The Savvy Investor Podcast

What do Thanksgiving-flavored Oreos have in common with mutual funds? Sometimes, what looks exciting on the shelf doesn’t deliver in reality. In this episode, Ryan Herbert dives into the world of target date mutual funds and exploring why these “set it and forget it” investments may not be as safe as they seem, especially as retirement approaches. Learn how marketing hype can mask hidden risks and fees, and discov...

What if your retirement income could be as reliable as your old paycheck? Ryan Herbert dives into the real-world confusion around TIAA accounts, annuities, and the strategies that can turn your nest egg into a steady stream of income. He breaks down the pros and cons of annuities, the risks of relying solely on the market, and why true retirement planning means more than just picking investments... It’s about creating confide...

Are you letting market noise dictate your retirement peace of mind? Ryan Herbert & Lawrence Kiely dive into the crucial difference between chasing stock market gains and securing your monthly income for life. Discover why retirees who focus on income buckets can confidently tune out market volatility, maintain their lifestyle, and avoid the stress of sudden downturns.

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Ryan Herbert & Lawrence Kiely discuss a dramatic story of two brothers with identical savings but wildly different outcomes, revealing how market timing and preparation can make or break your financial future. They unpack the “sequence of returns” risk, the importance of income planning, and why having a strategy matters more than chasing market highs. Discover how to safeguard your lifestyle, prepare for the unexpe...

Maybe annuities aren't so bad after all... right? Ryan Herbert & Katherine Groce discuss how shifting financial headlines are rewriting the rules for annuities, tax planning, and 401(k)s. They break down why annuities are no longer taboo, how tax planning became essential, and what every retiree needs to know about income security. Learn how to build your “income island” and why a diversified approach\ can help you ...

Is claiming Social Security at 62 a smart move or a costly mistake? Ryan Herbert & Katherine Groce dive into the heated debate sparked by financial guru Dave Ramsey and his advice to take Social Security early, even while working. They break down the real math behind penalties, taxes, and investment returns. Discover why timing matters, how life expectancy and income shape your decision, and what pitfalls to avoid.

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Are you missing out on thousands in retirement savings because of new 401(k) rules? Ryan Herbert and Katherine Groce break down the latest Secure Act changes, explain why high earners must rethink their catch-up contributions, and how tax diversification—using Roth accounts and cash value life insurance—can protect your future. Discover actionable strategies to maximize tax-free income, avoid costly mistakes, and build ...

Ryan Herbert discusses the “three holes” strategy—like snow tires for your portfolio—to take action in preserving your income in retirement. He breaks down practical exit strategies, the importance of backup plans, and how to balance risk and reward for lasting financial security. Ryan explains why relying on old market wisdom can leave you exposed, and how modern approaches like dividend portfolios and annu...

Are you concerned about your retirement spending? Ryan Herbert dives into the surprising reality of how your expenses shift from your first year of retirement through your golden years. He explains why most retirees spend conservatively at first, ramp up for bucket-list adventures, and eventually plateau—until medical costs rise. Learn how a flexible financial plan could empower you to enjoy retirement without fear of outlivi...

Are you making retirement decisions based on outdated rules or generic advice? Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely dive into Kiplinger’s Five Golden Rules of Retirement Planning, revealing why lifetime income, liquid savings, risk management, tax efficiency, and legacy planning must work together. They explain why diversification goes beyond mutual funds, why withdrawal-based plans can fail, and how adaptability is crucial for yo...

What if your favorite breakfast food could cost you minutes of your life—and your financial choices could cost you years? Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert discuss a study from the University of Michigan that highlights the things we eat and the poor decisions we make, and highlight the parallels of this with financial planning mistakes. They unpack the critical differences between financial advisors and true financial planners, an...

Ryan Herbert & Lawrence Kiely breakdown these 7 rules in retirement that may not apply to you:

1) The 4% Rule

2) Spend as little as possible

3) Delay your Social Security until age 70

4) You need $1 Million to retire

5) Pay off your mortgage before retirement

6) You should avoid Annuities

7) 65 is THE retirement age

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Is retirement really the most financially complex time of your life? That's what Fiona Greig, Vanguard's Global Head of Investor Research thinks. Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert dive into this question and unpack why the transition from saving to spending is more than just a financial shift—it’s an emotional and strategic overhaul. They explore how identity, income, taxes, estate planning, and long-term care all collide in ...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t market crashes or investment fees—but taxes? In this episode, Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert reveal how overlooked tax planning can quietly drain 30–40% of your retirement income. They discuss how some advisors miss critical opportunities to protect your wealth and explain why diversifying your tax exposure is just as vital as diversifying your portfolio—and h...

What if your retirement plan is built on numbers that don’t actually apply to you? In this episode, Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert expose the pitfalls of generic financial advice—like buying annuities without knowing your real income needs. Through stories of retirees overspending, over-saving, and overpaying in taxes, they show how personalized planning can prevent costly mistakes.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the average spend for a household in retirement aged 65-74 is $5,400 per month. Mike Canet and Lawrence Kiely break down this and other data points including the average Social Security benefit for a couple and explain the emotional and financial crossroads of retirement planning. They cover income and tax buckets, as well as Roth conversion considerations. Mike and Lawrence highlight a ...

What if the most misunderstood financial tool could be your retirement game-changer?
In this episode, Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely unpack the evolving role of annuities in retirement planning. From outdated reputations to modern innovations, they explore why more advisors—and retirees—are turning to fixed index annuities for reliable income. Learn how annuities compare to dividend portfolios, how they help transfe...

What happens to your retirement plan when life throws you curveballs? In this episode, Katherine Groce and Samantha Nash explore how life’s unexpected detours—like long-term care needs, helping adult children, or spontaneous relocations—can throw off even the best-laid retirement plans. Through real client stories and practical strategies, they show how to adapt your financial roadmap to stay on course to meet you...

When the market drops 20% in a week, what do you do—panic or plan? Mike Canet and Lawrence Kiely explore the emotional rollercoaster of investing and the real-life story of a savvy retiree who sought clarity amid volatility. From the pitfalls of the 4% rule to the pros and cons of annuities, they break down how to build a retirement income strategy that fits your lifestyle and risk tolerance—without relying on guesswork...