Is there a “secret weapon” for retirement income that most people overlook or misunderstand? When it comes to retirement planning, most of us think 401(k)s, IRAs, or market-based investments. But there’s a tool you’ve probably heard of, maybe even avoided, that could play a crucial role in securing your future: annuities. Are they helpful or hype? Simple or overly complex? In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re clearing up the confusion.

Ever wonder if your employer's 401(k) match can grow tax-free like your Roth contributions? You’re not alone, and thanks to a recent law change, the answer might surprise you. In this episode of Make It Personal, we tackle a smart question from Jennifer about how employer contributions work when you’re saving into a Roth 401(k). For years, the rules were straightforward: your contributions could be Roth, but your employer's match? Always pre-tax. But with the SECURE 2.0 Act, the game has changed, and many people don’t realize what’s now possible.

What really happens the day after your last day of work? One retiree opens up about the surprises, joys, and real-life challenges of life after 42 years on the job. Rick gives us a deeply honest look at his first year of retirement, not the highlight-reel version, but the real one. From relearning how to structure his days to facing the emotional shift of losing his professional identity, Rick walks us through the highs, lows, and everything in between. You'll hear what surprised him financially, what kept him grounded, and the two questions he believes everyone should answer before they retire.