Dolphin Financial Radio

Planning on retiring soon? In this show we discuss the key decisions and actions someone must take if they are planning to retire within the next five years. If you want to retire successfully, you should start planning now by listening to this show.

If you have a government pension, you may not get 100% of your Social Security check. In this show we discuss how the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions reduce the benefits of certain government employees.

The highest monthly Social Security check in 2024 will be $4,873. How does one qualify to get that much? In this show we'll explain how and also discuss some other important changes to the numbers around Social Security that take effect in 2024.

There are many financial decisions and actions retirees must take. One in particular can go a long way in keeping harmony in the family- making sure assets pass to the next generation without drama. In this show we discuss this often overlooked, yet simple action you can take to avoid future problems.

Annuities have a bad reputation and are often portrayed in a negative light. In this show, a financial planner talks about how he sold an annuity to his Mom and why he feels that certain annuities might be appropriate for some people. What type of annuity did he sell to his Mom and does he regret it?

Which city is best suited for retirement? In this show we review a recent ranking of the top 182 cities in the US and discuss the results. Spoiler alert! Tampa is at the top. What criteria is important to consider when moving for retirement?

Many struggle to switch from saving to spending when they retire. It may seem easy, but it is often a mental challenge. We discuss the five mental barriers to successfully switching from accumulation to decumulation. Do you think you will spend without any problem? Think again.

When interest rates drop, many know to refinance their debts. Yet, when interest rates increase, many don't know that it is time to refinance their income. Shouldn't your income go up when interest rates rise? In this show we discuss this important topic for retirees.

The fear of running out of money is one of the biggest fears retirees face. Yet, it should NOT be. In this show we talk about why this fear of running out is overblown.

Caring for an aging parent can be costly, time consuming, and emotionally taxing. In this show, Dan & Tony share their personal experiences with caring for their aging parents along with tips and lessons learned.

How do I claim Social Security against my spouse? Can I claim against an ex-spouse's Social Security? How much will I get? What are the rules about spousal benefits? In this show we answer all the questions you may have about claiming Social Security against a spouse.

Can I get my ex-spouse's Social Security? How much will I get? How long do I have to be married? What if I remarry? Will my ex-spouse know I am claiming against them? What if my ex-spouse is dead? In this show we answer all the questions you may have about claiming Social Security based on an ex-spouse.

What does it take to be considered at the top 1% of earners in your state? Does earning top money for your efforts ultimately lead to an earlier, less stressful, or "better" retirement?

Should you take Social Security early because interest rates are relatively high? Why bother delaying Social Security when you can take the money now and get a better return? In this show, we explore the idea that delaying Social Security may NOT make sense when interest rates are going up.

According to a 2023 survey, Americans believe they will need $1.27 million to retire comfortably. In this show we discuss whether or not this is a realistic number. We also discuss how one should begin to determine how much they will need for retirement. Learn how you may be approaching this age-old question from the wrong direction.

Income is critical to retirement planning. A recent survey suggests that retirees don't know how to create retirement income plans. Taking Social Security as soon as possible isn't necessarily the best way to build an income plan. In this show we discuss the recent survey results around income during retirement.

Major health events are usually associated with negative financial outcomes. The cost of care, loss of income, and general expenses of health scare usually have a negative impact. However, this inverse relationship may not always be the case. In fact, sometimes a negative health event can actually lead to financial improvements!

Are you considering selling your home or buying a new one? Maybe you are planning to move to Florida for retirement. Did you know that real estate agents aren't legally obligated to act the same across the country? For instance, in Florida, a real estate agent doesn't have to act as a Fiduciary and can represent both sides of a home transaction. In this show we talk about how this might...

If you write a Will with your final wishes before you die, do you avoid probate court? No. What if you have two separate Wills written? You'll have even more drama. Join us as we break down the legal battles surrounding the estate of the late great Aretha Franklin.

If you inherit an IRA, there are special rules regarding when you have to withdraw funds from that account. The "new" 10 year rule starting in 2020 is still a bit wishy-washy. In this show we discuss a recent IRS update about these Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Everyone knows that the big lotteries like Powerball are a losing bet. However, there is a major reason why it might make sense for pre-retirees to buy a ticket. The best part is you don't have to win the lottery to gain from playing the game!

Short term interest rates are higher than they have been in decades. Should retirees or those close to retirement be locking in some of these rates now? Why not capitalize on these high fixed rates using CDs, MYGA, T-bills, Money Markets, etc.?

One of the early leaders of the F.I.R.E (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement, known as the Financial Samurai, recently announced he is going back to work. In this show we analyze his announcement and reasoning behind this dramatic shift in his plans. The lessons learned apply to all people who are retiring at any age.

To retire successfully, you'll have to answer many questions and make important financial decisions. In this show we review the TOP 5 questions you should be able to answer if you want to coast into retirement. Don't try to retire without knowing how you would answer these questions.

Many people retire and lose health insurance coverage offered by their employer. They then often join Medicare so there is no gap in coverage. What if you don't qualify for Medicare and leave employer coverage? What if you or your spouse aren't yet 65 and lose group health insurance? In this show, we discuss how to fill this health insurance gap between retirement and age 65.