The Savvy Investor Podcast

Are you making retirement decisions based on outdated rules or generic advice?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...

What if you could retire with zero taxes? In this episode, Mike Canet & Lawrence Kiely unpack the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its real impact on Social Security, Roth conversions, and long-term tax planning. They break down how seniors can leverage new deductions, why tax efficiency is more critical than ever, and how proactive planning today could potentially save your heirs hundreds of thousands of dollars tomorrow. ...

Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely dive into the 50th anniversary of Jaws—and use it as a metaphor for the hidden dangers lurking in retirement accounts. From Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to Roth conversions, they break down how tax planning can be the “bigger boat” you need to stay afloat in retirement. Learn how a proactive tax strategy could potentially save you hundreds of thousands—even milli...

What if your million-dollar retirement plan is only worth half that? Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely unpack the hidden costs of financial fees and taxes that can quietly erode your nest egg. They break down the real cost of “free” financial advice, the myth of lower taxes in retirement, and why communication with your advisor matters more than ever. Ryan and Lawrence reveal how to spot value in financial planning and av...

Think having target date funds is a good idea? Think again. In this episode of the Savvy Investor, Ryan Herbert and Lawrence Kiely break down the hidden risks and misconceptions behind target date funds in your 401(k). From market downturns to fee traps, they reveal why these “set-it-and-forget-it” investments may not be the safe bet you think they are. Learn how to take control of your retirement strategy, explore smar...

What do destination weddings and retirement planning have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Mike Canet and Samantha Nash dive into the unexpected financial curveballs—like lavish weddings, surprise home repairs, and rising healthcare costs—that can derail even the best-laid retirement plans. With humor and real-life stories, they explore how to build flexibility into your income strategy so you can enjoy ...

What if your retirement plan is quietly setting you up for a multi-million-dollar tax bill? In this episode, Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert unpack real-life stories of retirees blindsided by taxes—and how smart planning could have saved them millions. From overlooked Roth conversions to the fine print your advisor won’t discuss, they reveal how to legally minimize your tax burden and keep more of what you’ve earned.

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Retirement planning often revolves around one critical fear: running out of money. A recent study highlights that retirees with guaranteed income, such as pensions, spend 42% more than those relying solely on savings, showcasing the confidence that steady income can provide. Ryan Herbert and Katherine Groce explain that understanding monthly expenses and crafting a plan that secures income through diverse options—market inves...

Retirement doesn’t have to mean taking unnecessary risks with your savings. Mike Canet & Katherine Groce explain how thoughtful planning and tailored strategies can help retirees create sustainable income streams while minimizing exposure to market volatility. They highlight examples of retirees, like one who thrives with just a 5% return by living within his means and structuring his investments wisely. Mike & Kather...

Mike Canet and Ryan Herbert reflect on Warren Buffet’s recent retirement and one of his many famous quotes: “Never run out of money.” They discuss creating income streams that retirees cannot outlive and emphasize the importance of protecting savings from market volatility while ensuring consistent growth through methods like dividend-paying stocks, preferred shares, or annuities.

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