The Retirement Message

What if your career ends sooner than you planned—are you ready to pivot into retirement? Annetta Carter shares real stories of unexpected job loss, the importance of emergency funds, and how to build a flexible financial plan that bridges the gap. Learn why budgeting, health insurance options, and market volatility matter, and discover how MarketGuard’s methodical approach can help protect your nest egg. Find out why pl...

What if the biggest challenge in retirement isn’t saving, but knowing when—and how—to spend? Annetta Carter explores the emotional side of enjoying your nest egg, balancing “go-go years” with long-term security, and why regular check-ins and stress-testing your plan matter. Hear real stories about life’s curveballs, the power of life insurance, and how having permission to spend can transform you...

What if the real risk in retirement isn’t just market swings, but emotional decisions? Annetta Carter shares how a non-emotional, mathematical approach can help you navigate volatility, avoid costly mistakes, and build lasting income. Learn why understanding taxes, Social Security, and investment choices matters—and how proactive planning can keep your retirement on track, no matter what headlines say.

Ready to connect ...

What would you do if Social Security benefits were suddenly cut by 23%? In this episode, Annetta Carter shares practical strategies to prepare for possible changes, from building a backup savings plan to considering deferred income annuities. Plus, learn why conversations about legacy, beneficiaries, and digital accounts with aging parents matter more than ever. Whether you’re just starting to plan or helping family navigate ...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but the timing of your withdrawals? In this episode, Annetta Carter of Magnolia Financial Strategies explains how sequence of returns risk can quietly erode your savings, even with a solid average return. She also explores how annuities and structured notes can act as buffers, offering stability and flexibility in volatile markets. Whether you're planning fo...

What happens when you panic and pull out of the market—only to watch it rebound days later? In this episode, Annetta Carter breaks down the emotional side of investing and why timing the market rarely works. From asset allocation to risk tolerance and annuity misconceptions, she shares practical strategies for building a retirement plan that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're in your 40s or nearing retirement, this episode h...

What if your retirement plan is built on outdated rules? In this episode, Annetta Carter breaks down common misconceptions—from the 4% rule to lazy money sitting in savings—and shares modern strategies for long-term care, guaranteed income, and tax-efficient planning. Whether it’s choosing annuities, managing risk with MarketGuard, or preparing early for a 30-year retirement, Annetta offers practical insights to h...

Is your retirement plan built to weather the storm—or is it quietly springing leaks? In this episode, Annetta Carter of Magnolia Financial Strategies breaks down how market volatility, outdated insurance policies, and overlooked tax strategies can quietly erode your financial future. From the power of proactive portfolio management to the surprising truth about old annuities and universal life policies, Annetta shares real-wo...

What does lasagna for breakfast have to do with retirement? In this episode, Annetta Carter shares how financial freedom unlocks personal freedom—from flying lessons to fishing trips. She explores the emotional and practical sides of retirement, including timing decisions, debt, healthcare planning, and the importance of budgeting for joy. Whether you're dreaming of travel, downsizing near grandkids, or simply finding purpose...

What do Wile E. Coyote and your retirement plan have in common? In this episode, Annetta Carter explores how ignoring market signals—like volatility, inflation, and policy shifts—can leave your financial future hanging in midair. From pension lump sums to annuity strategies and estate planning, she breaks down how to build a more stable, income-focused retirement. Whether you're worried about outliving your savings or j...

A shark sighting at the beach sparks a deeper conversation about retirement readiness. In this episode, Annetta Carter explores what it means to “need a bigger boat” when it comes to your financial future. From debt and emergency funds to inflation, long-term care, and overreliance on Social Security, she outlines the warning signs that your plan may not be seaworthy. Plus, hear how real-life health events can sink even...

What if your Social Security decision is based more on fear than facts? In this episode, Annetta Carter of Magnolia Financial Strategies explains how to evaluate when to claim benefits by considering health, longevity, income needs, and survivor planning. She also shares what to look for when choosing a financial advisor and how a retirement plan should integrate taxes, income, healthcare, and estate planning. Whether you’re ...

A majority of retirees apparently do not have a spending plan when it comes to retirement. How can this be corrected and what can you do to be better prepared in retirement? Annetta Carter has some suggestions on making sure you never run out of money in retirement.

The "Break Even Tax Rate" is key when considering Roth IRAs and even taking Social Security. What do these mean and how can they apply to your retirement plan? Let Anne...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but the timing of your withdrawals? In this episode, Annetta Carter of Magnolia Financial Strategies explains how sequence of returns risk can quietly erode your savings, even with a solid average return. She also explores how annuities and structured notes can act as buffers, offering stability and flexibility in volatile markets. Whether you're planning fo...

Is your retirement plan built to weather the storm—or is it quietly springing leaks? In this episode, Annetta Carter of Magnolia Financial Strategies breaks down how market volatility, outdated insurance policies, and overlooked tax strategies can quietly erode your financial future. From the power of proactive portfolio management to the surprising truth about old annuities and universal life policies, Annetta shares real-wo...

Annuities sometimes get a bad rap, but Annetta Carter tells us it all depends on what annuities you might have in your portfolio. Sometimes one might make sense for one person, but not for another. And then what fees are involved with them? So much to think about, but Annetta is here to help sort through it all.

With Social Security all over the news, is it a good idea to claim early? Do those who did regret that decision? Annetta ...

Annuities are often misunderstood, but Annetta Carter can help you to understand all of the ways they can help you and your retirement plan, as long as they are used correctly. She offers some scenarios where an annuity might make sense and some features of annuities that are not always considered. And with summer officially here, it's a great time to visit with Annetta to take a look at your entire retirement portfolio.

Ready to c...

Tom Brady recently discussed what his "super power" was when it came to the football field. Annetta talks about her super power when it comes to retirement planning as a retirement financial advisor. She also talks about what time of year might be the best time to retire and how taxes and other factors can play a part in that decision.

Ready to connect with Annetta and begin building your retirement plan? Visit Magnolia to get star...