Rise in Retirement
Rise in Retirement is a weekly show designed to help retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners better understand what it takes to build a secure and meaningful retirement. Each episode breaks down different financial scenarios—based on the same strategies we use with clients at W.A. Smith Financial Group.Whether you’re preparing for retirement, navigating retirement income decisions, or looking for more clarity on investing, taxes, healthcare, or legacy planning, Rise in Retirement seeks to offer clear, down-to-earth insights that help you think through the next step.Now available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, Rise in Retirement brin...
Couple Retired at 68 with $1.05M But Here’s What They Overlooked | Rise in Retirement Ep. 48
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Alan and Denise have $1.05M, no mortgage, and a 2.5% withdrawal rate. On paper, they should feel great. But too many voices—friends, videos, sales pitches—have them questioning everything. We reviewed their plan, and here’s what they were missing.
DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor do...
We Rejected His $620k Retirement Plan. Here's Why. | Rise in Retirement Ep. 47
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Jason is 63 with $620,000 saved—and he’s done with the grind. But with no home equity and a $3,600 monthly gap, his withdrawal rate is 7%. Can he retire now—or is it time to delay?
DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of ski...
She’s 68 With $750K But 1 Health Emergency Could Wipe Her Out. | Rise in Retirement Ep. 46
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Susan is 68 with $750,000 saved—debt-free and living comfortably. But with no plan for long-term care or rising health costs, one medical emergency could flip everything. Can a good plan still fail if it’s missing just one piece?
DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indi...
They’re Retiring With $850K—But The Numbers Lied. Here's Why | Rise in Retirement Ep. 45
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Rick and Laura are 65 and 62 with $850,000 saved—and their plan seems solid. But after taxes, their 5.1% withdrawal rate jumps closer to 6%. Can their strategy hold up, or is it time to rethink where the money comes from?
DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a...
What Those “Beware of Annuities” Ads Never Tell You | Bonus Episode
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Annuities are one of the most controversial tools in retirement planning. But most of the loudest voices—on both sides—are selling fear, not clarity. In this bonus episode, we cut through the noise and explain when annuities actually make sense.
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DISCLAIMER: Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smit...
Why We Started Rise in Retirement
We started Rise in Retirement to help individuals better understand their financial goals. Aiming to help them build a plan that serves them, not just their advisor.
Is $920,000 at 63 Enough to Retire With Mortgage Debt? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 44
Tom and Lisa are ready to retire, but should they focus on becoming mortgage free or keep making payments? We examine their financial planning and discuss how paying extra on mortgage principal could affect their retirement goals. Discover smart retirement planning strategies today!
He Retired at 65 With $900K. Now He's Panicking. Here's our Breakdown | Rise in Retirement Ep. 43
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Howard is 65 with $900,000 saved—and just recently retired. But constant media headlines about inflation, policy changes, and market risk have him wondering if he made the right call. Is his plan solid, or is it time to reconsider?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may no...
Can They Still Retire With $1.1M at 67 and 64? We Break It Down | Rise in Retirement Ep. 42
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Brian and Cindy are 67 and 64 with $1.1 million saved—and their retirement dates are just around the corner. But after losing $400,000 in a market downturn, they’re questioning everything. Can they still retire? Or do they need a new plan?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may...
Will $650K at 73 Last in Retirement? We Ran The Numbers | Rise in Retirement Ep. 41
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Gayle is 73 with $650,000 saved—and she’s worried it won’t last. As a widow with no kids, her priority is taking care of herself, her pets, and the charities she loves. But with rising costs and no clear plan, she’s starting to wonder if her money will hold up.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performa...
They’re Retired at 60 With $2.5M—So Why Are They Going Back to Work? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 40
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Jon and Sandy are 68 and 60 with $2.5 million saved—and their financial plan is rock solid. But after just a few years in retirement, they’re surprised by something they never expected: they’re not happy. Now they’re thinking about going back to work—not because they need the money, but because something’s missing.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and...
They’re Retired at 73 With $1.5M and Facing RMDs—Here’s Our Strategy | Rise in Retirement Ep. 39
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Drew and Ali are both 73, retired, and financially set. Their $1.5 million portfolio has grown steadily, and they don’t need to withdraw a dime to support their lifestyle. But now, they’ve hit a new milestone—and the IRS is forcing them to take Required Minimum Distributions they didn’t plan on.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past per...
Can $3 Million Grow Even More in This Couple's Retirement? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 38
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Dennis and Kathleen are 68 and 64 with $3 million saved—and no income need at all. Their pensions, Social Security, and rental income more than cover their lifestyle. Their plan is working. But now they’re asking a new question: “If we don’t need the money… should we be doing more with it?”
They’re curious about private equity, alternative investments, and creating a larger legacy—but want to know how to do it without jeopardizing what they’ve built.
DISCLAIMER: This content is fo...
He’s 65 With $2M – But Still Needs $8,800 a Month | Rise in Retirement Ep. 37
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Jake is 65 and recently retired with $2 million saved. But here’s the challenge: he needs $12,000 a month to live the life he wants, and Social Security only covers $3,200. That leaves a big question—how do you turn your savings into a reliable paycheck?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/retu...
They’re 64 and 63 With $1M – But Their Allocation Could Cost Them | Rise in Retirement Ep. 36
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Bill and Stephanie are 64 and 63 with $1 million saved—and they think they’re playing it safe. But a closer look at their portfolio reveals a 70/30 allocation and a 7.2% withdrawal rate. That’s a dangerous combo if markets turn south.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may no...
Couple Saved $2M to Retire – Now They Want to Spend Every Last Dollar | Rise in Retirement Ep. 35
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George and Wendy are both 65 and recently retired with $2 million saved. But instead of worrying about preserving it or passing it all on, they’re asking a very different question: “How much can we spend—and how much can we give—before we die with zero?”
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future...
61 and Retiring With $700K – But One Cost Could Break His Plan | Rise in Retirement Ep. 34
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David is 61 with $700,000 saved—and he's ready to retire. But one big question is holding him back: can he afford the health care gap before Medicare kicks in at 65?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances sh...
60 and Retiring With $850K – How Much Is Too Much to Spend? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 33
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Jeff and Karen are 60 and 58 with $850,000 saved. They’re ready to retire now—but they’re not asking the usual question of “Can we retire?” Instead, they’re asking: “How much can we spend without ruining the rest of our retirement?”
They want to enjoy the early years—travel, live well, and make memories—but not at the cost of their long-term security. Can their plan support bold spending now and stability later?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes...
She’s 60 With $900K – But Has No Income Plan Yet. Here's Why | Rise in Retirement Ep. 32
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Rhonda is 60, single, and just retired with $900,000 saved. She’s done an amazing job accumulating wealth—but now she’s facing the next big challenge: how to turn her savings into income without making a costly mistake.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be rig...
Couple Retired With $1.5M at 68 – But Their Plan Is NOT Safe | Rise in Retirement Ep. 31
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Stephen and Marie are 68, retired, and have $1.5 million saved. Their income is fully covered by Social Security and a pension—they haven’t touched a dime of their savings in five years. Sounds perfect, right?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for...
Retired at 62 with $800k—But Did He Make A Costly Mistake? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 30
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Ron is 62, recently retired, and has $800,000 saved. After meeting with an advisor at a seminar, he was convinced to put $650,000 into annuities—nearly his entire nest egg. Now he’s starting to wonder... was that too much?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be r...
They’re Retired With $1M But One Recession Could Cost Them $320K | Rise in Retirement Ep. 29
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Jake and Lisa are 68 and 65 with $1 million saved—but they’re worried that a recession could crush their retirement. They believe they’re moderately conservative investors, but a deeper look reveals something very different.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circum...
Will $30k in Credit Debt Delay Their $1.3M Retirement? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 28
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Dustin and Samantha just turned 60 and have $1.3 million saved. They’re ready to retire and move to Arizona, but with $200,000 left on their mortgage and $30,000 in credit card debt, will their plan backfire?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, an...
He’s 70 With $1M. Now He's Worried About His Withdrawal Rate | Rise in Retirement Ep. 27
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James worked until 70 and retired with $1 million saved. But there’s one problem—he hasn’t changed his investment strategy in 25 years. Can he keep investing like he’s still working, or will this decision cost him everything?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be r...
They’re 64 with $1.7M. Will This 1 Mistake Cost Them Thousands? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 26
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George and Nancy just retired at 66 and 64 with $1.7 million saved. On paper, their plan looks solid—but a hidden tax time bomb could cost them and their family thousands.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances sh...
He’s 59 With $900K, but His $10K Monthly Budget Might Sink Him. | Rise in Retirement Ep. 25
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Mason is 59 with $900,000 saved and just months away from retirement. But with market volatility creeping in, is his plan solid, or could one bad year force him back to work?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal...
63 with $650K—Is Her Retirement Plan Too Risky? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 24
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At 63, Vanessa has $650K saved for retirement, but is her plan too risky? She’s enjoying her retirement now, but with a 7% withdrawal rate and a 70/30 investment allocation, one market downturn could put her in a tough spot. Should she stay aggressive, adjust her strategy, or reconsider her retirement plan altogether?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past pe...
He Has $900k Left at 67—Can He Stay Retired? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 23
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Mark retired at 62 with $1.4 million, confident in his plan. But at 67, his nest egg has dropped to $910,000. What went wrong? Could a second opinion have saved him from losing $500K?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your...
What Trump's Tariffs Could Mean For Your Retirement Plan | Rise in Retirement Bonus Episode
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Tariffs are back in the spotlight, and they could have a major impact on your retirement plan. With President Trump pushing for new trade policies, what does this mean for your investments, income strategy, and long-term financial security?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may...
Couple Retired at 62 with $800k—Now They’re Panicking. Here’s Why. | Rise in Retirement Ep. 22
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Don and Darlene thought they had enough to retire with $800,000 saved, but just weeks into retirement, they’re already second-guessing their decision. Are they financially secure, or did they make a critical mistake? In this episode of Rise in Retirement, we analyze their financial situation, assess their risk, and determine whether they get a red, yellow, or green light for retirement success.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of...
They Retired at 60 with $1.5M But Was It a Mistake? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 21
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Sam and Margie just retired at 60 with $1.5 million saved. They feel confident but also wonder if they need a financial advisor to guide them through retirement. Are they set for life, or could they be missing something critical?
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may...
Can He Retire at 63 with $785k Saved? Here's Our Answer | Rise in Retirement Ep. 20
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Jake is 63 years old with $785,000 saved and wondering if he can retire. In this episode of Rise in Retirement, we walk through Jake's situation to see if he’s ready to retire—or if more planning is needed.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not...
60-Year-Old's $800k Retirement Could Be in Trouble | Rise in Retirement Ep. 19
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A newly retired couple wants to relocate closer to family, but their $800k nest egg might not be enough. Watch as we analyze their retirement strategy, including a significant home purchase that would immediately reduce their portfolio by $200k. With increased living expenses and a 7-year gap before Social Security kicks in, we'll show you why this plan needs a serious reality check. Perfect for anyone considering retirement with similar savings or planning a major move in retirement.
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We Rejected Their $1 Million Retirement Plan. Here’s Why | Rise in Retirement Ep. 18
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We Rejected a $1M Retirement Plan. Here's Why. Dave and Beth are 64 years old and ready to retire with $1 million saved. But when legacy goals became a critical part of their plan, we had to pump the brakes. In this episode of Rise in Retirement, we break down why this retirement plan didn’t get the green light and what it takes to truly achieve financial peace of mind.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment ad...
Will A $650k Retirement at Age 64 BACKFIRE? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 17
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At 64, Greg has $650,000 saved for retirement. But is that enough to weather the risks ahead? In this episode of Rise in Retirement, we uncover the hidden dangers in Greg’s portfolio, from tax inefficiencies to market risks, and evaluate whether he’s truly ready for retirement.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future resu...
67-Year-Old with $1.4M. Can They Afford a Second Home? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 16
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Mike and Tammy, aged 67 and 62, have saved $1.4 million and are considering purchasing a second home in Florida. In this video, we break down their financial situation and explore whether buying a home outright or financing makes the most sense for them. We discuss the factors they need to consider, such as taxes, mortgage options, and additional expenses of owning property in Florida. Watch as we guide Mike and Tammy through their decision-making process and reveal their "green light" verdict on whether they can afford to make...
Is $700k at 62 Enough to Retire Comfortably? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 15
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At 60 and 62 with $700,000 saved, they had big retirement dreams—but was it enough? Discover the key decisions that shaped their future and what you can learn for your own plans.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns. The strategies discussed may not be right for you, and your personal circumstances should be...
His $900k Retirement Plan was NOT Ready for This... | Rise in Retirement Ep. 14
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In this eye-opening episode of Rise in Retirement, we dive into a shocking family drama that could happen to anyone. Ken, a 75-year-old widow with $900,000 in savings, finds himself caught in a nightmare scenario as Alzheimer's leaves him vulnerable to his daughter's financial manipulation.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a guarantee of future results/returns...
Will $900k at 63 Last if He Retires TODAY? | Rise in Retirement Ep. 13
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Can George retire with $900,000 saved? At 63, his stressful job is affecting his health and happiness, but the financial numbers tell a complicated story. In this episode of Rise in Retirement, we dive into George’s case to explore: How to evaluate if your savings can sustain your desired lifestyle. The risks of high withdrawal rates on your retirement portfolio. Strategies to bridge income gaps, from reducing expenses to earning supplemental income.
Retirement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about aligning your finances with your goa...
Will $1.2M at 65 Last in Retirement? Here's Their Story | Rise in Retirement Ep. 12
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Meet William and Mary, a couple who dream of spending their retirement winters in sunny Florida. But with $1.2 million in savings, can they afford to make this dream a reality? Join Jett and Taco as they explore the financial considerations and strategies for achieving a snowbird lifestyle in retirement.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not contain investment advice or constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy. Investing involves risk of loss and past performance is never a...
