Kickin' with The Rickens: Redefining Retirement

What if one small tax-planning decision today could dramatically change what stays in your family's hands tomorrow? Hosts Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost connect the spirit of American independence with financial independence, exploring tax-efficient retirement planning, Roth conversions, risk management, and reducing retirement stress. They discuss how proactive tax strategies can help reti...

Is financial independence really about money—or is it about having the freedom to spend your retirement years on what matters most? Hosts Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost discuss America’s 250th birthday, the meaning of independence, and how tax strategies, income planning, healthcare decisions, and purposeful retirement planning work together. They also share personal Fourth of J...

What happens when retirement planning collides with life’s toughest realities? Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost explore the often-avoided side of retirement—death, loss, and the financial decisions that follow. From beneficiary mistakes to power of attorney gaps, they break down how unprepared plans can unravel quickly. The conversation highlights why estate planning, clear docume...

Think retirement is just about saving a big number? Heidi Ricken Provost and Gerry Ricken challenge that idea by redefining what a complete plan actually includes. They walk through income strategy, taxes, healthcare, risk management, and the “purpose approach” that ties it all together. The discussion shows why accumulation alone falls short and how overlooked factors—like tax e...

When does a daughter stop being your child and become your business partner? Gerry Ricken reflects on working alongside Heidi Ricken Provost, blending family, purpose, and financial guidance. The episode explores succession, shared values, and how meaningful relationships shape both business and retirement. The conversation centers on redefining retirement not as stopping work, but as balancing pu...

What if retirement planning isn’t about a number but about answering one question: are you going to be okay? Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost break down their “purpose approach,” covering income, taxes, risk, healthcare, and legacy planning. The discussion challenges one-size-fits-all advice and highlights how retirement shifts from accumulation to preservation and distribut...

A delayed flight is frustrating—but what happens when life forces a permanent detour? This episode with Heidi Ricken Provost dives into the reality of “pivoting” in retirement, from unexpected travel chaos to the bigger disruptions that can reshape your financial future. Heidi explores how market volatility, caregiving responsibilities, losing a spouse, or sudden windfalls can al...

What happens when life forces your plan to change overnight? This episode explores the “power of pivoting” in retirement—how unexpected events, from travel mishaps to health diagnoses, job changes, or sudden windfalls, can reshape even the best-laid plans. Heidi Ricken Provost and Gerry Ricken break down why a retirement plan must be flexible, covering income, taxes, risk toleran...

What happens when you push yourself to the edge—physically and mentally—and what does that reveal about your life and finances? Heidi Ricken Provost shares her journey preparing for an intense Everesting challenge while reflecting on personal growth, resilience, and empowering others—especially women—to take control of their financial futures. The conversation connects mind...

Think your 401(k) means you’re ready for retirement? Think again. This episode breaks down the difference between simply saving and having a true retirement plan. From defining your purpose to building income, managing risk, planning for healthcare, and understanding taxes, Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost walk through the many moving parts that shape retirement. They also explore commo...

Taxes might be the biggest bill you never fully see coming. This episode with Gerry Ricken explores why taxes can outpace even your mortgage over a lifetime and why planning shouldn’t stop after April 15th. The conversation covers tax diversification, the role of Roth accounts, and why one-size-fits-all advice often misses the mark. You’ll also hear how personal experiences—from...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but taxes quietly building over time? This episode with Gerry Ricken looks at how tax planning shapes retirement outcomes, from required minimum distributions to changing tax laws. The discussion breaks down real-world strategies, the impact of long-term compounding, and why timing matters just as much as strategy. It also...

A visit to one of the most exclusive homes in the country turns into a conversation about work ethic, opportunity, and purpose. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost shares behind-the-scenes moments from Mar-a-Lago alongside reflections on business lessons, personal drive, and what it means to find fulfillment in your work and retirement years. The discussion connects real-worl...

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it can uncover hidden issues in your financial life too. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost looks at forgotten accounts, outdated beneficiaries, and missed opportunities that can shape retirement outcomes. The conversation also explores tax awareness, saving habits, and how aligning your finances with your purpose can crea...

Retirement planning isn’t about hitting home runs—it’s about stacking small wins that add up. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost uses baseball analogies to break down consistent investing, tax planning, and risk management, showing why a steady strategy often beats chasing big gains. Get your complimentary meeting with Heidi and Gerry to make a comprehensiv...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but the taxes you didn’t plan for? This episode dives into how a purpose-driven retirement strategy can help align income, investments, healthcare, and legacy planning under one cohesive approach. Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost unpack why tax planning isn’t seasonal, how overlooked risks like long-term...

What do the Kentucky Derby and your retirement plan have in common? More than you think. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost uses long shots, favorites, and race strategy to break down risk, diversification, and decision-making in retirement. The conversation also highlights the role of women in financial planning, the impact of ego in investing, and why both partners need to...

That nagging question—“Have I saved enough?”—can stop retirement plans before they even begin. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost unpacks the panic many feel heading into retirement and why the number in your account isn’t the whole story. From income planning and Social Security timing to Medicare decisions and tax strategy, the conversation hi...

“Annuity” can mean very different things depending on who’s talking. Gerry Ricken breaks down the basics—fixed, variable, and fixed indexed annuities—using plain language to explain how each works, where risk shows up, and why details like fees, liquidity, and beneficiaries matter. The conversation touches on income planning, survivor considerations, and how annuities...

Annuities spark strong opinions, but understanding how they actually work can change the conversation. Gerry and Heidi Ricken unpack why annuities are often misunderstood, how modern options differ from what many retirees remember, and where they may—or may not—fit inside a broader retirement strategy. The discussion also explores asset preservation, market volatility, liquidity tradeo...

Average returns, Social Security timing, and the 4% rule often sound reassuring—but reality is more complex. Gerry Ricken explains why these familiar ideas can mislead as retirement approaches and why sequence of returns, taxes, and income timing deserve more attention. The episode highlights how retirement planning changes once income replaces accumulation. Get your complimentary meeting wi...

Which accounts should you pull from first in retirement—and why does it matter? Gerry Ricken addresses common assumptions about Roth accounts, pensions, and withdrawal strategies, explaining how taxes, required distributions, and income timing interact over time. The episode looks at why simple answers often overlook long‑term consequences. Get your complimentary meeting with Heidi and Gerry...

Is retirement really the phase where you spend less, worry less, and let investments do all the work? Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost continue their conversation on common retirement myths—tackling Social Security fears, spending assumptions, and the belief that investments alone equal a plan. They break down why timing, income strategy, taxes, healthcare, and lifestyle choices all mat...

Can you really handle retirement planning on your own without missing critical pieces? Gerry Ricken digs into more widespread retirement misconceptions, from DIY planning and annuity misunderstandings to Social Security timing, Roth strategies, and inheritance taxes. The discussion highlights how taxes, income structure, and timing decisions ripple through retirement, often in unexpected ways. Thi...

Some retirement myths sound harmless—until they shape major decisions. This episode with Gerry Ricken & Heidi Ricken Provost tackles common misconceptions about taxes, income, and annuities, explaining why surface-level understanding often leads to confusion. The conversation emphasizes education, context, and asking better questions before acting. It’s a practical breakdown of ide...