Growing up in large families with modest incomes, Tom and Tracy Untiet learned early on that while they didn’t have much, they always had what they needed. From sharing space in multi-family homes to parents stretching paychecks with side jobs, these experiences shaped their outlook on money and instilled lifelong habits of working hard, budgeting, and saving money whenever possible.
In this episode, Tom and Tracy share their journey from growing up in large families with limited resources to carving their own path as a young couple. Now that they’re retired, they talk openly about what it really means to “live every day like it’s Saturday.” From budgeting exercises that reshaped their perspective, to learning that it’s okay to spend and enjoy their money, their story is one of balance—between caution and enjoyment, planning and freedom, work and leisure.
Their reflections on family, marriage, and financial planning not only inspire wise preparation but also underscore the importance of embracing the freedom to enjoy the rewards of hard work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Introducing Tom & Tracy Untiet
- Childhood Memories Growing Up In Big Families
- Life Was Simpler, Even on Modest Means
- How Tom & Tracy First Met as Teenagers
- Marriage, School, and Changing Careers
- Their Formative Years and Relationship with Money
- Getting Started with Investing, Stocks & 401(k)s
- Proudest Memories of Being Parents
- The Journey of Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor
- Retirement Transitions: Identity, Balance, and Freedom
- Why Tom (and Men) Often Struggle with Retirement
- How Good Savings Habits Creates Opportunities
- Telltale Signs That You Nailed Your Retirement Goals
- Rapid Fire with The Untiets Favorite Things & Memories
- Tom & Tracy’s Best Marriage Advice
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
- Camp Allen
- Tuckaway Tavern
- Associated Grocers
- Molson Coors (formerly Coors Brewing Company)
- Pinkerton Academy
- Foreigner
- Styx
- Peter Frampton
- Sting
- Kidz Bop
INSPIRING QUOTE
- “Is this really an asset to buy that’s going to help us or hurt us?” – Tom Untiet
- “ And I think for us, because we have savings, when an opportunity presents itself, it makes it a little easier to pull the trigger.” – Tracy Untiet
- “ I guess my retirement looks like I don’t have any other worries. I don’t have to work, if I don’t wanna work. I can change our schedule anytime we want. To have that flexibility is just so rewarding to us.” – Tom Untiet
- “Everybody you meet, always remember you may meet them again. So, leave with a good impression because they may be saying something good about you that may help your path or not.” – Tracy Untiet
DISCLOSURE
Arcadia Wealth Management, LLC (Arcadia) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 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.
