The Savvy Investor Podcast

A Super Bowl commercial sparks a conversation that could quietly reshape how families think about long‑term wealth. Mike and Ryan explore the new “Trump accounts,” a government‑seeded savings option for children that blends features of IRAs with long‑term compounding potential. The discussion breaks down who can open these accounts, contribution limits, tax treatment, and how parents and grandparents might use them alon...

A $5,000 Roth conversion that promises zero taxes sounds tempting but the fine print tells a very different story. In this episode, Mike and Ryan break down a real-world question that raises major red flags in retirement planning. They unpack how certain advisors frame “tax-free” strategies, why bonuses inside financial products can quietly create bigger tax bills, and how time horizons can make or break long-term outco...

What if the biggest retirement surprise isn’t the market but the tax bill you never saw coming? Mike Canet and Lawrence Kiely unpack a real retiree’s regret and dive into why taxes often derail otherwise solid plans. The conversation centers on overlooked strategies tied to 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and after‑tax contributions, including how complexity—not savings discipline—creates costly blind spots.

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What if the retirement number you’ve been chasing was never the right one? This episode challenges the headline-driven belief that everyone needs the same seven-figure nest egg and explores why real retirement security looks different for every household. The conversation breaks down how income sources, cost of living, pensions, Social Security, market risk, and taxes shape what actually matters once the paycheck stops. Throu...

Why are Americans feeling less confident about retirement even after strong market years? In this episode Mike Canet & Lawrence Kiely break down why fear, politics, and media noise cloud financial decision‑making, and how real retirement planning goes far beyond market returns. Hear stories of clients navigating RV dreams, inheritance hurdles, tax pitfalls, unexpected life events, and the emotional side of aging and legacy. Mik...

What if the secret to a confident retirement isn’t how much you’ve saved, but where you place it? In this episode, Ryan Herbert breaks down the real meaning of guaranteed income and why retirees with secure monthly sources often enjoy their money more. You’ll hear how to calculate what you truly spend, how to match that number with dependable income streams, and how to balance guaranteed funds with market‑based in...

What if your retirement plan could weather any market storm without the guesswork? This episode dives into the realities of market ups and downs, why true diversification goes beyond just stocks and bonds, and how a well-crafted financial plan can protect your income and minimize taxes, no matter what the headlines say. Whether you’re worried about interest rates, inflation, or outliving your savings, this conversation offers...

What if your retirement plan isn’t worth the fancy binder it came in? Ryan Herbert dives into the hidden pitfalls of traditional retirement planning and exposes why many glossy plans leave retirees anxious and unprepared. He shares real stories of clients who discovered their plans were built on shaky assumptions and how a detailed, step-by-step approach can provide added peace of mind. Learn why understanding your income sou...

Are you tempted to raid your 401k to wipe out debt before retirement? Discover why that move could cost you more than you think. Ryan Herbert dives into the real financial and tax consequences of paying off mortgages and other debts with retirement savings. Learn how lifestyle choices, tax brackets, and even Medicare premiums are affected and why a true income plan matters for lasting financial security.

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Are you unknowingly leaving your retirement savings stranded in cash? Ryan Herbert dives into the hidden risks of rolling over your 401(k) and letting your money sit idle. Discover why “paralysis by analysis” keeps investors from making smart moves, the pitfalls of market timing, and practical alternatives like annuities and structured notes. Learn how to make your wealth work harder, minimize risk, and plan for a secur...

Does your CPA really know how to properly tax pan? Mike Canet & Ryan Herbert dive into real stories of retirees and business owners who trusted advisors only to discover costly mistakes in their financial and tax planning. They reveal how a second opinion saved one client over $15 million in taxes and helped another family untangle a web of annuities. Learn why “going along” isn’t always in your best interest,...

What if your biggest retirement asset is also your biggest tax trap? Ryan Herbert dives into the realities of 401(k) withdrawals, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how shifting tax laws could quietly erode your nest egg. This episode unpacks why following “Uncle Sam’s plan” may cost you far more than you expect and how proactive tax planning can save hundreds of thousands over your lifetime. Learn the pit...

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 ...