
S2 E11: Retirement 101 - How & Why To Start Saving Now
From Show Biz Pod by Carissa Ferguson & Emma Claire Dykes
January 21, 2026 · 17 min
About this episode
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire discuss the importance of retirement planning for creatives and provide actionable steps to start saving.
Retirement might feel like a problem for later in life...especially if you’re freelancing, auditioning, or stacking side hustles just to make rent right now. But planning for retirement is one of the most powerful things a creative person can do to protect themselves. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down retirement in a clear, approachable way and explain how artists can start building security even without a 401k or consistent income. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT: What a retirement account actually is Why creatives need to care about retirement The difference between Roth IRAs, 401ks, and brokerage accounts Why Roth IRAs are especially powerful for freelancers, performers, and self-employed creatives How compound interest works and why starting early matters The order of operations for saving if you have access to multiple accounts How to automate retirement contributions so saving happens without extra effort LINKS AND RESOURCES: Helpful Nerd Wallet Articles! The best index funds and how to start investing Investing 101 Retirement 101 Brokerages mentioned: Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard Break Your Budget with Michela Allocca CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @showbiz.pod…
People in this episode
Hosts: Carissa, Emma Claire
Topics covered
- retirement
- saving
- financial planning
- freelancing
- investing
Keywords
- Roth IRA
- 401k
- brokerage accounts
- compound interest
- automate contributions
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Roth IRA, 401k, brokerage accounts
Books & works: Break Your Budget
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