Unleash Your Wealth

Hosted by Raj Shah

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

175

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

“Unleash Your Wealth” is dedicated to empowering the investor and retirement saver with the information they need to expect more from their financial advisor. Raj Shah is the president and founder of SC Wealth Advisors in Chicago, Illinois. He and his team have more than a half a century combined experience working for their clients! Learn more about Raj and his team at https://scwealthadvisors.com Follow on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter !

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202616 min

Inflation, Market Highs, and the Retirement Wake-Up Call

Inflation is rising, Social Security faces potential cuts, and retirement plans are being tested in real time. Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down how persistent inflation, market volatility, and shifting interest rates are forcing retirees to rethink income strategies. They discuss why traditional “safe” investments may no longer behave as expected, how sequence-of-returns risk impacts early retirement years, and what it means to protect a portfolio while still participating in market growth. The conversation centers on balancing risk, managing withdrawals, and adjusting expectations in a changing economic environment. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 202616 min

The Cost of Not Planning: What Happens to Your Wealth?

What happens when a sudden windfall meets poor planning? This episode explores how business owners, retirees, and high-net-worth families can approach generational wealth, tax efficiency, and income planning. Raj Shah and Rick Borek discuss structuring large liquidity events, minimizing estate tax exposure, and using tools like trusts and life insurance strategies to transfer wealth. They also examine how priorities shift at higher net worth levels—favoring preservation, predictability, and tax awareness over risk-taking—while highlighting the role of proactive tax planning in long-term financial outcomes. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 202615 min

Is Your Retirement Plan Missing This Critical Piece?

What if your retirement plan is missing the most important piece? With markets hitting highs and volatility returning, Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down why portfolio performance alone isn’t a complete strategy. They explore the importance of aligning risk, structuring guaranteed income, managing taxes, and turning savings into a reliable paycheck. The conversation highlights how overlooking these elements can leave retirees exposed, especially during downturns. From 401(k) limitations to income planning in today’s interest rate environment, this episode focuses on building a more balanced and resilient retirement approach. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 202616 min

When Your Portfolio Doesn’t Match Your Retirement Reality

Retirement can unravel quickly if your plan ignores risk, taxes, and longevity. Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down why many portfolios don’t match investor risk tolerance and how timing, market cycles, and income needs shape retirement outcomes. They explore the importance of stress-testing plans, structuring income, and preparing for taxes and estate transfer—while avoiding costly oversights. From second opinions to advanced planning strategies, this conversation highlights what it takes to align your wealth with your future and keep it positioned through every stage of retirement. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 202615 min

Protecting Gains While Staying in the Market

Markets keep climbing, but many near retirement are asking what happens when they don’t. In this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek discuss how investors in the retirement “red zone” are balancing growth with protection as markets hit new highs. They explore strategies that combine market participation with downside protection, the role of guaranteed income in replacing a paycheck, and why Social Security timing decisions matter more than online advice suggests. The conversation also covers inflation, interest rates, and creating sustainable income streams that continue for a surviving spouse. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 202616 min

What Happens to Your Income When the Market Drops

Are you relying on a quick online calculator to tell you you’re ready for retirement? On this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek talks about why many pre-retirees and retirees are seeking a second set of eyes on their financial picture. The discussion explores the gap between investment-only approaches and full retirement income planning, including how market downturns, Social Security decisions, taxes, inflation, and rising expenses can impact long-term outcomes. The episode also looks at blended portfolio strategies, the renewed interest in fixed income and annuities, and why personalized planning matters in an unpredictable market. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 202614 min

Why Near-Retirees Are Rethinking Risk in Today’s Market

Market swings, inflation, and global uncertainty are making many near-retirees uneasy about the savings they’ve worked decades to build. On this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek discuss why retirement plans must account for volatility—and how today’s high fixed-income rates are reshaping income strategies. The conversation explores balancing growth with reliability, building predictable income, and avoiding common mistakes like sitting entirely in cash or CDs. If you’re approaching retirement, this episode breaks down how thoughtful planning can shift the focus from market noise to long-term confidence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 202614 min

How Much Cash Is Too Much? Rethinking Emergency Funds

How much cash do you really need when markets turn volatile—and is the usual advice missing important context? On this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down emergency funds, income planning, and why retirement decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all. The conversation covers market cycles, balancing risk and growth, coordinating guaranteed income, and avoiding costly assumptions around Social Security timing. Real-life examples highlight how personalized analysis—not blanket rules—can clarify retirement readiness and help align financial decisions with real-world goals. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 21, 202614 min

The Hidden Risk of Leaving Old 401(k)s Behind

What should you really do with an old 401(k) after leaving your job—and why do so many people overlook it? On this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down the common mistakes retirees make with former employer plans, including leaving accounts unmanaged or cashing out too soon. They explore rollover options, in-service withdrawals, and how fees, limited investment choices, and market volatility factor into smarter long-term planning. The conversation also touches on retirement income structuring, spending patterns, and mindset lessons—from professional athletes to everyday retirees—about planning for both short- and long-term needs. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 14, 202617 min

When Headlines Hijack Your Retirement Plan

Markets are swinging, headlines are loud, and many investors are reacting instead of planning. On this episode, Raj Shah and Rick Borek break down why market volatility, political noise, and sudden world events can derail retirement plans—and what to do instead. The conversation focuses on building an all‑weather financial strategy, protecting gains as portfolios grow, preparing in the critical years leading up to retirement, and balancing growth with stability. It’s a grounded discussion on planning through uncertainty without chasing headlines. For more information or to schedule a consultation with SC Wealth Advisors visit: scwealthadvisors.com Raj Shah and Rick Borek focus on wealth management, retirement planning, personal finance, taxes, estate planning and so much more. Combined, Raj and Rick have over 55 years of financial planning experience and are eager to help you retire in the most efficient manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.