Insights, Advice, and Conversations to Shape Your Financial Future
DISCUSS WITH RUSS
“Discuss With Russ” is your go-to resource for navigating the complex world of personal finance. Whether you’re looking to manage risk, seize new opportunities, or avoid common financial pitfalls, our blog offers insights to help you succeed at every stage of your financial journey.
We’re here to provide actionable strategies and thoughtful guidance to help you take control of your financial future.
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What to Do When You're 50 and Behind on Retirement Savings
What happens when you hit 50 and realize retirement savings took a backseat? In this video, Russell Rivera shares how one client turned that moment of panic into a plan of action. He walks through strategies like catch-up contributions and investment adjustments that can make a real difference when you're starting later than you'd hoped.
5 Costly 401(k) Mistakes That Could Shrink Your Retirement Savings
A 401(k) is designed to build retirement security over decades, yet overlooked details can reduce its effectiveness. Taking a closer look at five common mistakes can help you better position your retirement savings for stability and growth.
The Liability Insurance Gap Many Affluent Families Overlook
Standard homeowners and auto policies often cap liability at levels that may not reflect accumulated wealth. Understanding how liability insurance fits into a comprehensive financial plan can help protect savings and personal assets.
AI Knows a Lot, But It Doesn't Know You
A lot of people are using AI to get financial information, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. But there's a gap between getting information and getting advice that's actually built around your life. Russell walks through why that gap matters and what real financial planning looks like when someone actually takes the time to understand who you are.
What to Do Now to Avoid a Financial Crisis Later
High income doesn’t guarantee financial security. Discover why emergency planning matters and how to create a safety net for when life takes a turn.
New Login Rules for Social Security and Medicare Could Disrupt Access
Struggling to log in to your Social Security or Medicare account? A new federal login system may be to blame. Learn what changed, why it matters, and how to stay connected to the benefits you rely on.
Smart Summer Planning: Budgeting Tips for Kids’ Summer Activities
Summer should be a time to relax, not stress over logistics and costs. Learn how to map out your child’s summer activities while managing expenses in a way that supports your family's bigger financial picture.
What’s Really Holding You Back Financially?
Financial planning is often framed as spreadsheets and returns. But real progress usually starts somewhere else. Russell shares why breaking through emotional barriers is often the first step toward reaching your financial objectives.
Insurance Checkup: How to Make Sure You’re Covered Wisely
Most people set their insurance and forget it—but your life, risks, and financial responsibilities aren’t standing still. This guide walks you through a full insurance review to help ensure your coverage still aligns with the life you're living today.
Recognizing and Resolving Financial Infidelity
When money becomes a secret instead of a shared plan, relationships suffer. This article explores what financial infidelity looks like, why it happens, and how couples can begin the process of repair, financially and emotionally.
Are Small Purchases a Big Deal? Try the .01 Rule to Decide
Ever catch yourself stressing over a five-dollar decision? This video challenges the idea that every small purchase deserves the same level of attention. It offers a simple way to think about everyday spending in the context of your full financial picture. Watch to see how this mindset can make money decisions feel less heavy.
How Credit Cards Can Support Financial Flexibility
Used thoughtfully, credit cards can do more than simplify payments. This article examines how disciplined credit card strategies can enhance financial structure, preserve liquidity, and support long-term planning goals.
Why Annual Financial Reviews Matter More Than You Think
A strong financial plan needs regular attention. This video explains why annual reviews help ensure nothing is missing or outdated. Russell shares a story of how an annual review helped locate a client’s lost retirement account worth over $100k.
Don’t Leave Retirement Money Behind: How to Track Down Old 401(k)s
Think your retirement savings are all accounted for? Maybe not. An estimated 31.9 million 401(k) accounts have been forgotten, often costing savers more than they expect. Find out how to recover lost accounts and prevent future losses.
Retirement Dress Rehearsal: Testing Your Financial Plan Before You Retire
A paper plan only gets you so far. Running a two-month retirement trial lets you experience your budget in real life, helping you refine your strategy and make adjustments now, before you’re relying on that plan to support your full-time retirement lifestyle.
Making Sure Your Power of Attorney Works When It Matters
Many families learn too late that their power of attorney is outdated, hard to locate, or never shared with the people who need it. This video explains how that delay can complicate simple financial tasks during emergencies. Watch to understand how this simple tool supports your family and reduces stress during uncertain moments.
Caring for a Loved One? Here’s How to Ease the Financial and Emotional Burden of Caregiving
Caring for a parent or relative changes your life financially and emotionally. This article explores the real costs of caregiving, tools like tax breaks and workplace benefits, and ways to protect both what matters: your loved ones and your own well-being.
Roth IRA Conversions: Why Timing Matters
Timing can have a major impact on your long-term financial outcomes, especially when it comes to Roth IRA conversions. In this episode, Russell Rivera explains why acting too early or too late could affect how much you pay in taxes over time. The video explores how to think strategically about timing.
OBBBA Brings Big Changes to 529 Plans and New Opportunities for Families
The OBBBA’s 2025 updates to 529 plans expand how families can use education savings, from higher education to K–12 learning and career training, with more flexibility and increased withdrawal limits.
How to Make Holiday Giving a Meaningful Family Tradition
Want to make holiday traditions more meaningful? Discover how charitable giving can unite your family, reflect your values, and create lasting impact beyond the season.