Leah Woodford 00:00 Hi, and welcome to Retire Smart Austin. I’m Leah Woodford, and with me today is Phil Capriotti Sr and John Solyman CRPC of Empower Wealth & Tax. Welcome back
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When you think about building a strong retirement plan, most people focus on a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash. But for many retirees and pre-retirees, there’s another tool that can add
Retirement planning changes once the paychecks stop. In your working years, the goal is usually growth. In retirement, the goal becomes reliable income, tax efficiency, and protecting your lifestyle—all while navigating market
When people think about “financial planning,” they often picture investing—choosing funds, watching the market, or trying to pick the right time to buy. But a truly well-rounded financial plan is bigger than
Big idea: Life insurance and fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) aren’t either/or. Used together, they can help protect income, manage taxes, and transfer wealth more efficiently—especially in volatile markets. Why these two tools
When planning for retirement, one of the greatest challenges is balancing growth potential with protection of principal. Many investors seek opportunities that allow for upside potential without exposing their hard-earned savings to
How much can you spend without running out of money? The 4% rule is a popular rule of thumb, but you can do better. Here are guidelines for finding your personalized spending
What Is a Fixed Index Annuity? A fixed index annuity is a financial product whose terms are defined by a contract between you and an insurance company. It features characteristics of both
Many people decide to claim their Social Security benefit when they retire. You may be one of them. It could be that you need the money, or maybe you want to invest
Learn how the market, economy, and demographics are shaping the annuity industry. The annuity industry is having a moment. After years of mixed opinions and confusion around how they work, annuities
Each June, Annuity Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of retirement’s most misunderstood—but potentially powerful—financial tools: the annuity. In 2025, as market uncertainty, inflation concerns, and rising interest rates continue to
Although your CalPERS service retirement is a lifetime benefit, and you have other income sources available to you, money can still be tight. Making ends meet is a big concern for many
Annuities have seen a resurgence in popularity as a retirement planning tool, especially in 2025, driven by market volatility, higher interest rates, and an aging population seeking stable income streams. Here’s what
Planning to retire within the next 10 years? Taking these actions now could help bolster your portfolio as you approach your planned retirement date. After decades of working and saving, you can
If the word “retire” is becoming your new mantra, we suggest you make a retirement checklist before you receive your last paycheck. It’s never too early (or too late) to start planning
Retirement is a series of milestones that arrive as you age. Here are the ones you should know about. The retirement clock doesn’t start the day you stop working. It’s better to
