Can I Retire Now?

Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner

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. Jul 15

    How to Use the 0% Capital Gains Tax Rate in Retirement (Ep. 47)

    Could you be paying taxes in retirement that you didn't actually have to pay? Many retirees spend years focusing on saving money, only to discover that how they withdraw it can be just as important. Understanding the difference between taxable income and cash available to spend can open planning opportunities that many people never realize exist. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner explain how the 0% long-term capital gains tax rate can create opportunities for recently retired couples who plan ahead. Through practical examples, they show how taxable income differs from spending money, why building cash reserves before retirement matters, how tax-gain harvesting can reduce future risk, and why retirement planning is just as much about tax planning as investment management. Key takeaways: Understanding taxable income can create opportunities to realize long-term capital gains at a 0% tax rateBuilding cash reserves before retirement may provide more flexibility during the first retirement yearsCoordinating withdrawals, investments, and taxable income helps create more planning options over timeSelling appreciated investments can reduce concentration risk while potentially limiting capital gains taxesLooking several years ahead often creates retirement tax opportunities that yearly planning can missAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  2. Jun 24

    The Retirement Readiness Checklist You Shouldn’t Ignore (Ep. 46)

    Retirement gets a lot more real when the calendar starts counting down. Questions around healthcare, taxes, income, routines, and timing can suddenly feel overwhelming. What happens if you miss Medicare deadlines? How do you avoid tax surprises? And what does life actually look like once the work routine disappears? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner walk through a retirement readiness checklist covering the final 12 months before retirement. They discuss Social Security timing, Medicare enrollment deadlines, tax planning opportunities, Roth conversions, investment income strategies, beneficiary reviews, and how to prepare emotionally for life after work. They also explain why retirement is more of a strategy game than a finish line and why planning early can help reduce stress during the transition. Key takeaways: Medicare enrollment deadlines can affect premium costs for the rest of your retirement yearsRetirement tax planning may create opportunities for Roth conversions and lower taxable incomeBuilding cash reserves before retirement can help stabilize income during market downturnsWeekly routines and lifestyle planning matter just as much as investment preparation before retiringPTO payouts, pensions, and retirement timing can all impact taxes during your first retirement yearAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  3. Jun 12

    Suitcases Packed, Budget Intact: Summer Travel Without Overspending (Ep. 45)

    Summer travel is exciting…until the costs start piling up before you’ve even packed a bag.  Between rising prices, group trips, and social pressure to “upgrade” every experience, it’s easy for vacation budgets to spiral. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner discuss how rising travel costs are changing how Americans vacation this summer. They cover why fewer people are traveling, how group trips can quietly wreck budgets, and why planning conversations matter before booking anything.  Becky also shares practical ways families can cut vacation costs without cutting fun, including off-peak travel, “reverse beach days,” and affordable destination ideas that still feel memorable. Key takeaways: Why travel costs are pushing many families to rethink vacations and spending habits this summerHow friend trips often lead travelers to overspend far beyond their original vacation budgetWhy budgeting conversations before booking can help avoid tension during group travelCreative ways families can lower vacation costs without giving up meaningful experiencesHow off-peak destinations and slower travel plans can reduce stress and improve tripsAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  4. Apr 29

    Midterm Volatility and Smarter Investment Strategies for Uncertain Markets (Ep. 44)

    Uncertainty in the market can make even the most experienced investors question their decisions. How should you respond when headlines, politics, and volatility start influencing your financial choices? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down how midterm election years have historically impacted the market and what investors can expect during these periods. They explain why volatility tends to rise leading into elections and how markets often recover afterward.  Nick and Becky also explain why trying to time the market can backfire and highlight strategies such as dividend investing and buffered approaches to stay invested while managing risk. Key takeaways: How midterm election cycles historically impact market volatility and investor behaviorWhy uncertainty often affects markets more than negative news eventsThe risks of trying to time the market and missing key recovery daysHow dividend strategies can generate income during volatile periodsWhy staying invested with protective strategies can support long-term outcomesAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  5. Apr 8

    Long-Term Care Planning: What Most People Miss Until It’s Too Late (Ep. 43)

    Most people avoid thinking about future care needs until it suddenly becomes real. What happens when everyday tasks become difficult, and how does that impact your finances and family? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down what long-term care really means and why it is a key part of retirement planning. They explain how care is tied to basic daily activities, who is most likely to need it, and the surprising reality that many claims happen before age 65. The conversation also explores the rising costs of care, common misconceptions about Medicare, and how newer hybrid insurance options are changing how people plan ahead. Key takeaways: How long-term care is tied to everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility needsWhy most people will require care at some point, often for shorter but critical periodsThe financial impact of care, with costs ranging from $6,000 to over $10,000 monthlyWhy Medicare does not cover long-term care and how that creates planning gapsHow newer hybrid insurance strategies combine life insurance with care benefitsAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  6. Mar 25

    Financial Planning vs Retirement Planning: What Most People Get Wrong (Ep. 42)

    Many people think saving for retirement is the same thing as financial planning. But are they really the same? And could focusing on one while ignoring the other leave major gaps in your financial future? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the difference between retirement planning and financial planning and why the distinction matters more than most people realize. They explore how many advisors focus mainly on investments while overlooking taxes, insurance, debt, and estate planning. Nick also explains why retirement planning is often formula-based while financial planning evolves throughout life as goals, priorities, and circumstances change. Key takeaways: Why financial planning should act as the blueprint for your entire financial life and not just retirement savingsHow many advisor relationships focus mostly on investment returns rather than long-term financial strategyThe difference between the accumulation of assets and the distribution stage during retirement yearsQuestions people should ask advisors about fiduciary duty, independence, licensing, and the planning processWhy tax planning is becoming the next major focus area in comprehensive financial planningAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  7. Mar 13

    How Much Car Can You Afford? (Ep. 41)

    Buying a car can feel exciting, but the payment can quietly shape your financial future. Are you thinking about what that monthly number means for your long-term plans? In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share the real numbers behind their recent $40,000 car purchase. They break down when financing at 1.9% made more sense than paying cash, how a $3,000 Costco discount changed the deal, and why your car payment should never exceed what you save for retirement.  They also explore interest rates, emergency reserves, and how to avoid rolling one car payment into the next for decades. Key takeaways: How a Costco membership instantly reduced their purchase price by $3,000Why 1.9% financing can beat paying cash when money is earning elsewhereA practical benchmark tying your car payment to retirement savingsThe importance of cash reserves before taking on any new paymentWhy many drivers keep rolling payments instead of keeping cars longerAnd more!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  8. Feb 18

    Understanding Disability Insurance: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset (Ep. 40)

    What happens if your paycheck suddenly stops, not because you lost your job, but because you can't work?  Most people never consider this possibility until it's too late. In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning: disability insurance. They explain what disability insurance actually is, who needs it, and why protecting your income is just as important as protecting your life.  Nick shares his personal experience filing a disability claim early in his career, breaking down the differences between short-term and long-term coverage, employer-sponsored plans versus individual policies, and the critical distinction between "any occupation" and "own occupation" coverage. Nick and Becky discuss: The fundamental difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance, and when each appliesWhy "any occupation" coverage may leave professionals vulnerable despite lower premiumsHow employer-sponsored group plans compare to individual policies in cost and coverageThe reality of Social Security disability benefits and why they shouldn't be your only safety netCommon misconceptions about disability insurance, including AD&D and cancer policiesAnd More!Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

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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
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Can I Retire Now?
  • Show Website
    Can I Retire Now?

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