Saturday State of Mind

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Jess Panico
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Mike Panico
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retirement

Retirement should feel like every day is a Saturday! Mike and Jess Panico, the husband-and-wife team behind Arcadia Financial Group, help retirees turn financial confidence into a lifestyle they love. From their own humble beginnings in a heatless basement, they built Arcadia Financial to help others make the most of their next chapter through smart, intentional financial planning.

On the Saturday State of Mind podcast, Mike and Jess share real retirement stories, smart financial strategies, and inspiration for building a fulfilling, stress-free retirement.

001: From Humble Beginnings to Building a Thriving Financial Firm with Mike & Jessica Panico

In our very first episode of Saturday State of Mind, we’re pulling back the curtain on the journey that brought us here—how we built Arcadia Financial from the ground up, quite literally from our basement.

We have spent over a decade building a financial practice centered around helping clients believe that retirement should feel like every day is a Saturday!

But getting here wasn’t easy. There were tough decisions, financial risk, and more than a few moments where we questioned if we were making the right move.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

● Welcome to Saturday State of Mind – Our First Episode!

● Taking the entrepreneurial leap and quitting our jobs

● Our first-ever live seminar: Expensive and humbling

● Creating strong relationships eventually pays off

● Pivoting from being transactional and creating significance

● COVID shut us down but we preserved and kept growing

● The road to providing comprehensive financial planning

● What it’s REALLY like to work with your spouse

● A sneak peek at future episodes of the podcast

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/arcadia-origin-story/

DISCLOSURE:

Arcadia Financial is a SEC/New Hampshire registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only, intended for a general audience. The information does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Arcadia Financial has reasonable belief that this marketing does not include any false or material misleading statements or omissions of facts regarding services, investment, or client experience.

Arcadia Financial has reasonable belief that the content as a whole will not cause an untrue or misleading implication regarding the adviser’s services, investments, or client experiences. Arcadia Financial has presented information in a fair and balanced manner. Arcadia Financial is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice, consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed.

Investment advisory services are offered through Arcadia Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Arcadia Financial Group, LLC and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents. Bookkeeping and tax preparation services offered through Arcadia Tax, LLC. Arcadia Financial Group, LLC, Arcadia Wealth Management, LLC, and Arcadia Tax, LLC are affiliated but separate entities.

002: The Evolution of Financial Planning—and Why It Matters More Than Ever with Mike & Jessica Panico

Retirement used to be simple. You worked, you got a pension, and Social Security helped fill in the gaps. But things have changed—and fast.

In this episode, we’re talking all about the history of financial planning. You might be wondering, why would we do that?

Well, when you understand where financial planning started, it begins to make sense why things feel so overwhelming today—and how a more coordinated approach can make life a whole lot easier.

We’ll walk you through how things evolved—from the days of pensions and Social Security to the rise of the 401(k)—and how that shift left many retirees trying to figure it all out on their own. We’ll also share how that history shaped the way we work at Arcadia Financial, and why having a trusted team around you makes everything from tough transitions to bucket-list dreams feel much more doable.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

What Retirement Looked Like Before Pensions & Social Security
The Rise (and Fall) of the Pension System in America
How the 401(k) Changed Retirement Forever
Why Retirement Planning Feels So Overwhelming Today
When Your Financial Team Isn’t on the Same Page
What If You Didn't Need Millions to Get Family Office Service?
Arcadia’s Complete Financial Planning Process
Why Retirement is About More than Just the Money

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/evolution-of-financial-planning/

DISCLOSURE:

003: This One Question Will Change How You Plan for Retirement with Mike and Jessica Panico

When most people think about retirement, they focus on what they’re leaving behind—work, stress, obligations. But what about what you’re retiring to?

In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most important (but overlooked) questions we ask every client: What’s your ideal Saturday? The answers reveal so much more than you might expect. From quiet mornings and hiking with the dog to tacos, tunes, and time with family, your version of Saturday holds the key to how you should be planning for retirement.

We’ll share what our Saturdays look like, how those have evolved over time, and why this simple exercise can help you reconnect with what matters most. Because retirement isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a lifestyle shift. And your Saturday Declaration can help you get clear on what it’s all for.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why We Ask Every Client About Their Ideal Saturday
Retirement Isn’t Just About Grandkids
Mike’s Saturday: Projects, Nature, and Earned Beers
Jess’s Saturday: Quiet Moments, Fresh Air, and Good Food
What Most People Actually Want in Retirement
Why We’re Richer Than Ever but Not Always Happier
Your “Saturday Declaration”—And Why It Matters

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/plan-for-retirement/

DISCLOSURE:

004: Finding Purpose in Retirement Through Charitable Giving with Mike & Jessica Panico

In today's episode of Saturday State of Mind, we dive deep into what it means to truly make an impact. For us, living every day like it's Saturday goes beyond just rest and relaxation—it’s about choosing joy, purpose, community and connection. And one of the most fulfilling ways we’ve discovered to do that is through giving back.

Charitable giving isn’t just about writing a check—it’s about finding a sense of purpose, especially in retirement. Whether it’s through donating time, money, or energy, we’ve seen firsthand how volunteering and giving back can transform lives.

In this episode, we share personal stories, client experiences, and the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve woven community involvement into Arcadia Financial's mission. From organizing fundraising galas to sponsoring local food banks, we talk about the powerful impact that giving has on others and ourselves.

We also explore a few questions we’ve seen many struggle with: Why does happiness sometimes feel so elusive, even when your basic needs are met and you have more possessions and luxury items than you can use? And could charitable giving be the missing link to finding true purpose and happiness?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Time Goes Fast—How Are You Spending Yours?
Why Giving Back Can Be More Fulfilling Than Receiving
A Client’s Journey From Guilt to Impact
How Volunteering Gives Perspective on True Happiness
What Real Charitable Giving Looks Like
How Arcadia Financial Supports Local Community Programs

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/purpose-in-retirement/

DISCLOSURE:

005: Raising a Family with Love, Sacrifice, and Financial Discipline with Brian & Hope Bailey

In this special episode—our first-ever guest interview—we welcome Brian and Hope Bailey. The Baileys are longtime friends and clients of Arcadia Financial, and we're thrilled to have them reflect on their marriage, raising a family on a budget, and building a life rooted in values, sacrifice, and love.

From Brian's early days in the Air Force and commercial airlines to Hope's teaching career in public schools to managing rental properties during the 2008 recession, when they almost lost everything, the Baileys have experienced it all.

But along the way, they taught their kids to work hard, respect money, and be good people. Through ups and downs—including an unforgettable court battle with a bad tenant you won't want to miss—their resilience, teamwork, and ability to love and laugh never wavered.

You'll hear their candid and heartwarming trip down memory lane, what it means to build a meaningful life, and how financial lessons are best taught sooner rather than later. Their story is packed with takeaways for anyone navigating marriage, tight budgets and money issues, and raising responsible children in a society that is constantly changing and evolving.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When Hope realized she was going to marry Brian
Brian and Hope’s childhood from very humble beginnings
He’s working 75 hrs/week and she’s raising two kids
Brian’s life in the Air Force and being away from home
Teaching their kids the value of money early on
Landlord nightmares during the 2008 recession
How pursuing further education pays off
How the Baileys showed tough love to their kids
What retirement looks like for the Baileys
Society has changed: How Brian’s work became a job
Why Brian struggled with the transition to retirement
Rapid-fire Q&A with the Baileys
The impact Hope has had on kids as a teacher
What Saturday State of Mind means to the Baileys

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/brian-hope-bailey

DISCLOSURE:

Arcadia Wealth Management, LLC (Arcadia) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the state of New Hampshire. The information presented in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for a broad, general audience. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any references to investment strategies, philosophies, or client experiences are illustrative and may not be representative of all clients or outcomes.

This episode features a client engaged with Arcadia as of this recording, who is sharing their personal experience. Their opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arcadia. This client received a token of appreciation of nominal value for their participation. They were not promised or provided additional compensation, preferential treatment, or investment advice for appearing.

Arcadia Financial has a reasonable basis to believe that this content does not include any false or materially misleading statements and presents information in a fair and balanced manner. No portion of this communication should be construed as tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax or legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Investment advisory services are provided through Arcadia Wealth Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Insurance products and services are offered through Arcadia Financial Group, LLC, by appropriately licensed agents. Bookkeeping and tax preparation services are provided by Arcadia Tax, LLC. These affiliated entities operate independently but are under common ownership.

006: The Pros & Cons of Claiming Social Security Early with Mike and Jessica Panico

Deciding when to claim Social Security can be one of the most impactful decisions in retirement planning—but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

In this episode, we’re unpacking the pros and cons of collecting Social Security early versus delaying it. Whether you’re tempted to start at 62 or considering waiting until 70, we’ll highlight what’s at stake and why timing matters more than most people realize.

We’ll break down the financial trade-offs, including common missteps such as turning on benefits too soon without considering the impact on spousal benefits or ongoing income, and how Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) amplify long-term gains.

If you’re closing in on your 62nd birthday and wondering what’s right for you, this episode offers clarity, key insights, and a strong reminder to measure twice and cut once when it comes to your Social Security strategy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Cost of Collecting Social Security Early
Why Collecting Social Security Early Makes Sense for Some
The Benefits of Taking Social Security Later
Measure Twice, Cut Once When Filing for Social Security

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/claiming-social-securit y

DISCLOSURE:

007: Creating a Plan for a Purposeful Life in Retirement with Mike and Jessica Panico

If there's one thing we've noticed over the years, it's that many people spend a lot of time educating themselves on the financial aspects of retirement, but when they finally get there, there's this sense of, "Great! I'm here. Now what?"

Many retirees experience periods of boredom, feeling disconnected or even purposeless in retirement. That's why it's so important to think about what you're retiring to, not just what you're retiring from.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of creating daily routines, finding new hobbies, and staying connected with a community as critical parts of a fulfilling and purposeful retirement in the next chapter of your life—when every day feels like a Saturday.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When Retirement Sinks In, What Now?
Without a Daily Routine, Life Can Feel Aimless
The Mindset of Retiring Towards Something, Not From
It’s Okay to Take Time Off, But Routines Are Good

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/purposeful-life-in-retirement

DISCLOSURE:

008: Building a Life Rooted in Community, Family, and Responsibility with George & Karen Morin

Today, we're joined by beloved friends, longtime clients, and cherished members of the Arcadia Financial family, George and Karen Morin. Their story spans decades of love, faith, hard work, and a shared devotion to building a life grounded in traditional values and strong family bonds.

Growing up just a few blocks apart in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and raising two boys in New Hampshire, George and Karen reflect on how times have changed, the importance of community, and how they managed to raise a family on modest means. They open up about their early jobs, parochial school memories, their long-distance courtship, and how their upbringing influenced their parenting style.

Throughout the conversation, you'll hear life lessons about raising kids who are respectful, responsible, and grounded. You'll also hear why one of their Thanksgiving traditions includes a "cell phone basket" rule and why sharing quality time with friends and family matters more than money. And if you have a soft spot for German Shepherds, you'll definitely see George and Karen's love and passion for raising great dogs shine through.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Introducing George and Karen Morin
Growing up in Lawrence and early family roots
Karen’s childhood with an identical twin sister
Going to parochial school vs public school
Memories of first jobs and the value of hard work
How George and Karen first met
How a long-distance relationship worked in the 80s
Raising responsible, curious and grounded kids
Keeping vacations and family time simple
How the Morin’s passion as dog owners began
Dogs are the best but the goodbyes are tough
What the Morin’s successful retirement looks like
Rapid-fire questions to get to know the Morin’s
Final thoughts on family, legacy, and gratitude

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/george-karen-morin

DISCLOSURE:

009: The Biggest Regret in Retirement with Mike and Jessica Panico

You might find this hard to believe, but most people who retire with $1M or more at retirement end up passing away with 2-3x that amount. You’d think it would be easy to spend money in retirement when you have plenty of it, but that’s not the case.

It’s very common for people who have worked hard, saved well and made sacrifices in their earning years to break the habits of being frugal in retirement. The bucket list trips and big purchases can only go on for so long and eventually, many retirees end up playing the “What if?” game.

In this episode, we discuss the biggest regrets retirees have in retirement and the psychology between the fear of outliving your money and why so many struggle with spending their hard earned money when they have enough to do the things they dreamed about in their working years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Biggest Retirement Regret
Why Retirees Are Cautious About Spending Money
Compound Interest is the 8th Wonder of the World
The Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go Years of Retirement
Retirement Planning vs Retirement Living

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/biggest-regret-in-retirement

DISCLOSURE:

010: The Shocking Truth About the Future of Social Security with Mike and Jessica Panico

There is growing concern among Americans with recent headlines that Social Security will run out of money in the next 10 years. And rightly so.

Retirees paid into it all their lives and have earned it. And yet, those who still have 10, 20 or 30 years until retirement have serious concerns about what will be left for them.

In this episode, we’ll break down the factors that are contributing to Social Security’s shortfall and discuss what are the likeliest scenarios for any changes by the Federal government. Above all else, we’ll give you a few reasons not to panic and avoid making rash decisions if you’re thinking the time for you to collect is now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Will Social Security Run Out of Money?
Why Social Security is Collecting Less Money
Why Adding to the National Debt Is Not an Option
Should Social Security Be Privatized?
Reasons Not to Panic and Make a Bad Decision

SHOW NOTES

Get full access to the show notes and resources mentioned by visiting: https://arcadia.financial/future-of-social-security

DISCLOSURE: