Podcast
Can I Retire Now?
Hosted by Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner · EN
Welcome to the Can I Retire Now? Podcast!
Where savvy financial insights meet relatable wisdom. With almost two decades in the industry, Nick Russell and his wife Becky Wagoner bring a dynamic perspective to help you navigate your unique financial landscape.
Join us as we decode the intricacies of your financial world, offering tailored strategies for dream retirement plans and protection against life's storms.
Discover what truly matters in your financial life, gain insights on relationships and money, and maybe even share a good laugh.
Your journey to financial well-being starts here.
Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is separate from any other named entity. 6052 Turkey Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819. Main Telephone: (407) 351-3476
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Midterm Volatility and Smarter Investment Strategies for Uncertain Markets (Ep. 44)
3w ago00:28:08Tap to summarizeUncertainty 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 volatility tends to rise leading into elections and how markets often recover afterward. Nick and Becky also explain why trying to time the market can backfire and highlight strategies such as dividend investing and buffered approaches to stay invested while managing risk.Key takeaways:How midterm election cycles historically impact market volatility and investor behaviorWhy uncertainty often affects markets more than negative news eventsThe risks of trying to time the market and missing key recovery daysHow dividend strategies can generate income during volatile periodsWhy staying invested with protective strategies can support long-term outcomesAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →Long-Term Care Planning: What Most People Miss Until It’s Too Late (Ep. 43)
Apr 800:36:56Tap to summarizeMost 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 likely to need it, and the surprising reality that many claims happen before age 65. The conversation also explores the rising costs of care, common misconceptions about Medicare, and how newer hybrid insurance options are changing how people plan ahead.Key takeaways:How long-term care is tied to everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility needsWhy most people will require care at some point, often for shorter but critical periodsThe financial impact of care, with costs ranging from $6,000 to over $10,000 monthlyWhy Medicare does not cover long-term care and how that creates planning gapsHow newer hybrid insurance strategies combine life insurance with care benefitsAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →Financial Planning vs Retirement Planning: What Most People Get Wrong (Ep. 42)
Mar 2500:27:24Tap to summarizeMany 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 explore how many advisors focus mainly on investments while overlooking taxes, insurance, debt, and estate planning. Nick also explains why retirement planning is often formula-based while financial planning evolves throughout life as goals, priorities, and circumstances change.Key takeaways:Why financial planning should act as the blueprint for your entire financial life and not just retirement savingsHow many advisor relationships focus mostly on investment returns rather than long-term financial strategyThe difference between the accumulation of assets and the distribution stage during retirement yearsQuestions people should ask advisors about fiduciary duty, independence, licensing, and the planning processWhy tax planning is becoming the next major focus area in comprehensive financial planningAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →How Much Car Can You Afford? (Ep. 41)
Mar 1300:29:29Tap to summarizeBuying 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, and why your car payment should never exceed what you save for retirement. They also explore interest rates, emergency reserves, and how to avoid rolling one car payment into the next for decades.Key takeaways:How a Costco membership instantly reduced their purchase price by $3,000Why 1.9% financing can beat paying cash when money is earning elsewhereA practical benchmark tying your car payment to retirement savingsThe importance of cash reserves before taking on any new paymentWhy many drivers keep rolling payments instead of keeping cars longerAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →Understanding Disability Insurance: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset (Ep. 40)
Feb 1800:28:28Tap to summarizeWhat 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 your income is just as important as protecting your life. Nick shares his personal experience filing a disability claim early in his career, breaking down the differences between short-term and long-term coverage, employer-sponsored plans versus individual policies, and the critical distinction between "any occupation" and "own occupation" coverage.Nick and Becky discuss:The fundamental difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance, and when each appliesWhy "any occupation" coverage may leave professionals vulnerable despite lower premiumsHow employer-sponsored group plans compare to individual policies in cost and coverageThe reality of Social Security disability benefits and why they shouldn't be your only safety netCommon misconceptions about disability insurance, including AD&D and cancer policiesAnd More!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →Optimizing Your 401(k) for Maximum Growth and Returns (Ep. 39)
Feb 500:40:49Tap to summarizeAre 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 allocation can impact long-term wealth. Nick also introduces a powerful tool that helps anyone optimize their 401(k) allocations, regardless of their company's plan, making professional-level investment guidance accessible to all.Key takeaways:Understanding employer matching formulas and why most companies contribute half of employee contributionsThe difference between "fully contributing" and maximizing employer match benefitsWhy choosing "moderate" allocations may cost you returns over timeHow automatic enrollment increases 401(k) balances by 60% for long-term employeesA tool that provides quarterly investment recommendations tailored to your specific planAnd more!Resources:401K Optimizer® ToolConnect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick RussellThe HCM 401(k) Optimizer® is offered through Howard Capital Management, an SEC-registered investment adviser which only does business where it is properly registered or is otherwise exempt from registration. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability.All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for an investor's portfolio. Information provided should not be construed as personalized investment advice. There can be no assurances that any investment or strategy will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Past performance is not a guarantee of future investment success.Dollar cost averaging, asset allocation, rebalancing, and diversification strategies do not assure a profit or protect against losses in declining markets.© 2020 Howard Capital Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →ROImance: How Couples Should Handle Finances (Ep. 38)
Jan 2100:37:53Tap to summarizeShould 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 assets, and explore when it makes sense to keep certain accounts separate. Nick and Becky also address the delicate balance of financial awareness between aging parents and adult children, offering insights on how to handle money across generations.Key takeaways:Opening joint bank accounts creates accountability and transparency while paying shared bills from one placeCouples who merge finances report higher relationship quality and stay together longer than those who keep accounts separateWriting down financial goals and sharing passwords for all accounts builds trust and prevents future complicationsAdult children should have awareness of aging parents' finances without necessarily having control over the accountsKeeping separate accounts makes sense in specific situations, like child support or alimony payments from previous marriagesAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →Why 80% of New Year’s Resolutions Fail (and the Simple Fix That Works) (Ep. 37)
Jan 600:30:31Tap to summarizeDo 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 difference, they share insights that go beyond typical resolution advice. They discuss the surprising second Friday of January, known as "Quitter's Day," and offer fresh perspectives on making goals fun, meaningful, and achievable across health, wealth, personal space, social connection, and whimsy.Key takeaways:Choosing the best time to set goals based on personal rhythm rather than defaulting to January 1st for better resultsCovering diverse goal categories, including health, wealth, personal space, social connection, and whimsy for balanceWriting goals down increases achievement rates dramatically, with Harvard MBAs earning 10x more when they documented goalsMaking goals action-oriented rather than avoidance-based to increase the likelihood of following through successfullyCreating fun elements like bingo cards or pasta shape challenges to maintain motivation throughout the yearAnd More!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
Transcribe →The Truth About Health and Longevity with Dr. Ara Suppiah (Ep. 36)
Dec 1701:09:42Tap to summarizeHealth 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 years in life, but life in those years.Key takeaways:Why “breakfast is the most important meal” isn’t a one-size-fits-all ruleThe link between sleep quality, immunity, and even cancer preventionHow movement, not just exercise, improves longevity and daily functionThe truth about fasting, cardio, and strength training for body compositionWhy relevance, purpose, and play matter just as much as nutritionAnd More!Previous Episodes of Interest:How Health Impacts Wealth with Dr. Ara Suppiah Pt. 1 (Ep. 21)Nutrition, Supplements, and Plant-Based Diets with Dr. Ara Suppiah - Part 2 (Ep. 22)Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick RussellConnect with Dr. Ara Suppiah:LinkedIn: Ara SuppiahFunctional Sports Medicine Institutesupport@functionalsportsmedicine.com About Our Guest: Dr. Ara Suppiah is a globally respected medical pioneer in professional sports and the founder of the Functional Sports Medicine Institute. Built on decades of groundbreaking research, the institute addresses the unmet needs of elite athletes by optimizing health, vitality, and sustained high performance. Dr. Ara’s proprietary Functional Sports Medicine™ model blends the sciences of functional medicine, allopathic medicine, and Eastern medical philosophies to combat inflammation and enhance overall well-being. His innovative approach has revolutionized the care of professional athletes, empowering them to excel both on and off the field.As a sought-after personal physician on the LIV tour and previously on the PGA and LPGA Tours, the ATP and WTA circuits, Dr. Ara provides tailored medical care for some of the world’s top athletes. In addition to his role as a practicing ER Physician, he serves as the Chief Medical Analyst for NBC Sports Golf Channel, where he offers expert insights into athlete health and performance.Dr. Ara is also a thought leader, speaker, and author, dedicated to reshaping how people approach athlete care. Through his Functional Sports Medicine Masterclass, he is educating and empowering a new generation of professionals with his holistic and science-backed methodologies. With a mission to redefine sports medicine, Dr. Ara continues to pave the way for athletes to achieve peak performance while living healthier, more balanced lives.
Transcribe →Your Year-End Financial Checklist: Smart Moves Before 2026 (Ep. 35)
Dec 300:20:31Tap to summarizeThe 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 conversions to charitable donations, they break down what needs to be done now and what can wait until tax season.Key Takeaways:The difference between calendar-year and tax-year deadlines for contributionsWhich accounts must be funded before December 31, and which can wait until tax filingHow to handle required minimum distributions and use QCDs for charitable givingTips on tax-loss harvesting, managing capital gains, and avoiding the wash-sale ruleWhen and why to consider Roth conversions, plus timing strategies after retirementAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors: LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell
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