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The Alpha Wealth Hour

WGN Radio

When it comes to saving, spending, investing and taxes, life can get complicated. Especially now. It feels like every day there's news that affects the stock market, your wallet, and your retirement. To unravel the jargon and help you spend smarter,...

Location:

United States

Networks:

WGN Radio

Description:

When it comes to saving, spending, investing and taxes, life can get complicated. Especially now. It feels like every day there's news that affects the stock market, your wallet, and your retirement. To unravel the jargon and help you spend smarter, tune into The Alpha Wealth Hour. Hosted by Alpha Wealth Group's Tom Fortino, you'll get his unique insights into everything from market movers to the latest research, plus information to help you spend and invest with an eye toward achieving your financial goals.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Taxes, Roths… and a Twinkie?

4/12/2026
On this week’s episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino delivers a final reminder ahead of April 15 to make informed tax decisions, breaking down the key differences between tax preparation and tax planning. He also explores whether a Roth IRA or conversion could be the right move for you—and explains what a Twinkie has […]

Duration:00:33:31

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Rethinking retirement in uncertain times

4/5/2026
On this week’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino breaks down how traditional retirement rules may need a rethink in the face of global events and geopolitical uncertainty. He also weighs in on the common “one more year” mindset—whether working longer really pays off—and shares his perspective on the latest projections that Social Security could […]

Duration:00:34:42

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Social Security 2032 warning: What it means for your retirement

3/22/2026
On this weekend’s episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino breaks down concerns that Social Security could be exhausted by 2032—and what that could mean for your claiming strategy and long-term retirement plan. He explains the critical difference between tax planning and tax preparation, and why building tax-free income streams matters. Tom also highlights the importance […]

Duration:00:35:30

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Market uncertainty, ‘paper millionaires,’ and when to claim social security

3/15/2026
On this week’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino discusses how to navigate the market amid recent global events. He also explains the concept of “paper millionaires,” why planning for long-term care early is critical, and key factors to consider when deciding what age to claim Social Security. Throw everything in a box and head […]

Duration:00:33:25

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New tax laws, AI in retirement and the Great Wealth Transfer

3/1/2026
This week on The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino explains the latest tax law changes and why they matter far beyond April 15th. Hear his thoughts on A.I. and how it can support your retirement planning, but why it shouldn’t replace personalized advice. And of course, Tom shares strategies for turning savings into income amid […]

Duration:00:34:38

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Uncle Sam, your 401(k), and a smart retirement game plan

2/22/2026
On this weekend’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino explains why Uncle Sam will always want a slice of your retirement savings—whether it’s pie or Double Stuffed Oreos. He also breaks down what to do with your 401(k) when you retire, how to build a smart spending plan for retirement, and the key steps […]

Duration:00:33:47

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Balancing protection, growth and smart RMD strategy

2/15/2026
On this weekend’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino explains how to strike the right balance between protecting your assets and pursuing growth. He also discusses why required minimum distributions (RMDs) shouldn’t be treated as a year-end afterthought, and explores how “Trump accounts” and other strategies may play a role in legacy planning. Throw […]

Duration:00:34:32

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Sticking the landing in retirement

2/8/2026
On this week’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino says retirement success is all about sticking the landing, just like the Olympic skating teams. He explains how to finish strong, highlights key tax changes to know this filing season, and discusses the important (and often tough) estate planning conversations families need to have. […]

Duration:00:34:45

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Are you making retirement tax mistakes?

2/1/2026
On this weekend’s episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino breaks down how taxes impact retirees and explains the critical difference between tax planning and tax preparation. Plus, are you set up with monthly retirement paychecks? Tom also explores Social Security claiming strategies and the money conversations every couple should be having. Throw everything […]

Duration:00:33:45

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Tax discussions, Social Security, and the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’

1/25/2026
This week on The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino dives into the tax discussions you should be having now that the year is underway. Are you up to date on Social Security rules and claiming strategies? Tom shares practical insights to help you stay informed. He also talks about the upcoming “Great Wealth Transfer,” what […]

Duration:00:35:04

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A new year brings new rules for financial and retirement planning

1/18/2026
On this week’s episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino explains how a new year brings new rules for financial and retirement planning. Even during tax season, taxes are often the most overlooked part of a portfolio—so Tom breaks down the key differences between tax planning and tax preparation. Plus, he discusses important Social […]

Duration:00:34:57

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Preparing your portfolio for 2026

1/11/2026
On this weekend’s episode, WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino breaks down what investors may face in the markets in 2026 and how to position your portfolio if the year turns volatile. With the calendar flipped, tax season is officially underway, and Tom explains why smart tax planning should extend well beyond April 15. Plus, how can […]

Duration:00:33:52

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Taxes should already be on your radar in 2026

1/4/2026
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! It’s the first episode of 2026, and Tom is here to remind you that even though April is still months away, taxes should already be on your radar—especially since every account is taxed differently. He […]

Duration:00:35:01

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End-of-year moves and sneaky tax truths

12/14/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week on The Alpha Wealth Hour, with 2026 drawing closer, Tom breaks down the key end-of-year steps you should take before the calendar flips. Plus, hear how one former NFL player learned firsthand just […]

Duration:00:35:42

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Key retirement decisions to make before 2026

12/7/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom reminds us that the year is winding down, and it’s time to make some key decisions about our retirement plans before 2026 arrives. He also shares 10 signs you may be mentally […]

Duration:00:35:19

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Control what you can in an uncertain market

11/23/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom shares the most effective action for you to take during unpredictable market conditions. He also reminds us that no two plans are the same, and complete planning is unique to you. And […]

Duration:00:34:00

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Deferred payments, smart taxes, and future-proof retirement

11/16/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! On this week’s episode, Tom talks about deferred payment strategies, similar to what Shohei Ohtani did with the Dodgers. He also discusses tax planning versus tax preparation and ways to de-risk your portfolio. Furthermore, he […]

Duration:00:34:24

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Simplify the retirement planning process

11/9/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week on The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom helps us simplify the retirement planning process. What does the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) mean for your Social Security? And if you still have a pension, is the […]

Duration:00:34:24

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Taxes are not just an April 15th agenda

11/2/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! On this edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom addresses year-round taxes, distinguishing planning from preparation. He also explores a prominent view on Social Security and whether he agrees that you have to be wealthy to […]

Duration:00:34:28

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Retirement planning can be spooky!

10/26/2025
WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This weekend on The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom knows that retirement planning can be spooky! But don’t let the clutter of Halloween decorations or outdated strategies mess with your retirement portfolio. Discover how to refine […]

Duration:00:33:54