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.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
You Did the Hard Part. Here’s Why the Next Part Is Different
2w ago00:14:40Tap 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?
3w ago00:16:29Tap 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...
Transcribe →AI & Retirement: The Questions Everyone Is Typing But Nobody Is Answering
Apr 900:18:05Tap 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.htmlAI isn’t just a tech trend; it’s already reshaping how we work, invest, and plan for the future. Questions around job security, investment exposure, and whether AI can- or should- play a role in retirement planning are becoming more common by the day. In this episode, Steve tackles the top questions people are searching right now and breaks down what they actually mean for your financial future.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🤖 AI & Retirement: AI is already influencing work, investing, and planning💼 Job Security Concerns: Adapting to AI may matter more than fearing it📊 Investment Exposure: Many portfolios already have AI-driven risk📈 Retirement Planning: AI can assist, but shouldn’t replace strategy⚖️ Trusting AI: Helpful tool, but not a substitute for real guidanceResources for this episode:DC Participants Open to Private Markets—and AI—with Guardrails: Invesco Surveyhttps://401kspecialistmag.com/dc-participants-open-to-private-markets-and-ai-with-guardrails-invesco-survey/Brookings article: Measuring US workers’ capacity to adapt to AI-driven job displacementhttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/measuring-us-workers-capacity-to-adapt-to-ai-driven-job-displacement/ 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 →The White House Wants to Give You $1,000 for Retirement
Apr 200:16:18Tap 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.htmlThere was some retirement news embedded in President Trump’s State of the Union address. He announced a proposal to give workers without employer-sponsored retirement plans access to a government-administered retirement account... with a federal match of up to $1,000 per year. Here's what we know so far… and what we don't.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:💰 A proposed $1,000 federal match could boost retirement participation👷 Millions of workers lack access to employer-sponsored plans🔥 The real value may be motivation, not the dollar amount👩💻 Gig workers and spouses could benefit in a big way📈 Small, consistent contributions can compound into meaningful growthGet 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 →Retirement Decisions Aren’t All Black & White
Mar 2600:13:24Tap 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.htmlFinancial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. Steve breaks down some of the most common “black and white” retirement decisions and shows why they’re rarely that simple. When advice sounds too simple, that’s usually a sign there’s more to talk about. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:💰 Roth Conversions: Not Always a Win ⏳ Social Security: Early vs. Late Isn’t So Simple 💧 Saving vs. Liquidity: Finding the Right Balance 🎯 Target Date Funds: Is DIY better than custom? 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 →Popular Financial Advice… But Is It Good Advice?
Mar 1900:18:22Tap 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.htmlEverywhere you turn, somebody’s got financial advice. The problem is, they’re talking to millions of people at once… but you only get one retirement. In this episode, Steve takes some of the biggest names and loudest voices in the money world and puts their advice through a real‑life filter: Does this actually make sense for you, your career, and your retirement timeline? Tune in to find out!Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:💰 Emergency Savings: Suze Orman suggests larger cash reserves📊 Net Worth Tracking: Kevin O’Leary stresses constant awareness🏢 Leverage Strategy: Grant Cardone promotes aggressive borrowing📈 Retirement Withdrawals: Dave Ramsey advocates higher withdrawal rates🤖 Future Vision: Elon Musk predicts retirement savings may become irrelevantGet 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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