My Smart Retirement

Are you ready to secure your financial future? Join Sean as he dives into the essential elements of a successful retirement plan. In this episode, Sean will guide you through maximizing your Social Security benefits, developing a strategic investment plan, and reducing tax liabilities. He also covers how to protect yourself against rising healthcare costs and ensure your legacy is preserved and your assets are passed on tax-efficiently. Sean emphasizes the importance of not only creating but also highly monitoring your plan, ensuring it adapts to your evolving needs over time. Whether you're nearing retirement or just starting to plan, Sean’s expert insights will help you navigate every aspect of retirement planning with confidence. Tune in to create a retirement plan that supports your dreams and secures your future!

In this episode, Sean breaks down the key questions you should ask when seeking advice from a Financial Advisor. With so many potential questions out there, it can be overwhelming to know which ones matter most. Sean cuts through the noise, sharing the questions he believes are essential to ask—and why. He also offers insight into the questions he thinks aren’t worth your time, giving you a clearer sense of what to prioritize when it comes to your financial future. Whether you're just starting to build wealth or looking to refine your financial strategy, this episode will guide you in asking the right questions to get the most out of your financial advisor.

In this episode we are giving helpful tips to discuss with your children and grandchildren. Help them understand the importance of compounding interest at a tax free growth. We Also discuss the importance of protecting the family at a low cost with term life insurance. 

In this episode, Sean dives deep into the crucial decision of when to start taking Social Security benefits. Should you claim at 62 or wait until 67? Sean breaks down the long-term dollar differences and explores how delaying your claim could impact your financial strategy. He also discusses the challenge of finding supplemental income if you choose to wait—and how long it may take to make up for the benefits you delayed. With many of the old strategies for maximizing Social Security no longer available, Sean shares new approaches to make the most of your benefits. Since the decision is highly nuanced, Sean emphasizes the importance of working with a professional to craft a personalized plan that puts you in the best financial position.  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of annuities and uncover the truth behind the flashy promises often made by radio hosts, TV personalities, and seminar speakers. While many people are lured by gimmicks and bold claims, the reality is that what most individuals truly want is financial protection and reliable income. For those seeking both growth and security, annuities can be a great option—but it’s essential to understand how they actually work. We break down the importance of indexes, participation rates, and how advisors track these investments to ensure you're not falling for exaggerated claims. Many offers come with impressive-sounding participation rates, but the underlying data often tells a different story. We share how to evaluate these offers with a professional’s eye and explain why it's crucial to know the full details before making any decisions. Additionally, we discuss how the financial stability of the company offering the annuity matters and why we only work with those we tr

Welcome back! After a brief hiatus, we're thrilled to be podcasting again and excited for what 2025 has in store. In this first episode of the year, Sean shares the company's renewed focus on excellence in customer service, outlining the goals and strategies designed to better serve our clients. We’re committed to making a real impact and delivering exceptional service. Tune in as Sean discusses the company's vision for the year ahead and how we plan to raise the bar in financial services.

In this episode, Nancy shares some of the things she has learned throughout her 30 years of working in the field of retirement planning. As she heads into retirement herself, she reflects on her experiences with clients throughout the years and shares her major tips and takeaways for your retirement journey.   In this farewell episode, Nancy discusses the power of beginning your financial planning journey with the end in mind and envisioning retirement at a young age. She cautions against sacrificing important aspects of life for early retirement and highlights the need for a balanced approach, while still taking your finances seriously. Join us for an enlightening episode, as Nancy shares her thoughts on aligning your spending with your values and the need for effort, planning, and evaluation throughout your planning journey.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:    Beginning your retirement saving journey with the end in mind. (1:05) Each chapter of life is valuable. (5:19) The i

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects everyone, regardless of age or financial status: how age and wisdom impact financial planning. No matter where you are in life, your financial goals and priorities will change over time, and it's important to have a plan that reflects your unique needs. In this episode, we'll explore the ways in which age and wisdom impact financial planning strategies and provide practical tips and insights to help you make informed decisions about your finances. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Nancy as she explores how our financial goals evolve over time and emphasizes the value of integrating personal experiences into financial planning. She’ll discuss the impact of working with a seasoned financial advisor who has extensive experience working with a diverse set of clients and can help navigate whatever changes life throws your way. Tune in as we dive into the significance of maintaining emotional awareness and decision-making mindfulness throughout your fina

Are you finding it hard to transition into retirement after living frugally and saving diligently for many years? In today's episode, Nancy shares the story of a couple who struggled with the idea of spending their hard-earned savings on experiences after they retired. In today’s episode, Nancy will introduce the concept of a "memory bank" and explain how it can help retirees shift their mindset around retirement spending.    Join us as we explore the importance of sacrificing in the present so that you can prioritize the things you value in retirement. Nancy will also guide you through the process of finding your values in retirement and show you how the “memory bank” concept can be used as a guide to spending your retirement funds on the experiences that matter most to you.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:    A conversation about frugality and delayed gratification. (3:49) Having a hard time spending money in retirement after living frugally. (6:31) Transferring money from your

If you were given an inheritance, would you go ahead and spend it or find the best way to preserve it and make it last over a larger duration? We’ve found that there are two main types of money managers: those who choose to hold onto the money they have and others that are eager to spend it. These same principles apply to decisions about when to start taking Social Security.   Although the government incentivizes people to wait longer before claiming their benefits, many Americans still tap into Social Security as soon as they’re eligible. In fact, a recent study showed that most Americans are claiming Social Security at the wrong time, potentially losing out of tens of thousands of dollars.   So, when should you take Social Security? What are some best practices for doing so? This is a loaded question with many factors to consider. Join us as we discuss this topic and why it’s important to think about your life expectancy, health, and overall income picture before making the decision to take Social Secur

Typically, the things we desire most in life are also the most challenging and demanding, but they ultimately bring us the greatest satisfaction and yield the best outcomes. Just like gardening, well-planned financial plans require time and patience to succeed. In today’s episode, we explore the parallels between gardening and financial planning and the lessons we can learn from them.   While investing all your money into a single account may seem convenient, it is likely not the best approach for long-term success. Join us as we explain why it’s worth spending the time and effort to develop a diverse portfolio. We’ll also discuss the importance of staying vigilant and using the right tools to achieve your financial goals.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:    The importance of diversifying your investment portfolio and the potential risks of relying solely on one type of investment tool for income. (2:13) Much like gardening, well-planned retirement strategies take time and patienc

Recent surveys have shown that Americans are feeling more financially stressed due to inflation, economic instability, and lack of savings. People are unsure about creating a budget, where to invest their money, and how to save for retirement. Some worry that their savings won't last and that they will have to rely on credit cards and debt. In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss some of these prominent stressors and the importance of taking action with your retirement plan in the midst of uncertainty.   Over the course of this episode, we'll explore a wide range of topics. We'll analyze the latest inflation rates, dissect some subcategories in the CPI report, review recent studies on financial stress in America, and address the concerns about the U.S. potentially losing its reserve currency status to China. Ultimately, Nancy will discuss why it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your financial decisions in today’s economy.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:    What su

Have you ever wondered why you handle money the way you do? It turns out your financial behaviors can be traced back to your formative memories. In this episode, we explore how historic market crashes have left a lasting impact on our relationship with money. From the Great Depression to the sudden COVID-19 market crash in 2020, we’re taking a journey through time to examine some of America’s most notable financial crises. By contrasting earlier events with more recent downturns, we gain a deeper understanding of how they may have influenced our financial perspectives and decision-making. Join us for a fascinating exploration of financial psychology, as we reflect on the lessons of history and their relevance to today's economic landscape. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode!   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode:   The lasting impact of the Great Depression. (3:00) The banking world took the forefront in the late 70s and early 80s because of high-interest rates. (6:12) Ho

Today we are following up on last week’s episode to talk a little more about taxes. Filing your taxes can feel overwhelming, and when you’re near or in retirement, there are some additional factors to consider. In today’s episode, we will answer some questions we received about filing taxes in retirement and provide you with more helpful tips to maximize your earnings.   We’ll cover a range of topics such as Roth conversion strategies, ways to save money on taxes when working a job on the side, and changing tax brackets. We’ll also take a moment to reflect on happy moments in life and talk about enjoying retirement throughout the financial planning process. Stay tuned for some helpful insight and real-life examples on how to best navigate taxes in retirement.    Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:   Reflecting on happy moments in life and enjoying our time in retirement. (1:53) Is it a bad idea to do a Roth conversion if I have a high income? (3:38) Some ways to save money on taxes wh

With Tax Day right around the corner, we wanted to record a timely episode to answer your tax questions for 2023. In fact, tax filing season might look a little different this year than it has in years past. In today’s episode, we’re going to cover some common tax pitfalls and how to avoid them.   We’ll dive into some interesting statistics on tax filing in the U.S. and talk about some recent bills and rule changes that you need to be aware of before filing this year. Should you hire a professional accountant to file your taxes? What happens if you push off filing your return? We’ll answer all these questions and more. Join Nancy for this informative episode so you can make the most of filing your taxes this season.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:    We might see smaller refunds and jolting capital gains tax this year.  (0:57) Some interesting statistics on tax cheating. (3:38) The tax change bill in 2018 that made it more difficult to itemize charitable donations. (5:32) Should

Do you ever feel like your retirement planning goals are always moving? You're not alone. We’ve found that people often move the goalposts in their own retirement planning, often to their detriment. In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology of retirement planning and the dangers of moving the goalposts. As life throws its ups and downs, it can be tempting to put off investing in our retirement while we deal with immediate needs. It might also be tempting to delay investing until you have accumulated a certain amount of money in your savings account. No matter what reason you might have for moving your goalpost, sticking to a financial plan is important so that you can retire when you’re ready. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle questions such as “Should I push my retirement date back if I don’t have the details figure out?” and “How conservative do I need to be five years from retirement?” Join us as we dive into the complexities of retirement planning and offer insight to help you stay on track

No matter how much you plan or how well you prepare, life can sometimes stand in the way. You never know what the future has in store, and plans can change at a moment’s notice, leaving us with life’s other retirement plan.   In this episode, Nancy will share some of the conversations she’s had recently with new retirees who have faced difficult and unexpected life changes. It’s never easy, but that’s where an advisor can come in and provide support and guidance. In these examples, we’ll talk about Social Security and spousal benefits.    As we age, it can be difficult to come to terms with how we feel versus how we might be perceived, and we want to share a recent post on social media that really connected with us.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:  Unexpected things that happen in retirement can change our entire plan. (1:47) Accessing your spouse’s Social Security benefits. (7:11) How the spousal benefits work. (10:15) Keeping the right perspective as we age. (16:22)   Conta

Most of the people we work with in Arizona have utilized an IRA to help save for retirement. It’s one of the most popular tools out there for good reason, and it’s a big piece of many retirement plans.   But the IRA is also unique in a lot of ways from anything else you might use to save. In this episode, Nancy will tackle the ‘Dirty Dozen’ differences that an IRA has from other retirement accounts. There will probably be things on this list that you’re familiar with but we hope you’ll also pick up some new information during our discussion.   No matter how well-versed you are with IRA accounts, it’s important that you know these differences because they will impact your financial decisions and retirement strategies.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:   How the IRA is passed on to beneficiaries and not through a will. (3:38) IRAs are the only asset you own that require you to take money out even if you don’t want to. (5:02) The IRA has its own complex set of rules for distribution

Retirement is an exciting time and should be a period where life is free from worry and responsibility. We work every day to help people in Arizona find that financial freedom, but that doesn’t mean that stress won’t creep up in retirement.   Today we want to talk about these stressors that people often deal with in retirement. Some of it stems from the unknown while other stress is created by the unexpected. No matter where it comes from, it’s important to us to help you through these experiences through proper planning and guidance.   Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:  The things that are no longer stressful once you reach retirement.  (0:38) How do you fill your time in retirement? (2:01) The unknown in retirement is stressful, including a down market early on.    (4:38) How planning can help ease the stress you have. (6:55) Your plans in retirement could change completely but we want you to be able to do what you want. (9:00)   Contact The Office 480-632-8770   Schedule A Visi

The Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division released a warning to investors this month about self-directed IRAs, and it’s something that we immediately read through and processed.   In this episode, we’re going to give you the details in the alert and help you better understand what you need to be aware of. If this is an account you have or are thinking about opening, then you want to have all the information available to help you make the best decisions possible.   The self-directed IRA isn’t like a regular IRA. This product allows you to store other types of assets like real estate, promissory notes, precious metals, and other investments. When you’re dealing with this type of IRA, you increase the possibility of something not being legitimate and you incur additional risk beyond normal IRA investing.   The alert, which you can read here, makes points out a handful of risks you need to be aware of:   You are solely responsible for evaluating and understanding the investments. There