement Salsa Podcast explores the real-life challenges of navigating divorce or the unexpected loss of a spouse, from unraveling shared assets to reworking future plans. Host Mike DiSalvo shares stories, practical steps, and common mistakes to avoid, highlightin...

What does salsa have to do with retirement? More than you think! In this episode, Mike DiSalvo reveals how the art of making salsa—from planting seeds to sharing the final batch—mirrors the journey to financial freedom. Discover why retirement planning isn’t just about numbers, but about flavor, teamwork, and personal touch. Mike shares stories of family, gardening, and the impor...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market, but your own blind spots? In this episode of  Retirement Salsa , Mike DiSalvo breaks down the five most common mistakes people make when planning for retirement. From skipping the plan entirely to underestimating healthcare costs, Mike shares how small oversights can lead to big setbacks. Using relatable analogies…fr...

What do triathlons and retirement have in common? More than you think. In this kickoff episode of  Retirement Salsa , Mike DiSalvo unpacks how life’s unexpected turns—from sports injuries to surprise financial setbacks—shape the way we plan for the future. Mike shares how family, faith, and behavioral finance influence his approach, and why retirement isn’t a destinati...