The MPowered Finance Podcast with Sid Misra, CFP®

Hosted by Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™

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Aug 2026

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About the show

We’re all part of the financial system—whether we like it or not. Those who understand how it works can build wealth, create options, and live life on their own terms. Those who don’t often end up stuck, working hard but falling behind. I'm Sid Misra, CFP® , a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and financial educator. Through this podcast, I simplify complex financial topics—retirement, investing, tax strategies, market volatility, merging love & money, and more. My goal is to educate and empower you to take control of your finances and your future. 🎯 Ready to learn? Hit subscribe and start building clarity and confidence in your financial life. Disclosures: Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. For hyperlinks to FINRA and SIPC, please refer to the links section. MPowered Finance and Beacon Financial Group are separate entities from LPL Financial. Trademark Disclaimer: *Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark with plaque design in the United States, which it authorizes for use by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements

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August 14, 20269 min

How Retirement Changes the Rules of Risk

Should you take less investment risk as you get closer to retirement? Or does retirement change which risks you should be paying attention to? Once your portfolio begins replacing your paycheck, market risk is only part of the picture. Withdrawals, taxes, inflation, longevity, Social Security, and the timing of market returns all begin to interact. In this video, I explore why retirement risk is less about simply becoming “more conservative” and more about coordinating your investments, retirement income, withdrawal strategy, and taxes. Because retirement doesn’t eliminate risk. It changes the scorecard. If you've ever asked yourself, "What risks am I missing?", this video is for you. Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ... Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

July 24, 20268 min

Why High Earners Feel On Track, Until They Don't

Are you a high earner wondering, "Am I actually on track for retirement?" Many successful professionals are saving consistently, maximizing their 401k, and building wealth, but still wonder if everything is working together. In this video, we discuss why retirement planning becomes more complex as income grows, why a 401k alone isn't a complete retirement strategy, and how taxes, investments, equity compensation, and savings decisions become increasingly interconnected. You will learn: Why many high earners feel on track, until they don't Why financial blind spots often exist between decisions How coordinated financial planning creates greater confidence The better question to ask about your financial future If you've ever asked yourself, "Am I actually on track?", this video is for you. Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

June 6, 20268 min

The Retirement Income Decision That’s Hard to Fix Later

Most people spend decades building their savings. But very few have a clear plan for how to actually use it. When retirement begins, your financial life shifts in one important way: your portfolio has to become your paycheck. And that’s where things get more complex than most people expect. In this video, we walk through the key retirement income decisions that shape: • How much you can safely withdraw • Which accounts to draw from first • How taxes affect your income • When Social Security fits into the picture Because retirement income isn’t just about a withdrawal rate. It’s about coordination. The early decisions you make can influence everything that follows, and many of them are harder to adjust later than people realize. If you’re within a few years of retirement, or recently retired, this is often the point where having a structured plan and a second set of eyes can make a meaningful difference. Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF ---- I post a lot of educational content on LinkedIn that you won't want to miss out on Find me on LinkedIn: / sid-misra Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

October 17, 20257 min

Don’t Just Re-Up Your Benefits: How to Make the Most of Open Enrollment This Year

Every fall, millions of people rush through open enrollment, clicking “keep last year’s choices” without realizing how much it can cost them. In this episode, I break down how to approach open enrollment strategically so your benefits actually support your life and financial goals. Whether it’s choosing between an HSA or FSA, reviewing health plan options, or making sure you’re not leaving money on the table, this guide will help you make smarter decisions this year. Open enrollment is more than just HR paperwork—it’s a chance to align your benefits with your financial plan. Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group 'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF ---- I post a lot of educational content on LinkedIn that you won't want to miss out on Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-misra/ ---- Gautam Misra Beacon Financial Group Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

May 10, 202555 min

Before You Buy or Die | Real Estate & Estate Planning Advice with Ruma Mazumdar, ESQ

Thinking about buying a home? Wondering if you need an estate plan? In this episode, I sit down with Ruma Mazumdar, Esq, founder of Key Esquire®, to demystify the legal side of real estate transactions and estate planning. We break down: ✅ What a real estate attorney actually does in NJ ✅ Why attorney review is essential—and not just a formality ✅ Common real estate contract traps (and how to avoid them) ✅ Estate planning basics: wills, trusts, powers of attorney ✅ What happens if you don’t have an estate plan ✅ Why title insurance matters—even when buying from family ✅ How to protect your home and legacy for the next generation Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor, or want to protect your family’s future, this interview is packed with legal and financial insights you need to hear. 📍 Ruma is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, and she brings a modern, client-focused approach to law that empowers homeowners, couples, and professionals to make confident decisions. 👉 Learn more about Ruma Mazumdar and Key Esquire®: 🌐 Website: https://www.keyesquire.com 📸 Instagram: @keyesquire Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ I post a lot of educational content on LinkedIn that you won't want to miss out on Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-misra/ ---- Listen to the MPowered Finance Podcast: https://mpoweredfinance.buzzsprout.com/ Gautam Misra Beacon Financial Group Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

April 25, 20257 min

Should We Lend Money to Family and Friends? - Love, Marriage, and Finances

Should you lend money to family or friends? What if your partner disagrees? In this episode of Love, Marriage, and Finances, Sid Misra CFP® breaks down the emotional and financial risks of lending to loved ones—and how to navigate it as a couple. 💸 Lending money to family is common, but it’s also complicated. Studies show that 42% of people who lend to loved ones never get paid back. That can create stress not just between the lender and borrower—but also between spouses. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to talk with your spouse before lending money ✅ Questions to ask before saying yes ✅ Why you should never lend money you can’t afford to lose ✅ What to include in a written loan agreement ✅ The tax and legal issues you can’t ignore ✅ Alternatives to lending that still support your loved ones Whether you're newly married or years into your relationship, understanding how to handle financial requests from family and friends is critical for protecting your relationship and your finances. 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this helped you! 💡 About Love, Marriage, and Finances: A YouTube series hosted by Certified Financial Planner™ Sid Misra, focused on helping couples navigate love and money. From prenups and financial planning to debt, budgeting, and retirement, we cover it all. 🧭 About Sid: Sid Misra, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ with Beacon Financial Group and LPL Financial. He helps individuals, couples, and families - especially those preparing for retirement - gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial lives. From investment strategies and tax planning to navigating complex life decisions, Sid provides personalized, relationship-driven financial planning tailored to every stage of life. 🔗 Connect with Sid: 🌐 Website: sidmisra.net/ 📅 Schedule a call: go.oncehub.com/SidMisra 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sid-misra/ 📱 Instagram: @SidMisraFinance 🎧 Podcast: mpoweredfinance.buzzsprout.com/ Gautam Misra Beacon Financial Group Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

April 13, 20255 min

Tariffs and Market Panic - What You Need to Know

Are the latest headlines about tariffs and market volatility making you nervous? You're not alone. In this video, Certified Financial Planner™ professional Sid Misra breaks down what’s really happening with the recent market drop—and how smart financial planning helps you stay grounded during uncertain times. You'll learn: ✔️ Why markets reacted to new tariffs ✔️ What rising inflation and slower growth could mean ✔️ How diversification protects your portfolio ✔️ Why preparing beats predicting in volatile markets Whether you're close to retirement or just starting out, this is the clarity you need to make confident financial decisions—no matter what the news says. 👉 Need help building a plan? Let’s talk: www.sidmisra.net Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #money #wealth #investing #finance #moneymanagement #personalfinance #retirement #retirementplanning #income #socialsecurity #medicare #taxes #401k #IRA #RothIRA #federalreserve #interestrates #mortgage --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

January 31, 202550 min

Is a Prenup Right For Me? Perspectives From a Lawyer - Love, Marriage, and Finances

In this episode of Love, Marriage, and Finance, host Sid Misra CFP® sits down with Lindsay Heller, a Family Law Attorney at Fox Rothschild, to demystify prenuptial agreements and provide expert insights on this often misunderstood topic. 💡 Key Topics Covered: - What exactly is a prenuptial agreement and why might you need one? - The changing demographics of prenups - why they're becoming more common - How to have "the conversation" about prenups with your partner - State-by-state differences in prenup laws (focusing on NY and NJ) - Common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements - The real costs of getting a prenup - Post-nuptial agreements - what you need to know - Expert tips for creating an enforceable prenup ⚖️ Featured Expert: Lindsay Heller - Family Law Attorney at Fox Rothschild Specializing in divorce, child custody, support, and prenuptial agreements 🔗 Connect with Lindsay Heller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-a... Instagram: @lindsalahthelawyer Website: https://www.foxrothschild.com/lindsay... 💰 About Love, Marriage, and Finance: Join Certified Financial Planner™ Sid Misra CFP® as he explores the intersection of love and money, helping couples navigate important financial conversations and decisions together. I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

January 10, 202531 min

Why Did My Dad Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security? Money Matters with Sid & Gautam Misra

You can claim Social Security as young as age 62. So why wait? Listen to this newest episode of Money Matters to find out why Gautam Misra waited until age 70 to claim his benefits. Learn what to consider when making your own claim as well as what Social Security misconceptions are totally wrong! Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #money #wealth #investing #finance #moneymanagement #personalfinance #retirement #retirementplanning #income #socialsecurity #medicare #taxes #401k #IRA #RothIRA #federalreserve #interestrates #mortgage #marriage #Divorce #Prenuptialagreement #prenup --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...

November 1, 202413 min

Do I Need a Prenup? - Love, Marriage, and Finances

Wondering if you need a prenuptial agreement? The surprising truth is that EVERYONE who gets married already has one - but it might not be the one you want! In this episode of Love, Marriage, and Finances, Certified Financial Planner Sid Misra breaks down everything you need to know about prenups. Learn why prenups aren't just for the wealthy and discover: ✅ Why your state's default divorce laws might not work for you ✅ Who really needs a prenup (hint: it's more people than you think!) ✅ How to protect your assets, business, and inheritance ✅ Tips for having "the prenup talk" with your partner ✅ How you should set up a prenuptial agreement ✅ How to protect children from previous relationships 💼 Special Episode Alert: Stay tuned for our next video featuring an exclusive interview with NJ attorney Lindsay Heller for expert legal insights on prenuptial agreements! 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to join our community of financially savvy couples. New episodes every week covering everything you need to know about merging love and money. Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #money #wealth #investing #finance #moneymanagement #personalfinance #retirement #retirementplanning #income #socialsecurity #medicare #taxes #401k #IRA #RothIRA #federalreserve #interestrates #mortgage #marriage #Divorce #Prenuptialagreement #prenup --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/SidMisra --- To learn more about me, please visit my website: https://www.sidmisra.net/ ---- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBF Sid Misra, Certified Financial Planner™ Beacon Financial Group #retirementincome #retirementplanning #retirementwithdrawals #financialplanning #taxplanning #socialsecurity #retirementstrategy #401k #IRA #RothIRA #medicare #wealthmanagement --- I'd be happy to have a brief conversation to discuss your needs and to see if we would be a good fit to work together Schedule an intro call with me: ...