Big Picture Retirement®

So you find yourself retiring in a second marriage? This week's episode is full of useful information and fascinating stories about one of the most complicated family situations: Second marriages. There is so much to consider: Social Security benefits, pensions, other benefits, children, houses, long-term care insurance, and much more. Steps you need to take before you have a second, or subsequent...

John shares the stories of when, and why, you would disinherits a spouse. Devin gives advice to Kim who wants to know how to say "no" to her adult children's request for money. For more great advice about how to avoid BIG MISTAKES when planning for retirement, download our free guide: 3 Simple Steps to a Successful Retirement at http://www.bigpictureretirement.net/steps

We are half way through the year and it's time to review the market performance with Andrew Comstock from CastlebarAM.com . Market Snapshot: DOW (DJI) opened at 20,665.17 on April 3, 2017 and closed at 21,287.03 on June 29, 2017. The S&P opened at 2,362.34 on April 3, 2017 and closed at 2,423.41 on June 30, 2017 http://www.bigpictureretirement.net

Jean Chatzky , financial editor of NBC's Today show, discusses her new book "AgeProof" about balancing your health and your wealth.  She shares some habits that can help you thrive, both financially and physically. Teamwork: Working with a partner can help you meet your financial goals and your health goals.  A running partner will motivate you to get out even when you don't feel like it.  Find a...

Social Security benefits are confusing - even for those who work at the SS Office. Often, the person looking for advice is unsure of what information the SS Office needs - or how to communicate it to them. Nancy tells her story of being denied for Social Security benefits - and how Devin Carroll was able to provide her the advice and documentation to fight for her benefits. The difference was $500...

Death is never a pleasant topic. What is less pleasant is passing away suddenly with no planning in place and no way to help your family transition through the process. John walks us through 5 things to do after someone dies: What to do prior to death Immediately after a death Within a few days of a death The first 2 weeks after a death During the year after a death To download the checklist resou...

Did you know that a copy of a will may not hold up in Probate? John talks about the need to keep an original copy of the will up-to-date and in a safe place. Devin is asked if buying a rental property in retirement is a better idea than investing in the market. Download 3 Simple Steps to a Successful Retirement at http://www.bigpictureretirement.net/steps

Steve Chen created a retirement planning calculator that anyone can use. The inspiration came from personal experience. His mom needed help at retirement - but she didn't have enough assets to work with most financial planners. Steve from NewRetirement.com discusses financial planning needs for those who aren't "attractive" to financial planners. For more information, visit http://www.bigpicturere...

Recessions and market declines are going to happen. What are the lessons we can learn from the Tech Bubble of 2000's and the Great Recession of 2008? Devin shares the 5 lessons he learned during the two most recent market declines while being a financial advisor: 1. Market declines are normal 2. No one can consistently predict market movements 3. The best days hang out with the bad days 4. This ti...

Non-Probate Transfers, Trusts, and how the Beneficiary Designation trumps any wishes you express in your Will. These are just a few of the things you NEED to understand so you can avoid making a major mistake with your estate planning. For more information, visit http://www.bigpictureretirement.net/21

Linda and her husband have been raising their grandchildren since birth. Both of the children's parents are alive. Do the grandchildren qualify for Social Security?   Clyde asks if there is any situation where you would roll an IRA into a 401k? It is an unusual situation when this makes sense. Listen in to find out more. Notes from today's show can be found at http://www.bigpictureretirement.net

Experience is a great teacher. David Waldrop has more than 15 years of experience, the same as John and I. He comes on to share stories from his history - and how human emotions come into play when making investing decisions. For more information on how to work with us, visit http://www.bigpictureretirement.net

In Part 1 we covered credits, earnings limits, and more. In this episode we finish the series by talking about: Length of marriage rules Spousal Benefits vs Survivor Benefits How you are taxed on social security benefits and more. If you haven't listened to Part 1, find it here: http://www.bigpictureretirement.net/episode-17-part-1-social-security-basics  

Part 1 in a 2-part series about what you need to know about Social Security. For more information, or to have a conversation with Devin Carroll or John Ross, visit http://www.bigpictureretirement.net  

Wanda wrote in to ask why she shouldn't add a child to her checking account? Brenda retired from a company that offers a pension. She asks if it would be better to take the pension in a stream of payments or as a lump sum. Have a question? Send them in and we will try to answer it on the show. Email questions@bigpictureretirement.net  

Can we expect 3 rate increases this year? What could that mean for the market - or our savings? Andrew Comstock, Chief Investment Officer for Castlebar Asset Management , joins us again to recap the market's performance from the first quarter of 2017. Market Snapshot: DOW (DJI) opened at 19,782.86 on January 3rd and closed on March 31, 2017 at 20,663.22 S&P (GSPC) opened the year at 2,251.57 and c...

In the previous episode we talked about Wills: Why you need one and what to look out for so you do it right. But before you draft out your will, these are the things you need to consider: • Why you should never leave anyone $1. • Beneficiaries:  you should know who your people are • Why you need to specifically disinherit people who you don't want to receive anything. • Always anticipate that circ...

According to a survey, 71% of Americans do not have a current Will - and half of Americans age 65 or older don't have a Will that is not up-to-date. ​In this episode we cover the common mistakes people make when drafting their final testaments and ​why Snoop Dogg isn't going to do one at all. This is part one of a series on Wills. We ask that you subscribe for free to receive the next episode auto...

Devin and John answer a question from Mitch about why the Social Security Office would not recognize his Power of Attorney statement. Charlotte is asking about ABLE accounts - tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. If you want us to address your question on the air, send them to questions@bigpictureretirement.net  

Roger Whitney, the Retirement Answerman, shares his approach to spending money on fun today while still being able to plan and save for tomorrow. He likens it to a teeter-totter, and reflects on things his mother taught before she passed away. Find more information or ask us a question at http://bigpictureretirement.net  

7 doable steps for making it easier to be organized with your retirement finances. One of the biggest hurdles to a successful retirement is getting - and staying - organized. It's easy for account statements, legal forms and other important documents to pile up in some hidden away desk or drawer. Before long, things are messy. Not just physically messy, but mentally messy too. To accurately plan f...

What should you look for when hiring a legal advisor? In this episode we discuss the first question you need to ask a potential legal advisor, what to watch out for, and the benefits of paying a flat fee versus an hourly rate. For more information, visit http://bigpictureretirement.net  

Does an 18-year old need a Power of Attorney? You bet! We also discuss limitations for drawing Social Security benefits while working. If you have questions, email them to questions@bigpictureretirement.net

Michael Kitces joins us to discuss the difference between Fiduciary and Suitability Standards and what is happening to the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Rule. Is your Financial Advisor a salesperson or fiduciary looking out for your best interest? For more information, visit http://www.bigpictureretirement.net  

The second type of advisor every retiree needs in their corner is a Financial Advisor. Not everyone needs a financial advisor. But those who are within 10 years of retirement, are too busy to do their own planning, or with complex financial situations can definitely benefit from having a financial advisor. We discuss what to look for when selecting an advisor that matches your desired needs. Be su...