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Power Your Retirement
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.
Episodes
53 episodes
What To Know About The “First Year Rule” Of Retirement
Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule,” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year ...
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17:56
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4 Ways to Refresh Your Finances Today!
October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money....
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14:25
How To Handle Big Purchases In Retirement
In this mailbag episode, Steve tackles a listener question from Seth about whether or not to buy an RV in retirement, and how to do it without wrecking his financial plan. Should he drain his IRA and take the tax hit, or take on new debt in his...
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8:19
What Parents Regret Most About College Costs
For many parents, the dream of sending their kids to college comes with a heavy financial hangover. In this episode, Steve breaks down the surprising new research showing how college costs are derailing retirement goals, and why nearly half of ...
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20:30
The Gas Station Sushi Equivalent Of Retirement Planning
We all know there are things in life you probably shouldn’t trust, like gas station sushi or an email from a Nigerian prince. But what about when it comes to retirement planning? Sometimes what looks safe, easy, or even “guaranteed” isn’t so tr...
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25:08
You’re Not Ready to Retire If This Is All You’ve Done
You’ve spent decades building your investment accounts, monitoring the markets, and contributing to your 401(k). That’s great. But here’s the truth: you’re not ready to retire if that’s all you’ve done. Retirement planning isn’t just about your...
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18:15
Inflation Is Still Wrecking Retirement Confidence
Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people feel unprepared, and the ripple effec...
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15:15
5 Signs You’re Richer Than You Think
Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from
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17:31
The Beatles Retirement: All You Need Is A Plan
It’s been 60 years since Beatlemania took America by storm. But beyond the screaming crowds and legendary performances, some of their lyrics still carry timeless wisdom, even when it comes to your financial life. In this episode, Steve takes us...
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15:42
Retirement Planning Pop Quiz: Can You Score 5/5?
The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s also a great time for adults to brush up on retirement planning. In this episode, Steve walks through some key concepts that can make or break your retirement readiness. Test your knowledge with t...
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12:59
The 4% Rule Rewrite (And What It Means For Your Retirement)
The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now,
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14:57
Target-Date Funds: Pros, Cons & What You Need To Know!
Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice or just the easiest one? I...
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15:10
Hiring Your Spouse & Kids: Big Opportunities and Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Today, we’re answering a smart question from a viewer about hiring a spouse or children in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create meaningful tax deductions, help a spouse build Social Security benefits, and even g...
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14:04
Decoding Wall-Street Jargon: Financial Terms Everyone Should Know
Financial terms get thrown around all the time- crash, correction, high yield, equities, fiduciary- but do you really know what they mean, and why the wording matters? In today’s episode, Steve breaks down common financial terms you hear all th...
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17:58
The Psychology of Money Says Your Emotions Matter More Than Math
Today, we’re kicking off our new Financial Book Club with The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. This isn’t just a book about financial strategies- it’s about the why behind the decisions we make with money, even when they ...
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22:21
Are You Over-Saving For Retirement?
Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, Steve’s answering a smart viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present. Steve dives ...
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18:12
The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning
The five love languages were made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Let’s think about how you may encounter the love la...
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15:19
Can Real Estate Boost Your Retirement Plan?
Thinking about using real estate to strengthen your retirement plan? From generating income to offering financial flexibility or emergency access to cash, real estate offers a wide range of possibilities. But not every option is the right fit f...
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19:44
Mailbag: Saving Dilemmas, Severance Packages & Retirement Rules
Today, Steve answers three thoughtful listener questions from viewers like you! Is saving 15% of your income truly necessary or just a rule of thumb that doesn’t fit everyone? What should you consider if you’re unexpectedly offered a severance ...
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11:56
Mailbag: What Should I Do with My Old 401k?
If you’ve ever left a job and wondered what to do with that old 401k account, you’re not alone, and today’s episode is for you! In this listener mailbag edition, Steve answers a question from William, who’s trying to decide whether to leave his...
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14:51
Understanding Financial Advisor Fees: What Are You Really Paying For?
Welcome to our final installment of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors!Let’s be real. Nobody wants to talk about fees, but everyone wants to know if they’re getting a fair ...
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13:13
Keeping Your Retirement Plan Flexible
Welcome to part 6 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors!Change is the name of the game! Career shifts, unexpected life twists—whatever it is, your retirement plan has to ke...
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11:01
Is 2025 A Bad Time To Retire?
Plenty of people have concerns about stock market volatility, a potential recession on the horizon, and fears for the economy amidst federal layoffs and tariffs. What if you’ve had 2025 marked on the calendar for a while as the year you plan to...
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17:12
Cash Balance Pension vs. Traditional Pension Explained
If you’ve been in your utility job for years and still don’t understand how your pension works, you’re not alone. In this episode, Steve takes a listener question from Lisa. She’s been working for 15 years and asked a commonly misunderstood que...
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18:23