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 and his wife, Becky, 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.  Hosted by: Nick J. Russell, CRPC®,  Investment Advisor Representative, and Becky Wagoner, Podcast Coordinator.  Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 6052 Turkey Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819. Main Telephone: (407) 351-3476.

  1. 5d ago

    Is That Really Your Bank? Personalized Scams and AI Imposters (Ep. 50)

    With AI getting smarter by the day, financial scams are no longer just obvious emails from international princes. Today, bad actors are using personalized and sophisticated voice cloning, DocuSign spoofs, and hidden crypto links to target everyday savers and pre-retirees. In this episode of Can I Retire Now?, Nick and Becky dive into the updated landscape of modern financial fraud. From imposter calls that mimic your family members to "smishing" text scams and long-con romance fraud, we break down how current scammers exploit technology and your emotions to steal over $120 billion a year in the U.S. alone. We also share practical, real-world strategies to protect your hard-earned wealth. Plus, Becky takes us back to 300 BC to share a wild story about the world's oldest documented instance of insurance fraud (and how it went terribly wrong). Whether you’ve been a recipient of a recent suspicious text or just want to double down on your retirement account security, pull up a chair and join the conversation! Key Takeaways:  Recognizing AI Imposters: Scammers are now using AI voice cloning and convincingSpotting Red Flags: Manufactured urgency is the #1 signal that a request is fraudulent; legitimate financial institutions will never demand immediate action under pressure.Implementing Simple Safeguards: Creating a family keyword, freezing your credit across all three bureaus, and using verbal verification before moving money provide immediate protection.Understanding Un-traceable Channels: Scammers heavily leverage cryptocurrency wallets and wire transfers specifically because they are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.Staying Intentional: Practicing basic digital hygiene, like regularly updating complex passwords and verifying links before signing electronic documents, keeps bad actors out.Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  2. Sep 3

    Emergency Savings and Student Loan Matches in Your 401(k) (Ep. 49)

    Government legislation might not sound like standard weekend listening, but the latest changes could reshape how you save and spend your money. Today’s episode of Can I Retire Now?, dives into Part 2 of Nick and Becky’s breakdown of the SECURE 2.0 Act. Employers can now match your student loan payments with 401(k) contributions and the new $2,500 emergency savings accounts are built right into workplace plans. With auto-enrollment and auto-escalation these options can set up future savers for success. We debate whether easier access to your retirement money is a helpful safety net or a dangerous habit, and Becky drops a surprising fun fact about America’s most secure location (and its exclusive visitor list). Whether you're looking to leverage your student loan payments into retirement dollars or just curious about how these rule changes affect your savings strategy, join us for a chat! Key Takeaways:  Balancing Retirement Accounts: Utilizing 401(k) emergency savings accounts and student loan matches helps younger workers build wealth without sacrificing short-term stability.Leveraging Automation: Auto-enrollment and auto-escalation features remove friction, naturally increasing retirement contributions as salaries grow.Navigating Penalty-Free Access: New Secure 2.0 provisions offer strategic flexibility for specific hardships, disaster relief, and long-term care premiums.Protecting Long-Term Growth: Maintaining traditional cash reserves prevents disruptive early withdrawals that can negatively impact ultimate retirement readiness.Planning Ahead: Evaluating new ways to access retirement funds highlights the importance of balancing near-term accessibility with long-term financial security.Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  3. Aug 21

    What the New RMD and Roth Rules Mean for Your Money (Ep. 48)

    Navigating government legislation shouldn't feel like decoding a foreign language. In this episode of Can I Retire Now?, Nick and Becky sit down to break down the actual, real-world impact of the Secure 2.0 Act. The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) ages have shifted, moving out to 73 and 75 depending on when you were born. That extra runway gives you a massive window for strategic Roth conversions. We dive into the new rules around high-earner catch-up contributions and why today's historical tax laws change the game. Plus, a surprisingly passionate debate over America's favorite condiments. Whether you're aggressively planning your exit strategy or just trying to make sense of your retirement accounts, we've got you covered. Grab a seat, and let's talk it over! Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:  LinkedIn: Nick RussellSunrise Wealth AdvisorsX: Nick Russell

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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 and his wife, Becky, 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.  Hosted by: Nick J. Russell, CRPC®,  Investment Advisor Representative, and Becky Wagoner, Podcast Coordinator.  Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership 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
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Can I Retire Now?
  • Show Website
    Can I Retire Now?

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