Empower Your Retirement

Hosted by Frank and Frankie Guida

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Episodes

260

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Empower Your Retirement podcast, your trusted companion on the path to retirement prosperity. As the cornerstone of financial security for families and individuals, we're dedicated to making your retirement dreams a reality. Dive into insightful discussions led by the Guida family, renowned for their decades of experience in financial planning and wealth management. Tune in to our podcast as we share actionable insights, insider tips, and expert advice to navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Whether you're aiming to maximize your savings, minimize risks, or optimize your investment portfolio, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Join us at A Better Way Financial, where your retirement success is our priority. Follow or subscribe now and embark on the path to a brighter financial future. Learn more about A Better Way Financial here . Connect with us on social: Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 202612 min

Is the Rule of Thirds Too Simple for Today’s Retirees?

Is a simple retirement formula helping you plan or oversimplifying one of the biggest financial decisions of your life? In this episode, Frank Guida and Frankie Guida examine the popular “Rule of Thirds” and discuss why retirement planning may require more than a one-size-fits-all approach. They explore income sources, investment allocation, risk management, inflation, and the importance of tailoring a strategy to individual goals and circumstances. The conversation also highlights how personalized retirement planning can help evaluate income needs, portfolio risk, and long-term financial decisions. . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 11, 202611 min

Could Your Retirement Last Longer Than You Expect?

How long could your retirement last, and is your plan built for that possibility? On this episode, Frank Guida and Frankie Guida discuss the growing importance of planning for longevity and turning retirement savings into sustainable income. They explore how Social Security decisions, tax planning, investment management, and spending strategies can influence retirement lifestyles. The conversation also highlights the value of having a defined income plan rather than relying solely on account balances. Learn how retirees can evaluate their resources, spending needs, and long-term goals to better understand the road ahead . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 4, 202614 min

Roth Conversion Pros and Cons

Could a Roth conversion reduce future tax exposure, or create unexpected costs today? In this episode, Frankie Guida explains the pros and cons of Roth conversions, including tax-free retirement income, required minimum distributions, tax diversification, and estate planning considerations. He also discusses potential drawbacks such as upfront tax bills, Medicare impacts, income thresholds, and timing considerations. Learn how Roth conversions fit into a broader retirement strategy and why evaluating your personal circumstances is an important part of the decision-making process. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 28, 20269 min

Can You Claim Social Security From an Ex-Spouse?

Could an ex-spouse’s Social Security record increase your retirement income options? In this episode, Frankie Guida breaks down the rules surrounding divorced spouse Social Security benefits, including who may qualify, how the 10-year marriage rule works, and whether claiming benefits affects an ex-spouse. The conversation also covers filing requirements, survivor benefits, remarriage considerations, and common questions that often create confusion during retirement planning. If Social Security is part of your retirement strategy, understanding these lesser-known provisions can help you make more informed decisions. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 21, 20268 min

The 5 Biggest Questions About Social Security Spousal Benefits

Could one Social Security decision have a lasting impact on your retirement income? On this episode, Frankie Guida breaks down five of the most common questions about Social Security spousal benefits, including who qualifies, how much a spouse may receive, how working can affect benefits, whether waiting increases payments, and what happens when a spouse passes away. He also discusses key timing considerations and common misconceptions that retirees should understand when evaluating their Social Security options. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 14, 20267 min

Retiring Early – What You Need To Know

Could retiring sooner than expected be possible—or are there important trade-offs you need to consider first? Frankie Guida explores the financial and lifestyle factors behind early retirement, including income replacement, healthcare costs, Social Security timing, and retirement spending strategies. He discusses why understanding your goals matters just as much as running the numbers, and how evaluating different retirement timelines can help you make informed decisions about your next chapter. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 7, 202610 min

The 4 Habits Many Successful Retirees Have in Common

What are financially successful retirees doing that others often overlook? In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss key habits that can shape retirement planning, including saving consistently, creating income streams, managing risk, preparing for unexpected expenses, and incorporating tax and retirement planning into the process. They also share a real-world case study illustrating how reviewing investments, taxes, and long-term goals can uncover opportunities and help align a retirement strategy with a client’s priorities. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 30, 20269 min

Do You Really Need $1.6 Million to Retire?

Do you really need $1.6 million to retire—or is that number misleading? Frank and Frankie Guida explain why retirement isn’t defined by a universal savings target. They discuss how income sources like Social Security and pensions, spending needs, and retirement timing all shape a personalized plan. The conversation also covers evaluating risk, managing taxes, and determining how much income you can realistically generate in retirement. If you’ve been focused on hitting a specific number, this episode reframes the conversation around building a strategy based on your individual situation. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 23, 202611 min

When Is the Right Time to Take Social Security?

When should you actually start collecting Social Security—and what factors really matter? Frank and Frankie Guida break down how timing impacts retirement income, from life expectancy and income needs to spousal benefits and savings levels. They explore why the decision isn’t as simple as retiring and turning benefits on, and how different timelines can change long-term outcomes. With real examples and planning considerations, this episode highlights how Social Security fits into a broader retirement strategy. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 16, 20269 min

5 Retirement Tax Traps You Might Not See Coming

Are hidden tax traps quietly impacting your retirement income? In this episode, Frankie Guida breaks down five common tax pitfalls retirees may face. The discussion covers how Social Security can be taxed, the impact of required minimum distributions, Medicare surcharges, and the role of withdrawal timing across different accounts. He also explores how income levels and account types can influence tax exposure over time, highlighting why understanding these factors can play a key role in structuring a retirement strategy. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here ! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “ The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams .” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, " "A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.