Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)
Money Wisdom
It sounds unbelievable, but millions of Americans have lost track of old retirement accounts, and the total adds up to over a trillion dollars. If you’ve changed jobs over the years, there’s a real chance money could still be sitting with a former employer. In this episode, Nick walks through how to recover these lost accounts, because nothing feels better than “found money” especially when it’s your retirement. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📍 Where to Look – Employers, providers, state databases 🪜 Step-by-Step Search – Practical recovery checklist 📊...
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Why Women Investors Outperform Men
Money Wisdom
To celebrate Women’s Day, Nick is joined by his colleague and financial advisor Jen Killilea to explore why women investors often outperform men, drawing on insights from a major Fidelity study. They highlight the behavioral advantages many women bring to investing and why those traits can lead to stronger long-term results. You’ll also hear about the unique financial challenges women face, from longer life expectancy and wage gaps to caregiving interruptions and healthcare and long-term care costs. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Investing Psychology: Behavior drives...
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How Can I Increase My Social Security Benefit?
Money Wisdom
Social Security might be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s rarely as simple as “take it early” or “wait until 70.” Nick is joined by Eric Hogarth, CFPⓇ and senior partner at Johnson Brunetti, to walk through how filing decisions affect income, taxes, and long-term retirement confidence. With hundreds of potential filing combinations and real consequences for spouses and families, this is not a decision to guess on. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💍 Spousal Benefits: Half of primary benefit 🛡 Survivor Rules: Larger benefit...
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What is the Rule of 55?
Money Wisdom
If you’re thinking about retiring before 59½, you’ve probably assumed your 401(k) is locked up. Not always. Nick unpacks the Rule of 55, a lesser-known provision that can allow penalty-free withdrawals from certain employer retirement plans starting at age 55. But like most tax rules, the opportunity comes with caveats. Used correctly, the Rule of 55 can create flexibility. Used carelessly, it can limit your options. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📘 Rule of 55: Penalty-free access explained 👥 Who Benefits: Early retirees with 401(k)s ⚠️ Limitations: Plan rules...
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5 Money Habits to Break
Money Wisdom
New year. New goals. Same money habits? In this episode, Nick is joined by special guest Eric Hogarth, senior partner and CFP®, to talk about five financial habits that can quietly derail retirement, especially during the transition from saving to spending. The strategies that helped you build wealth during your working years don’t always serve you the same way once the paychecks stop. Suddenly, risk looks different and taxes hit differently. Retirement isn’t just about having enough, it’s about making smart adjustments once you get there. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ...
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How to Train Your Finances Like an Olympic Athlete
Money Wisdom
Olympic athletes don’t rely on talent alone. They prepare, adjust, and stay disciplined long before the moment arrives. In this episode, Nick and Jake use the Olympics as a lens to talk about what real retirement preparation looks like. The conversation centers on setting clear targets, staying consistent, and managing emotions when conditions change. It’s a practical reminder that confidence in retirement is built long before the finish line. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Clear Goals: Making plans measurable and realistic 🔄 Plan Adjustments: Reviewing and refining...
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What's Your Retirement Relationship Status?
Money Wisdom
Love is in the air, and so is smart retirement planning. In this Valentine’s Day edition, Nick and Jake show you how to move from a “day‑to‑day fling” with your finances to a long‑term, committed retirement plan by really knowing your numbers and your income needs. They break down how to balance safety, income, and growth so you can enjoy life now while still being prepared for curveballs like healthcare costs, inflation, and taxes. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Financial Clarity: Knowing your numbers builds confidence ⚖️ Income Balance: Coordinating...
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What 59% of Retirees Wish They’d Known About Taxes
Money Wisdom
Unlock the secrets most retirees wish they’d known about taxes before leaving the workforce. This episode cuts through the confusion and dives into smart, proactive tax planning for your retirement years. Join Jake and Nick for essential strategies and eye-opening insights that could safeguard your nest egg. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Survey Insights – Why retirees underestimated tax impact 💰 Social Security Taxes – Were benefits taxed more than expected? ⏰ RMDs – Required withdrawals may be triggering higher taxes 🏥 Medicare Premiums – Income...
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Can I Trust AI for Financial Advice?
Money Wisdom
AI can answer questions instantly, but should it be trusted with your financial future? Dive into today’s episode as Jake and Nick tackle whether AI can truly replace human financial advisors. You’ll hear the real risks, and hidden potential when using AI for money decisions. Tune in and learn what to ask before trusting your finances to technology! Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🤖 AI in Financial Advice: What artificial intelligence can (and can’t) do 🧠 The Human Element: Why context and experience still matter in planning 🧰 Using AI the Right Way: How to treat...
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What’s Changed About Retirement in the Last 10 Years
Money Wisdom
How has retirement changed over the last decade, and why does it matter now? If you’re planning for retirement the same way people did ten years ago, you may be relying on assumptions that no longer apply. In this episode, Nick and Jake discuss how retirement planning has fundamentally shifted over the past decade and what those changes could mean for your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: ⏳ Delayed Retirement: Why more people are working longer by choice…or necessity 🏥 Healthcare Reality: Medical costs reshaping retirement timelines 🏃♂️...
info_outlineAs the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to double-check your tax strategy and make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term savings, not just short-term deductions. Today, Nick and Jake break down five smart tax moves worth considering before December 31st. A few intentional decisions now can save you money this year and put you in a better position for the years ahead.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
📈 Maximize retirement contributions: use the remaining weeks to hit 401(k) and IRA limits
💵 RMD Planning: avoid penalties and plan ahead for future RMD years
🎗️ Charitable giving strategies: QCDs, appreciated stock, and tax-efficient donations
🧾 Tax opportunities: pairing gains and losses to reduce what you owe
⏳ Roth conversion timing: why December 31 matters and when conversions make sense
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