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Thanksgiving gives us the perfect excuse to pause and appreciate what’s going right, financially and otherwise. Gratitude doesn’t just lift your mood; it has a real impact on how you save, spend, and plan for the future. When we slow down long enough to acknowledge what we have, it becomes easier to make wiser, more grounded financial decisions.

Today, Steve talks about how thankfulness may be one of the most powerful financial tools you already possess.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🦃 Thanksgiving Gratitude: appreciating the moments and people that anchor us

📊 Thankfulness & Money Habits: research showing gratitude boosts smarter financial behavior

💵 Income Appreciation: recognizing the stability and opportunity a steady paycheck provides

💡 Learning from Mistakes: how past missteps become valuable financial lessons

🤝 Supportive Relationships: the people who shape our financial mindset and confidence

Gratitude Study: 

https://www.today.com/money/be-thankful-save-more-study-says-gratitude-helps-us-reach-1d79801892

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies, but that’s only half the story. The way you feel about money can influence your decisions just as much as the numbers do. Steve explores how emotions shape retirement choices, investment preferences, debt decisions, and even legacy goals. Numbers create the structure, but your feelings shape the plan that truly fits your life.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Market Volatility: managing the fear that comes with big swings

🎁 Purpose & Meaning: finding fulfillment through giving and legacy

🏛️ Leaving a Legacy: the emotional side of what you want to leave behind

🏡 Retirement Emotions: how family, location, and lifestyle drive decisions

💳 Debt & Well-Being: how carrying debt affects stress and choices

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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What would you do if a client came in with $1 million in cash to invest? That was the question put to three financial advisors in a recent article. Today, Steve is reacting to their takes and adding some important layers that the article missed. It’s interesting to hear what other pros recommend, but the reality is that every million-dollar plan is unique. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💰 The Million-Dollar Question: What makes this investment scenario so interesting

🎯 Age Matters: How your investment mix should shift based on your stage of life

🧮 Custom Planning: Why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to investing $1 million

💵 Liquidity & Access: Keeping enough cash on hand for flexibility

📈 Tax Strategies: How Roth conversions and smart allocation can boost efficiency

Financial Advisor Magazine, Where Should A Middle-Aged Client Invest $1 Million? 3 Pros Share Their Ideas: 

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/have--1m-to-invest--rias-hightower--wellington-altus--poljak-have-thoughts-84240.html

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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Bonds used to be the “boring” part of a portfolio- safe, steady, and not very exciting. But with yields at multi-decade highs, many investors are asking: is now the time to give bonds a bigger role in your strategy? In this episode, Steve explains how to evaluate bond opportunities in today’s environment and assess whether they’re a wise choice for you. Before you go all in, make sure the mix fits your long-term plan.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Investor Psychology: why “boring” investments often bring long-term peace of mind

📈 Understanding Returns: how bond yields and prices move in opposite directions

⚖️ Interest Rate Risk: what duration means and how to manage volatility

💡 Diversification Benefits: using bonds to balance equity risk and smooth performance

🧭 Customized Strategy: tailoring your bond exposure to your goals, not the headlines

Resources for this episode:

https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/interest-rates-affect-bonds.html

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/could-bond-markets-finally-be-making-sense-again-83906.html?section=68

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/bond-market-outlook

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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 and set the tone in the right way, both emotionally and financially? In this episode, Steve outlines five key areas that every new retiree should focus on during this major life transition. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💵 Adjust Financially: learn to manage new income streams and spending habits

📊 Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy: protect your portfolio from early market swings

🧭 Find Purpose: replace work identity with meaningful daily fulfillment

💪 Stay Physically Active: maintain strength, mobility, and long-term independence

🧾 Avoid Overspending: set realistic expectations for your “go-go years”

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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. Steve shares four simple but powerful ways to refresh your financial life and make sure your money is aligned with your values and future plans. A little reflection now can go a long way toward making your financial future more secure… and less scary!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🕰️ Make Time for Review: October is your perfect financial reset window

🚀 Progress, Not Perfection: every step forward builds financial confidence

💬 Ask Questions: don’t hesitate to reach out for financial clarity

📊 Take Inventory: review accounts, balances, and progress toward goals

🤝 Find Professional Support: the right advisor helps simplify your decisions

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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 60s? Steve walks through how to think about big-ticket purchases in retirement, when debt might be acceptable, and how Roth 401(k)s can play a role in funding goals tax-efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance enjoyment and financial discipline in retirement, this episode will help you weigh your options without sacrificing your stability. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚐 The true cost of big retirement purchases

💸 What to consider before withdrawing large sums from your IRA

🧮 Running “what-if” scenarios to guide smarter choices

🎯 The importance of aligning big goals with your retirement plan

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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 parents say they’d rather talk about drugs and politics than tuition costs. Steve explains where families go wrong, from overextending themselves to skipping retirement contributions, and offers smarter strategies to help parents fund education without sabotaging their own future. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏦 Skipping retirement savings to pay tuition backfires

🔄 How early planning eases the burden for everyone

🎓 Teaching kids responsibility with “skin in the game”

🛠️ Community college, trade schools & smarter alternatives

📈 Alternatives for flexible college savings

Citizens Financial Group’s 2024 College Planning Study:
https://investor.citizensbank.com/about-us/newsroom/latest-news/2025/2025-06-24.aspx  
 
Sallie Mae’s “How America Pays for College” Report:
https://www.salliemae.com/about/leading-research/how-america-pays-for-college/ 

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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 trustworthy when you peel back the layers. In this episode, Steve shares the financial “gas station sushi” equivalents that lure people in but can leave them feeling sick later. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🍣 The lure (and danger) of gas station sushi as a metaphor for risky financial choices

🤖 Using AI or WebMD as your doctor or financial advisor  

🗣️ Friends & neighbors’ “big wins” aren’t always the full story 

🩹 Dollar-store duct tape: sometimes you get what you pay for

⚠️ The risks of blindly following financial rules of thumb

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors

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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 portfolio; it’s about so much more. In today’s episode, Steve explains why focusing only on the numbers can leave blind spots that derail your future. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏖️ Retirement is about lifestyle, not just investments

📆 Social Security timing can significantly change outcomes

🏠 Housing decisions (downsizing, relocating) reshape your plan

💊 Healthcare and long-term care costs can derail finances

📜 Estate and tax planning are crucial, not optional

Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html

Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg

Book your 401(k) Onboarding Meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/401-k-retirement-meeting-1-hour-clone?month=2024-12

Other ways to get in touch:

Phone: (775) 266-8867
Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors