Ready, Set, Retire!

A website called TheBalance.com warns that a big mistake too many married couples make is they think about their retirement future based on “my money, your money.”  But if they look at the picture jointly, their money may last longer.  What problems have you seen couples encounter?  Do you insist on involving both spouses in their retirement planning?  Call Steve today for your customized retirement plan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is an annuity? They provide a steady stream of guaranteed income in retirement.  Annuity advocate Sheryl Moore with WinkIntel.com recommends looking into annuities but be careful if you start to feel pressure. Hear Steve explain the different types of annuities, how to know if it's a fit for you and the red flags to avoid! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation remains high, and things are still more expensive.  So, people need more guaranteed income in retirement because bonds aren’t getting it done.  That’s where annuities can help fill the need.  But many still hesitate.  Steve explains the benefits of an annuity and how he can help you achieve income for LIFE!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airline staffing issues have led to a shortage of baggage handlers.  The result?  The number of unclaimed bags has soared.  After 90 days, much of this luggage heads to the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, Alabama. The same thing applies to ‘lost’ retirement funds.  People forget about 401(k)s and pensions when they change jobs or leave their retirement account in an old employer’s plan.  So, is there a ‘store’ where we can check to see if we left any money behind?  And if we did, what should we do with it?  Call Steve today for a Customized Income Review!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning for retirement doesn't have to be stressful - Steve make's it easy, simple and FUN! Here's something most retired couples don’t think about:  When one of you passes, one of your monthly Social Security checks will go away.  That can mean a substantial drop in income for the surviving spouse.  Steve explains how how he helps his clients decide on a social security claiming strategy and more!  Call Steve today for a SS Analysis! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, new research (by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies) says millions of workers have made a dangerous mistake with their retirement savings.  More than a third say they’ve taken a loan from a retirement plan – or even worse – took an early withdrawal.  Steve explains how to avoid financial mistakes and creating income for life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wall Street Journal says rising prices are forcing retirees back into the job market.  Higher inflation is also making workers who are near retirement to rethink their options.  The article says it’s very hard for these groups to know if they’ve saved enough for retirement.  Hear how Steve can help you inflation proof your income plan so this doesn't happen to you! For the DIYer's: Do you enjoy attempting “Do It Yourself” projects at home?  How long do you work on them before frustration sets in and you call a professional?  A recent survey (by OnePoll) found it took the average person five hours of trial and error before they gave up and made the call.  How long have you seen people try to manage their own retirement funds before they finally give you a call?  Do they wish they’d done it sooner?   Inflation Proof Your Retirement Plan TODAY! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How long has it been since you cleaned out your fridge?  A survey commissioned by Rubbermaid finds that the average refrigerator has five food items that are “expired” and probably should be thrown out!  So, is it too much of a stretch to compare our refrigerator with our retirement portfolio?  Could that also benefit from a little reorganizing, to make it work more efficiently for us?  Call Steve today for a Portfolio Review!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taxes are still relatively low, but that can change at any time.  An article in U.S. News & World Report says that makes this an opportune time to consider converting a traditional individual retirement account into a Roth IRA.  But this might not be right for everyone.  What instances could make this a good move or maybe not?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are some of the regrets expressed by retirees?  One of the most common ones was that they wish they’d had a plan.  But as long as we don’t go crazy with our retirement spending, can’t we just wing it?  Call Steve today for a Financial Review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The difference between a Roth IRA and other types of IRAs is that the Roth is funded with after-tax dollars. But many would-be retirees may still have their money in pre-tax traditional IRAs.  Does converting those dollars to a Roth make sense, even after age 60?  What are some of the pros and cons? Then, if you inherit an IRA or 401(k) from your parents, the IRS has changed some of the rules.  Hear how Steve can help!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation remains the top economic concern.  And there are fears it could grow worse amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis.  So, when will the soaring prices come back down to earth?  Right now, the market is wondering if the Fed will get it right.  Should we even worry about a correction at this point?  Hear Steve explain how you fight inflation and protect and grow you income IN the market despite any downturns. Come in for your Portfolio X-ray! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve joins Grace to discuss the current market downfall that has put us in a recession, ways to protect your money during this time and how Steve can help give airbags around your income plan to fight off inflation!    Call Steve today for a Complimentary Portfolio Review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve goes through a list of popular retirement myths, and gives his take on these and more!  Call Steve for a Complimentary Portfolio Review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that 401(k)’s are among the most popular retirement accounts.  But a survey by TD Ameritrade found that only 27% know how much they’re paying in fees.  The smaller the plan, the larger the fees, which can exceed 2%.  That can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.  Hear how Steve can help you mitigate fees, protect and grow your income.  Call Steve today for a Fee Analysis!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INFLATION! INFLATION! INFLATION! We are all feeling the burn at the pump, the grocery store - pretty much everywhere right? When you enter retirement, the paychecks stop, and you have your "pile of money" to get you to and through retirement, how can you protect your retirement from inflation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question most retirees ponder is how much they should take out of their financial plan each month to meet their spending needs.  For a long time, many have subscribed to the “4% Rule.”  But a columnist in the Wall Street Journal has his own that he calls the “$400 Rule.”  He says you’ll spend about $400 each month in retirement above and beyond what you’ll think you’ll spend.  Hear what Steve thinks of the $400 rule and how you could factor it into your retirement plan. Then, the U.S. Senate is now considering a big bill passed by the House that’s designed to help Americans save more for retirement.  It’s commonly called “SECURE Act 2.0.”  Longtime wealth advisor James Bogart tells Yahoo Finance that it’s a huge step in the right direction. Hear Steve recap what you need to know and of course its impact to those who are currently retired or about to retire!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We haven’t seen the end of interest rate hikes as inflation continues to threaten the economy.  But legendary investor Mark Mobius tells CNBC that there’s one way to hedge against it. Steve weighs in on this and explains how to protect and grow your income during these times of inflation.  Inflation Proof Your Retirement Plan!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saving up for retirement is one thing, but withdrawing money once you’re retired is another.  An article on the SmartAsset financial website talks about the four worst mistakes people make in withdrawing from their accounts.  Hear Steve explain how to determine the best order to withdraw from your retirement accounts and avoid HUGE mistakes! Then, economists routinely tell us that the biggest retirement worry is running out of money.  But Forbes says there’s another concern that doesn’t get as much attention … and that’s maintaining the same standard of living.  But how do we do that, considering that our retirement income will probably be less than what we earned when we were still working?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation continues to climb.  It’s now at 8.5% over last year, the highest level since 1981. If you are near retirement or already retired, how can you keep with inflation AND not run out of money? Hear Steve discuss his strategies to help you WIN against inflation and WIN in retirement! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.