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Empower Your Retirement

Frank and Frankie Guida

Welcome to Empower Your Retirement podcast, your trusted companion on the path to retirement prosperity. As the cornerstone of financial security for families and individuals, we're dedicated to making your retirement dreams a reality. Dive into insightful discussions led by the Guida family, renowned for their decades of experience in financial planning and wealth management.

Tune in to our podcast as we share actionable insights, insider tips, and expert advice to navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Whether you're aiming to maximize your savings, minimize risks, or optimize your investment portfolio, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Join us at A Better Way Financial, where your retirement success is our priority. Follow or subscribe now and embark on the path to a brighter financial future.

Learn more about A Better Way Financial here . Connect with us on social: Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tuesday · 11 min
No Pension? Could You Create Your Own?
What if you could create your own version of a pension in retirement? Frank and Frankie Guida explore ways retirees can build more predictable income from their savings, even without a traditional workplace pension. They discuss coordinating an income annuity with Social Security, deciding when to claim benefits, managing portfolio risk, and considering tax strategies. Through a client example, they illustrate how different pieces of a retirement plan can work together when evaluating whether it may be financially feasible to retire. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 27 · 12 min
Are RMDs as Bad as Everyone Thinks?
Are RMDs really a retirement tax monster, or is the fear sometimes bigger than the reality? On this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss when required minimum distributions become a genuine concern and when they may be less impactful than many retirees expect. They explore how spending habits, income sources, portfolio structure, and Roth conversions can influence the tax consequences of RMDs. The conversation also highlights why personalized retirement and tax planning can help retirees evaluate their options and make informed decisions about their long-term financial goals. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 20 · 11 min
Why Gen Z Is Becoming the Roth Generation
Why are Gen Z investors embracing Roth accounts while many retirees wish they had started sooner? In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss why Roth IRAs and Roth conversions are gaining attention across generations. They explore how tax diversification, required minimum distributions, future tax rates, and retirement income planning can influence long-term financial decisions. The conversation also highlights common tax challenges retirees face and how different planning strategies may help align retirement goals with evolving tax situations. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 13 · 10 min
Could Social Security Changes Reshape Your Retirement Plan?
Could a change in Social Security benefits have a bigger impact on retirement than many people realize? In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss why women often face unique retirement income challenges, how survivor benefits can affect long-term financial planning, and why Social Security decisions deserve careful consideration. They also explore the role of pensions, retirement income strategies, tax efficiency, and preparing for inflation over a potentially lengthy retirement. Plus, hear a real-life case study highlighting how coordinated planning can help address retirement income needs after the loss of a spouse. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 6 · 11 min
The Missing Piece in Most Retirement Plans
What if the biggest missing piece in your retirement plan isn’t an investment, but a clear picture of what retirement actually looks like for you? In this episode of Empower Your Retirement, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss why defining your retirement goals comes before choosing investments, how income, taxes, estate planning, and risk management fit together, and why a personalized retirement roadmap can help bring all the pieces into focus. They also share a real-world retirement planning example that highlights the value of connecting financial decisions to personal goals. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 29 · 10 min
How Do You Know When It’s Really Time to Retire?
Is retirement a date on the calendar, or a decision shaped by purpose, health, and financial readiness? In this episode, the conversation explores how to determine when the time is right to retire, why the answer is different for everyone, and the role a financial roadmap can play in the decision-making process. Frankie Guida and Noah Williams discuss Social Security timing, Medicare considerations, retirement lifestyle goals, and how understanding your financial picture can help shape your next chapter. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 22 · 11 min
The Retirement Tax Surprise Many Savers Never See Coming
A surprise tax bill in retirement could come from the money you worked years to save. In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can affect taxes, Social Security taxation, and Medicare premiums. They explain why retirees should pay attention to tax planning before RMDs begin, how Roth conversions may fit into a retirement strategy, and why passing assets to heirs can involve more than just investment growth. Learn about key considerations that can help shape a more tax-efficient retirement plan. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 15 · 10 min
Could Your Retirement Success Lead to a Tax Problem?
Could your retirement income create a larger tax bill than you expected? In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss how taxes, required minimum distributions (RMDs), taxable accounts, and Social Security taxation can affect retirement income. They explain why tax planning before RMDs begin may be an important consideration and share a case study of a couple preparing for retirement with concerns about future taxes. The conversation explores strategies for improving tax efficiency, evaluating different account types, and understanding how retirement income sources may impact long-term financial decisions. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 8 · 10 min
Can You Retire Sooner Than You Think?
What if the biggest retirement question isn't whether you can retire, but whether you're ready to? In this episode of Empower Your Retirement, Frank and Frankie Guida explore the financial and emotional sides of leaving the workforce. They discuss defining your retirement lifestyle, understanding income needs, aligning goals with your spouse, and evaluating whether your savings support the retirement you envision. The conversation also highlights why retirement planning is personal and how having a formal plan can provide clarity when deciding when to step away from work.. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 1 · 12 min
Is Your Retirement Income Plan Missing a Key Piece?
Could a reliable income stream be the missing piece in your retirement plan? In this episode, Frank Guida and Frankie Guida discuss the role of income planning in retirement and why some retirees value predictable income sources. They explore how pensions and annuities fit into a retirement strategy, considerations around Social Security claiming decisions, and ways to evaluate investment risk, taxes, and income needs. The conversation also highlights a real-world planning scenario that shows how different retirement timelines can impact long-term retirement income. . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 25 · 10 min
Why Staying in a Traditional IRA May Be the Right Move
Is a Roth conversion always the right move, or could keeping money in a traditional IRA make more sense? In this episode, Frankie Guida explores why traditional IRAs remain an important retirement planning tool and discusses situations where delaying taxes may be more beneficial than converting to a Roth. He breaks down the advantages and tradeoffs of both approaches, including tax deductions, required minimum distributions, future tax considerations, and retirement income planning. The conversation highlights why retirement tax strategies should be based on individual circumstances rather than broad assumptions. . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 18 · 12 min
Is the Rule of Thirds Too Simple for Today’s Retirees?
Is a simple retirement formula helping you plan or oversimplifying one of the biggest financial decisions of your life? In this episode, Frank Guida and Frankie Guida examine the popular “Rule of Thirds” and discuss why retirement planning may require more than a one-size-fits-all approach. They explore income sources, investment allocation, risk management, inflation, and the importance of tailoring a strategy to individual goals and circumstances. The conversation also highlights how personalized retirement planning can help evaluate income needs, portfolio risk, and long-term financial decisions. . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 11 · 11 min
Could Your Retirement Last Longer Than You Expect?
How long could your retirement last, and is your plan built for that possibility? On this episode, Frank Guida and Frankie Guida discuss the growing importance of planning for longevity and turning retirement savings into sustainable income. They explore how Social Security decisions, tax planning, investment management, and spending strategies can influence retirement lifestyles. The conversation also highlights the value of having a defined income plan rather than relying solely on account balances. Learn how retirees can evaluate their resources, spending needs, and long-term goals to better understand the road ahead . Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 4 · 14 min
Roth Conversion Pros and Cons
Could a Roth conversion reduce future tax exposure, or create unexpected costs today? In this episode, Frankie Guida explains the pros and cons of Roth conversions, including tax-free retirement income, required minimum distributions, tax diversification, and estate planning considerations. He also discusses potential drawbacks such as upfront tax bills, Medicare impacts, income thresholds, and timing considerations. Learn how Roth conversions fit into a broader retirement strategy and why evaluating your personal circumstances is an important part of the decision-making process. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 28 · 9 min
Can You Claim Social Security From an Ex-Spouse?
Could an ex-spouse’s Social Security record increase your retirement income options? In this episode, Frankie Guida breaks down the rules surrounding divorced spouse Social Security benefits, including who may qualify, how the 10-year marriage rule works, and whether claiming benefits affects an ex-spouse. The conversation also covers filing requirements, survivor benefits, remarriage considerations, and common questions that often create confusion during retirement planning. If Social Security is part of your retirement strategy, understanding these lesser-known provisions can help you make more informed decisions. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 21 · 8 min
The 5 Biggest Questions About Social Security Spousal Benefits
Could one Social Security decision have a lasting impact on your retirement income? On this episode, Frankie Guida breaks down five of the most common questions about Social Security spousal benefits, including who qualifies, how much a spouse may receive, how working can affect benefits, whether waiting increases payments, and what happens when a spouse passes away. He also discusses key timing considerations and common misconceptions that retirees should understand when evaluating their Social Security options. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 14 · 7 min
Retiring Early – What You Need To Know
Could retiring sooner than expected be possible—or are there important trade-offs you need to consider first? Frankie Guida explores the financial and lifestyle factors behind early retirement, including income replacement, healthcare costs, Social Security timing, and retirement spending strategies. He discusses why understanding your goals matters just as much as running the numbers, and how evaluating different retirement timelines can help you make informed decisions about your next chapter. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 7 · 10 min
The 4 Habits Many Successful Retirees Have in Common
What are financially successful retirees doing that others often overlook? In this episode, Frank and Frankie Guida discuss key habits that can shape retirement planning, including saving consistently, creating income streams, managing risk, preparing for unexpected expenses, and incorporating tax and retirement planning into the process. They also share a real-world case study illustrating how reviewing investments, taxes, and long-term goals can uncover opportunities and help align a retirement strategy with a client’s priorities. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 30 · 9 min
Do You Really Need $1.6 Million to Retire?
Do you really need $1.6 million to retire—or is that number misleading? Frank and Frankie Guida explain why retirement isn’t defined by a universal savings target. They discuss how income sources like Social Security and pensions, spending needs, and retirement timing all shape a personalized plan. The conversation also covers evaluating risk, managing taxes, and determining how much income you can realistically generate in retirement. If you’ve been focused on hitting a specific number, this episode reframes the conversation around building a strategy based on your individual situation. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 23 · 11 min
When Is the Right Time to Take Social Security?
When should you actually start collecting Social Security—and what factors really matter? Frank and Frankie Guida break down how timing impacts retirement income, from life expectancy and income needs to spousal benefits and savings levels. They explore why the decision isn’t as simple as retiring and turning benefits on, and how different timelines can change long-term outcomes. With real examples and planning considerations, this episode highlights how Social Security fits into a broader retirement strategy. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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