The Fit Wealth Show

By Amanda & Shawn HanquistBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Investing

The Fit Wealth Show episodes

October 06154. Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation
Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation Explained
In This Episode
We’re breaking down the difference between tax strategy and tax preparation — and why that difference could mean six figures in savings over your lifetime.
Many people think they “have a tax plan” because they have a CPA.
But here’s the truth:
Tax preparation is what happens in the spring — you hand over last year’s numbers, and your accountant tells you what you owe.
Tax strategy happens throughout the year — it’s proactive, not reactive — and it gives you control over what you’ll owe next year.
Think of it this way:
Your CPA is the scorekeeper, but your tax strategist? That’s your coach.
At Fit Wealth
This is Shawn Hanquist’s zone of genius — not in a “find the loopholes” way, but in a structured, legal, strategic way that helps high earners minimize taxes and build sustainable wealth.
He teaches clients to stop playing defense and start playing offense with their taxes by using tools like:
Maximizing Retirement Contributions with Cash Balance or Defined Benefit Plans to save well beyond standard 401(k) limits.
Optimizing Your S-Corp Salary and QBI Deduction to strike the right balance between W-2 income and distributions for maximum tax efficiency.
Leveraging Bonus Depreciation to write off qualifying business equipment and vehicles before year-end.
Using Charitable Giving through donor-advised funds or foundations to reduce taxable income while supporting causes you care about.
Taking Advantage of Energy Credits for solar, EV purchases, and home or business efficiency upgrades.
Exploring Oil and Gas Investments for advanced deductions and upfront tax advantages available to accredited investors.
Using Tax Loss Harvesting and Capital Gains Timing to offset investment gains and manage taxes strategically across your portfolio.
For high earners, the difference between planning this way and not?
Sometimes it’s hundreds of thousands — every single year.
Why Most People Overpay
High earners are busy. They’re building and scaling— and they assume their accountant “handles it.”
But when we take a closer look, we often find massive, missed opportunities. Not because anyone did anything wrong, but because no one’s sitting down proactively to say:
“Hey, before December, let’s look at your income, deductions, and investments — and design a plan.”
That’s the real secret of the wealthy:
They don’t wait until April.
They decide in the fall what April will look like.
Biggest Takeaway
If you only think about taxes when it’s time to file them, you’re already too late.
But when you start planning ahead, you shift from just paying taxes to being tax efficient.
Next week, Shawn and I are diving into the first strategy — how to use retirement plans as your tax-saving powerhouse, even if you’ve already maxed out your 401(k).
Thanks for tuning in — we’ll catch you in the next one!

Advisory services are offered through Fit Wealth Advisors, LLC. d/b/a Fit Wealth, an Investment Advisor in the State of Nebraska. Insurance products and services are offered through Fit Wealth Insurance, LLC, an affiliated company. All content is for information purposes only. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Nor is it intended to be a projection of current or future performance or indication of future results. Purchases are subject to suitability. This requires a review of an investor’s objective, risk tolerance, and time horizons. Investing always involves risk and possible loss of capital.
18 min
September 30153. Why Your Financial Advisor Should Check Your Tax Returns
Does your financial advisor ask to review your tax return every year? If not, you could be missing valuable financial planning opportunities.
Most people think of their tax return as something to file away once tax season is over. But your tax return is much more than a record of what happened last year—it's one of the most valuable planning tools for making smarter financial decisions going forward.
In this episode of The Fit Wealth Show, Amanda and Shawn Hanquist explain why reviewing your tax return is a critical part of comprehensive financial planning and how it can uncover opportunities to improve your tax strategy, investment decisions, retirement planning, and overall financial picture.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Why your tax return is one of the most valuable financial planning documents you have
The difference between tax preparation and tax planning
What your financial advisor should be looking for when reviewing your return
Tax-saving opportunities that are often overlooked
How your tax return can influence retirement planning and investment decisions
Why coordination between your CPA and financial advisor matters
Questions every financial advisor should be asking after tax season
Key Takeaway:
Your tax return shouldn't be the end of the conversation—it should be the beginning.
When your financial advisor reviews your tax return as part of a coordinated financial plan, it can reveal opportunities to reduce future taxes, improve investment efficiency, optimize retirement strategies, and help ensure every part of your financial life is working together.
Topics Covered:
Financial Planning
Tax Planning
Tax Return Review
Investment Management
Retirement Planning
Wealth Management
Business Owners
Information from Shawn Hanquist, CFP®
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Enjoying The Fit Wealth Show?
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this conversation helpful, we'd appreciate it if you left a review and shared it with a friend or fellow business owner. Your support helps us reach more people looking to build wealth with confidence.
🔗 Connect with Fit Wealth
Instagram: @fitwealth_
Website: www.fitwealthadvisors.com
Podcast: The Fit Wealth Show— subscribe on Apple & Spotify
YouTube: The Fit Wealth Show

The Fit Wealth Podcast is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
20 min
September 15152. Put Too Much Money in a Roth, What Happens Next?
Accidentally contributed too much to your IRA? Don't panic.
It's one of the most common retirement planning mistakes we see, and in many cases, it's completely fixable, if you know what to do.
Whether you received a raise, earned an unexpected bonus, sold a business, or simply didn't realize you exceeded the IRS contribution limits, making an excess IRA contribution can happen to anyone.
In this episode, Amanda and Shawn Hanquist explain what an excess IRA contribution is, the potential tax consequences of leaving it uncorrected, and the steps you can take to fix the mistake before it becomes more costly.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
What an excess IRA contribution actually is
The most common reasons people overcontribute
The IRS 6% excise tax—and how to avoid it
Your options for correcting an excess contribution
Common mistakes people make after discovering the problem
How proactive financial planning can help prevent issues like this in the future
Key Takeaway
An IRA overcontribution doesn't have to derail your retirement plan. The sooner you identify the issue and take action, the more options you'll typically have to correct it and avoid unnecessary penalties.
If you're unsure whether you've contributed too much—or have questions about your retirement strategy—working with a qualified financial advisor can help ensure your savings stay aligned with your long-term goals.
Enjoying The Fit Wealth Show?
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this conversation helpful, we'd appreciate it if you left a review and shared it with a friend or fellow business owner. Your support helps us reach more people looking to build wealth with confidence.
🔗 Connect with Fit Wealth
Instagram: @fitwealth_
Website: www.fitwealthadvisors.com
Podcast: The Fit Wealth Show— subscribe on Apple & Spotify
YouTube: The Fit Wealth Show

The Fit Wealth Podcast is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
16 min
September 08151. A lot of women avoid this money conversation, here’s why and what they need to know
The Financial Shift Every Woman Needs To Be Prepared For
For generations, many women were taught that someone else would handle the finances. But today's reality is very different.
Women are living longer, inheriting more wealth, building successful careers and businesses, and increasingly becoming the primary financial decision-makers in their families. Whether through retirement, widowhood, divorce, or simply life changing, there's a good chance you'll be responsible for important financial decisions at some point.
The question isn't whether you're capable.
It's whether you'll be prepared.
In this episode, Amanda discusses why so many women feel disconnected from money, why confidence—not intelligence—is often the biggest obstacle, and the simple financial knowledge every woman should have before life forces her to figure it out on her own.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why today's women are facing a different financial future than previous generations.
The real reason so many women feel intimidated by investing and financial planning.
Why confidence with money has very little to do with intelligence.
How financial knowledge creates more freedom and better choices later in life.
The six essential areas every woman should understand about her own finances, regardless of who's currently managing the money.
You don't need to become a financial expert.
You simply need enough understanding to confidently participate in the conversations that shape your future.
If you're entering the second half of life and want more clarity around retirement, taxes, investments, and your overall financial plan, we'd love to help.
Visit FitWealthAdvisors.com to learn more.
🔗 Connect with Fit Wealth

Instagram: @fitwealth_
Website: www.fitwealthadvisors.com
Podcast: The Fit Wealth Show— subscribe on Apple & Spotify
YouTube: The Fit Wealth Show

Advisory services are offered through Fit Wealth Advisors, LLC. d/b/a Fit Wealth, an Investment Advisor in the State of Nebraska. Insurance products and services are offered through Fit Wealth Insurance, LLC, an affiliated company. All content is for information purposes only. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Nor is it intended to be a projection of current or future performance or indication of future results. Purchases are subject to suitability. This requires a review of an investor’s objective, risk tolerance, and time horizons. Investing always involves risk and possible loss of capital.
11 min
June 23150. What Should Business Owners Do with Excess Cash Flow?
If You’re Making $1M+ in Your Business — Here’s What You Should Be Doing With Your Money
Most business owners spend years focused on growth.
Growing revenue. Growing income. Growing the business.
But eventually the conversation changes.
Once income is no longer the biggest problem, the real questions become:
How should I structure this well?
What should I actually be doing with excess cash flow?
How do I build wealth beyond the business?
How do I create flexibility and long-term options?
In this episode of The Fit Wealth Show, Amanda and Shawn Hanquist break down the framework they use with high-income business owners to help turn strong income into intentional long-term wealth.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why higher income does not automatically create wealth
The shift from reactive money decisions to intentional financial systems
How successful business owners think differently about cash flow
The difference between tax filing and proactive tax strategy
What a real financial plan actually looks like at higher income levels
The Fit Wealth “CFO Framework”
How to think about liquidity, investing, taxes, and long-term goals together
Questions every successful business owner eventually asks themselves:
“Am I actually on track?”
“Could I slow down if I wanted to?”
“Am I building enough outside of my business?”
“What does enough actually look like for us?”
Key Takeaway
Wealth is about creating a coordinated financial life that becomes more intentional, efficient, and aligned over time.
🔗 Connect With Fit Wealth
If you’re a business owner looking for a more coordinated approach to financial planning, tax strategy, and long-term wealth building, visit Fit Wealth to learn more about working with our team.
Instagram: @fitwealth_
Website: fitwealthadvisors.com
Podcast: The Fit Wealth Show — subscribe on Apple & Spotify
YouTube: @fitwealthshow
The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
20 min
November 11, 2025150. Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation Explained
Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation Explained
In This Episode
We’re breaking down the difference between tax strategy and tax preparation — and why that difference could mean six figures in savings over your lifetime.
Many people think they “have a tax plan” because they have a CPA.
But here’s the truth:
Tax preparation is what happens in the spring — you hand over last year’s numbers, and your accountant tells you what you owe.
Tax strategy happens throughout the year — it’s proactive, not reactive — and it gives you control over what you’ll owe next year.
Think of it this way:
Your CPA is the scorekeeper, but your tax strategist? That’s your coach.
At Fit Wealth
This is Shawn Hanquist’s zone of genius — not in a “find the loopholes” way, but in a structured, legal, strategic way that helps high earners minimize taxes and build sustainable wealth.
He teaches clients to stop playing defense and start playing offense with their taxes by using tools like:
Maximizing Retirement Contributions with Cash Balance or Defined Benefit Plans to save well beyond standard 401(k) limits.
Optimizing Your S-Corp Salary and QBI Deduction to strike the right balance between W-2 income and distributions for maximum tax efficiency.
Leveraging Bonus Depreciation to write off qualifying business equipment and vehicles before year-end.
Using Charitable Giving through donor-advised funds or foundations to reduce taxable income while supporting causes you care about.
Taking Advantage of Energy Credits for solar, EV purchases, and home or business efficiency upgrades.
Exploring Oil and Gas Investments for advanced deductions and upfront tax advantages available to accredited investors.
Using Tax Loss Harvesting and Capital Gains Timing to offset investment gains and manage taxes strategically across your portfolio.
For high earners, the difference between planning this way and not?
Sometimes it’s hundreds of thousands — every single year.
Why Most People Overpay
High earners are busy. They’re building and scaling— and they assume their accountant “handles it.”
But when we take a closer look, we often find massive, missed opportunities. Not because anyone did anything wrong, but because no one’s sitting down proactively to say:
“Hey, before December, let’s look at your income, deductions, and investments — and design a plan.”
That’s the real secret of the wealthy:
They don’t wait until April.
They decide in the fall what April will look like.
Coming Up Next
Over the next few weeks, we’re walking through seven key tax strategies we use with our high-income and accredited investor clients — the same ones Shawn and I use ourselves.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Maximizing Retirement Contributions- beyond the 401(k)
Optimize Your S-Corp Salary and QBI Deduction
Leverage Bonus Depreciation for Qualifying Business Purchases
Use Charitable Giving to Reduce Taxable Income
Energy Credits, Solar, EV, Efficiency Upgrades
Oil and Gas Investments for Advanced Deductions
Tax Loss Harvesting & Capital Gains Timing
Each builds on the other — and by the end of this series, you’ll understand how the wealthy design tax-efficient systems, not one-time fixes.
Free Guide
Want to follow along?
Download our free guide: “7 Year-End Tax Strategies for High Earners.”
It’s short, simple, and includes actionable steps to help reduce your tax liability— not by cutting corners, but by thinking ahead.
👉 Grab it at fitwealthadvisors.com/taxguide or through the link in the show notes.
Biggest Takeaway
If you only think about taxes when it’s time to file them, you’re already too late.
But when you start planning ahead, you shift from just paying taxes to being tax efficient.
Next week, Shawn and I are diving into the first strategy — how to use retirement plans as your tax-saving powerhouse, even if you’ve already maxed out your 401(k).
Thanks for tuning in — we’ll catch you in the next one!

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
24 min
October 21, 2025149. Why Gold is Shining Again, and When it Makes Sense to Own It
Why Gold Is Shining Again — and When It Actually Makes Sense to Own It
Episode Summary
Gold is glimmering again — hitting all-time highs and grabbing investors’ attention. But what’s really driving it? And should you jump in?
In this episode, Amanda talks with Shawn on breaking down:
Why gold prices are soaring right now
When investors typically buy gold
How much gold makes sense to hold in your portfolio
And why gold isn’t about getting rich
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy gold when the headlines heat up, this episode will give you a clearer answer.
What You’ll Learn
Why gold moves: How uncertainty, inflation, and interest rates drive prices.
When investors turn to gold: The emotional and economic triggers behind the “rush to safety.”
The right allocation: How much of your portfolio should actually be in gold (and why more isn’t always better).
Smart strategy: How to think about gold as part of your broader, diversified plan — not a panic purchase.
Key Takeaways
Gold tends to rise when investors feel uncertain — it’s a safety play, not a growth play.
Historically, a 5–10% allocation in gold or precious metals provides stability without sacrificing growth potential.
Chasing gold because “everyone’s buying it” usually means you’re late to the party.
Use gold as a diversifier, not a replacement for real investments that compound over time
Our Hot Take
“Gold’s value isn’t in its shine — it’s in its stability. It won’t build your wealth, but it can help protect it when the world feels shaky.”
🎧 Listen in if You’re:
Wondering if gold is a smart buy right now
Feeling nervous about the economy or stock market
Looking to better understand how diversification works
Building a long-term financial plan that balances growth and safety
🔗 Connect with Fit Wealth
Instagram: @fitwealth_
Website: www.fitwealthadvisors.com

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
24 min
September 16, 2025148. The Silent Fear: Will I Run Out of Money?
The Silent Fear: Will I Run Out of Money?
You’ve built wealth, worked hard, and invested wisely—so why does the quiet fear of running out of money still creep in? In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, Amanda and Shawn Hanquist unpack one of the most common (but rarely talked about) worries: whether your money will last as long as you do.
What we talk about:
Why even successful people fear running out of money
The science of sustainable withdrawals (and why the “4% rule” might not be enough)
How sequence-of-returns risk can derail a retirement plan if you’re not prepared
Why tax strategy and cash-flow planning are essential for peace of mind
Practical steps you can take now to feel confident about your long-term plan
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or pre-retiree thinking about your financial freedom number, this episode will help you understand the strategies that turn worry into clarity.
Key Takeaways
Running out of money is often less about the math and more about mindset.
A withdrawal strategy should be flexible, not one-size-fits-all.
Smart tax planning—like Roth conversions and asset location—can add years of confidence to your plan.
Peace of mind comes from knowing your cash flow, not just your account balance.
Who This Episode is For
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What if I outlive my money?”—this conversation will give you both the reassurance and the strategy to move forward with confidence.
👉 Tune in, take notes, and discover how to turn retirement into a work-optional lifestyle.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
30 min
September 09, 2025147. 5 Smart Tax Moves to Make Before Year-End
5 Smart Tax Moves to Make Before Year-End
The end of the year isn’t just about holidays and celebrations — it’s also the deadline for some of the most important tax planning opportunities. And if you’re between the ages of 45 and 65, the choices you make now can set you up for more income, more flexibility, and fewer tax headaches in retirement.
In this episode, we’re unpacking five simple but powerful tax strategies to consider before December 31st:
💰 Max out your retirement contributions — including catch-up provisions after age 50.
🔄 Roth conversions — why this might be your biggest tax-saving window.
🏥 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — the triple-tax-advantaged account most people underutilize.
❤️ Charitable giving strategies — smarter ways to give that can also save on taxes.
📊 Withholding & retirement income planning — how to avoid surprises when Social Security and Medicare come into play.
Whether you’re still working in your peak earning years or preparing to transition into retirement, these strategies can help you finish the year strong — and start the next one with confidence.
👉 Tune in to learn how to keep more of what you’ve earned and make smarter decisions with your money before the year ends.

Have more questions?
If you’re wondering which of these strategies make the most sense for your situation, reach out to schedule a clarity call with us at Fit Wealth Advisors. We’ll help you create a tax and retirement income plan that actually fits your life.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
34 min
September 02, 2025146. Your Financial Freedom Number Isn’t a Retirement Age
Episode Show Notes: What Is Your Real Financial Freedom Number?
Have you ever wondered: “Am I actually doing enough with my money to feel secure?”
You might be saving, investing, and checking all the right boxes — but that nagging question still lingers: What’s my number?
In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, Amanda Hanquist breaks down the concept of your Financial Freedom Number — the amount you really need to live a work-optional life with confidence.
We’ll cover:
✅ Why “enough” looks different for everyone (and why it’s not about hitting some magic retirement age).
✅ How to calculate your financial freedom number in simple terms.
✅ The hidden factors most people miss — like taxes, inflation, and lifestyle choices.
✅ Why knowing your number creates emotional peace of mind (instead of leaving you guessing).
If you’re ready to stop wondering whether you’ll run out of money and start living with clarity, this episode will show you how to define your number — and why it might be closer than you think.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to align your financial plan with your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
The difference between being disciplined with money and being intentional with it.
Practical steps to estimate your own freedom number — and how it changes over time.
Why year-end tax planning is critical for protecting and stretching that number.
🔑 Resources & Next Steps
Ready to find your financial freedom number? Book a strategy session the Fit Wealth team: fitwealthadvisors.com/contact
🎧 Tune In If…
You’re someone who:
Wants clarity around your financial future.
Dreams of a work-optional lifestyle.
Is doing “all the right things” but still wonders if it’s truly enough.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
25 min

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The Fit Wealth Show is for business owners who want to turn strong income into real, long-term wealth.

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