Best Steve Smit Podcasts (2025)

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How To Handle Big Purchases In Retirement 8:19

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15h ago8:19

8:19

Send us a text 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 …

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What Parents Regret Most About College Costs 20:30

9d ago20:30

20:30

Send us a text 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 …

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The Gas Station Sushi Equivalent Of Retirement Planning 25:08

16d ago25:08

25:08

Send us a text 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 s…

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You’re Not Ready to Retire If This Is All You’ve Done 18:15

25d ago18:15

18:15

Send us a text 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 o…

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Inflation Is Still Wrecking Retirement Confidence 15:15

1M ago15:15

15:15

Send us a text Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people feel unprepared, and the ripple effect it has on retirement confidence. In this episode, Steve unpacks the numbers behind the su…

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5 Signs You’re Richer Than You Think 17:31

1M ago17:31

17:31

Send us a text Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think. And none of them involve yachts or private jets… Let’s analyze the habits that signal real, lasting wealth and what…

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The Beatles Retirement: All You Need Is A Plan 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

Send us a text It’s been 60 years since Beatlemania took America by storm. But beyond the screaming crowds and legendary performances, some of their lyrics still carry timeless wisdom, even when it comes to your financial life. In this episode, Steve takes us on a magical mystery tour through classic Beatles songs to uncover lessons about investing…

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Retirement Planning Pop Quiz: Can You Score 5/5? 12:59

2M ago12:59

12:59

Send us a text The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s also a great time for adults to brush up on retirement planning. In this episode, Steve walks through some key concepts that can make or break your retirement readiness. Test your knowledge with this quick financial pop quiz- five essential questions every pre-retiree and retiree should…

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The 4% Rule Rewrite (And What It Means For Your Retirement) 14:57

2M ago14:57

14:57

Send us a text The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? Here…

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Target-Date Funds: Pros, Cons & What You Need To Know! 15:10

2M ago15:10

15:10

Send us a text Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice or just the easiest one? In this episode, Steve unpacks the pros, cons, and misunderstood mechanics of target-date fu…

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Hiring Your Spouse & Kids: Big Opportunities and Costly Mistakes to Avoid 14:04

2M ago14:04

14:04

Send us a text Today, we’re answering a smart question from a viewer about hiring a spouse or children in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create meaningful tax deductions, help a spouse build Social Security benefits, and even give children a head start on retirement savings. But if handled carelessly, it can raise re…

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Decoding Wall-Street Jargon: Financial Terms Everyone Should Know 17:58

3M ago17:58

17:58

Send us a text Financial terms get thrown around all the time- crash, correction, high yield, equities, fiduciary- but do you really know what they mean, and why the wording matters? In today’s episode, Steve breaks down common financial terms you hear all the time, what they really mean, and why understanding them could make a real difference in y…

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The Psychology of Money Says Your Emotions Matter More Than Math 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

Send us a text Today, we’re kicking off our new Financial Book Club with The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. This isn’t just a book about financial strategies- it’s about the why behind the decisions we make with money, even when they seem irrational. In this episode, Steve breaks down four key themes from Housel’s bestselling book and explor…

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Are You Over-Saving For Retirement? 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

Send us a text Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, Steve’s answering a smart viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present. Steve dives into Dennis’s situation: a high-income earner who’s maxing out multiple retirement accounts…

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The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning 15:19

3M ago15:19

15:19

Send us a text The five love languages were made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Let’s think about how you may encounter the love languages when it comes to financial planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode…

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Can Real Estate Boost Your Retirement Plan? 19:44

4M ago19:44

19:44

Send us a text Thinking about using real estate to strengthen your retirement plan? From generating income to offering financial flexibility or emergency access to cash, real estate offers a wide range of possibilities. But not every option is the right fit for every retiree. In this episode, Steve breaks down seven common real estate approaches th…

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Mailbag: Saving Dilemmas, Severance Packages & Retirement Rules 11:56

4M ago11:56

11:56

Send us a text Today, Steve answers three thoughtful listener questions from viewers like you! Is saving 15% of your income truly necessary or just a rule of thumb that doesn’t fit everyone? What should you consider if you’re unexpectedly offered a severance package right before retirement? And does the popular 4% withdrawal rule still work in toda…

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Mailbag: What Should I Do with My Old 401k? 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

Send us a text If you’ve ever left a job and wondered what to do with that old 401k account, you’re not alone, and today’s episode is for you! In this listener mailbag edition, Steve answers a question from William, who’s trying to decide whether to leave his 401k where it is or roll it into an IRA. It sounds simple, but the implications can be hug…

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Understanding Financial Advisor Fees: What Are You Really Paying For? 13:13

4M ago13:13

13:13

Send us a text Welcome to our final installment of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! Let’s be real. Nobody wants to talk about fees, but everyone wants to know if they’re getting a fair deal! Today, Steve sheds light on one of the most misunderstood aspects of working with a financial advi…

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Keeping Your Retirement Plan Flexible 11:01

5M ago11:01

11:01

Send us a text Welcome to part 6 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! Change is the name of the game! Career shifts, unexpected life twists—whatever it is, your retirement plan has to keep up. Today, we’re talking about flexibility. Why? Because your retirement should be as adaptable as yo…

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Is 2025 A Bad Time To Retire? 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

Send us a text Plenty of people have concerns about stock market volatility, a potential recession on the horizon, and fears for the economy amidst federal layoffs and tariffs. What if you’ve had 2025 marked on the calendar for a while as the year you plan to retire? Is this a bad time to do it? In this episode, Steve breaks down what retirees and …

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Cash Balance Pension vs. Traditional Pension Explained 18:23

5M ago18:23

18:23

Send us a text If you’ve been in your utility job for years and still don’t understand how your pension works, you’re not alone. In this episode, Steve takes a listener question from Lisa. She’s been working for 15 years and asked a commonly misunderstood question: What’s the difference between a cash balance pension and a traditional pension? Tune…

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Am I On Track For Retirement? 15:10

5M ago15:10

15:10

Send us a text Wondering if you're actually on track for retirement? That’s the question Alex, a utility worker with 22 years of service, asked, and it sparked this helpful breakdown. Whether you’re early in your career or closing in on retirement, knowing where you stand is key to your financial future. The truth is, it’s not just about your 401k …

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Inside the Advisor’s Office: Top Concerns Among Financial Planning Clients 17:35

5M ago17:35

17:35

Send us a text Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning and healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and …

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What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio? 13:03

6M ago13:03

13:03

Send us a text The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy? In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the backstory of tariffs– what they are, why…

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Understanding Managed Portfolios: Should You Consider Them? 18:47

6M ago18:47

18:47

Send us a text Welcome to part 5 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! Imagine this: your retirement portfolio is growing steadily, adjusting to market shifts, all without you lifting a finger. Sound too good to be true? Welcome to the world of managed portfolios. In this episode, Steve pee…

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How Past Market Meltdowns Are Influencing You Right Now 25:29

6M ago25:29

25:29

Send us a text It’s been a volatile month. And if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, we look at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can…

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4 Questions to Ask Yourself During a Market Drop 16:19

6M ago16:19

16:19

Send us a text The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something - anything- right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? Whether you’re feeling calm or full-on panicked, this conversation offers four practical questions to help you check in with your plan, reassess your …

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Key 2025 Tax Breaks & Adjustment Opportunities 17:23

7M ago17:23

17:23

Send us a text Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025- before the year gets away from you With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your…

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Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most 18:38

7M ago18:38

18:38

Send us a text April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we’re uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves. We’ll cover some of the most common myths that can derail your retirement plans and explain why they…

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March Madness and Stocks: The Risky Game of Picking Winners 19:53

7M ago19:53

19:53

Send us a text March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted. Many investors can’t resist chasing big wins, even though diversification is a smarter play. One…

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Choosing the Right Investments for Your Goals 17:02

7M ago17:02

17:02

Send us a text Welcome to part 4 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it really means to choose the right investments for your goals. We’re going beyond the basics of ‘target-date funds’ and talking about how to customize your portfolio for your u…

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The Value of Professional Financial Guidance 16:59

8M ago16:59

16:59

Send us a text Welcome to part 3 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! In today’s episode, we’re talking about the value of professional guidance and how having a trusted advisor can help you see the full picture, manage emotions, and avoid costly mistakes in your financial life. Steve shar…

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Managing Risk in Your Retirement Journey 16:39

8M ago16:39

16:39

Send us a text Welcome to part 2 of our 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! Today’s episode is all about the importance of balancing risk, especially as retirement approaches. Steve and Walter discuss how different risks can impact retirement savings and why a risk management strategy can make a…

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Building a Strong Foundation for Retirement 12:08

8M ago12:08

12:08

Send us a text Welcome to our new 7-part series, where we’re diving into the 7 principles of Powerhouse Financial Advisors! In this episode, Steve and Walter kick things off by breaking down what it really takes to build a rock-solid foundation for retirement. Many people approach retirement planning by simply checking the boxes on their 401K optio…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 7 Recap 8:07

9M ago8:07

8:07

Send us a text We’ve reached the final chapter of Power Up Your 401K! Steve wraps up the book with a powerful message about living life with an open hand- a philosophy shaped by his roots on the farm, which we’ll explore today. As we reflect on this chapter, we’ll also discuss the importance of finding purpose in retirement, as Steve has found that…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 7: Enjoy Every Minute With An Open Hand 9:29

9M ago9:29

9:29

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 7: Enjoy Every Minute With An Open Hand. As we conclude this read-along, Steve highlights the value of living with an open hand, both in our finances and in life. He explains how a we…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 6 Recap 11:57

9M ago11:57

11:57

Send us a text Chapter 6 of Power Up Your 401K was all about embracing the bigger picture in financial planning. In it, Steve reflects on his financial journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how his beginnings have shaped his perspective on helping others achieve financial success. Join us as we dive into the chapter and discuss how g…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 6: Embrace The Bigger Picture 20:34

9M ago20:34

20:34

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 6: Embrace The Bigger Picture. Listen as Steve shares the inspiring story of John, a former lineman who, alongside his wife, built a successful financial future through steady saving,…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 5 Recap 12:08

9M ago12:08

12:08

Send us a text Today, we’re going to dig a little deeper into chapter 5 of Power Up Your 401K, where Steve talked about the uphill climb of saving for retirement. Life is full of the unexpected, so Steve shares his advice for those struggling to juggle financial priorities as life changes. The conversation also covers how to build financial confide…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 5: Set Out On The Long Ride 20:49

9M ago20:49

20:49

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 5: Set Out On The Long Ride. Join Steve as he compares retirement planning to a long bike ride, emphasizing the importance of pacing yourself for the long haul. Just like you wouldn’t…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 4 Recap 9:15

9M ago9:15

9:15

Send us a text Chapter 4 of Power Up Your 401K focuses on the importance of embracing change when it comes to your financial planning. Steve explains how your financial needs evolve as you get closer to retirement and why it's crucial to adjust your strategy over time. Join Steve and Walter as they reflect on these insights and talk about the benef…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 4: Plan For All Outcomes 15:20

9M ago15:20

15:20

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 4: Plan For All Outcomes. Join Steve as he shares his approach to preparing for the unexpected in your financial journey. Planning isn’t just about picking the right investments- it's…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 3 Recap 12:15

9M ago12:15

12:15

Send us a text In chapter three of Power Up Your 401K, Steve talked us through the psychology of money and how risk is often misunderstood. While many people associate risk with loss, it’s really about managing your uncertainty to stay on track with your financial goals. Listen in as Steve recaps how important it is to be prepared for those unexpec…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 3: Manage The Psychology of Investing 19:39

9M ago19:39

19:39

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 3: Manage The Psychology of Investing. Just like a sharp turn on a bike trail requires focus, balance, and measured action, managing your investments demands a steady mindset and a cl…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 2 Recap 12:07

9M ago12:07

12:07

Send us a text Chapter two of Power Up Your 401K was all about setting financial goals, and as Steve explains, this is where everything begins. Whether it’s planning for retirement, buying a home, or paying for your children’s education, identifying your goals is the first step in creating a roadmap for financial success. We’ll also dive into how e…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 2: Set Your Financial Goals 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Chapter 2: Set Your Financial Goals. Join us as Steve shares how to lay the foundation for a financially secure future- both for yourself and your children. From managing the emotional aspect…

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Power Up Your 401K: Chapter 1 Recap 14:48

9M ago14:48

14:48

Send us a text Today, we’re going to dig a little deeper into chapter one of Power Up Your 401K, where Steve introduced the importance of mapping out a personalized financial strategy. We’ll chat about the analogies he used throughout the chapter and how his passion for biking has shaped his financial planning approach. Steve also talks about the v…

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Power Up Your 401K Chapter 1: Map Out Your Strategy 34:27

9M ago34:27

34:27

Send us a text Over the next several weeks, we’ll be reading through Steve’s book, Power Up Your 401k, one chapter at a time. In today’s episode, we’re starting with Chapter 1: Map Out Your Strategy. Listen in as Steve talks about the importance of creating a clear financial map for your retirement. Just as you wouldn’t set out on a long journey wi…

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Retirement Income Planning- How Important Is It? 13:02

10M ago13:02

13:02

Send us a text It’s been said that if you don’t have an income plan, you really don’t have a retirement plan. You’ve probably heard the term “income plan” before, but how crucial is it to your overall retirement strategy? In today’s episode, Steve discusses the importance of income planning and why it’s such a critical part of your retirement plan.…