Have you ever tried asking someone to explain the steps they took to help achieve a confident retirement? Retirement planning is a complex and deeply personal journey—one we ideally navigate just once in our lives.
Welcome to Retireable, where experience and trusted advisors Michael Wallace and John Sauger explore all things retirement. Drawing on years of experience helping families at or near retirement to help achieve their goals and dreams, Mike and John share their knowledge to help guide listeners toward a fulfilling retirement.
Each episode features insights from professionals across various aspects of retirement life, as well as examples of families pursuing their ”Retireable” years. Join us as we discuss the strategies, examples, and steps designed to help you pursue a confident retirement.
S4 E3: Spring Break, Ballgames, and High Net Worth Individuals
In this episode of The Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger kick things off with spring break in Hilton Head, Tigers opening day, and the kind of family time that reminds you how fast life moves—and how important it is to enjoy it along the way.
From there, they dive into a major shift happening in today’s retirement landscape: the rise of the middle-class millionaire. What used to be enough to retire comfortably decades ago looks very different today, and more families are finding themselves with $1–$5 million (or more) in assets—bringing new opportunities, but also more complex decisions.
Mike and John break down what “high net worth” really means, how planning evolves as wealth grows, and why the conversation shifts from simply saving money to managing taxes, legacy goals, and family impact. They also introduce the “me, we, the” framework—helping families think through how to enjoy their wealth, support loved ones and make a broader difference.
In the Holistic Happening, John shares a powerful moment from a recent workshop where an individual realized what true “holistic planning” means: having one trusted team that understands the full picture and helps connect all the moving pieces.
A relatable and insightful episode about how wealth changes the conversation—and why having a plan that evolves with you matters more than ever.
Sources
“More Americans Are Breaking into the Upper Middle Class.” The Wall Street Journal, https://www.wsj.com/economy/more-americans-are-breaking-into-the-upper-middle-class-bf8b7cb2
“How Much to Save for Retirement in 2026, According to a New Study.” USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/04/01/how-much-to-save-for-retirement-2026-study/89391448007/
26 Feb 2026
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.
10 Feb 2026
S4 E1: Glasses On, Pinkies Out, and a Crash Course in Private Equity
Hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger discuss private equity, exploring its role in modern business, its opportunities and risks, and its accessibility for certain investors in this episode.
30 Dec 2025
S3 E12: Talking Estate Plans and Training New Assistants
Mike Wallace and John Sauger discuss estate planning basics, including trusts and powers of attorney, to protect families from confusion and costly probate, while also addressing modern complexities in this episode.
16 Dec 2025
S3 E11: Snow, Drones, and the Economy That Won’t Sit Still
Hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger examine the current economy, including AI, drone delivery, interest rates, and housing shortages, to help retirees stay grounded with a solid financial plan.
3 Dec 2025
S3 E10: Passwords, Crockpots, and Estate Planning
Hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger explore the crucial yet often avoided topic of estate planning, emphasizing the importance of preparing documents and decisions to ease the burden on loved ones during difficult times.
19 Nov 2025
S3 E9: Weddings, Weather… and New Tax Laws?
Mike Wallace and John Sauger discuss the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for retirees and pre-retirees, covering tax cut extensions, deductions, and charitable giving rules, emphasizing personalized tax planning.
4 Nov 2025
S3 E8: Planning Beyond the Numbers
Financial advisors Mike Wallace and John Sauger explore advanced wealth management strategies for high-net-worth individuals, emphasizing tax optimization and legacy planning in this interview.
23 Oct 2025
S3 E7: Can I Retire? And Other Big Questions
Mike Wallace and John Sauger answer frequently asked questions from pre-retirees and retirees, exploring financial and emotional aspects of retirement planning in this episode.
28 Aug 2025
S3 E6: Passionfruit Tang & Smarter Indexing
Host Mike and guest John discuss the evolution of indexing strategies, exploring tax efficiency and modern investment approaches in this interview.
21 May 2025
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.
25 Apr 2025
Marketing Talk with Tom Siomades, AE Wealth Management
Special Episode: Market Mayhem & Finding Peace of Mind with Tom Siomades
In this timely and impactful episode of the Retirable Podcast, hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger are joined by Tom Siomades, Chief Market Strategist at AE Wealth Management, for a deep dive into one of the most volatile weeks in recent market history.
As tariff headlines shake investor confidence and media noise cranks up the panic, Tom brings clarity, context, and calm. With over three decades of experience tracking market trends, Tom shares why this volatility isn't unprecedented—and why it’s crucial to zoom out, stay grounded, and trust in a solid financial plan.
What you’ll learn:
Why market swings shouldn’t derail your retirement strategy
How tariff uncertainty is influencing investor behavior
The role of perspective and long-term thinking in financial planning
Why emotional decision-making is the real threat—not the headlines
How to stay focused on your goals, not just your portfolio balance
Tom's insights offer a refreshing antidote to the fear-driven headlines, reminding us that the real power lies in preparation, not prediction. Whether you’re feeling anxious about the markets or simply seeking a steadier voice in uncertain times, this episode will leave you informed, reassured, and ready to move forward with confidence.
9 Apr 2025
S3 E4: Asset Allocation vs Location
In this episode of the Retireable Podcast, Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive into two critical - but often misunderstood - concepts in retirement planning: asset allocation and asset location.
They break down the difference between what you’re invested in (allocation) and where your investments are held from a tax standpoint (location) - and why both matter for long-term financial health. From diversification strategies and sector exposure to the hidden tax traps of retirement income, Mike and John use real-world examples and a dash of humor to make complex ideas easy to understand.
You'll also hear a heartfelt story about the impact of planning ahead, even down to organizing collectibles, and how those thoughtful details can leave a lasting legacy for loved ones.
Whether you're planning your future or already retired, this episode will help you ask the right questions, avoid costly mistakes, and create a smarter, more strategic financial plan.
19 Feb 2025
S3 E3 - The Truth About Taxes in Retirement
In this episode of Retireable Podcast, hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of retirement planning: taxes. They break down the different types of retirement accounts—tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-free—and learn ways on how strategic tax planning can help make a significant impact on your financial future.
Key topics include:✅ The difference between tax recording and tax planning✅ Learn ways Roth conversions can help reduce your tax burden in retirement✅ Why Social Security, pensions, and RMDs can create unavoidable tax implications✅ The impact of tax law changes and why planning ahead is so important✅ Strategies like tax-loss harvesting to help minimize unnecessary taxes
Whether you’re approaching retirement or already in it, understanding these strategies can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Tune in to learn ways proper tax planning could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime!
13 Jan 2025
S3 E2: Adapting your Retirement Plans as your life and financial goals evolve.
In this engaging episode of the Retirable Podcast, hosts Mike Wallace and John Sauger dive into the art of financial analysis, breaking down the essential pillars: risk, fees, and taxes. From understanding investment performance to uncovering hidden fees and navigating complex tax implications, they offer insights to help listeners make more informed decisions about their financial future.
John shares a compelling story about a life-changing career switch and the holistic financial planning considerations involved, from tax strategies to retirement accounts. The hosts also discuss the importance of ongoing analysis and adapting plans as life and financial goals evolve.
Packed with practical advice and relatable examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to build confidence in their financial journey. Tune in now to gain valuable insights for navigating life’s big transitions and help secure your retirement dreams!
5 Dec 2024
S3 E1: Understanding the Retirement Planning Process
Welcome to Season 3 of the FSA Podcast, Retireable! In this episode, we’re excited to share updates about our brand-new studio and take you behind the scenes of what happens when you choose to partner with Learn about the steps involved in our client process and the ways we help you navigate your journey toward financial confidence as we work with you to create your comprehensive financial plan designed to help secure your retirement goals and objectives. Tune in!
Connect with us!
Web: fsa1.com
Phone: 800-977-9292
Email: info@fsa-1.com
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