The Retirement Solution

Could the first few years of retirement have a bigger impact on your financial future than decades of investing? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses recession indicators, market uncertainty, and the concept of sequence of returns risk. He explains why market downturns early in retirement can affect income strategies differently than they do during the accumulation years, and why retirement planning extends beyond investment perfor...

Could rising interest rates, business valuation risks, and changing tax laws have a bigger impact on your retirement than market headlines? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how retirees and pre-retirees can navigate inflation concerns, interest rate uncertainty, and retirement income planning. He also explores challenges facing small business owners preparing for an eventual exit, including business va...

Are everyday investors smarter than Wall Street gives them credit for? On this episode, Jon Hicks explores the idea of "dumb money" versus professional investors and what it means for retirement planning. He discusses buying market dips, the risks of investing during periods of high valuations, and why retirement investors should think differently about risk than those still accumulating wealth. Jon also explains a simple three-buc...

Could a simple mid-year review reveal risks and opportunities that could affect your retirement strategy? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses why the middle of the year may be the ideal time to revisit your financial plan. He explains how inflation, interest rates, portfolio assumptions, cash holdings, taxes, and required minimum distributions can influence retirement outcomes. Jon also shares insights on...

Could a little-known Roth strategy help high earners add more money to a tax-advantaged retirement account? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down the concept of the backdoor Roth IRA and explains how it works, who may benefit, and the common mistakes that can create unintended tax consequences. He discusses contribution limits, conversion strategies, asset allocation, and why personalized planning is important when evaluating Roth...

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn't market volatility, but failing to adapt to change? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how evolving technology, artificial intelligence, and shifting market trends may affect retirement planning. He explains why critical thinking still matters, how emotions play a role in retirement decisions, and what investors should watch as leadership rotates within th...

What if trying to predict the market is the very thing putting your retirement at risk? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses why market forecasts can be tempting but difficult to act on successfully. Learn why market timing requires getting two decisions right, how emotional reactions can impact long-term outcomes, and why focusing on income, protection, and tax efficiency may matter more than predicting the next market move. The c...

What happens if retirement arrives before you're ready? This episode from this past weekend’s radio show explores how unexpected life events, job loss, health challenges, and changing priorities can reshape retirement plans. Jon Hicks discusses real-world cases of workers forced into early retirement, strategies for handling Social Security decisions, and ways to avoid costly tax mistakes. The conversation also covers Roth co...

How many times have you told yourself, “Just one more year” before retirement? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the “one more year syndrome” that keeps many workers from making the leap into retirement. He discusses the emotional and financial factors behind delaying retirement, the value of healthy retirement years, how Social Security timing fits into the equation, and why running the numbers may reveal...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but the decisions you make because of fear? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses why market forecasts can be distracting, the challenges of market timing, and the importance of building a retirement strategy around income, protection, and tax efficiency. He also explores the psychological side of retirement, explaini...

Could rising taxes and changing policies have a bigger impact on your retirement strategy than you realize? Jon Hicks discusses the broader conversation around taxation, wealth preservation, and long-term financial planning, using proposed tax policies as a starting point. He explains why understanding the tax code, protecting assets, and creating a coordinated strategy with financial, legal, and tax professionals can play an impor...

Are your retirement worries multiplying in the middle of the night—and do they have to? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks outlines five key pillars of retirement planning: protection, income, tax strategy, healthcare expenses, and wealth transfer. He also explores the risks of concentrated investments, lessons from past market leaders, and why balancing growth opportunities with risk managem...

Are you dreaming about retiring early—or just looking for a way to escape the daily grind? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the question many workers ask: “Can I retire now?” He discusses the difference between being financially ready for retirement and simply feeling burned out, along with the importance of having a plan for both your finances and your time. Learn how lifestyle goals, income needs, healthcare ...

Could taxes be the biggest expense in your retirement without you realizing it? Jon Hicks explains how the way your money is positioned—not just how much you’ve saved—can shape your retirement income. He breaks down the three tax buckets—taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free—and why balancing them matters over time. The conversation also highlights how income goals, spending habits, and legacy planning c...

Are you overlooking the freedom your retirement savings could already provide? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks explores how a well-designed plan can help define when and how to spend in retirement. The conversation covers “guardrails” for spending, balancing splurges with long-term income, and how emotions and headlines can influence investment decisions. John also breaks down tax diversification, m...

What do people who thrive in retirement do differently? Jon Hicks breaks down four key financial behaviors often seen in those enjoying retirement—from saving aggressively and building income streams to managing risk and planning for unexpected expenses. He also explores the importance of defining “enough,” reducing financial stress, and creating a strategy that supports lifestyle needs over time. From tax plannin...

Is the 401(k) really the retirement solution—or just a piece of the puzzle? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down the origins of the 401(k) and why it may not be designed to carry the full weight of retirement planning. He explains how many Americans rely too heavily on it, and why a strategy focused on protection, income, and tax planning matters as retirement approaches. The conversation also covers common gaps in traditio...

Why do some retirees with millions still feel anxious about spending their money? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the psychological shift from saving to using retirement funds and why it can be harder than expected. The discussion highlights how fear, habits, and uncertainty can impact decisions, even with strong income and assets in place. Jon also outlines key considerations like understanding income sources, stress-testing a...

What if chasing the “perfect” financial decision costs you the moments that matter most? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks explores how retirement planning goes beyond spreadsheets and projections. From Social Security timing decisions to the risks of over-saving or delaying retirement, the conversation highlights how emotions, habits, and priorities shape financial choices. Jon also d...