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PODCAST · business

The Alpha Wealth Hour

The Alpha Wealth Hour with Tom Fortino: 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.

  1. 100

    Protect your nest egg and build lifetime income

    This week on The Alpha Wealth Hour with Tom Fortino, Tom breaks down practical steps to help protect your retirement savings in both the short and long term. Even after April 15th, tax planning shouldn’t be an afterthought—it’s something that needs attention all year long. And when it comes to confidence in retirement, nothing matters more than […]

  2. 99

    Avoid tax surprises and market risk in retirement

    On this week’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour with Tom Fortino, the conversation centers on taxes and how to avoid unwelcome surprises in your retirement plan. It also stresses the importance of not procrastinating—starting your retirement planning sooner rather than later can make a significant difference. Plus, are retirees and savers placing too much […]

  3. 98

    Tax season doesn’t end on April 15th

    On this week’s edition of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom Fortino explains why tax season doesn’t end on April 15th. He breaks down the difference between tax planning and tax preparation, and why it matters year-round. Plus, why it’s time to stop delaying your retirement strategy—and how to prepare for key risks like longevity. Throw everything in […]

  4. 97

    Taxes, Roths… and a Twinkie?

    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 […]

  5. 96

    Rethinking retirement in uncertain times

    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 […]

  6. 95

    Social Security 2032 warning: What it means for your retirement

    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 […]

  7. 94

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

    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 […]

  8. 93

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

    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 […]

  9. 92

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

    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 […]

  10. 91

    Balancing protection, growth and smart RMD strategy

    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 […]

  11. 90

    Sticking the landing in retirement

    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. […]

  12. 89

    Are you making retirement tax mistakes?

    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 […]

  13. 88

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

    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 […]

  14. 87

    A new year brings new rules for financial and retirement planning

    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 […]

  15. 86

    Preparing your portfolio for 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 […]

  16. 85

    Taxes should already be on your radar in 2026

    It’s the first episode of 2026, and Tom Fortino 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 also knows the market can feel like a rollercoaster, and the so-called “rule of thumb” doesn’t always hold up […]

  17. 84

    End-of-year moves and sneaky tax truths

    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 […]

  18. 83

    Key retirement decisions to make before 2026

    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 […]

  19. 82

    Control what you can in an uncertain market

    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 […]

  20. 81

    Deferred payments, smart taxes, and future-proof retirement

    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 […]

  21. 80

    Simplify the retirement planning process

    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 […]

  22. 79

    Taxes are not just an April 15th agenda

    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 […]

  23. 78

    Retirement planning can be spooky!

    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 […]

  24. 77

    Preventing procrastination before the clock runs out in 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 realizes the end of the year is around the corner and will be here before we know it. With Halloween and the holidays approaching, how can we prevent procrastinating before […]

  25. 76

    What the year-end timing means for your portfolio

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom discusses the fast-approaching Halloween, the year-end, and what that timing means for your investment portfolio. He also emphasizes that Roth conversions aren’t always slam dunks and definitely not a DIY task. Plus, […]

  26. 75

    Taxes are not just an April chore

    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 of The Alpha Wealth Hour, it’s all about taxes. They are not merely an April chore to be filed away for the rest of the year. Tom assists you with forward tax planning, innovative thinking, and more […]

  27. 74

    Consider your retirement steps ahead of 2026

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! Tom points out this week that the year is nearing its close, urging us to consider retirement steps ahead of 2026. A strong groundwork is essential for any construction, especially your retirement plan. After you’ve […]

  28. 73

    The importance of discussing taxes year-round

    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 talks about all things retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of discussing taxes year-round, having those important conversations with aging parents or children, understanding Social Security news for […]

  29. 72

    Too early for the holidays but not for retirement planning

    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 show, Tom explains that even if it’s too early for holiday decorations, that doesn’t mean it’s too early for retirement planning and end of the year prepping. He also shares what to […]

  30. 71

    What do September rate cuts mean for your portfolio?

    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, the Fed is meeting to discuss rate cuts in September, and Tom shares what this could mean for your portfolio. Social Security recently celebrated a birthday, but how […]

  31. 70

    Now is the time to earn your license to spend

    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 you earn your license to spend after years of saving. Additionally, you may be able to do Roth conversions earlier than you thought possible. Finally, find […]

  32. 69

    All things retirement and retirement planning

    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 of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom talks about all things retirement and retirement planning. What do the market trends look like for retirees, and can we expect a rollback? An alarming […]

  33. 68

    Getting through blind spots in your retirement plan

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom takes us through all things retirement planning, including getting through blind spots in our plan, and the most dreaded of all…taxes. Learn the difference between tax planning and tax preparation, as well […]

  34. 67

    What does the One Big Beautiful Bill mean for retirement?

    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 addresses the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for retirees and those close to retirement. How can this affect your portfolio and how does it […]

  35. 66

    Don’t let Uncle Sam surprise you unexpectedly

    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 reminds us not to let Uncle Sam surprise you like he did to an NFL player. Plus, don’t leave money on the table during Jaws’ 50th anniversary, is […]

  36. 65

    Be tax free or as close to it as you can be

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! On The Alpha Wealth Hour this week, Tom helps to “Washington-proof” your portfolio as best he can, a.k.a. tax free or as close to it as you can be. He also acknowledges this as the […]

  37. 64

    It’s not about timing the market, it’s about time in the market

    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 reminds us that even with the recent upturn in the market, it’s not about timing the market, it’s about time in the market. He also reiterates how […]

  38. 63

    Weatherproof your portfolios from market volatility

    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 helps us weatherproof our portfolios with all the market volatility out there and reminds us to avoid emotional decisions when it comes to planning. Plus, we have all gone into […]

  39. 62

    ‘Washington-proof’ your investments to avoid the tax time bomb

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! On The Alpha Wealth Hour this week, Tom wants to help you “Washington-proof” your investments to avoid the tax time bomb by tax planning as opposed to tax preparation. He also helps to attack the […]

  40. 61

    Act today regarding your retirement plan

    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 reminds us that time waits for no one and that we should act today regarding our retirement plan. Plus, he shares the alarming number of Americans who […]

  41. 60

    Addressing the noisy market and what your advisor should say about it

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom continues to address the noise in the market (as well as the media) and asks, what is your advisor saying to you about it? What is Warren Buffett saying about it? Plus, […]

  42. 59

    Don’t paint-by-numbers when it comes to retirement planning

    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 advises against “painting by numbers” when it comes to retirement planning and portfolios because one size certainly doesn’t fit all. We have all heard of the recent […]

  43. 58

    Retirement planning when you’re on the home stretch

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! It’s Kentucky Derby weekend and Tom knows there are important things to look at in your retirement planning, especially when you are on the home stretch. Is there a sweet spot and timing for Roth […]

  44. 57

    Time to get everything under one roof in your portfolio

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! On this episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom preaches retirement portfolio organization and how important it is to get everything under one roof. He also discusses the 2800 rules in the Social Security handbook […]

  45. 56

    The changes and challenges that come with Social Security

    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 looks at the changes and challenges that come with Social Security and how it should be simple but often isn’t. Even though April 15th has come and gone, […]

  46. 55

    Tom Fortino addresses market volatility and minimizing portfolio taxes

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! In this episode of The Alpha Wealth Hour, Tom addresses the recent craziness of the market and gives a different spin on the volatility. He also reminds you that it’s never a bad time to […]

  47. 54

    Addressing Social Security and the bump

    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 addresses Social Security and the bump next month. Plus, the missing piece to your retirement puzzle could be quite simple, as well as preparing for market volatility […]

  48. 53

    Reaching a ‘magic’ number in retirement

    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 to avoid procrastination when it comes to retirement planning and addresses reaching a “magic” number in retirement. As we head into warmer weather, it’s not a bad time to eliminate […]

  49. 52

    The tooth fairy can teach you about budgeting

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! This week, Tom tells you how a surprising source can teach you about budgeting… the tooth fairy. Speaking of surprises, Tom also helps us detect fees and other things that might pop up when retirement […]

  50. 51

    What you should do if you’re sitting on cash

    WGN Radio’s Tom Fortino from Alpha Wealth Group gives you the latest financial business news, financial planning advice, and more! Tom and new co-host, Kevin McAlpin, broke it down this week starting with Warren Buffet mentioning that he’s sitting on a pile of cash, what should you do if you’re in the same boat? They […]

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Alpha Wealth Hour with Tom Fortino: 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.

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WGN Radio

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Alpha Wealth Hour have?

The Alpha Wealth Hour currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Alpha Wealth Hour about?

The Alpha Wealth Hour with Tom Fortino: 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...

How often does The Alpha Wealth Hour release new episodes?

The Alpha Wealth Hour has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Alpha Wealth Hour?

You can listen to The Alpha Wealth Hour on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Alpha Wealth Hour?

The Alpha Wealth Hour is created and hosted by WGN Radio.
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