Retireable

S4 E2: The Retirement Countdown: 12 Months Out

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger tackle a big question: what should you actually be doing if you plan to retire in the next 12 months?
From lingering winter colds to lingering retirement worries, the conversation walks through the real-life decisions that come up as the countdown begins. They break down the key pillars of retirement readiness—income planning, Social Security timing, healthcare gaps before Medicare, tax strategy, and why a written plan matters more than a rough guess.
They also explore the emotional side of retirement. What will your lifestyle look like? Are you prepared for the “no-go” years? And why do even financially secure retirees still worry about income?
In this week’s Holistic Happening, Mike shares a timely story of a couple whose retirement timeline suddenly changed due to health concerns—highlighting why having a flexible, adaptable plan can bring peace of mind when life pivots.
If you’re within a year of retiring—or even thinking about it—this episode is your practical roadmap for turning “someday” into a confident plan.

S4 E1: Glasses On, Pinkies Out, and a Crash Course in Private Equity

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger start with Florida sunshine, roller coasters, marathon runners grabbing coffee 26 miles in, and the clear signal that it’s time to put the glasses on—because things are about to get sophisticated.
The main conversation dives into private equity: what it actually is, why fewer companies are going public, and how some of the fastest-growing businesses today—from AI firms to household-name brands—are staying private longer than ever. Mike and John explain the opportunities, the risks, and why private equity is never about “betting the farm,” but can play a small, intentional role for certain investors.
They also break down:
Why institutions dominate private equity
How technology has lowered barriers for individual investors
The difference between growth potential and liquidity risk
Why this conversation is showing up everywhere—from Wall Street to college sports
In the “Holistic Happening,” John shares a feel-good client story that proves planning isn’t just about numbers—sometimes it’s about finally buying the Corvette and enjoying the ride.
Educational, approachable, and full of real-life perspective—this episode helps you understand private equity without the jargon or the hype.

S3 E12: Talking Estate Plans and Training New Assistants

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with some end-of-year chaos: glitchy cameras, snow in the driveway, and the bittersweet news of Mike’s longtime assistant Jackie retiring after 23 years. (Yes—some clients really do like her more than him.)
From there, they shift into a practical, listener-friendly breakdown of estate planning. Mike and John explain what a basic plan includes, why relying on “I think we’re covered” can backfire, and how documents like trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives protect your family from confusion, conflict, and costly probate. They even tackle modern complexities—blended families, special-needs planning, and those “ifs, ands, or buts” life always finds a way to throw at us.
In the “Holistic Happening,” John shares a real conversation with a couple wrestling with whether to age in place, sell their home, or pass it to a child—and how viewing the decision through emotional, financial, and family lenses helped bring clarity (and peace).
Clear, relatable, and sprinkled with humor—this episode makes estate planning feel a lot less intimidating and a lot more like an act of love.

S3 E11: Snow, Drones, and the Economy That Won’t Sit Still

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with winter weather woes and big company news—FSA earning another Top Workplace award. From there, they dive into a surprisingly entertaining look at today’s economy: AI everywhere, drones delivering packages, cruise-ship-slow economic shifts, and why interest rates, housing shortages, and consumer spending all seem to be trying to confuse us at the same time.
They break down what’s changing, what isn’t, and how retirees can stay grounded when Wall Street and Main Street feel like they’re telling two different stories. Most importantly, they tie it all back to what actually matters: having a real plan, knowing your risk, and understanding how to turn your nest egg into reliable income.
In the “Holistic Happening,” Mike shares why skipping a written income plan is one of the most common—and costly—retirement mistakes.
A timely, practical, and laugh-along conversation that proves even a shaky economy feels a lot more manageable when you’ve got a clear plan.

S3 E10: Passwords, Crockpots, and Estate Planning

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dig into the wonderfully messy world of what happens after someone passes away — from 67 must-answer questions to why your crypto password might be harder to find than grandma’s secret casserole recipe.
They share why preparing your documents, decisions, and “who gets what” list beforehand is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. Expect laughs, real-life stories (including family fights over rosaries and cookbooks), and practical guidance on organizing accounts, passwords, digital assets, funeral wishes, and all the things nobody wants to think about… until they have to.
Plus, in the “Holistic Happening,” John walks through a client situation where a sudden job loss turned into an unexpected blessing — and how planning helped bring clarity, calm, and even a little hope.
Short, honest, and surprisingly funny — this episode proves that estate planning doesn’t have to be scary… as long as you’re not the one whose phone password is 0000.

S3 E9: Weddings, Weather… and New Tax Laws?

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with a heartfelt (and humorous) look at John’s whirlwind year—complete with his daughter’s greenhouse wedding, father-of-the-bride moments, and a reminder of how fast kids go from Pistons games to planning their own big day.
Then the conversation shifts to one of the most important topics of the year: the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (also jokingly nicknamed “OBBA”). Mike and John break down what retirees and pre-retirees need to know, from the extension of the 2017 tax cuts to updates on deductions, charitable giving rules, and new opportunities like the $1,000 newborn account. They stress what’s clear, what still needs clarification, and why thoughtful, personalized tax planning matters now more than ever.
In the “Holistic Happening” segment, Mike shares a story that highlights the importance of early planning, lifestyle clarity, and bridging the gap between wanting to retire and knowing when you realistically can.
Educational, grounded, and full of the relatable banter listeners love—this episode helps you understand how today’s tax landscape impacts tomorrow’s retirement decisions.

S3 E8: Planning Beyond the Numbers

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive into what it really means to manage wealth once you’ve “made it.” They unpack lessons from John’s recent high net worth forum, exploring how financial planning changes when clients move from needing their money to wanting it to work smarter.
Topics include: • What defines “high net worth” today • Why tax management often matters more than investment management • Smart Roth conversion strategies and avoiding Medicare’s IRMAA surprise • How to use QCDs, donor-advised funds, and tax-loss harvesting effectively
In their “Holistic Happening,” Mike shares a powerful story of a client who thought his retirement plan was set—until a second look revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential tax savings.
This conversation goes beyond wealth—it’s about clarity, control, and creating lasting value for your family.

S3 E7: Can I Retire? And Other Big Questions

In this Q&A-style episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger tackle some of the most common and important questions they hear from pre-retirees and retirees. From “When can I retire?” to “What am I missing?”, they dive into both the financial and emotional sides of retirement planning.
Topics include: • Preparing five years out from retirement • Why a written income and tax plan matters • Overlooked risks like the widow’s tax penalty • Planning for survivor income and lifestyle clarity
They also share examples and explain why having a trusted team can make all the difference. If you’re thinking about retirement—or already in it—this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with confidence.

S3 E6: Passionfruit Tang & Smarter Indexing

In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike and John kick things off with travel stories, family celebrations, and a surprisingly passionate love for... Tang? But the heart of the conversation is all about indexing - what it is, how it’s evolved, and why it may no longer be the one-size-fits-all solution it once was.
They break down:
- The difference between traditional and direct indexing
- Why tax efficiency matters more than ever
- How technology is reshaping modern investment strategies
Plus, in the “Holistic Happening,” hear how one client is using real estate, gifting, and planning strategies to bless her grandkids - while avoiding unnecessary taxes.
Quick, fun, and packed with useful insight - this is indexing the Retireable way.

S3 E5: The Overlooked Side of Legacy Planning

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive deep into a topic many avoid but everyone will face – estate settlement. Beyond the documents and legalities, they explore the emotional and logistical realities families experience when a loved one passes.
With over five decades of combined experience helping families through the estate settlement process, Mike and John share powerful stories from their personal lives and client interactions – from forgotten safes disguised as footstools to the chaos of inaccessible digital assets. They emphasize the importance of not just having a plan, but communicating it clearly to your loved ones.
Listeners will gain practical advice on:
Why legacy planning and estate settlement are two very different things.
How digital footprints, passwords, and online accounts can complicate the process.
The value of organizing physical and sentimental assets before it's too late.
How to make legacy conversations a meaningful family connection rather than a somber chore.
This episode isn’t just about planning – it’s about legacy, clarity, and easing the burden for those we love. Whether you’re in the middle of planning or just beginning to think about it, this conversation will leave you better prepared and more thoughtful.