Real World Retirement Podcast
Real World Retirement is a podcast hosted by Alexander Pushman, dedicated to exploring all aspects of retirement planning with the help of expert financial advisors. Each episode dives into crucial topics like Social Security, investing, taxes, legacy planning, and income strategies, offering real-world insights and practical advice. Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged by following the podcast, sharing their questions, and shaping future episodes tailored to their retirement needs.
Generational Wealth
In Episode 21 of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman sits down with fellow Foguth Financial advisor Adam Spears to discuss generational wealth, legacy planning, tax efficiency, and the conversations families may want to have about the future.
Tune in for a practical discussion on understanding different types of money, preparing the next generation, and building a plan with purpose.
The Family CFO
In Episode 20 of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman is joined by Foguth Financial advisor Matt Mackey from the Scottsdale, Arizona office for a conversation about what it means to serve as the “Family CFO.”
Drawing from his background in corporate finance, Matt shares how concepts like cash flow, net worth, taxes, and financial statements can help shape a more complete approach to planning. Together, Alex and Matt discuss the value of financial awareness, building strong habits early, and taking a broader view of long-term strategy.
This episode offers an educational look at the...
Opportunity Cost of Waiting
Episode 19: The Opportunity Cost of Waiting
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman is joined by Foguth Financial Advisor Jacob Black for a practical conversation about what can happen when important financial decisions get pushed to “later.” Together, they explore the real-world trade-offs of waiting, how unexpected life events can change your timeline, and why proactive planning may create more flexibility and confidence over the long run.
You’ll hear them discuss:
How waiting can create hidden costs in areas like taxes, income planning, and timingWhy life events don’t wait—and how pl...The Retirement Equation
Episode 18: The Retirement Equation (Timing + Purpose = Peace)
What’s the “retirement equation,” and why does it matter so much as you get closer to retirement?
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman sits down with Foguth Financial Group advisor Chad Barrios to break down a simple but powerful framework:
Timing + Purpose = Peace
Together, they walk through the three key phases of retirement planning—Contribution, Transition, and Distribution—and explain why the transition phase is often where the most important decisions are made. They also discuss what “holi...
Choosing Your Advisor
Episode 17 – Choosing Your Advisor (with Tim Alfieri)
Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your retirement—but only 22% of Americans feel very confident they picked the right one.
In this episode of the Real World Retirement Podcast, host Alex Pushman sits down with guest Tim Alfieri to break down three key factors every retiree (or pre-retiree) should consider:
Independent Fiduciary – What it really means and the critical follow-up question: “Who are you a fiduciary to?”Compatibility – Why trusting your gut, shared values, and communication style matter more than you...Purpose Behind Your Portfolio
Episode 16 — Purpose Behind Your Portfolio (with Cody Campbell, CFP®)
What does it really mean to give your portfolio purpose? In this episode of the Real World Retirement Podcast, host Alex Pushman is joined by advisor Cody Campbell, CFP® from Foguth Financial Group. Together, they break down how to align your investments with your lifestyle and retirement goals.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Ticking Tax Clock
Episode 15 |Ticking Tax Clock with Alex Pushman & Jeff Newsome
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are a big part of retirement planning, but they don’t have to be confusing. In this episode of the Real World Retirement Podcast, host Alex Pushman and fellow Foguth Financial Advisor Jeff Newsome break down what RMDs are, why they matter, and how to approach them with confidence.
You’ll learn:
What RMDs are and when they beginThe common pitfalls retirees run into with withdrawalsHow thoughtful planning can help you avoid unnecessary tax surprisesWays to keep more of your hard-earned mone...Beyond the Numbers
Beyond the Numbers isn’t just a catchy title — it’s a shift in perspective. In this episode of the Real World Retirement Podcast, Foguth Financial advisors Alex Pushman and Vincent Pucillo explore the human side of money through the lens of behavioral finance.
From emotional reactions to market changes, to uncovering the real motivations behind financial goals, this conversation goes deeper than charts and projections. Discover how understanding behavior can help create a retirement plan that offers both peace and purpose.
🎙 Topics in this episode:
What behavioral finance meansReal-world examples of emotional decision-makingAligning life goal...Measuring Risks
Episode 13: Measuring Risk
🎙️ With Foguth Financial Advisors Alex Pushman & Ken Voog
Understanding how much risk you're actually taking—and how much you should be taking—is essential as you approach retirement. In this episode, host Alex Pushman sits down with Ken Voog, lead advisor at Foguth Financial’s Troy office, to break down the real-world risks many retirees unknowingly face.
Together, they explore:
How to find yourself on the “risk spectrum”Why your investments might not match your risk toleranceThe importance of adjusting risk as you transition into retirementPlus, Ken shares the personal st...
Chasing Shadows in Retirement
Episode 12 – Chasing Shadows in Retirement
🎙 Real World Retirement Podcast with Alex Pushman & Nick Calvaneso
In this eye-opening episode, host and Foguth Financial advisor Alex Pushman sits down with fellow advisor Nick Calvaneso to unpack one of the most important questions facing today’s retirees: Are you following outdated retirement rules that no longer apply?
From Social Security timing to tax planning and legacy strategies, Alex and Nick challenge the conventional thinking many retirees follow just because “that’s how it’s always been done.” They reveal how to avoid “chasing shadows” by verifying whether your retirement str...
First Principles of Investing
Episode 11 – First Principles of Investing | Real World Retirement Podcast
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alexander Pushman sits down with Foguth Financial advisor Leyland Lindie for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bold real-life stories with a fresh take on financial planning.
Leyland shares an unforgettable moment from early in his career—when a client confidently wired $1 million to “buy the market” at the height of the COVID panic in April 2020. While the world was melting down, this client was calmly executing a strategy prepared well in advance. The story highlights the power of prepa...
ABCs of Long Term Care
Episode 10 – The ABCs of Long-Term Care | Real World Retirement Podcast
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alexander Pushman welcomes special guest and fellow Foguth Financial advisor, Charlie Dillon, to unpack the complex world of long-term care planning.
From traditional insurance policies to modern hybrid solutions and self-funding strategies, Charlie shares the “ABCs” of long-term care:
A – Traditional Long-Term Care: The pros, cons, and the often-overlooked fine print.B – Alternative Solutions: Creative options that blend protection with flexibility, including annuities and life insurance riders.C – Self-Funding: When and how it might make sense to use your...Estate Planning in Retirement
Episode 9 : Estate Planning in Retirement
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman is joined by fellow Foguth Financial Group senior advisor Caleb Marsh to tackle one of the most overlooked — yet absolutely critical — components of retirement planning: estate planning.
Alex and Caleb dive deep into why avoiding probate should be a top priority for retirees, how a properly structured trust can provide control even after you’re gone, and the common pitfalls that can leave families in legal and emotional chaos. Caleb shares personal stories that sparked his passio...
Peace and Purpose: The Journey
Episode 8: Peace and Purpose – The Journey
In Episode 8 of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman sits down with fellow advisor Sheila Maloney for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation on creating peace and purpose throughout your retirement journey. Sheila shares a powerful real-life case study of a couple who went from financial uncertainty to a future filled with confidence, control, and legacy planning—all thanks to a proactive approach.
They explore what it really means to find peace in your plan: not just knowing your retirement income is secure, but also building a tax-efficient strategy and esta...
Mastering Market Emotions
Episode 7: Mastering Market Emotions – Real World Retirement Podcast
In Episode 7 of the Real World Retirement Podcast, host Alex Pushman welcomes senior advisor Nate Rodhe to discuss one of the most critical aspects of financial planning—managing emotions during market fluctuations. With nearly two decades of experience, Nate shares his journey from law school to financial planning and how the 2008 financial crisis reshaped his approach to investment strategy.
Alex and Nate dive deep into the two primary emotional drivers in investing—fear and greed. Through real client case studies, they highlight the costly mistakes investors make when e...
Social Security Hacks
Episode 6: Social Security Hacks - Real World Retirement Podcast
In Episode 6 of the Real World Retirement podcast, host Alex Pushman sits down with Foguth Financial Advisor and certified Social Security expert Bradley Vey. Brad holds the prestigious National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certification — a distinction held by less than 1% of advisors in Michigan. In this episode, Brad shares how he became passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Social Security, including a heartwarming case study where his expertise changed a client’s life. They explore why so many advisors avoid Social Security planning, how Brad’s backgro...
The Four Seasons of Investing
Episode 5: The Four Seasons of Investing – Real World Retirement Podcast
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host and Foguth Financial advisor Alex Pushman sits down with fellow advisor Joe Wilkinson to discuss The Four Seasons of Retirement—the key financial stages from early earning years to legacy planning. Joe shares his personal journey into financial advising, inspired by his own family's challenges, and offers real-world strategies for navigating each stage of retirement.
They also dive into a powerful case study of a family facing an unexpected financial crossroads and how the right planning brought peace...
Rules and Risks of Retirement
Retirement comes with rules and risks—do you know how to navigate them? 🤔
In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alex Pushman sits down with fellow Foguth Financial advisor Kevin Beazley to break down the myths, pitfalls, and essential strategies you need to know for a successful retirement.
âś… The importance of understanding Social Security
âś… How a single phone call saved one widow $700/month đź’°
âś… Why required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be a hidden tax trap
This is a must-listen for anyone planning their retirement or helping a loved one through it. Don't leave yo...
The Early Retirement
 In episode three of Real World Retirement, Foguth Financial advisors Alex Pushman and James Katikos discuss the complexities of early retirement and the importance of proper income planning. James shares his personal journey into financial advising, rooted in family experiences that shaped his passion for helping others secure their financial futures. Together, they analyze a real-life case study of a client navigating early retirement without a pension and explore strategies for creating a "family pension" and sustainable income plan. Tune in for practical insights on how thoughtful planning can provide peace of mind and help families truly enjoy their g...
The Game of Debt
In this episode of Real World Retirement, we’re tackling one of the most common and misunderstood obstacles to financial freedom—debt. Host Alex Pushman is joined by Adam Spears, a top financial advisor with a unique background in real estate and financial planning. Adam shares his personal story of growing up with two parents who had starkly different approaches to money and how those experiences shaped his passion for helping others prepare for retirement.
The episode dives deep into the "game" of managing debt, including common questions like whether to pay off a mortgage, how to p...
Death and Taxes
In the premiere episode of the Real World of Retirement Podcast, we sit down with Foguth Financial Advisor Katie Gushen to tackle the difficult but vital topics of death, taxes, and end-of-life planning. Katie shares a deeply personal story about discussing her grandparents’ plans and how it shifted her perspective on the importance of preparation. From emotional family moments to professional insights, she highlights why addressing “the elephant in the room” is essential for peace of mind. Whether you're planning for your future or supporting loved ones, this episode is full of lightbulb moments you won’t want to miss.
