Retirement Reality Podcast

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions.

In this episode, we're covering the retirement questions that Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are asking.

Here’s...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that echo across different age groups.

We...

Today we will unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning, but does it deliver? This episode takes a critical look at the wave of innovations, from personal finance management software to online calculators, and questions whether they truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The rise of robo-advisors and the ways th...

In today’s episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to protect your future from the one mistake that could derail everything.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The importance of having a robust financial strategy that ensures a steady income througho...

In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender pay gap to the impact of caregiving responsibilities and higher debt burdens, this is why retirement planning is different for women.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Even though they make up almost half of the workforce, women receive lower compensation than men...

Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What do we mean by lazy money?
• Why we should still be concerned about having too much lazy money.
• The dangers to your retirement if yo...

Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Why Mike feels bullish about real estate in the upcoming year.
• Is a recession coming in 2024? Mike says there’s a lot of momentum heading into this ye...

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards.

In part two of our discussion, we’re going to talk through four more situations which people commonly pick the option that gives them a benefit now. Many peopl...

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• It might not seem like a big deal to miss a 401k contribution and the company match once or twice, but you...

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From finding the right balance in your cash reserves to consolidating old 401Ks, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life.

Here are a few of the financial tweaks that we discuss in this ...

We're nearing the end of the year, but it's not quite over yet! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Regularly reassessing and rebalancing investment portfolios
• Tax-loss harvesting, required minimum distribution (RMDs), and qualified charitable distributions (Q...

Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you.

Here are the mistakes we’re going to talk through:

• I regret taking premature IRA withdrawals.
• I spent way too much in my peak earning years.
• I paid so much in tuition for the kids.
• I retired a bit ...

In today's episode, we're taking a close look at high-net-worth individuals - those who have accumulated significant wealth and face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Unlike the average person, their financial considerations go beyond the basics. We'll explore the distinct strategies and factors that come into play when securing a comfortable and prosperous retirement.

Here’s some of what we discus...

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. 

Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways to utilize those funds. We see peopl...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer.

We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance and the ins and o...

In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner.

Here are some key topics to listen for in this episode:

• What are some of the reason...

In this episode, we’re tackling some common complaints and fears that can arise during the retirement planning process. These complaints often include concerns about advisors taking too much risk, dissatisfaction with account growth, high fees, worries about Social Security not being enough to retire on, and more. We'll discuss which concerns are well-founded, which are based on ...

Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In part 1 of this series, we're digging into the financial face-offs that make Monopoly fights look like child's play and exploring some money minefields that can test even the most solid relationships.

Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:

• What is your risk tolerance with your investments? (3:41)
• What age do yo...

Welcome to part 2 of our series on mastering retirement cash flow. Last episode, we talked about expenses in your life that might drastically change in retirement. On today’s show, we’ll talk about income and why you need to understand the crucial role of income analysis. We’ll also explain why you never want to retire without an income plan and what various income sources you might have in retirement. 

Here’s some of what we’ll ...