In this episode of The Real Return, recorded at Savant’s annual advisor conference in Miami, co-hosts Zach Ivey, chief investment and advice officer, and Rob Morrison, chief experience officer, sit down with Michelle Smith, Savant managing partner, certified divorce financial analyst and creator of Wife2CFO™. Michelle shares the story behind Wife2CFO™, the program she created to help women go from sidelined to in charge, and why it's never too early to start building clarity and confidence with your finances.

Whether you're facing a major life change or just want to feel more confident about your finances, Michelle offers practical, encouraging steps to help you take the lead.

Retirement isn't a finish line; it's one of the biggest transitions of your life.

After decades of focusing on saving enough, many people discover the harder questions begin once retirement actually arrives. In this episode of The Real Return, Zach Ivey, chief investment and advice officer, sits down with Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar and the author of How to Retire. Together, they explore what separates people who simply retire from those who truly thrive in retirement, from building a sustainable income plan to navigating the emotional side of leaving a career behind.

Then, stay for The Real Wrap-Up, where Rob Morrison, Savant’s chief experience officer, and Jack Phelps, Savant advisor and "The Retirement Coach," translate the conversation into practical first steps for anyone approaching retirement, or already living it.

Resources Mentioned:

• How to Retire by Christine Benz
• Retirement resources and tools
• Savant’s Ideal Futures® Financial Health Assessment

Disclaimer:

The Real Return is a podcast produced by Savant Wealth Management. Statements and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Savant Wealth Management. Information provided is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your financial professional regarding your unique situation.

Welcome to The Real Return.

Hosted by Savant Wealth Management Chief Investment and Advice Officer Zach Ivey, this show goes beyond market commentary to explore the decisions that actually shape financial lives.

Every episode concludes with The Real Wrap-Up, where Chief Experience Officer Rob Morrison joins Savant advisors to break down key takeaways from the educational conversations and discuss what they mean for real-world financial planning.

Whether you're preparing for retirement, managing significant assets, navigating a major life transition, or simply looking for a clearer perspective on today's financial environment, The Real Return provides thoughtful conversations designed to inform, challenge, and provide perspective.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Savant Wealth Management. Information provided is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your financial professional regarding your unique situation.