Imagine going into business with a partner who tells you upfront: at the end of every year, I'll decide how much of the profits I keep. You'd never agree to that. But Ira Work says millions of Americans already did the day they opened a traditional IRA.That's one of several hard truths Ira Work, a 42-year financial industry veteran, addresses head-on in his new book and in this conversation. After 17 years working for firms like Smith Barney and Shearson Lehman Brothers, Ira walked away from the traditional brokerage model — not because he failed, but because he saw how it was failing clients.In this episode, Ira breaks down four persistent myths that quietly erode investor wealth, explains why tax-deferred retirement accounts may carry more risk than most people realize, and makes the case for financial coaching over traditional advising. Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of what questions to ask, what costs to watch for, and what it actually means to have a financial plan built around their life and not just their portfolio.About Ira WorkIra Work is an Investor Coach and founder at First Financial Coaching, Inc., with over 42 years of experience in the financial industry. He holds multiple advanced designations including ChFC, RFC, AIF, AAMS, CASL, and CRPS. After spending his first 17 years at major wirehouses, Ira transitioned to independent financial coaching focused on investor education, behavioral science, and evidence-based investing. He is the author of The Investor's Coach: How You Can Rise Above Wall Street's Myths and Build Real Wealth.What We CoverWhy stock picking and market timing feel logical in the moment but fail investors over timeThe real reason 10-year fund track records are nearly meaningless for picking investmentsHow hidden trading costs inflate what investors actually pay beyond the stated expense ratioThe IRA tax trap: why deferring taxes today could mean paying far more tomorrow if rates riseThe one question Ira asks every new client that most advisors never think to raiseThe difference between a financial advisor and a financial coach, and why one asks about your life while the other asks about your moneyResources MentionedThe Investor's Coach by Ira Work — available on AmazonCome Back America by David Walker (U.S. Comptroller General) — referenced in the tax trap discussionNavigating the Fog of Investing — documentary film featuring Morningstar's CEO on fund ratingsConnect with Ira WorkWebsite: irawork.com / firstfinancialcoach.comEmail: [email protected] the show