Why Gold Is Shining Again — and When It Actually Makes Sense to Own It

Episode Summary

Gold is glimmering again — hitting all-time highs and grabbing investors’ attention. But what’s really driving it? And should you jump in?

In this episode, Amanda talks with Shawn on breaking down:

• Why gold prices are soaring right now

• When investors typically buy gold

• How much gold makes sense to hold in your portfolio

• And why gold isn’t about getting rich

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy gold when the headlines heat up, this episode will give you a clearer answer.

What You’ll Learn

1. Why gold moves: How uncertainty, inflation, and interest rates drive prices.

1. When investors turn to gold: The emotional and economic triggers behind the “rush to safety.”

1. The right allocation: How much of your portfolio should actually be in gold (and why more isn’t always better).

1. Smart strategy: How to think about gold as part of your broader, diversified plan — not a panic purchase.

Key Takeaways

• Gold tends to rise when investors feel uncertain — it’s a safety play, not a growth play.

• Historically, a 5–10% allocation in gold or precious metals provides stability without sacrificing growth potential.

• Chasing gold because “everyone’s buying it” usually means you’re late to the party.

• Use gold as a diversifier, not a replacement for real investments that compound over time

Our Hot Take

“Gold’s value isn’t in its shine — it’s in its stability. It won’t build your wealth, but it can help protect it when the world feels shaky.”

🎧 Listen in if You’re:

• Wondering if gold is a smart buy right now

• Feeling nervous about the economy or stock market

• Looking to better understand how diversification works

• Building a long-term financial plan that balances growth and safety

🔗 Connect with Fit Wealth

• Instagram: @fitwealth_

• Website: www.fitwealthadvisors.com

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The Silent Fear: Will I Run Out of Money?

You’ve built wealth, worked hard, and invested wisely—so why does the quiet fear of running out of money still creep in? In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, Amanda and Shawn Hanquist unpack one of the most common (but rarely talked about) worries: whether your money will last as long as you do.

What we talk about:

• Why even successful people fear running out of money

• The science of sustainable withdrawals (and why the “4% rule” might not be enough)

• How sequence-of-returns risk can derail a retirement plan if you’re not prepared

• Why tax strategy and cash-flow planning are essential for peace of mind

• Practical steps you can take now to feel confident about your long-term plan

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or pre-retiree thinking about your financial freedom number, this episode will help you understand the strategies that turn worry into clarity.

Key Takeaways

• Running out of money is often less about the math and more about mindset.

• A withdrawal strategy should be flexible, not one-size-fits-all.

• Smart tax planning—like Roth conversions and asset location—can add years of confidence to your plan.

• Peace of mind comes from knowing your cash flow, not just your account balance.

Who This Episode is For

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What if I outlive my money?”—this conversation will give you both the reassurance and the strategy to move forward with confidence.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and discover how to turn retirement into a work-optional lifestyle.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

5 Smart Tax Moves to Make Before Year-End

The end of the year isn’t just about holidays and celebrations — it’s also the deadline for some of the most important tax planning opportunities. And if you’re between the ages of 45 and 65, the choices you make now can set you up for more income, more flexibility, and fewer tax headaches in retirement.

In this episode, we’re unpacking five simple but powerful tax strategies to consider before December 31st:

• 💰 Max out your retirement contributions — including catch-up provisions after age 50.

• 🔄 Roth conversions — why this might be your biggest tax-saving window.

• 🏥 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — the triple-tax-advantaged account most people underutilize.

• ❤️ Charitable giving strategies — smarter ways to give that can also save on taxes.

• 📊 Withholding & retirement income planning — how to avoid surprises when Social Security and Medicare come into play.

Whether you’re still working in your peak earning years or preparing to transition into retirement, these strategies can help you finish the year strong — and start the next one with confidence.

👉 Tune in to learn how to keep more of what you’ve earned and make smarter decisions with your money before the year ends.

Have more questions?

If you’re wondering which of these strategies make the most sense for your situation, reach out to schedule a clarity call with us at Fit Wealth Advisors. We’ll help you create a tax and retirement income plan that actually fits your life.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Episode Show Notes: What Is Your Real Financial Freedom Number?

Have you ever wondered: “Am I actually doing enough with my money to feel secure?”

You might be saving, investing, and checking all the right boxes — but that nagging question still lingers: What’s my number?

In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, Amanda Hanquist breaks down the concept of your Financial Freedom Number — the amount you really need to live a work-optional life with confidence.

We’ll cover:

• ✅ Why “enough” looks different for everyone (and why it’s not about hitting some magic retirement age).

• ✅ How to calculate your financial freedom number in simple terms.

• ✅ The hidden factors most people miss — like taxes, inflation, and lifestyle choices.

• ✅ Why knowing your number creates emotional peace of mind (instead of leaving you guessing).

If you’re ready to stop wondering whether you’ll run out of money and start living with clarity, this episode will show you how to define your number — and why it might be closer than you think.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to align your financial plan with your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

• The difference between being disciplined with money and being intentional with it.

• Practical steps to estimate your own freedom number — and how it changes over time.
• Why year-end tax planning is critical for protecting and stretching that number.

🔑 Resources & Next Steps

• Ready to find your financial freedom number? Book a strategy session the Fit Wealth team: fitwealthadvisors.com/contact

🎧 Tune In If…

You’re someone who:

• Wants clarity around your financial future.

• Dreams of a work-optional lifestyle.

• Is doing “all the right things” but still wonders if it’s truly enough.

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Episode Title: Asset Allocation vs. Asset Location: The Retirement Planning Strategy Most Investors Miss

Episode Summary

Most people have heard of asset allocation — the mix of stocks, bonds, and investments in a portfolio. But almost no one talks about asset location — where those investments are held (taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-free accounts).

Here’s the truth: You can have the perfect allocation, but if your location strategy is wrong, you could lose tens of thousands of dollars to taxes in retirement.

In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, we’re unpacking the difference between allocation and location, the costly mistakes most investors make, and how you can design a more tax-efficient portfolio that keeps more money in your pocket.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• ✅ Asset allocation vs. asset location explained in plain language
• ✅ Why focusing only on allocation leaves money on the table
• ✅ The best types of assets to hold in taxable, traditional IRA, and Roth IRA accounts
• ✅ Common mistakes people make that lead to higher RMDs and unnecessary taxes
• ✅ How asset location fits into your retirement withdrawal strategy
• ✅ Practical steps to start optimizing your own portfolio today

Key Takeaways

• Allocation is the “what.” It’s the mix of investments that matches your risk tolerance and goals.
• Location is the “where.” It’s choosing which accounts hold which investments to maximize tax efficiency.
• Getting both right is what separates basic investing from a real fiduciary retirement plan.

Resources & Links

• 📞 Book a Retirement Readiness Call → fitwealthadvisors.com/contact

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Episode Title: Are You On Track for Retirement? Benchmarks, Rules of Thumb, and Your Real Number

Episode Summary

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, you’ve probably wondered: “Am I saving enough for retirement?” Maybe you’ve even Googled it and seen benchmarks like 3× your salary saved by 40, 6× by 50, or 10× by 60. But what do those numbers really mean — and do they apply to your life?

In this episode of The Fit Financial Podcast, we’re breaking down retirement readiness benchmarks, why common rules of thumb like the 4% Rule can be misleading, and how to create a retirement strategy that actually fits your lifestyle and goals.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• ✅ The most common retirement savings benchmarks (3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8–11× by 60) and what they really tell you.

• ✅ Why rules of thumb like the 4% Rule or the “Rule of $1,000” oversimplify retirement planning.

• ✅ A dynamic approach to withdrawals (Guyton-Klinger Guardrails) that adjusts with your portfolio.

• ✅ How asset allocation and “buckets of money” can protect your retirement income.

• ✅ Why your retirement number is unique — and how lifestyle, debt, healthcare, longevity, and income sources change everything.

• ✅ A step-by-step way to calculate your personal retirement target and stress-test it against inflation, market downturns, and longer lifespans.

Links Mentioned

• 📞 Book a Retirement Readiness Call with me → fitwealthadvisors.com/contact

Wrap-Up

Benchmarks are a helpful starting point — but your retirement plan has to be customized to you. This episode will help you understand the numbers, the pitfalls of relying only on rules of thumb, and the steps you can take now to feel confident about your financial future.

How Much Should I Have in Real Estate vs. Investments?

Episode Description:

Real estate or stock market?

It’s one of the biggest debates in the world of wealth building — and everyone’s got an opinion.

In this episode, we break down the real conversation high-income earners should be having:

What’s the right balance between real estate and traditional investments — for your goals, cash flow, and lifestyle?

You’ll hear:

✅ The pros and cons of both real estate and market investments

✅ When real estate actually becomes passive income

✅ How to use real estate for tax strategy (without over-leveraging)

✅ Why liquid investments still matter — even if you love tangible assets

✅ The decision-making framework we use with clients to strike the right balance

Whether you own rental properties, investments, or are trying to decide if real estate is your next move — this episode will give you the clarity to align your asset mix with your long-term plan.

📌 Links & Resources:

• Ready to build a wealth plan that blends real estate and investments?

• 👉 Book a Clarity Call

• Got questions about your current portfolio mix?

👉 DM me on Instagram @thefitfinancial_

🔁 Share This Episode:

Know someone who’s all-in on real estate… or hasn’t touched it yet?

Send them this episode for a balanced take on building sustainable wealth.

IULs as Retirement Plans: Smart Strategy or Sales Trap?

Episode Description (Show Notes):

You've probably seen the pitch:

"Tax-free retirement!"

"Be your own bank!"

"Never lose money in the market again!"

In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most aggressively marketed financial tools right now — Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL) — and the growing trend of using it as a retirement plan.

We break down:

• What an IUL actually is (in plain English)

• Why it’s showing up everywhere in your feed

• The real pros and cons you need to understand

• When it can be a smart strategy — and when it’s a costly mistake

• What to look out for before signing anything

If you're a high earner and someone’s pitched you an IUL as the solution to your retirement, tax planning, or wealth strategy — this episode is your no-fluff guide to making an informed decision.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The risks of relying on IULs for income

• Why high-income families are being targeted

• When permanent life insurance might make sense

• What to consider before saying yes

We’ll help you understand how Life Insurance fits into the bigger picture — especially when it comes to your retirement, and your actual life.

👉 Book Your Clarity Session Call

🔗 Stay Connected

📱 Instagram: @thefitfinancial_ | @fitwealthadvisors

🌐 Website: fitwealthadvisors.com