Clearwater Retirement Podcast

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why “set it and forget it” investing doesn’t work as retirement gets closer. Retirement plans can quietly drift out of sync when they’re left on autopilot too long. Learn how inflation, healthcare costs, taxes, and market swings can reshape portfolios over time. The show explores why dipping into retirement accounts is of...

On this week’s episode: Retirement planning isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about creating income that matches your lifestyle. This episode explores how annuities can provide stability, predictable income, and protection from market volatility. It highlights why relying solely on investment growth can create stress without a clear income strategy. The conversation also co...

On this week’s episode: Most people plan to escape work—but not what happens after they get there. This episode explores why retirement without a plan can create stress, uncertainty, and loss of purpose.  Covers the importance of income strategies, diversification, and preparing for risks like market downturns and longevity.  Discusses Social Security uncertainty and why mult...

On this week’s episode: Small financial oversights today can quietly grow into major retirement challenges. This episode explores common planning gaps, including tax exposure, income timing, and overlooked risks that can impact long‑term outcomes. You’ll hear why diversification, regular plan reviews, and aligning investments with income needs play a critical role as retirement approac...

On this week’s episode: What if small financial habits today quietly create major risks in retirement? This episode explores how Social Security timing decisions and market expectations can shape long-term income strategies. It highlights why “spring cleaning” your portfolio can uncover overlap, unnecessary risk, and missed diversification opportunities. The conversation breaks d...

On this week’s episode: Retirement planning mistakes often start long before retirement—sometimes by simply waiting too long to act. This episode explores sequence‑of‑returns risk and how early market losses can disrupt long‑term income strategies. You’ll hear why diversification, regular portfolio reviews, and income planning matter as retirement approaches. The conversation hig...

On this week’s episode: A market downturn at the wrong time can change retirement outcomes in ways many people don’t expect. In this episode, Michael Masor discusses sequence‑of‑returns risk and why shifting from accumulation to preservation matters as retirement approaches. The conversation covers how often to review your portfolio, why diversification and income “buckets”...

On this week’s episode: Market swings feel scary—but they’re far more common than most retirees realize. Why volatility, corrections, and bear markets aren’t unusual over a long retirement. The difference between normal market noise and moments that actually require action. How separating income, risk, tax, and legacy “buckets” can reduce stress. Why emotional r...

On this week’s episode: Market chaos, inflation fears, and shifting headlines don’t have to dictate your retirement. Why focusing on what you can control matters more than reacting to volatility. Common mistakes retirees make by chasing returns or sitting too heavily in cash. The importance of building a clear income baseline before worrying about growth. How Social Security fits into...

On this week’s episode: Market chaos, inflation fears, and shifting headlines don’t have to dictate your retirement. Why focusing on what you can control matters more than reacting to volatility. Common mistakes retirees make by chasing returns or sitting too heavily in cash. The importance of building a clear income baseline before worrying about growth. How Social Security fits into...

On this week’s episode: One bad market decision near retirement can change everything. Why the five‑to‑seven‑year window before retirement is the real danger zone. The risks of trying to time the market as income replaces paychecks. How emotional decisions can derail long‑term retirement plans. The difference between asset growth and income reliability. Why guaranteed income strategies matte...

On this week’s episode: That retirement balance may look solid—until life, taxes, and timing enter the picture. Why retirement plans need more than a once‑a‑year check‑in. Common life events that force financial adjustments faster than expected. How burnout, early retirement offers, and career changes affect readiness. The difference between having assets and turning them into dependab...

On this week’s episode: That million‑dollar 401(k) balance may not be what you think it is. A look at how taxes, required distributions, and timing affect what retirees actually keep. Why retirement planning isn’t “set it and forget it” once the paychecks stop. How bucket strategies create flexibility for income, growth, protection, and legacy goals. The impact of market vo...

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor breaks down why many people nearing retirement prioritize safety after living through past market downturns. Most retirees say they want protection—but few know how much risk they’re still carrying. Learn how written income planning changes risk tolerance once real numbers are on paper. The episode explores inflation, healthcare costs, long‑t...

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why “set it and forget it” investing doesn’t work as retirement gets closer. Retirement plans can quietly drift out of sync when they’re left on autopilot too long. Learn how inflation, healthcare costs, taxes, and market swings can reshape portfolios over time. The show explores why dipping into retirement accounts is of...

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why dipping into retirement accounts can create long‑term setbacks, even when money feels tight. Layoffs, rising costs, and political noise are forcing many people to rethink retirement sooner than planned. Learn why “knowing your numbers” is the foundation for managing expenses, income, and unexpected pivots. The episode covers sequ...

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why replacing your paycheck—not chasing a magic balance—is the foundation of retirement planning. Retirement may feel like a snow day, but the bills never stop coming. Learn why the $1 million retirement myth misses the mark for most Americans. Explore how income planning, Social Security strategies, and annuities can work together t...

Is your retirement plan clear as mud? Need a cleanse from all the noise in the financial world? You’re in the right place – with the Clearwater Retirement Podcast. From Michael Masor and Clearwater Financial Group, the Clearwater Retirement Podcast gets to the heart of the retirement information you need, right from the sources you can trust. Tune in for robust financial analysis, shar...