Optimizing Your 401(k) for Maximum Growth and Returns (Ep. 39) Artwork

Can I Retire Now?

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Where savvy financial insights meet relatable wisdom. With almost two decades in the industry, Nick Russell and his wife Becky Wagoner bring a dynamic perspective to help you navigate your unique financial landscape.

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Can I Retire Now?

Optimizing Your 401(k) for Maximum Growth and Returns (Ep. 39)

February 05, 2026 • Nick J. Russell, CRPC® & Becky Wagoner

0:00 | 40:49

Are you making the most of your retirement savings? Many people contribute to their 401(k) without understanding how to truly maximize its potential.

In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner break down the essentials of 401(k) optimization. They explore common mistakes people make with their retirement accounts, explain employer matching strategies, and reveal how proper investment allocation can impact long-term wealth.

Nick also introduces a powerful tool that helps anyone optimize their 401(k) allocations, regardless of their company's plan, making professional-level investment guidance accessible to all.

Key takeaways:

Understanding employer matching formulas and why most companies contribute half of employee contributions
The difference between "fully contributing" and maximizing employer match benefits
Why choosing "moderate" allocations may cost you returns over time
How automatic enrollment increases 401(k) balances by 60% for long-term employees
A tool that provides quarterly investment recommendations tailored to your specific plan
And more!

Resources:

401K Optimizer® Tool

Connect with Sunrise Wealth Advisors:

The HCM 401(k) Optimizer® is offered through Howard Capital Management, an SEC-registered investment adviser which only does business where it is properly registered or is otherwise exempt from registration. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for an investor's portfolio. Information provided should not be construed as personalized investment advice. There can be no assurances that any investment or strategy will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Past performance is not a guarantee of future investment success.

Dollar cost averaging, asset allocation, rebalancing, and diversification strategies do not assure a profit or protect against losses in declining markets.