Power Your Retirement

Steve Smit

Hosted by Steve Smit, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and founder of Powerhouse Financial Advisors, this podcast is designed to help employees of large publicly traded utility companies take control of their retirement planning. Steve, author of Power Up Your 401(k), shares insights on maximizing 401(k) options, navigating self-directed brokerage accounts, and creating a secure financial future. Tune in for practical advice, helpful resources, and strategies to power up your retirement! Subscribe and never miss an episode! Also available in video format on YouTube. For more information about Power Your Retirement, visit PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors.com or call 775-266-8867.

  1. 4d ago

    The 5 D's of Retirement Planning

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html According to a recent Kiplinger article, there are five keys to a retirement plan that hold up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter, which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. In this episode, Steve walks through the “5 D’s” of retirement planning and how each one plays a role in helping retirees build a plan that can hold up over time. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🥚 Diversification: Spread investments and retirement income sources ⏳ Duration: Align bond timelines with financial needs 🛡️ Downside Protection: Weigh lower risk against reduced returns 💵 Discretionary Income: Include everyday spending beyond basic expenses 🧾 Financial Drag: Manage taxes, fees, and portfolio inefficiencies ✅ Plan Review: Build one coordinated long-term strategy How to Turn a $1 Million Nest Egg Into a Lifetime Income Machine https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/how-to-turn-a-usd1-million-nest-egg-into-a-lifetime-income-machine Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  2. Jul 30

    Trail Wisdom: What Hiking Season Has to Say About Your Financial Journey

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html What can hiking teach us about retirement planning? Whether you're visiting one of the 63 national parks this summer or just hitting a local trail, a lot of the best practices for a great hike apply just as well to your retirement plan. Steve uses lessons from the trail to explain why every financial journey needs a clear roadmap, thoughtful preparation, and the right guide. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🗺️ Build a Roadmap: Know your current financial location 🧹 Leave No Trace: Prepare your estate for loved ones 🥾 Trust the Journey: Short-term challenges can support long-term goals 🎒 Lighten the Load: Reduce debt, clutter, and outdated investments 🏞️ Personalize the Plan: Every retirement journey is different 🧭 Find a Guide: Experienced advice can improve preparation Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  3. Jul 23

    Dave Ramsey's Retirement Math — Are Financial Advisors Buying It?

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html Dave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in personal finance. Millions of people have followed his advice out of debt and into savings. But when it comes to how much you should pull from your retirement accounts each year, Ramsey takes a position that some financial professionals find hard to get behind. Today, Steve breaks it down: what Dave says, what the research says, and what Steve really thinks. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎙️ Personal Experience: Steve’s history with Ramsey’s teaching 📉 Market Downturns: The emotional side of losses ⚖️ Risk Contrast: Conservative debt, aggressive retirement 🧩 Personal Planning: Advice should fit the household 🤔 Consumer Confusion: Wide opinions create uncertainty 📋 Advisor Guidance: One-on-one planning matters Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  4. Jul 16

    Why a Target Date Fund May Not Be Enough

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html Target date funds are designed to make investing simple, but are they really enough as you approach retirement? In this listener Q&A, Steve explains why relying solely on a target date fund could leave your portfolio underperforming, especially if you also have a pension or other retirement assets. Learn why personalized financial planning provides a much clearer picture than a one-size-fits-all investment solution and how asking the right questions today can help improve your retirement outcomes. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Target Date Funds: Are they enough? ⚠️ Potential Pitfalls: One size doesn't fit all 📊 Personalized Planning: See the complete picture 💬 Ask Questions Specific to You: Get advice tailored to you Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  5. Jul 9

    How Relationships Beat Sales Pitches Every Time

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html Trust is the foundation of every successful financial relationship, but it isn't built overnight. In this mini episode, Steve shares how he earns the confidence of energy sector employees by leading with education and focusing on helping people before they ever become clients. Discover how genuine guidance and long-term relationships matter far more than sales tactics when choosing someone to help you prepare for retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤝 Building Trust: It starts with education 🎓 Workshops: Guidance before becoming clients 💬 Communication: Conversations create confidence 🧩 Retirement Planning: Understanding your unique benefits Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  6. Jul 2

    Working With A Financial Advisor: Our Specific Process

    Send us Fan Mail A lot of people think working with a financial advisor is just about picking investments. But a great planning experience is much more than that. Today, Steve walks through what it actually feels like to work with a firm like Powerhouse Financial Advisors, from the first conversation to ongoing guidance, so you know what to expect. Every firm can tell you what they do. We'd rather show you. If anything we talked about today sounds like the kind of relationship you've been looking for, let’s have a conversation. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📝 Personal Approach: Getting to know you first 🛣️ Onboarding Process: Creating a financial roadmap 💬 Communication Style: Multiple ways to stay connected 🔄 Life Changes: Adapting as goals evolve 🏢 Employer Expertise: Specialized planning strategies 🎯 Retirement Transition: Preparing for what's next 📈 Ongoing Guidance: Support beyond retirement Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  7. Jun 25

    Why Helping Utility Employees Became My Mission

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html Every advisor has a story, and Steve's journey into financial planning for utility employees wasn't something he originally set out to do. In this mini episode, he shares how an early career experience revealed a major gap in retirement guidance and ultimately led him to specialize in helping utility workers navigate their financial futures. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose that shaped Power Your Retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 👷 Serving Workers: Filling a critical advice gap 📚 Early Lessons: Seeing retirement confusion firsthand 🎯 Found Purpose: Helping overlooked employees ⚡ Industry Focus: Why utilities became the niche 📖 Free Resources: Tools for retirement planning 🚀 Next Steps: How to connect with Steve Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

  8. Jun 18

    Protecting What You Care Most About

    Send us Fan Mail 📱 Want expert help in planning for your financial future? Schedule a check-in meeting with Steve:  https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05 ⚡ Get your no-cost Retirement Toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html For most people, financial planning isn't really about spreadsheets or market returns. It's about the people you love. It's about making sure that if something happens (expected or not), the people who depend on you are taken care of. Today, Steve talks about what it looks like to provide financial protection for your family. Protection looks different at every stage of life, but the reason behind it never changes. It's about people and making sure they're taken care of, no matter what comes next. That's what a real financial plan is built to do. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🛡️ Life Insurance: Permanent vs. Term  📋 Beneficiary Designations: Importance and Common Mistakes  📜 Estate Documents: Wills and Living Trusts  ⚖️ Power of Attorney: Healthcare and Financial Control  🏥 Longevity Planning: Protecting Against Long-Term Care Costs  Get your copy of Power Up Your 401K in our toolkit: https://keap.page/ngt919/toolkit.html YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEE5ZkDedYTsKzkh2UxQ9Sg Book your financial check-in meeting with Steve: https://calendly.com/steven-powerhouse-advisor/sce-employee-401k-retirement-meeting?month=2026-05  Other ways to get in touch: Phone: (775) 266-8867 Our website: https://powerhousefinancialadvisors.com/ Email: info@powerhousefa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-financial-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors This podcast is provided by Powerhouse Financial Advisors Inc. ("PFA"), a state-registered investment adviser. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. PFA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suit...

About

Hosted by Steve Smit, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and founder of Powerhouse Financial Advisors, this podcast is designed to help employees of large publicly traded utility companies take control of their retirement planning. Steve, author of Power Up Your 401(k), shares insights on maximizing 401(k) options, navigating self-directed brokerage accounts, and creating a secure financial future. Tune in for practical advice, helpful resources, and strategies to power up your retirement! Subscribe and never miss an episode! Also available in video format on YouTube. For more information about Power Your Retirement, visit PowerhouseFinancialAdvisors.com or call 775-266-8867.