How to Retire on Time

“Hey Mike, I am 45 years old and recently decided that I’m done with work and want to retire at 50. Most of my assets are in my 401k, though. What can I do?” Listen to understand the pros and cons of retiring at an earlier age and what it might take to accomplish you goals.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis today by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com 

"This is a touchy one." In today's episode, Mike describes why he almost never recommends variable annuities but is willing to articulate when one could make sense. Variable annuities are one of the more complicated insurance products out there, so listen for more clarity on what annuities are, when they make sense, and which type could be right for you. For the record, Mike is licensed to sell va...

In today's episode, Mike shares what it means to "create a retirement plan designed to last longer than you." This is not done through buying an annuity and turning on a guaranteed-for-life income. Discover various ways to structure your portfolio as you prepare for, enter, or maintain your retirement. The key phrase is "Plan Efficient Growth Portfolios." Text your questions to 913-363-1234 Reques...

In today's episode, Mike discusses term life insurance, when it makes sense for the beginning of your retirement, and when it does not make sense for any part of your retirement. Explore other alternatives to term life insurance. Remember, life insurance is NOT an investment and should not be treated as such.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234 Request Your Wealth Analysis today by going to www.y...

In today's episode, Mike discusses the various ways in which interest rates going down could affect the market. He also breaks down how interest rates affect younger and older investors differently. Discover how to take advantage of higher interest rates as you create a retirement plan that's designed to last longer than you™. Text your questions to 913-363-1234 Request Your Wealth Analysis today...

"Money goes where money can grow" In today's episode, Mike talks value funds. What are they? Do they still provide a lot of value? Listen to Mike identify what made value funds great decades ago, and how their offer in today's market has evolved since then.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com.

"If you don't know the right questions to ask, you'll never ask them." In today's episode, Mike discusses the Dunning-Kruger effect, false confidence, and potentially missing out on opportunities because someone lacked sufficient experience. Discover when it may make sense to DIY your retirement and when you may consider asking for help.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth An...

In today's episode, Mike discusses strategies you can employ if you have an inherited or beneficiary IRA. Discover various strategies, some of which you probably didn't know existed, that may be able to help you minimize your overall tax burden while still focusing on your overall growth. Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com.

In today's episode, Mike addresses the fear of running out of money in retirement. The answer is not always buying a bunch of annuities for lifetime income. Discover counterintuitive portfolio management systems that can help you lower your risk without locking up assets for life.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com.

In today's episode, Mike explains why he believes fixed-indexed annuities have more growth potential than CDs or Treasuries in the long term.  Mike explains how they work from a cash accumulation standpoint while offering a few tips on how to vet them. Not all fixed-indexed annuities are the same. If you decide to explore this possible part of your portfolio, make sure you proceed with caution.  T...

In today's episode, Mike talks to people who are wanting to retire around 60 years of age, but have concerns with how to cover healthcare while waiting for Medicare. How does Mike suggest you bridge that gap? What are the tax implications? What about healthcare insurance premiums from age 60 to 65? Should you delay retirement or get a part-time job for the healthcare benefits? All of this and more...

In today's episode, Mike explains why managing a portfolio without a relationship with a licensed financial professional may be more limiting than you realize. Discover when it may make sense to be 100% DIY and when you may need to work with an advisor.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com.

In today's episode, Mike tells us how to create a retirement plan out of a 401(k). Is accumulating assets in your 401(k) during your working years a set-and-forget guarantee for retirement bliss? What happens when you retire and need to draw income from your retirement account? Discover ways to take your 401(k) and turn it into a tax-efficient retirement plan. If you are within 10 years of retirem...

In today's episode, Mike discusses all the intricacies associated with managing a portfolio while trying to beat the market. Discover why the statistic that claims no one can beat the market may not be as certain as many would suggest. Answer questions like, "Can I ride a stock/bond fund portfolio all the way into retirement bliss?"  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysi...

In today's episode, Mike talks about employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans. How can you be proactive with a 401(k)? Should you keep all of your retirement savings in the 401(k) or roll it over to an IRA? Should you fund the pre-tax part or the after-tax part of your 401(k)? There are more strategies than you may realize. Discover what may be missing when it comes to your 401(k) and your retir...

In today's episode, Mike discusses the various ways you can invest in real estate, from traditional rental real estate to Real Estate Investment Trusts, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and more. Find answers to these questions and more in this episode.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your Wealth Analysis by going to www.yourwealthanalysis.com.

"You can't change horses midstream", or so goes the old saying. In today's episode, Mike discusses when or if it makes sense to change, or surrender an annuity, and pay the penalty or fees. What situations are beneficial to include an annuity as part of your retirement plan? If you have one, and the rates drop, should I get out of it? Does paying the surrender penalty make sense to find a better o...

In today's episode, Mike gives tips and general advice for those planning their estate. There are many things to consider when planning your estate, from tax planning, IRS codes, legacy plans, gifting and legal issues. This is why it is very important to have a team helping you plan your estate: a tax professional, a financial professional, and an attorney when making these decisions.  Text your q...

In today's episode, Mike talks Social Security optimization. "If you file to early, your income could be hurting; if you file too late, you could be hurting your estate." Listen to find out the benefits and detriments of filing early, versus waiting until 70 to file. It may make sense for you to file early or late, depending on your lifestyle and legacy plans.  Text your questions to 913-363-1234....

In today's episode, Mike lays out the case for the DIY investor, and also the benefits of working with a licensed financial professional. What kind of research can you do on your own? What does a licensed financial professional know, and have access to that you don't? Do you have a plan that's answering the questions that you may not know to ask?  Text your questions to 913-363-1234. Request Your...

On today's show, Mike breaks down some common retirement income strategies, and discusses the benefits and detriments of each. Some of the strategies mentioned in this episode include: cash value life insurance, universal life policies, CD's, Treasuries, Fixed Annuities, and Fixed Index annuities. Are you worried that your CD won't keep up with inflation if the Fed lowers rates? Listen to hear wha...