Can I Retire Now?

Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner
  • 4.5 (8)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Can I Retire Now? Podcast!Where savvy financial insights meet relatable wisdom. With almost two decades in the industry, Nick Russell and his wife Becky Wagoner bring a dynamic perspective to help you navigate your unique financial landscape. Join us as we decode the intricacies of your financial world, offering tailored strategies for dream retirement plans and protection against life's storms. Discover what truly matters in your financial life, gain insights on relationships and money, and maybe even share a good laugh. Your journey to financial well-being starts here.Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is separate from any other named entity. 6052 Turkey Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819. Main Telephone: (407) 351-3476

  1. 1D AGO

    Optimizing Your 401(k) for Maximum Growth and Returns (Ep. 39)

    Are you making the most of your retirement savings? Many people contribute to their 401(k) without understanding how to truly maximize its potential. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the essentials of 401(k) optimization. They explore common mistakes people make with their retirement accounts, explain employer matching strategies, and reveal how proper investment allocation can impact long-term wealth.  Nick also introduces a powerful tool that helps anyone optimize their 401(k) allocations, regardless of their company's plan, making professional-level investment guidance accessible to all. Key takeaways: Understanding employer matching formulas and why most companies contribute half of employee contributionsThe difference between "fully contributing" and maximizing employer match benefitsWhy choosing "moderate" allocations may cost you returns over timeHow automatic enrollment increases 401(k) balances by 60% for long-term employeesA tool that provides quarterly investment recommendations tailored to your specific planAnd more!Resources: 401K Optimizer® ToolConnect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick RussellThe HCM 401(k) Optimizer® is offered through Howard Capital Management, an SEC-registered investment adviser which only does business where it is properly registered or is otherwise exempt from registration. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for an investor's portfolio. Information provided should not be construed as personalized investment advice. There can be no assurances that any investment or strategy will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Past performance is not a guarantee of future investment success. Dollar cost averaging, asset allocation, rebalancing, and diversification strategies do not assure a profit or protect against losses in declining markets. © 2020 Howard Capital Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved

    41 min

  2. JAN 21

    ROImance: How Couples Should Handle Finances (Ep. 38)

    Should couples keep their finances separate or merge everything together? What happens when money meets commitment? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle the often uncomfortable topic of combining finances in relationships. They discuss why couples who merge their accounts tend to be happier and more financially successful, share practical steps for combining bank accounts and assets, and explore when it makes sense to keep certain accounts separate.  Nick and Becky also address the delicate balance of financial awareness between aging parents and adult children, offering insights on how to handle money across generations. Key takeaways: Opening joint bank accounts creates accountability and transparency while paying shared bills from one placeCouples who merge finances report higher relationship quality and stay together longer than those who keep accounts separateWriting down financial goals and sharing passwords for all accounts builds trust and prevents future complicationsAdult children should have awareness of aging parents' finances without necessarily having control over the accountsKeeping separate accounts makes sense in specific situations, like child support or alimony payments from previous marriagesAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    38 min

  3. JAN 6

    Why 80% of New Year’s Resolutions Fail (and the Simple Fix That Works) (Ep. 37)

    Do your New Year's resolutions fade by mid-January? Are you ready to approach goal-setting in a way that actually works for you? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explore practical strategies for setting and achieving goals throughout the year. From choosing the right time to set goals based on your personal rhythm to understanding why writing them down makes such a dramatic difference, they share insights that go beyond typical resolution advice.  They discuss the surprising second Friday of January, known as "Quitter's Day," and offer fresh perspectives on making goals fun, meaningful, and achievable across health, wealth, personal space, social connection, and whimsy. Key takeaways: Choosing the best time to set goals based on personal rhythm rather than defaulting to January 1st for better resultsCovering diverse goal categories, including health, wealth, personal space, social connection, and whimsy for balanceWriting goals down increases achievement rates dramatically, with Harvard MBAs earning 10x more when they documented goalsMaking goals action-oriented rather than avoidance-based to increase the likelihood of following through successfullyCreating fun elements like bingo cards or pasta shape challenges to maintain motivation throughout the yearAnd More!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    31 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    The Truth About Health and Longevity with Dr. Ara Suppiah (Ep. 36)

    Health is the foundation that allows every financial plan to matter because if you can’t enjoy your wealth, what’s it really for? In this episode, Nick Russell welcomes back Dr. Ara Suppiah, Founder of The Functional Sports Medicine Institute, to separate myths from facts on nutrition, sleep, and movement.  They discuss how simple daily choices can extend both lifespan and relevance, not just years in life, but life in those years. Key takeaways: Why “breakfast is the most important meal” isn’t a one-size-fits-all ruleThe link between sleep quality, immunity, and even cancer preventionHow movement, not just exercise, improves longevity and daily functionThe truth about fasting, cardio, and strength training for body compositionWhy relevance, purpose, and play matter just as much as nutritionAnd More!Previous Episodes of Interest: How Health Impacts Wealth with Dr. Ara Suppiah Pt. 1 (Ep. 21)Nutrition, Supplements, and Plant-Based Diets with Dr. Ara Suppiah - Part 2 (Ep. 22)Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick RussellConnect with Dr. Ara Suppiah: LinkedIn: Ara SuppiahFunctional Sports Medicine Institutesupport@functionalsportsmedicine.com About Our Guest:  Dr. Ara Suppiah is a globally respected medical pioneer in professional sports and the founder of the Functional Sports Medicine Institute. Built on decades of groundbreaking research, the institute addresses the unmet needs of elite athletes by optimizing health, vitality, and sustained high performance. Dr. Ara’s proprietary Functional Sports Medicine™ model blends the sciences of functional medicine, allopathic medicine, and Eastern medical philosophies to combat inflammation and enhance overall well-being. His innovative approach has revolutionized the care of professional athletes, empowering them to excel both on and off the field. As a sought-after personal physician on the LIV tour and previously on the PGA and LPGA Tours, the ATP and WTA circuits, Dr. Ara provides tailored medical care for some of the world’s top athletes. In addition to his role as a practicing ER Physician, he serves as the Chief Medical Analyst for NBC Sports Golf Channel, where he offers expert insights into athlete health and performance. Dr. Ara is also a thought leader, speaker, and author, dedicated to reshaping how people approach athlete care. Through his Functional Sports Medicine Masterclass, he is educating and empowering a new generation of professionals with his holistic and science-backed methodologies. With a mission to redefine sports medicine, Dr. Ara continues to pave the way for athletes to achieve peak performance while living healthier, more balanced lives.

    1h 10m

  5. 12/03/2025

    Your Year-End Financial Checklist: Smart Moves Before 2026 (Ep. 35)

    The end of the year brings more than just holidays.  It’s also a key moment to make tax-efficient moves that can shape your financial picture for the next year. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share a practical year-end checklist to help you stay proactive with your retirement accounts, avoid tax penalties, and make informed planning decisions before December 31.  From Roth conversions to charitable donations, they break down what needs to be done now and what can wait until tax season. Key Takeaways: The difference between calendar-year and tax-year deadlines for contributionsWhich accounts must be funded before December 31, and which can wait until tax filingHow to handle required minimum distributions and use QCDs for charitable givingTips on tax-loss harvesting, managing capital gains, and avoiding the wash-sale ruleWhen and why to consider Roth conversions, plus timing strategies after retirementAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    21 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    How to Budget for the Holidays and Avoid Overspending (Ep. 34)

    The holidays bring joy, but they also bring financial pressure that can leave you dazed come January. What if you could enjoy the season without the post-holiday regret? What if your spending reflected what truly matters to you? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share strategies for managing holiday expenses while staying aligned with your values. From creating supportive budgets to choosing meaningful gifts over material exchanges, they offer fresh perspectives on celebrating without overspending.  They also reveal startling statistics about gift returns and discuss creative alternatives that prioritize experiences and connections over commercialism. Key takeaways: Creating a budget based on what brings you joy (hosting, gifts, or travel) rather than feeling restricted by arbitrary spending limitsStarting with 1% of annual income as a holiday budget baseline and building in 5-10% flexibility for unexpected expensesChoosing experience-based gifts like time together, teaching family recipes, or childcare exchanges instead of material itemsCelebrating holidays on alternative dates to save on travel costs and reduce stress while maintaining meaningful traditionsThe reality that 17% of gifts (worth $890 billion) are returned annually, with 8.4 billion pounds ending up in landfillsAnd more!Resources: Forbes: 12 Tips To Build A Holiday Budget That Won’t Break The BankOptoro: With Returns Fraud & Abuse on the Rise, and 69% of Shoppers Admitting to Wardrobing, with 64% Doing So At Least Once a MonthNRF and Happy Returns Report: 2024 Retail Returns to Total $890 BillionConnect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    36 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    The Big Four Hidden Taxes in Retirement (Ep. 33)

    Taxes don’t stop when you retire; they just get sneakier. From Social Security surprises to Medicare premium surcharges, retirees face more hidden taxes than they might expect. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner reveal how to spot and manage the “Big Four Hidden Taxes” that can quietly drain your retirement income. They break down these taxes, how they interact, and what proactive planning can do to minimize their bite. Nick and Becky also uncover how to recognize, anticipate, and plan for the hidden tax traps that impact retirees’ income, investments, and healthcare costs. Key Takeaways: The difference between “obvious” and “hidden” taxes in retirementHow Social Security benefits become taxable and how thresholds applyWhat happens if you forget to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)Understanding the “Tax Torpedo” and its ripple effect on income and MedicareWhat IRMAA is and how it can inflate your Medicare premiums, plus how to appealAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    39 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    Even Dying Requires Paperwork: Estate Planning and Legacy Management (Ep. 32)

    Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about giving your loved ones clarity and control when it matters most. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explain why estate planning should start early, the essential documents everyone needs, and how to protect digital and financial assets for your family’s future.  They share personal stories, practical advice, and even a touching family example that shows how thoughtful planning can leave a lasting legacy. Nick and Becky explore: Why failing to plan can cause emotional and financial chaos for familiesThe four essential documents every adult should have: will, trust, power of attorney, and living willHow beneficiaries and “payable on death” accounts override your willThe importance of organizing and protecting your digital assets and passwordsWhen to update your estate plan to reflect life changes like marriage, divorce, or new propertyAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Can I Retire Now? Podcast!Where savvy financial insights meet relatable wisdom. With almost two decades in the industry, Nick Russell and his wife Becky Wagoner bring a dynamic perspective to help you navigate your unique financial landscape. Join us as we decode the intricacies of your financial world, offering tailored strategies for dream retirement plans and protection against life's storms. Discover what truly matters in your financial life, gain insights on relationships and money, and maybe even share a good laugh. Your journey to financial well-being starts here.Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is separate from any other named entity. 6052 Turkey Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819. Main Telephone: (407) 351-3476

Information

  • Creator
    Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Can I Retire Now?
  • Show Website
    Can I Retire Now?

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