Podcast
Power Your Retirement
Hosted by Steve Smit · EN
Hosted by Steve Smit, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and founder of Powerhouse Financial Advisors, this podcast is designed to help employees of large publicly traded utility companies take control of their retirement planning. Steve, author of Power Up Your 401(k), shares insights on maximizing 401(k) options, navigating self-directed brokerage accounts, and creating a secure financial future. Tune in for practical advice, helpful resources, and strategies to power up your retirement! Subscribe and never miss an episode! Also available in video format on YouTube. For more information about Power Your Retirement, visit PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors.com or call 775-266-8867.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Protecting What You Care Most About
1w ago00:18:45Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlFor most people, financial planning isn't really about spreadsheets or market returns. It's about the people you love. It's about making sure that if something happens (expected or not), the people who depend on you are taken care of. Today, Steve talks about what it looks like to provide financial protection for your family. Protection looks different at every stage of life, but the reason behind it never changes. It's about people and making sure they're taken care of, no matter what comes next. That's what a real financial plan is built to do.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🛡️ Life Insurance: Permanent vs. Term 📋 Beneficiary Designations: Importance and Common Mistakes 📜 Estate Documents: Wills and Living Trusts ⚖️ Power of Attorney: Healthcare and Financial Control 🏥 Longevity Planning: Protecting Against Long-Term Care Costs Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →A Smarter 401(k) Philosophy for Utility Employees
2w ago00:06:12Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlIn this mini-episode, Steve explains why generic investment advice can fall short, especially for utility employees with cash balance pensions, profit-sharing plans, and other employer-sponsored benefits. He shares his philosophy of integrating every piece of your retirement puzzle rather than treating your 401(k) as a standalone account. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🎯 Why Target Date Funds Miss the Mark🏦 The Hidden Value of Your Cash Balance Pension🧩 Connecting All the Pieces of Your Retirement Plan⚡ How Utility Employees Should Think Differently About Investing📈 Why "Right-Sizing" Your 401(k) MattersGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →Is Your SCE 401(k) Working As Hard As You Are?
3w ago00:29:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlIf you're a Southern California Edison employee, your retirement benefits may be more powerful- and more complicated- than you realize. Steve breaks down the different levels of 401(k) management, explains how the SCE cash balance pension works, and highlights common mistakes employees make when relying on default investment options. You'll learn why retirement planning goes far beyond choosing a target date fund and how coordinating your pension, investments, taxes, and retirement income strategy can make a significant difference in your long-term financial future.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:⚡ Tier Zero: Why doing nothing is the biggest retirement mistake📈 401(k) Tiers: DIY investing, robo advisors, and full financial planning🎯 Target Date Funds: The benefits and limitations of default options🏦 Cash Balance Pension: The overlooked benefit many Edison employees misunderstand🔄 Coordination Matters: Connecting your pension, 401(k), taxes, and retirement income🛡️ Common Objections: Time, fees, market recovery, and following coworker adviceGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →PG&E Employees: Your 401(k) Has Three Gears- Most of You Are Still in First
May 2800:31:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlMost PG&E employees are only scratching the surface of what their retirement plan can actually do. In this episode, Steve breaks down the three “tiers” of the PG&E retirement system and discusses how more advanced planning strategies can create a very different retirement outcome. Tune in to hear the common mistakes employees make, and why waiting too long to get serious about retirement planning can become incredibly costly later in life.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:📈 Robo Advisors: Better tools, limited planning🚀 Full Engine: Customized retirement strategy matters🏦 Cash Balance Plan: Often misunderstood and overlooked⚠️ Late Planning: Catch-up gets expensive fast🧠 Professional Guidance: Retirement gets more complex over time Take The Quiz: https://powerhousevsl-q3f63yk6.manus.space/Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →You Did the Hard Part. Here’s Why the Next Part Is Different
May 2100:14:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYou’ve spent decades doing the hard part, and if you’ve done it well, it’s natural to wonder… why change anything now? But retirement isn’t just a continuation of what you’ve already been doing. It’s a completely different phase with new risks, new decisions, and a lot more at stake. Steve unpacks why success during your working years doesn’t automatically translate into success in retirement, and what you need to think about before making that transition.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:📩 DIY Success: Confidence built during working years🔄 New Game: Saving vs. spending requires different skills📉 Higher Stakes: Early losses can derail retirement🧩 Complexity: Taxes, income, and healthcare all collide🔓 Fear of Losing Control: Letting go doesn’t mean losing controlGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →My Investments Underperformed the Market - Should I Fire My Advisor?
May 1400:16:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlSteve tackles a listener’s big question: “If my portfolio underperformed the market this year, should I fire my advisor?” He breaks down what “the market” really means, why your benchmark should match your portfolio’s purpose and risk level, and why a single 12‑month snapshot can be wildly misleading. Steve also shares when underperformance becomes a red flag.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:📊 Your Plan Matters: The market is not always the right benchmark⚖️ Risk Changes Everything: Portfolios should match goals and timeline⏳ Short-Term Isn’t Everything: One year rarely tells the full story🚨 Patterns Deserve Attention: Chronic underperformance should raise questions💬 Ask Better Questions: Strong advisor relationships encourage open conversationsGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →The Retirement Tax Traps Nobody Warned You About
May 700:16:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlNobody likes tax season, but for new retirees, the rules can feel completely different. Income changes, required withdrawals begin, and decisions that once lowered taxes can create bigger bills later. Steve unpacks some of the most common retirement tax mistakes and how they show up in real life. A little forward planning can make a dramatic difference over the long run.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🧾 First-Year Shock: New income mix changes taxes⏳ RMD Timing: Waiting can create bigger problems⚠️ Conversion Mistakes: Overdoing Roth can backfire📉 Social Security Taxes: Up to 85% may be taxed👥 Spouse Impact: Income drops, but expenses don’tGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →Why Spending in Retirement Is Harder Than It Sounds
Apr 3000:16:10Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlMost financial advice focuses on saving for retirement, but what happens when it’s finally time to spend? For many retirees, that shift is harder than expected. After decades of building habits around saving, flipping the switch can trigger fear, hesitation, and even guilt. Today, Steve discusses the emotional and psychological barriers to spending, along with practical strategies to help retirees feel confident using their money. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:😬 Emotional Barriers: Fear and guilt hold you back🔍 Shift Mindset: Reframe habits around money📊 Smart Planning: Build confidence with strategy🧾 Real Examples: Learn from real retiree stories🏁 Encouragement: Permit yourself to enjoy our savingsGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →Don’t Waste Your Annual Financial Review
Apr 2300:18:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlMost folks meet with their financial advisor once a year. That meeting is one of the most valuable hours in your financial life if it's done right. Steve talks honestly about what that meeting looks like when it isn't... and what it looks like when it is. Don’t view your annual review as just a formality. Come ready for a real conversation.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:⚠️ Presentation Trap: One-sided meetings miss the point💬 Real Conversation: Engagement drives better outcomes📊 Beyond Returns: Your plan is more than performance🔄 Life Updates: Changes should shape decisions🤝 Build Trust: Strong relationships improve planningGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
Transcribe →Term, Whole, or Universal Life: Which Is Best For You?
Apr 1600:16:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlWe got a great question from a listener. They wrote in: "What's better — term life insurance, universal life, or whole life?" Straightforward question. Not a straightforward answer, especially if you're in your 50s. Today, Steve walks through all three. The right type of life insurance is the one that solves your specific problem at your specific stage of life. Your needs at 55 don’t look like they did at 35, and your coverage shouldn’t either.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🛡️ Life Insurance Types: Term, whole, and universal each serve different roles📍 Starting Point: What are you actually protecting today?👨👩👧👦 Life Stage Needs: Coverage changes as your life evolves🏦 Whole Life: Long-term coverage with higher costs and tradeoffs🔄 Universal Life: Flexible but requires careful managementGet your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9SgBook your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 Other ways to get in touch:Phone: (775) 266-8867Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/Email: info@powerhousefa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisorsThis podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...
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