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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The 5 D's of Retirement Planning
2w ago00:18:42Tap 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.htmlAccording to a recent Kiplinger article, there are five keys to a retirement plan that hold up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter, which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. In this episode, Steve walks through the “5 D’s” of retirement planning and how each one plays a role in helping retirees build a plan that can hold up over time.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🥚 Diversification: Spread investments and retirement income sources⏳ Duration: Align bond timelines with financial needs🛡️ Downside Protection: Weigh lower risk against reduced returns💵 Discretionary Income: Include everyday spending beyond basic expenses🧾 Financial Drag: Manage taxes, fees, and portfolio inefficiencies✅ Plan Review: Build one coordinated long-term strategyHow to Turn a $1 Million Nest Egg Into a Lifetime Income Machinehttps://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/how-to-turn-a-usd1-million-nest-egg-into-a-lifetime-income-machineGet 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 →Trail Wisdom: What Hiking Season Has to Say About Your Financial Journey
3w ago00:24:46Tap 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.htmlWhat can hiking teach us about retirement planning? Whether you're visiting one of the 63 national parks this summer or just hitting a local trail, a lot of the best practices for a great hike apply just as well to your retirement plan. Steve uses lessons from the trail to explain why every financial journey needs a clear roadmap, thoughtful preparation, and the right guide.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🗺️ Build a Roadmap: Know your current financial location🧹 Leave No Trace: Prepare your estate for loved ones🥾 Trust the Journey: Short-term challenges can support long-term goals🎒 Lighten the Load: Reduce debt, clutter, and outdated investments🏞️ Personalize the Plan: Every retirement journey is different🧭 Find a Guide: Experienced advice can improve preparationGet 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 →Dave Ramsey's Retirement Math — Are Financial Advisors Buying It?
4w ago00:22:34Tap 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.htmlDave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in personal finance. Millions of people have followed his advice out of debt and into savings. But when it comes to how much you should pull from your retirement accounts each year, Ramsey takes a position that some financial professionals find hard to get behind. Today, Steve breaks it down: what Dave says, what the research says, and what Steve really thinks.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🎙️ Personal Experience: Steve’s history with Ramsey’s teaching📉 Market Downturns: The emotional side of losses⚖️ Risk Contrast: Conservative debt, aggressive retirement🧩 Personal Planning: Advice should fit the household🤔 Consumer Confusion: Wide opinions create uncertainty📋 Advisor Guidance: One-on-one planning 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 →Why a Target Date Fund May Not Be Enough
Jul 1600:06:53Tap 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.htmlTarget date funds are designed to make investing simple, but are they really enough as you approach retirement? In this listener Q&A, Steve explains why relying solely on a target date fund could leave your portfolio underperforming, especially if you also have a pension or other retirement assets. Learn why personalized financial planning provides a much clearer picture than a one-size-fits-all investment solution and how asking the right questions today can help improve your retirement outcomes.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🎯 Target Date Funds: Are they enough?⚠️ Potential Pitfalls: One size doesn't fit all📊 Personalized Planning: See the complete picture💬 Ask Questions Specific to You: Get advice tailored to youGet 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 →How Relationships Beat Sales Pitches Every Time
Jul 900:06:31Tap 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.htmlTrust is the foundation of every successful financial relationship, but it isn't built overnight. In this mini episode, Steve shares how he earns the confidence of energy sector employees by leading with education and focusing on helping people before they ever become clients. Discover how genuine guidance and long-term relationships matter far more than sales tactics when choosing someone to help you prepare for retirement.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🤝 Building Trust: It starts with education🎓 Workshops: Guidance before becoming clients💬 Communication: Conversations create confidence🧩 Retirement Planning: Understanding your unique benefitsGet 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 →Working With A Financial Advisor: Our Specific Process
Jul 200:17:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA lot of people think working with a financial advisor is just about picking investments. But a great planning experience is much more than that. Today, Steve walks through what it actually feels like to work with a firm like Powerhouse Financial Advisors, from the first conversation to ongoing guidance, so you know what to expect. Every firm can tell you what they do. We'd rather show you. If anything we talked about today sounds like the kind of relationship you've been looking for, let’s have a conversation.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:📝 Personal Approach: Getting to know you first🛣️ Onboarding Process: Creating a financial roadmap💬 Communication Style: Multiple ways to stay connected🔄 Life Changes: Adapting as goals evolve🏢 Employer Expertise: Specialized planning strategies🎯 Retirement Transition: Preparing for what's next📈 Ongoing Guidance: Support beyond retirementGet 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 Helping Utility Employees Became My Mission
Jun 2500:06:38Tap 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.htmlEvery advisor has a story, and Steve's journey into financial planning for utility employees wasn't something he originally set out to do. In this mini episode, he shares how an early career experience revealed a major gap in retirement guidance and ultimately led him to specialize in helping utility workers navigate their financial futures. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose that shaped Power Your Retirement.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:👷 Serving Workers: Filling a critical advice gap📚 Early Lessons: Seeing retirement confusion firsthand🎯 Found Purpose: Helping overlooked employees⚡ Industry Focus: Why utilities became the niche📖 Free Resources: Tools for retirement planning🚀 Next Steps: How to connect with SteveGet 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 →Protecting What You Care Most About
Jun 1800:18:45Tap 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
Jun 1100:06:12Tap 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?
Jun 400:29:15Tap 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...
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