Retireable

Financial Services of America
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Have you ever tried asking someone to explain the steps they took to help achieve a confident retirement? Retirement planning is a complex and deeply personal journey—one we ideally navigate just once in our lives. Welcome to Retireable, where experience and trusted advisors Michael Wallace and John Sauger explore all things retirement. Drawing on years of experience helping families at or near retirement to help achieve their goals and dreams, Mike and John share their knowledge to help guide listeners toward a fulfilling retirement. Each episode features insights from professionals across various aspects of retirement life, as well as examples of families pursuing their ”Retireable” years. Join us as we discuss the strategies, examples, and steps designed to help you pursue a confident retirement.

  1. APR 21

    S4 E3: Spring Break, Ballgames, and High Net Worth Individuals

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with spring break in Hilton Head, Tigers opening day, and the kind of family time that reminds you how fast life moves—and how important it is to enjoy it along the way. From there, they dive into a major shift happening in today’s retirement landscape: the rise of the middle-class millionaire. What used to be enough to retire comfortably decades ago looks very different today, and more families are finding themselves with $1–$5 million (or more) in assets—bringing new opportunities, but also more complex decisions. Mike and John break down what “high net worth” really means, how planning evolves as wealth grows, and why the conversation shifts from simply saving money to managing taxes, legacy goals, and family impact. They also introduce the “me, we, the” framework—helping families think through how to enjoy their wealth, support loved ones and make a broader difference. In the Holistic Happening, John shares a powerful moment from a recent workshop where an individual realized what true “holistic planning” means: having one trusted team that understands the full picture and helps connect all the moving pieces. A relatable and insightful episode about how wealth changes the conversation—and why having a plan that evolves with you matters more than ever. Sources “More Americans Are Breaking into the Upper Middle Class.” The Wall Street Journal, https://www.wsj.com/economy/more-americans-are-breaking-into-the-upper-middle-class-bf8b7cb2 “How Much to Save for Retirement in 2026, According to a New Study.” USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/04/01/how-much-to-save-for-retirement-2026-study/89391448007/

    43 min

  2. FEB 26

    S4 E2: The Retirement Countdown: 12 Months Out

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger tackle a big question: what should you actually be doing if you plan to retire in the next 12 months? From lingering winter colds to lingering retirement worries, the conversation walks through the real-life decisions that come up as the countdown begins. They break down the key pillars of retirement readiness—income planning, Social Security timing, healthcare gaps before Medicare, tax strategy, and why a written plan matters more than a rough guess. They also explore the emotional side of retirement. What will your lifestyle look like? Are you prepared for the “no-go” years? And why do even financially secure retirees still worry about income? In this week’s Holistic Happening, Mike shares a timely story of a couple whose retirement timeline suddenly changed due to health concerns—highlighting why having a flexible, adaptable plan can bring peace of mind when life pivots. If you’re within a year of retiring—or even thinking about it—this episode is your practical roadmap for turning “someday” into a confident plan.

    48 min

  3. FEB 10

    S4 E1: Glasses On, Pinkies Out, and a Crash Course in Private Equity

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger start with Florida sunshine, roller coasters, marathon runners grabbing coffee 26 miles in, and the clear signal that it’s time to put the glasses on—because things are about to get sophisticated. The main conversation dives into private equity: what it actually is, why fewer companies are going public, and how some of the fastest-growing businesses today—from AI firms to household-name brands—are staying private longer than ever. Mike and John explain the opportunities, the risks, and why private equity is never about “betting the farm,” but can play a small, intentional role for certain investors. They also break down: Why institutions dominate private equity How technology has lowered barriers for individual investors The difference between growth potential and liquidity risk Why this conversation is showing up everywhere—from Wall Street to college sports In the “Holistic Happening,” John shares a feel-good client story that proves planning isn’t just about numbers—sometimes it’s about finally buying the Corvette and enjoying the ride. Educational, approachable, and full of real-life perspective—this episode helps you understand private equity without the jargon or the hype.

    39 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    S3 E12: Talking Estate Plans and Training New Assistants

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with some end-of-year chaos: glitchy cameras, snow in the driveway, and the bittersweet news of Mike’s longtime assistant Jackie retiring after 23 years. (Yes—some clients really do like her more than him.) From there, they shift into a practical, listener-friendly breakdown of estate planning. Mike and John explain what a basic plan includes, why relying on “I think we’re covered” can backfire, and how documents like trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives protect your family from confusion, conflict, and costly probate. They even tackle modern complexities—blended families, special-needs planning, and those “ifs, ands, or buts” life always finds a way to throw at us. In the “Holistic Happening,” John shares a real conversation with a couple wrestling with whether to age in place, sell their home, or pass it to a child—and how viewing the decision through emotional, financial, and family lenses helped bring clarity (and peace). Clear, relatable, and sprinkled with humor—this episode makes estate planning feel a lot less intimidating and a lot more like an act of love.

    36 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    S3 E11: Snow, Drones, and the Economy That Won’t Sit Still

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with winter weather woes and big company news—FSA earning another Top Workplace award. From there, they dive into a surprisingly entertaining look at today’s economy: AI everywhere, drones delivering packages, cruise-ship-slow economic shifts, and why interest rates, housing shortages, and consumer spending all seem to be trying to confuse us at the same time. They break down what’s changing, what isn’t, and how retirees can stay grounded when Wall Street and Main Street feel like they’re telling two different stories. Most importantly, they tie it all back to what actually matters: having a real plan, knowing your risk, and understanding how to turn your nest egg into reliable income. In the “Holistic Happening,” Mike shares why skipping a written income plan is one of the most common—and costly—retirement mistakes. A timely, practical, and laugh-along conversation that proves even a shaky economy feels a lot more manageable when you’ve got a clear plan.

    39 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    S3 E10: Passwords, Crockpots, and Estate Planning

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dig into the wonderfully messy world of what happens after someone passes away — from 67 must-answer questions to why your crypto password might be harder to find than grandma’s secret casserole recipe. They share why preparing your documents, decisions, and “who gets what” list beforehand is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. Expect laughs, real-life stories (including family fights over rosaries and cookbooks), and practical guidance on organizing accounts, passwords, digital assets, funeral wishes, and all the things nobody wants to think about… until they have to. Plus, in the “Holistic Happening,” John walks through a client situation where a sudden job loss turned into an unexpected blessing — and how planning helped bring clarity, calm, and even a little hope. Short, honest, and surprisingly funny — this episode proves that estate planning doesn’t have to be scary… as long as you’re not the one whose phone password is 0000.

    49 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    S3 E9: Weddings, Weather… and New Tax Laws?

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with a heartfelt (and humorous) look at John’s whirlwind year—complete with his daughter’s greenhouse wedding, father-of-the-bride moments, and a reminder of how fast kids go from Pistons games to planning their own big day. Then the conversation shifts to one of the most important topics of the year: the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (also jokingly nicknamed “OBBA”). Mike and John break down what retirees and pre-retirees need to know, from the extension of the 2017 tax cuts to updates on deductions, charitable giving rules, and new opportunities like the $1,000 newborn account. They stress what’s clear, what still needs clarification, and why thoughtful, personalized tax planning matters now more than ever. In the “Holistic Happening” segment, Mike shares a story that highlights the importance of early planning, lifestyle clarity, and bridging the gap between wanting to retire and knowing when you realistically can. Educational, grounded, and full of the relatable banter listeners love—this episode helps you understand how today’s tax landscape impacts tomorrow’s retirement decisions.

    42 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    S3 E8: Planning Beyond the Numbers

    In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive into what it really means to manage wealth once you’ve “made it.” They unpack lessons from John’s recent high net worth forum, exploring how financial planning changes when clients move from needing their money to wanting it to work smarter. Topics include: • What defines “high net worth” today • Why tax management often matters more than investment management • Smart Roth conversion strategies and avoiding Medicare’s IRMAA surprise • How to use QCDs, donor-advised funds, and tax-loss harvesting effectively In their “Holistic Happening,” Mike shares a powerful story of a client who thought his retirement plan was set—until a second look revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential tax savings. This conversation goes beyond wealth—it’s about clarity, control, and creating lasting value for your family.

    48 min
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About

Have you ever tried asking someone to explain the steps they took to help achieve a confident retirement? Retirement planning is a complex and deeply personal journey—one we ideally navigate just once in our lives. Welcome to Retireable, where experience and trusted advisors Michael Wallace and John Sauger explore all things retirement. Drawing on years of experience helping families at or near retirement to help achieve their goals and dreams, Mike and John share their knowledge to help guide listeners toward a fulfilling retirement. Each episode features insights from professionals across various aspects of retirement life, as well as examples of families pursuing their ”Retireable” years. Join us as we discuss the strategies, examples, and steps designed to help you pursue a confident retirement.

Information

  • Creator
    Financial Services of America
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Retireable