On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover transitioning into retirement.

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while changing the oil in his vintage Land Rover Defender, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

Our Guests today…

John Diehl, Senior Vice President, leads the Applied Insights Team at Hartford Funds

Been with Hartford Funds 37+ years

Leads Hartford Funds research efforts with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, as well as other subject matter experts, which he will talk about in a moment.

John has been quoted in many consumer and industry publications including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning and others. He has also been a featured guest on CNBC and Bloomberg Television, sharing his views on the future of retirement planning.

________________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover your year-end financial planning checklist!

• Maxing out Retirement Contributions
• Harvest Investment
• Taking Required Minimum Distributions
• Charitable Gifts
• Deferring Income
• Roth Strategies
• Spending FSA Funds
• Portfolio Rebalancing
• Evaluating Business Retirement Plans
• Updating Estate Plans
• Reflecting on Financial Goals

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while buffing his vintage Porsche 911 Speedster, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll pit AI versus certified financial planners, and the biggest issues affecting both including…

• Will AI Steal Financial Planners Jobs
• Fiduciary Duty
• Cost
• Emotional/Personal Touch
• Complex Tax & Estate planning
• Speed and Access
• Bias & Conflicts
• Behavioral Coaching
• Regulatory Issues

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while raking the leaves, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

Creating Financial Independence (FIRE) for Any Age: What It Actually Takes

The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is a strategy for achieving financial freedom, allowing individuals of any age to retire early, work optionally, or pursue passions without financial stress. FIRE involves accumulating enough wealth to cover living expenses indefinitely, typically through a combination of high savings rates, strategic investing, and intentional lifestyle choices.

FIRE Levels

• Lean FIRE: Minimalist lifestyle ($20,000–$40,000/year).
• Fat FIRE: Comfortable or luxurious lifestyle ($80,000+/year).
• Barista FIRE: Partial independence with part-time work to supplement income.
• Coast FIRE: Saving enough early to let investments grow without additional contributions.

FIRE is achievable at any age, though the approach varies. Younger individuals have time to leverage compounding, mid-career workers can accelerate savings with higher incomes, and older adults can refine plans to bridge to early retirement.

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover steps to create financial independence or (FIRE - Financial Independence, Retire Early) including…

• FIRE Levels
• Calculating Your FIRE Number
• Maximizing Savings
• Investing Wisely
• Optimizing Costs
• Designing a Purposeful Lifestyle
• Protecting Your Plan (Risk Management)

let's dive in!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while asking AI how to cook an apple pie, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

Congratulations, you've built up a good-sized nest egg of wealth! Now, what are the risks

you need to watch out for.

Obviously, there are a variety of ways people lose money. Vices, scams, etc. However,

today we will be discussing the major risks to a financial plan that we can plan for.

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover risks that threaten wealth building including…

• Inflation
• Stock Market Fluctuation Risk
• Sequence of Returns Risk
• Distribution Rate Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Liability Risk

let's dive in!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while playing pickleball by himself, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

9.30.25 Pines Ep. 85 - How Health & Longevity Matters for Wealth-Building

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover How Health & Longevity Matter for Wealth-Building

• How Living Longer helps Health Compound
• Preventative Measures as a Financial Investment
• Health Savings Accounts
• Longevity Planning
• Mental Health & Productivity
• Long Term Care
• Workplace Wellness

let's dive in!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while doing his laundry in the stream, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

Health is a foundational asset that amplifies financial success. Poor health can derail financial plans through unexpected medical expenses, lost income, or reduced productivity, while good health extends the time horizon for earning, saving, and investing. Exhibit A: Warren Buffett.

__________________________________________________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover your Ultimate Financial High Level Financial Checklist including…

• Insurance
• Emergency Fund
• Debt
• Estate Planning
• Savings Strategies
• Retirement
• Financial Goals & Dreams

*This is not a comprehensive list, however, it is a really good list to make sure you have your financial bases covered. It's also in a good order of operations. So, grab a note taking tool, a pencil, a notes app, etc. and let's dive in!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while chopping wood with his bare hands, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

Are your insurances in order?

• Health Insurance
• Home and Auto Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Is your Emergency fund fully funded?

Is your debt appropriate?

• What kinds of debt
• Debt to income ratios

Is your Estate Planning taken care of?

• Wills
• Trusts
• Etc.

Are you taking advantage of Savings strategies available to you?

• 401k Match
• HSA
• Employer Stock Plans
• Etc.

s your Retirement on track?

• Will you be able to continue your current expenses in retirement
• What other retirement goals do you have

Kids/ Grandkids Education and other savings

Other Major Financial Goals

• Boats, Cabins, vacations
• Family Foundations
• Generational Wealth

__________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll learn how to build wealth in Retirement including…

• • Diversifying Investments
  • Optimizing Withdrawals
  • Generating Passive Income
  • Minimizing Taxes
  • Controlling Expenses
  • Flexible Work
  • Protecting Against Inflation
  • Managing Healthcare Costs
  • Seeking Professional Advice

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while polishes his F1 car, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/baxter-nelsen-associates

__________________________________________________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2025

#podcast #money #wealth #retirement #financialplanning #finances #networth