Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet

Hosted by Ryan Poterack

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Latest episode

Mar 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet with Ryan Poterack from Poterack Capital Advisory. You have unique values, objectives, fears, life experiences, and biases. Any financial professional who ignores or minimizes the importance of “your story” may not be able to help you achieve your ideal outcomes or hit your goals. It’s time to experience the PCA difference! In this podcast, we help business executives, soon-to-be-retirees, and solutions-based individuals, overcome the anxiety leading up to their upcoming years. We do this by initiating in-depth discussions about the financial aspects of retirement, like tax planning and asset allocation, alongside (and often overlooked) personal and lifestyle aspects. Join us for this journey where we explore retirement from a contrarian point of view as Ryan draws from years of expertise and guest experts to help you explore the true purpose of your money in retirement and the impact you want to make in your golden years.

Listen to episodes

38 recent

March 6, 202520 min

Breaking Down the Retirement Equation (Ep 38)

Welcome to another insightful episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet! This week, host Alec Quaid, Certified Financial Planner dives deep into the essential components of retirement income planning. Retirement is about more than just financial projections—it’s about living your best life with confidence and clarity. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the Retirement Equation, a framework designed to help you plan for a financially secure future. Alec breaks down critical variables like spending rates, inflation, and tax planning, offering actionable advice to create a personalized retirement strategy that works for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ● Spending in Retirement: How to estimate your future lifestyle costs and adjust for changes like hobbies, travel, or health care. ● Inflation Impact: Why a 2.5% inflation assumption is conservative yet practical for long- term planning. ● Tax Strategies: The importance of minimizing your lifetime tax bill through Roth conversions and other innovative techniques. ● Income Stability Ratio: Discover why a 70–75% stable income target is key to a worry- free retirement. ● Asset Withdrawal Order: Insights on spending down assets efficiently to maximize growth and minimize taxes.

February 20, 202530 min

Breaking the Cycle: Financial Planning, Family Influences, and Building Trust (Ep 37)

Have you ever wondered how your financial habits were shaped? This episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet unpacks the profound impact of family influences on financial decisions and how to navigate the complexities of building your financial future. Host Ryan Poterack of Poterack Capital Advisory shares personal insights, real-life stories, and practical advice for overcoming generational patterns and fostering financial literacy. In this episode, we explore: ● The role of family upbringing in shaping financial habits and decision-making. ● Why young people often lack role models in financial planning and how to change that. ● The importance of trust and relationships in seeking financial guidance. ● Real strategies for introducing financial literacy to children and grandchildren. ● Insights into estate planning and having those tough but essential family conversations.

February 6, 202526 min

Behavioral Finance and Custom Solutions for Retirement (Ep 36)

Are you ready to rethink how you plan for retirement? This episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet dives deep into why your unique story, values, and objectives matter more than cookie-cutter financial advice. Join host Ryan Poterack of Poterack Capital Advisory as he challenges traditional financial planning and explores how behavioral finance and personalized strategies can empower your golden years. In this episode, we cover: ● The pitfalls of “one-size-fits-all” financial advice and why your story matters. ● Behavioral finance: How life experiences, biases, and fears shape financial decisions. ● Choosing between buying and leasing cars: A nuanced look at cash flow, flexibility, and long-term goals. ● Real-world examples of tailoring investment strategies to individual needs, from risk tolerance to portfolio design. ● The importance of asking the right questions to uncover your true financial objectives. Gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you approach retirement with confidence. Whether you're an executive, soon-to-be retiree, or a goal-oriented professional, this episode is packed with advice that breaks away from traditional approaches to financial planning.

January 2, 202526 min

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage? (Ep 35)

Being unsure whether to pay off your mortgage or not — that’s a good problem to have! It means you’ve built up significant savings and have options. While being debt-free is appealing to many, there are practical reasons to consider keeping your mortgage. Let’s take a look at both sides. Paying Off Your Mortgage Paying off your mortgage can offer peace of mind, a sense of accomplishment, and a guaranteed return equivalent to your mortgage interest rate. It may also reduce financial risk by lowering your monthly obligations, which may be especially beneficial as you approach retirement. Keeping Your Mortgage Keeping your mortgage might allow you to pursue higher returns through investments, maintain liquidity for emergencies, and enjoy potential tax benefits. If you’ve locked in a low interest rate, you may prefer to keep that money working for you elsewhere. Ultimately, your decision depends on your goals and comfort with debt. PCA is in the business to help and would love to discuss your unique situation with you!

December 19, 202427 min

Having a Purpose-Filled Routine in Retirement (Ep 34)

This will be a deeper-dive into an essential but often overlooked part of retirement planning — how you’ll spend your time. Financial security is important, but having a purpose-filled routine is just as vital. Things to Consider: Before you take the leap, try some “test drives” to find your ideal retirement routine. Unstructured Days: Try vacation days with no plans; reflect on how you feel about the flexibility. New Hobbies and Interests: Experiment with hobbies to find meaningful activities for retirement. Social Life Evaluation: Think about how you’ll stay connected post-retirement; consider new groups or clubs. Routine Adjustments: Try different daily routines to find what’s energizing. Emotional Reflection: Assess your mental state without work obligations to prepare emotionally for retirement. Coordinate with Your Spouse/Partner: Plan for both individual and shared time (if part of a couple). Retirement is more than just free time. Set yourself up for a fulfilling, joyful retirement filled with purpose!

December 5, 202423 min

Understanding Healthy Conflict (Ep 33)

Welcome to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet, where we explore the stories behind the numbers and dive deep into the personal side of financial planning. In today’s episode, Ryan Poterack and Charrise McCrorey challenge the traditional view of retirement and offer a fresh perspective on making the most of your golden years. Whether you’re preparing to retire or simply looking for ways to plan for a fulfilling future, this episode is packed with insights to help you approach retirement in a meaningful way. We discuss why focusing solely on the financial aspects can overlook the bigger picture — your life’s purpose, your goals, and your legacy. In this episode, we’ll cover: Why your values, fears, and experiences should drive your retirement planning How tax planning and asset allocation intersect with lifestyle choices in retirement The importance of embracing conflict in discussions about money and retirement Real-life examples of how to balance the practical and personal sides of planning for the future Practical tips to build a retirement plan that reflects your unique story and aspirations By the end of this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into aligning your financial goals with your personal values and how to make informed decisions that benefit both your wallet and your well-being. We encourage you to engage with us! Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Reach out on social media or send us an email — we’d love to hear from you! Tune in and discover how embracing the human side of retirement planning can transform your approach to your golden years.

November 21, 202416 min

The Retirement Equation: Mastering Asset Allocation for a Secure Future (Ep 32)

Welcome to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet. This podcast dives into the personal side of financial planning—because your life isn’t just numbers and charts. Today, Alec Quaid, Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager at Poterack Capital Advisory, takes us through variable two of the retirement equation: asset allocation. In this episode, Alec explores: Why simplifying retirement income planning is key to clarity and confidence. How small changes in assumptions can significantly impact your retirement outcomes. The importance of balancing risk and return in your portfolio. Why your money must outpace inflation and support sustainable withdrawals. Real estate’s role in retirement, from appreciation to rental income. Learn how a conservative, straightforward approach to financial planning can help you feel prepared for the long term while staying flexible in the short term. Tune in to discover why proactive, personalized retirement planning is the best way to achieve peace of mind and long-term success. Hit follow to stay updated on future episodes!

November 7, 2024

The Retirement Equation: Planning for Longevity and Lasting Income (Ep 31)

How long will your retirement savings need to last? Welcome to “Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet,” the podcast where we challenge conventional retirement planning. Join Alec Quaid, Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager at Poterack Capital Advisory, as he kicks off a deep-dive mini-series on “The Retirement Equation.” Discover a fresh, holistic perspective on retirement that factors in more than just dollars and cents—this is retirement planning that prioritizes you. In this episode, we tackle one of the most critical variables of the retirement equation: longevity. Alec explains why your life expectancy could make or break your financial security and how to plan wisely so your resources last as long as you do. Learn about strategies, tools, and key metrics that go beyond accumulation and shift focus to securing income stability throughout retirement. Topics covered include: Why longevity is crucial to your retirement plan’s success How to choose the right retirement age for financial security and lifestyle goals Using life expectancy data to build a sustainable income model The impact of working longer—and how it doubles as a financial benefit What is the Income Stability Ratio, and how can it safeguard your retirement? Listen in for actionable insights, expert advice, and a roadmap to confident, secure retirement planning. Don’t miss this essential episode on the role of longevity in retirement!

October 8, 202429 min

Unlocking Retirement: Tax Strategies That Make a Difference (Ep 30)

Welcome to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet! In this episode, Ryan Poterack, Wealth Manager and CEO of Poterack Capital Advisory, along with co-host Charrise McCrorey dive deep into the often-overlooked world of tax strategies that can significantly impact your retirement planning. It’s time to shift your perspective on how to use your money effectively during your golden years. Join us as we explore how your personal story and unique financial landscape can influence your tax strategy. Whether you’re a business executive, a soon-to-be retiree, or simply someone looking for financial solutions, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of tax planning. In This Episode, We’ll Cover: The difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning. Key strategies for high-income earners versus retirees. The benefits of charitable giving in a tax-efficient manner, including: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and how to maximize their use. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and their tax advantages. Understanding tax loss harvesting and how it can mitigate capital gains tax. Practical examples to illustrate complex tax strategies. Why You Should Listen: This episode offers actionable insights to help you reduce tax liabilities, optimize your retirement income, and ensure your financial decisions align with your life goals. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to make your money work for you and create a lasting impact through your charitable contributions. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions or thoughts about today’s topic? Reach out to us via email at info@poterackcapitaladvisory.com or connect with us on social media. Tune in to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet and discover how to transform your retirement planning from anxiety to empowerment!

September 25, 202429 min

Navigating Financial Strategies and Emotions (Ep.29)

Welcome to Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet, where we delve into the stories that shape our financial futures! In this episode, Ryan Poterack and his partner Alec Quaid tackle the often-overlooked emotional aspects of retirement planning, especially as we approach an election year that can stir anxiety among investors. Join us as we explore how your personal experiences and values play a crucial role in shaping your financial decisions, and why understanding this is essential for achieving your ideal retirement. In this episode, we’ll cover: The psychological impact of upcoming elections on investment strategies. Why personal stories matter more than spreadsheets in financial planning. The interplay between financial media and market reactions during election cycles. Historical examples of market behavior during turbulent political times. Practical strategies to manage financial fears and expectations. This episode offers valuable insights that go beyond numbers, aiming to inspire and motivate you to approach retirement with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how to take control of your financial future in a world filled with uncertainty. Tune in now to find out how you can thrive during your golden years!