A Smarter Way To Retire with Tony Leonardi, CFP®

Is it time to rethink America’s trade policies? In this episode of A Smarter Way to Retire , we explore how tariffs have shaped the U.S. economy, from post-WWII wealth redistribution to today’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. We break down how uneven trade policies impact American jobs, manufacturing, and the wealth gap—while also questioning whether new tariffs are the right solution. 🔹 What’s inside...

How do you know if your retirement plan is truly on track? In this episode of A Smarter Way to Retire , we break down Step 9: Measure Your Probability of Success. ✅ What does “probability of success” really mean in financial planning? ✅ How do financial planners stress-test your retirement plan? ✅ What factors—like market conditions, inflation, and spending habits—affect your long-term outlook?...

Are your investments working for you? In Step 8 of A Smarter Way to Retire , we break down how to analyze your current investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals. ✅ Are you taking the right amount of risk? ✅ Do your investments support your long-term financial plan? ✅ How can you adjust your portfolio for a more secure retirement? In this episode, I’ll guide you through...

How much risk are you really comfortable taking in your investments? In this episode, we break down risk tolerance —what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes your retirement strategy. We’ll explore the emotional and financial aspects of risk, how market volatility impacts different investors, and why aligning your investments with your comfort level is key to long-term success. Are you taking...

A successful retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about knowing where your income will come from once you stop working. In this episode, we break down the key sources of retirement income, including Social Security, pensions, and personal savings. We’ll discuss how to optimize your income streams, make smart decisions about pension payouts and Social Security timing, and ensure you have a predi...

Episode 6: Define Your Retirement Goals Retirement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about having a clear vision for what you want your future to look like. In this episode, we break down the process of defining your retirement goals into three key categories: needs, wants, and wishes. By prioritizing what’s most important, you can create a financial plan that supports your ideal retirement lifes...

Episode 5 – Determine Your Retirement Timeframe How do you know when you’re ready to retire? In this episode of A Smarter Way to Retire , we dive into the critical step of determining your retirement timeframe. Understanding when you want to retire is just as important as how long your retirement might last. Your timeframe isn’t just about when you stop working—it’s also about how many years you n...

Episode 4: Expectations and Concerns Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions, and with it comes a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and plenty of questions. In this episode, we dive into the common expectations and concerns people have when planning for retirement. Will I have enough money? What if the market crashes? How do I balance spending and saving? We’ll explore the realities of retir...

Episode 3: Building Your Financial Model – The Key to a Confident Retirement A secure retirement doesn’t happen by accident—you need a plan. In this episode of A Smarter Way to Retire , Tony Leonardi walks you through the essential step of building your financial model . You’ll learn: ✅ What goes into your financial model—income, expenses, assets, and liabilities ✅ Why understanding your full fi...

Episode 2: Getting Organized – The Foundation of a Smart Retirement Before you can build a solid retirement plan, you need to get organized. In this episode, Tony Leonardi walks you through the essential steps to take control of your financial life—gathering key documents, understanding your assets and liabilities, and setting the stage for a confident retirement. A little organization now can mak...

Welcome to the first episode of A Smarter Way to Retire! In this episode, host Tony Leonardi introduces himself, his new book, his background in financial planning, and the mission behind this podcast. Learn how A Smarter Way to Retire: 10 Steps Towards a Confident Financial Future will help you navigate retirement planning with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re nearing retirement or just sta...