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How ABA Can Make Retirement Planning Simple: Understanding 401(k)s, IRAs, and Investing
In this episode of Everyday ABA, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie are joined by Northwestern Mutual financial advisor, Tommy Smith, to break down retirement planning through a behavioral lens. Using principles from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the conversation demystifies 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth vs. traditional accounts, employer matches, and target date funds in a way that feels practical rather than overwhelming. The group explores the psychology of money, including why saving feels restrictive for some people and empowering for others, and how automation, habit formation, and reducing response effort can make long-term financial behavior more sustainable.
The episode also covers common barriers that prevent people from investing, such as fear of market fluctuations, lack of early financial education, and decision paralysis. Listeners learn how concepts like delayed reinforcement, shaping, and antecedent strategies apply directly to saving for retirement. Additional topics include pensions versus defined contribution plans, spousal IRAs, risk tolerance, working with a financial advisor, and why women—especially working mothers and stay-at-home parents—need to think differently about retirement and life insurance. This episode is ideal for clinicians, professionals, and families who want to understand retirement planning without jargon and learn how small, consistent behavioral changes can lead to long-term financial security.
☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba
⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3
📖 Get your CEU certificate here!
👟 Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes using code PAOLA
🎁 Earn Rewards every time you shop by using Shopkick
🤑 Earn $50 cash back by using Rakuten
📊 Earn 125,000 bonus points by opening a new Sapphire Reserve® account or 75,000 bonus points for opening a new Sapphire Preferred® account using EveryDayABA's code at Chase
📢 To advertise on this podcast please e-mail: [email protected]
👤Guest Expert:
Tommy Smith ChFC, CLU, CLTC is a Wealth Management advisor with Northwestern Mutual. For over 21 years he has helped individuals and their families create financial plans that protect their future and grow their wealth.
Contact Tommy to get personalized guidance and start planning your financial future.
Follow on LinkedIn
E-mail: [email protected]
View all episodes
By EveryDay ABAIn this episode of Everyday ABA, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie are joined by Northwestern Mutual financial advisor, Tommy Smith, to break down retirement planning through a behavioral lens. Using principles from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the conversation demystifies 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth vs. traditional accounts, employer matches, and target date funds in a way that feels practical rather than overwhelming. The group explores the psychology of money, including why saving feels restrictive for some people and empowering for others, and how automation, habit formation, and reducing response effort can make long-term financial behavior more sustainable.
The episode also covers common barriers that prevent people from investing, such as fear of market fluctuations, lack of early financial education, and decision paralysis. Listeners learn how concepts like delayed reinforcement, shaping, and antecedent strategies apply directly to saving for retirement. Additional topics include pensions versus defined contribution plans, spousal IRAs, risk tolerance, working with a financial advisor, and why women—especially working mothers and stay-at-home parents—need to think differently about retirement and life insurance. This episode is ideal for clinicians, professionals, and families who want to understand retirement planning without jargon and learn how small, consistent behavioral changes can lead to long-term financial security.
☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba
⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3
📖 Get your CEU certificate here!
👟 Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes using code PAOLA
🎁 Earn Rewards every time you shop by using Shopkick
🤑 Earn $50 cash back by using Rakuten
📊 Earn 125,000 bonus points by opening a new Sapphire Reserve® account or 75,000 bonus points for opening a new Sapphire Preferred® account using EveryDayABA's code at Chase
📢 To advertise on this podcast please e-mail: [email protected]
👤Guest Expert:
Tommy Smith ChFC, CLU, CLTC is a Wealth Management advisor with Northwestern Mutual. For over 21 years he has helped individuals and their families create financial plans that protect their future and grow their wealth.
Contact Tommy to get personalized guidance and start planning your financial future.
Follow on LinkedIn
E-mail: [email protected]