Retirement isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey.
Welcome to Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, the podcast where retirement planning meets real-life strategies and proven financial insights. Hosted by Stuart J. Spivak, a trusted financial advisor with over 37 years of experience, this show is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of retirement and legacy planning with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, Stuart pulls back the curtain to reveal:
How to retire without fear of running out of money.
Hidden tax traps that could erode your savings—and how to avoid them.
Smart strategies to protect and pass on your legacy exactly as you intend.
No cookie-cutter plans here—just practical, time-tested solutions and real stories from retirees who’ve faced these challenges and come out on top.
If you’re ready to make smarter financial decisions, avoid costly pitfalls, and secure the future you’ve always dreamed of, hit subscribe and join us for each episode.
Get the insights you need to build wealth, protect your legacy, and retire with confidence—only on Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak.
Wealth Wisdom | Retiring with Confidence During Uncertain Markets
In today's episode of Wealth Wisdom, host Stuart J. Spivak discusses how to navigate uncertain markets and why having a comprehensive retirement plan is more important than ever. From market volatility to retirement income planning, Stuart shares practical strategies designed to help investors retire with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Topics covered in this episode:
Why market volatility creates opportunity—not panic—for long-term investors
The three biggest risks every retirement plan should address
Understanding sequence of returns risk and why it matters in retirement
How guaranteed income can help create greater confidence and financial security
Why successful retirement planning starts with solving problems—not selling products
Tune in on Spotify, Apple and all podcast platforms, and be sure to subscribe for more expert retirement planning insights.
If you're interested in learning how these strategies may apply to your personal financial situation, speak with Stuart and his team today!
Stuart J. Spivak | Spivak Financial Group
8753 E. Bell Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
info@spivakfinancial.com
480.556.9931
8 Jul 2026
Wealth Wisdom | The Retirement Planning Mistake Most People Make
In today's episode of Wealth Wisdom, host Stuart J. Spivak discusses why Roth conversions have become one of the most talked-about retirement planning strategies and how proactive planning can help create a more predictable financial future.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Why retirement planning goes beyond investments and requires a comprehensive strategy
- The difference between a probable retirement plan and a predictable one
- How Roth conversions may help reduce future taxes and RMDs
- The importance of understanding your retirement numbers before making decisions
- Why creating tax-free income can be a powerful part of your long-term retirement plan
This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and be sure to subscribe for more expert retirement planning insights.
If you're interested in learning how these strategies may apply to your personal situation, speak with Stuart and his team today!
Stuart J. Spivak | Spivak Financial Group
8753 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
info@spivakfinancial.com
480.556.9931
1 Jul 2026
Wealth Wisdom | How to Keep More of Your Retirement Money
In today's episode of Wealth Wisdom, host Stuart J. Spivak continues the conversation on Roth conversions, retirement taxes, and proactive planning strategies that can help retirees keep more of their hard-earned money.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Why taxes may be the biggest threat to your retirement plan
- Understanding RMDs and the retirement "tax time bomb"
- How Roth conversions can create future tax-free income
- The impact of taxes on Social Security and Medicare premiums
- Why proactive tax planning is critical for long-term retirement success
Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and be sure to subscribe for more expert retirement planning insights.
If you're interested in learning how these strategies may apply to your personal situation, speak with Stuart and his team today!
Stuart J. Spivak | Spivak Financial Group
8753 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
info@spivakfinancial.com
480.556.9931
24 Jun 2026
Wealth Wisdom | Roth Conversions 101 - What Every Retiree Should Know
In today's episode of Wealth Wisdom, host Stuart J. Spivak discusses one of the most important retirement planning topics facing investors today: Roth conversions and the growing impact of taxes in retirement.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: What's the difference?
- Why Roth conversions are getting so much attention today
- Understanding the impact of future taxes and RMDs
- The importance of tax diversification in retirement
- Creating a more predictable retirement income strategy
This is one you won't want to miss. Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and make sure to subscribe for more expert retirement planning tips.
If you’re interested in knowing how these concepts apply to your personal situation, speak to Stuart and his team today!
Stuart J. Spivak | Spivak Financial Group
8753 E Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
info@spivakfinancial.com
480.556.9931
8 Apr 2025
Smart Tax Strategies for 2025 and Beyond: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
In this episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, we tackle one of the hottest topics on everyone’s mind—tax planning in a post-election world. With the elections behind us and a new administration setting priorities, it’s time to prepare for potential tax changes and ensure your retirement plan is secure.
Join Stuart J. Spivak and co-host James Andersen as they break down key strategies for tax efficiency, including how to diversify your accounts for maximum savings and why proactive planning is the key to long-term success.
Main Points Discussed:
- Why tax planning shouldn’t be based on 4-year election cycles but rather 10-20 year strategies.
- The difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts—and how to structure your portfolio for maximum savings.
- Tax location planning: What it is and why it’s crucial for retirement security.
- The importance of proactive planning versus reactive accounting when it comes to minimizing taxes.
- Strategies for tax-loss harvesting, gain-loss offsetting, and managing taxable investment accounts to save 1-3% annually.
- Real-life examples of how proper tax management saved clients thousands.
Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Tune in now to learn how to protect your retirement income and save on taxes.
👉 Listen here: on YouTube or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
And be sure to subscribe to Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak for more actionable strategies to secure your financial future!
1 Apr 2025
Disinherit the IRS—Smart Strategies for Tax-Efficient Giving
In this inspiring episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, Stuart dives into the importance of giving back while reducing taxes through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).
He also shares the heartwarming story of The Driven Project, a charity providing unforgettable experiences to terminally ill children. Discover how you can make a difference while maximizing your tax benefits!
Main Points Discussed:
The Driven Project and Stuart's experience as a title sponsor, supporting critically ill children through supercar therapy.
What Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are and how they can help you combine charitable giving with smart tax planning.
Real-world examples of clients using DAFs to offset taxes from property sales, Roth conversions, and investment gains.
How DAFs can be used to teach charitable values to children and involve the whole family in giving back.
Tips for setting up your own DAF and using it strategically to lower taxes while supporting causes you care about.
Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to align your charitable goals with smart tax planning!
👉 Listen now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe today for more insights on wealth building and retirement strategies!
25 Mar 2025
Safeguard Your Retirement: Smart Planning for Volatile Markets
Welcome to another episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, where we help you navigate the financial journey to—and through—retirement.
In this episode, Stuart Spivak shares timely insights as we close out 2024, a year of market highs and economic uncertainty. Whether you’re planning to retire soon or are already in retirement, Stuart explains why the descent down the “financial mountain” can be even riskier than the climb—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Main Points Discussed:
- The Financial Mountain Analogy – Why retiring is like climbing Mount Everest and how most mistakes happen on the way down.
- Key Retirement Risks – Running out of money, market downturns, and poor withdrawal strategies.
- The Impact of Inflation – Why higher costs of living are here to stay and how to combat inflation with smart planning.
- Portfolio Protection Strategies – Building income buckets, diversification, and securing predictable, reliable income streams.
- Market Volatility & Elections – Preparing for uncertainty in 2025, including inflation trends and potential policy changes.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Listen to the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and tips to help you retire with confidence!
18 Mar 2025
The Pros and Cons of Roth Conversions—What You Need to Know
In this episode of The Prosper Retirement Podcast, host Stuart J. Spivak tackles one of the most talked-about topics in retirement planning—Roth conversions. With taxes at historic lows and changes coming in 2026, this could be the perfect time to re-evaluate your retirement strategy. Stuart walks listeners through the pros, cons, and strategies of Roth conversions to help them decide if it’s the right move for their financial future.
Main Points Discussed:
- Key differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs and how they impact taxes.
- Why taxes are expected to rise and how to take advantage of current rates.
- Strategies for timing Roth conversions to maximize savings and minimize tax burdens.
- The role of donor-advised funds in offsetting tax liabilities during conversions.
- Why Roth conversions aren’t one-size-fits-all and require careful planning.
- Real-life scenarios highlighting how strategic conversions can benefit investors.
Don’t miss this informative episode! Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or here on YouTube and make sure to subscribe for more expert retirement planning tips.
If you’re ready to explore whether a Roth conversion is right for you, book a consultation with Stuart and his team today!
15 Jan 2025
Guaranteed Income and Diversification: Building a Bulletproof Retirement Plan
In this episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, Stuart breaks down the Three Bucket Approach to retirement planning. Most retirees focus on stocks and bonds, leaving their savings exposed to market volatility. Stuart explains how adding safe money strategies and alternative investments can protect and grow your wealth while providing guaranteed lifetime income.
Main Points Discussed:
Why most retirees concentrate their savings in one bucket (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and the risks it poses.
The Three Bucket Approach:
Bucket 1: Safe Money with guaranteed protection and lifetime income.
Bucket 2: Managed accounts like stocks and mutual funds for growth potential.
Bucket 3: Alternative investments like real estate to provide diversification and income stability.
The importance of having a written financial plan to eliminate fear and uncertainty about outliving your money.
Common misconceptions about diversification—why it’s more than just stocks and bonds.
How asset allocation differs from asset location and why both are critical to your retirement success.
If you’re ready to learn how to secure guaranteed income and build a diversified retirement plan, tune in to this episode now!
👉 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch it on YouTube.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and strategies on building financial freedom!
15 Jan 2025
What Most Advisors Won’t Tell You About Annuities
Are annuities as bad as some people say—or have they just been misunderstood? In this episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, Stuart breaks down the myths and realities surrounding annuities. Whether you’ve heard horror stories or glowing reviews, this episode sheds light on the truth about how annuities can fit into your financial plan.
Main Points Discussed:
Misconceptions about annuities—why they exist and how to see through the noise.
Examples of bad annuities and why they may have been mis-sold.
The role annuities can play in providing market protection and growth potential.
Fixed indexed annuities—how they work, their benefits, and why they’re gaining popularity.
Annuities as bond alternatives—how they outperform bonds in safety and growth.
The importance of evaluating older annuities—are you leaving better opportunities on the table?
Don’t miss out on this informative episode! Tune in now on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@stuartj.spivak2158), Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
If you’re ready to explore whether an annuity fits your retirement plan, schedule a free consultation with Stuart today!
15 Jan 2025
Avoid Penalties: The Smart Way to Access Retirement Funds Before 59½
In this episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, Stuart shares his expertise as the 72(T) Professor, guiding listeners through the often-misunderstood IRS Rule 72(T). Discover how this little-known tax code can help you access retirement funds early—without paying the 10% penalty—and how to avoid common pitfalls when implementing this strategy.
Main Points Discussed:
What is IRS Rule 72(T)? – An overview of the IRS provision allowing penalty-free withdrawals before age 59½.
Strict Requirements and Rules – Understanding SEPP (Series of Equal Periodic Payments) and the consequences of breaking compliance.
Real-Life Case Studies – How clients have successfully used 72(T) to retire early, start businesses, and support life changes.
Tax Implications – Clarifying taxes owed and strategies to minimize the impact while avoiding penalties.
Why Expertise Matters – Insights into why major institutions like Fidelity and Vanguard refer clients to specialists like Stuart for guidance.
Ready to learn how you can unlock your retirement savings without penalties?
Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights on retirement planning!
15 Jan 2025
3 Critical Retirement Risks You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Welcome to this episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak! In this powerful episode, Stuart opens up about the personal story that shaped his approach to retirement planning. Learn how his father’s sudden passing taught him the importance of preparing for life’s unexpected challenges—and how you can do the same.
Main Points Discussed:
Stuart’s personal story about his father’s passing and the life lessons it taught him about financial planning.
The three biggest risks retirees face: living too long, dying too soon, and becoming disabled.
How to plan proactively to protect your loved ones and legacy.
Understanding sequence of returns risk and why early losses in retirement can devastate your savings.
The importance of building protection into your portfolio, just like a safety rope for climbing a mountain.
Don’t leave your retirement up to chance. Tune in to this episode for practical strategies to secure your financial future.
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
7 Jan 2025
Are You Ready for Retirement? Key Strategies You Need to Know
In this debut episode of Wealth Wisdom with Stuart J. Spivak, Stuart shares insights gained from 36 years of helping clients navigate retirement planning. With a focus on preparing for life’s unexpected events—living too long, dying too soon, or facing disability—this episode highlights practical strategies to safeguard your financial future.
Main Points Discussed:
The 3 biggest risks retirees face—living too long, dying too soon, or becoming disabled.
How to ensure financial security so work becomes optional, not mandatory.
The importance of life insurance to protect loved ones in case of unexpected death.
Preparing for long-term care costs—how to cover $6,000+ per month without draining your savings.
Special strategies, including Rule 72(t) and debt elimination plans, to enhance retirement readiness.
Call to Action (CTA): If you’re serious about securing your retirement, don’t miss this episode! Be sure to subscribe for more expert insights into building a solid financial future.
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Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
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