The Cranberry Wealth Retirement Show

A million-dollar home can quickly become a financial burden instead of a legacy. This episode explores the real risks of passing down real estate, from hidden costs and inheritance taxes to family conflicts and illiquidity. Kelton Burgess breaks down why gifting a home during your lifetime can create major tax consequences, and how strategies like the step-up in basis can protect your heirs. The conversation also highlights the emo...

Strong market gains have boosted retirement confidence, but is that confidence built on something solid? Kelton Burgess examines why recent stock market returns are making many people feel better about retirement, while inflation, taxes, and global uncertainty still keep investors up at night. Burgess discusses how market performance can create a false sense of security, why rising costs matter just as much as returns, and the warn...

Most people don’t realize retirement decisions can get riskier the closer you get to the finish line. In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down when it actually makes sense to start talking to a financial advisor—and why waiting too long can limit your options. Using real-world analogies and everyday examples, they explore the “retirement red zone,” common fears about market losses, an...

Is there really a “right” time to start working with a financial advisor? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down why retirement planning looks very different depending on where you are on the timeline. From the “retirement red zone” analogy to common worries about market risk, lifestyle costs, and having enough saved, Kelton explores what people tend to overlook when retirement star...

What would you do if a surprise inheritance hit your bank account tomorrow? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down two very different paths taken after a sudden windfall—and how emotion, debt, and liquidity can quietly shape long-term outcomes. Using a real-world inheritance story, Kelton explains the difference between feeling financially relieved and remaining financially flexible. The conversation...

Most couples spend more time scrolling than talking—so what happens when retirement finally shows up? Kelton Burgess digs into why many couples assume they’re aligned on retirement, only to discover later they were picturing very different futures. From missed conversations and knowledge gaps to spending expectations and shared goals, the discussion centers on how silence can quietly shape long‑term outcomes. The episod...

Trying to outsmart the market can cost more than most people realize—especially near retirement. Kelton Burgess breaks down why market timing becomes riskier as retirement approaches and introduce the concept of the “retirement red zone.” The conversation explores how volatility, early withdrawals, and missed recovery periods can quietly erode long-term savings. Kelton explains why income planning, diversification...

What happens when retirement planning stops treating Wall Street, banks, and insurance as rivals? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down why income planning often falls short and how a full‑service approach can change the conversation. Drawing from industry commentary, Kelton discusses the long‑standing divide between advisors and insurance, why guaranteed income is frequently missing from traditional advi...

What does chili have to do with retirement planning, and why does it actually make sense? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess uses a kitchen-table analogy to break down portfolio construction, risk management, and retirement income. From non‑negotiable base ingredients like cash and bonds to personalization, patience, and planning through market volatility, the conversation reframes investing as a slow, delibe...

What if the biggest risk in retirement isn’t the market—but how much uncertainty you can actually live with? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess explores the growing disconnect between how much risk advisors assume retirees can tolerate and what retirees truly feel comfortable with. Drawing on recent research and real client conversations, the discussion centers on peace of mind, income planning, and wh...

What if your tax refund could quietly reshape how retirement feels years from now? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down how recent tax changes, Roth IRAs, and small, strategic decisions can influence retirement income and taxes over time. The conversation explores why taxes often become the biggest surprise in retirement, how refunds and late starts can still matter, and why today’s uncertain marke...

What if earning more money isn’t the problem—and running out of it is? In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess breaks down why even high earners, from pro athletes to everyday retirees, can go broke after the paychecks stop. Using real-world examples and market headlines, the conversation focuses on early-retirement spending, income planning, taxes, and why flexibility matters when markets turn volatile. Th...

Groceries cost more, credit cards sting, and retirement savings suddenly look tempting. In this episode of A Slice of Advice, Kelton Burgess unpacks why so many Americans are pausing retirement contributions, the real risks of tapping long‑term accounts for short‑term bills, and how cash buffers fit into a high‑cost world. From everyday budget pressure to Warren Buffett’s massive cash stance, the conversation centers on balan...

What happens when a parent wants to leave money to their child but keep it out of the son‑in‑law’s hands? This episode dives into the real‑world concerns families face when planning their legacy, from protecting inheritances in the event of divorce to avoiding common estate‑planning pitfalls. Kelton Burgess breaks down how trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper financial structuring can help ensure assets stay in the bl...

That seven‑figure 401(k) balance might not be what you think it is. As headlines celebrate record numbers of “401(k) millionaires,” this episode pulls back the curtain on what those balances really mean after taxes and why Uncle Sam may be your biggest retirement partner. Kelton Burgess breaks down how taxes, required withdrawals, Medicare premiums, and Social Security all intersect in retirement, and why looking only a...

What can a retired NFL star teach us about building financial stability? In this episode, Kelton breaks down Rob Gronkowski’s surprisingly disciplined money habits and uses them to explore practical strategies anyone can apply. From separating spending cash from long‑term savings to using a three‑bucket approach for near‑, mid‑, and long‑term goals, Kelton explains how thoughtful planning can create confidence at every stage ...

What keeps so many people from seeking real financial guidance, even when their future is on the line? In this episode, Kelton Burgess breaks down the emotional, financial, and cultural barriers that stop everyday Americans from turning to a trusted advisor. From misconceptions about who financial planning is “for” to the pitfalls of Googling your way through retirement, Kelton explains why professional guidance matters...

What if the secret to a happy retirement isn’t where you live, but who you’re with and how you plan? This episode dives into the real factors that shape retirement satisfaction beyond the “best cities” lists and sunny destinations. Discover why emotional connections, support networks, and practical financial planning matter more than palm trees or mountain views.

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What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market, but your taxes? In this episode, Kelton breaks down how different income streams—IRAs, Roth accounts, brokerage investments, annuities, and Social Security—are all taxed in unique ways that can quietly drain your nest egg. You’ll hear why required minimum distributions can complicate even the best‑laid plans, and how strategies like Roth convers...