Next Chapter Living

Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but what if the financial impact lingers long after the grieving process begins? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo explores the often-overlooked tax consequences surviving spouses can face, including the "widow's penalty," changing tax brackets, reduced deductions, and shifts in retirement income planning. Steven explains how Social Security, IR...

Are you so focused on reaching retirement that you're overlooking the decisions that will determine what retirement actually looks like? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo uses the analogy of planning a dream vacation to explore the balance between long-term retirement goals and the day-to-day actions required to achieve them. From saving consistently and paying down debt to mana...

You schedule checkups for your physical health, but when was the last time you gave your financial health the same attention? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo walks through the key financial milestones people should be reviewing throughout every decade of life. From building an emergency fund and protecting your family in your 30s and 40s, to retirement planning, healthcare dec...

What happens to your retirement plan when a layoff arrives years before you expected to stop working? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo explores the financial and emotional impact of an unexpected job loss, especially for those approaching retirement. He discusses the first steps to take after a layoff, how to evaluate emergency savings, healthcare options, severance packages, a...

When does caring for a loved one become more than one person can realistically handle? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo explores the emotional, financial, and practical realities of long-term care planning. Inspired by recent headlines surrounding Bruce Willis and his family's caregiving journey, the conversation examines the difficult choices families face when aging loved one...

Thinking about relocating for retirement? Before you pack the moving truck, there may be more to consider than just sunshine and warmer weather. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , Steven Sabo explores the financial and lifestyle factors that should be part of any retirement relocation decision. From taxes, healthcare access, housing costs, and estate planning considerations to staying connec...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t a Social Security cut, but not having a plan if one happens? In this episode, Steven Sabo breaks down a new proposal to cap Social Security benefits and discusses what it could mean for retirees and those nearing retirement. While the proposal may only affect a small percentage of beneficiaries, it highlights a much bigger issue: the future...

Ever feel like retirement has its own language and everyone else got the dictionary except you? In this episode, Steven Sabo breaks down some of the most common retirement and financial planning terms that often leave people nodding along without fully understanding them. From RMDs and Roth conversions to diversification, IRMAA, rollovers, and sequence of returns risk, Steven translates industry j...

Talking about inheritance, aging, and financial expectations with your adult children doesn't have to trigger anxiety. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , financial advisor Steven Sabo dives into the essential—and sometimes awkward—family money conversations that parents should initiate sooner rather than later. Drawing on his unique experience working alongside his own father, St...

Stepping into a financial advisor’s office for the first time shouldn't feel like a high-stakes interrogation. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , host Steven Sabo demystifies the initial consultation, comparing it to a routine doctor's visit where honesty is essential for an accurate assessment. Rather than firing off endless questions, Steven explains how a true partnership is built o...

What if a single phone call, message, or “too good to be true” opportunity could quietly derail your retirement savings? In this episode, Steven Sabo explores the rising threat of financial scams and why fraud awareness has become a critical part of retirement planning. He discusses common tactics—from urgent IRS impersonations to long‑term relationship scams—and how even s...

What does putting your shopping cart back have to do with your retirement future? In this episode, Steven Sabo explores how small, everyday financial habits can quietly shape long‑term outcomes. From saving consistently and managing debt to overcoming the temptation to delay planning, he highlights how “micro decisions” can either build momentum or create costly setbacks over time. The...

Annuities are one of the most misunderstood—and most polarizing—tools in retirement planning. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , financial advisor Steven Sabo breaks down what annuities actually are, why they spark such strong reactions, and where common misconceptions take hold. The conversation covers how annuities work, the different types available, fees and surrender charges...

Is working one more year really worth it—or is it time to step into retirement with confidence? In this episode of Next Chapter Living , financial advisor Steven Sabo unpacks the decision of when to retire and why it’s about more than just the math. Using recent headlines and real client stories, he explores Social Security timing, break‑even ages, longevity risk, and the often‑overloo...

What if retirement looks great on the label—but comes up a little short in reality? In this episode of Next Chapter Living: Planning Your Retirement Story , Steven Sabo explores the gap between retirement expectations and real‑world outcomes, using a surprisingly relatable “Double‑Stuffed Oreo” analogy. The conversation covers common surprises around Social Security, healthcare c...

Gray divorce is becoming far more common—and for those nearing retirement, its financial impact can be life‑changing. In this episode of Next Chapter Living: Planning Your Retirement Story , financial advisor Steven Sabo explores how divorce later in life affects retirement timelines, income, taxes, and long‑term financial security. The conversation highlights why women often experience a sh...

Tax season can feel overwhelming in retirement — especially when small oversights can carry lasting consequences. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , financial advisor Steven Sabo unpacks the key tax considerations retirees can’t afford to ignore. The conversation covers required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, updated deductions for seniors, and how Roth conversi...

Independence in retirement doesn’t just happen — it’s shaped by the decisions you make long before you ever need help. In this episode of Next Chapter Living , financial advisor Steven Sabo explores what independence truly means as we age. The conversation focuses on long‑term care planning, why so many families are caught off guard by healthcare costs, and how today’s reti...

Are your everyday money habits quietly standing between you and the retirement you imagine? In this episode, Steven Sabo breaks down the most common self‑inflicted roadblocks that can weaken a long‑term financial plan — from skipping a spending strategy to drawing from the wrong accounts at the wrong time. He shares real client examples, the importance of communication with your advisor, and...

Are you actually saving money – or just spending more without realizing it? This episode dives into the subtle trap of “spaving,” where chasing deals and convenience quietly chips away at long‑term financial stability. Steven Sabo explains how small, habitual purchases, tap‑to‑pay ease, and psychological spending triggers can snowball over years, especially in retirement when eve...

Why do so many women manage daily finances but hesitate to take charge of long-term wealth? In this episode of Next Chapter Living, host Steven sounds the alarm on women and wealth, exploring the confidence gap, the realities of widowhood, and how to ask the right questions—even if you’re starting from scratch. They share practical steps for building financial clarity, navigating advis...

Is the American dream still within reach, or has it become a financial mirage? In this episode of Next Chapter Living, host Steven Sabo breaks down the headlines and hard truths behind today’s retirement realities. From the daunting “$5 million” price tag to the real-life budgets of everyday families, they explore why one-size-fits-all numbers don’t tell the whole story. Di...

What if the biggest obstacle to retirement isn’t money, but fear? In this episode, financial advisor Steven Sabo unpacks “plutophobia”—the fear of money—and how it quietly shapes retirement decisions. From anxiety about spending savings to the emotional challenges of leaving a steady paycheck, discover why mindset matters as much as math. Learn how phased retirement,...

Did you know there are over 500 ways to claim Social Security—and the choice you make could shape your retirement for decades? In this episode, financial advisor Steven Sabo breaks down the complexities of Social Security, from claiming strategies and income planning to the impact of working in retirement and spousal benefits. Discover why Social Security is no longer a one-size-fits-all sol...

Would you get paid to taste-test dog food or build Lego sculptures in retirement? This episode explores the quirky world of retiree side hustles—and the surprising ways extra income can impact your taxes, Social Security, and Medicare premiums. Host and Investment Advisor Representative, Steven Sabo breaks down what every retiree should know before jumping into part-time work, from earnings...