M&A Wealth Podcast

Deciding when to retire is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions many people make. While age can be one factor, retirement readiness often depends on income, expenses, healthcare planning, debt, lifestyle goals, and overall financial preparedness. In this episode, we review eight signs that may suggest you are closer to being ready for retirement. These signs can help guide your thi...

Preparing for retirement involves more than estimating how much you have saved. It also means understanding what you may spend. In this episode, we discuss common retirement expenses to consider, including housing, healthcare, taxes, insurance, lifestyle spending, and unexpected costs. Planning ahead may help you build a more realistic retirement strategy and reduce surprises later. This episode i...

The new year can be a helpful time to review your financial goals and consider what changes may support your future. In this episode, we discuss financial New Year’s resolutions that may help you build better habits, including reviewing your budget, saving more consistently, managing debt, preparing for unexpected expenses, and revisiting your retirement strategy. Financial planning is personal, a...

Social Security may play an important role in a retirement income strategy, but it is only one part of the overall plan. In this episode, we discuss Social Security considerations for 2025 and why retirees and pre-retirees may want to review how benefits fit with other income sources, expenses, taxes, and long-term goals. Social Security rules can be complex, and claiming decisions may affect your...

Most people are familiar with a bucket list, but what about an anti-bucket list? In financial and retirement planning, it can be just as helpful to think about what you may want to avoid. In this episode, we discuss financial habits and planning mistakes that could be worth adding to your anti-bucket list. Topics may include unnecessary debt, overlooking healthcare costs, delaying important planni...

Many retirees consider going back to work for different reasons. For some, it may be about additional income. For others, it may be about structure, purpose, social connection, or staying active. In this episode, we discuss key considerations before returning to work after retirement, including income needs, taxes, benefits, lifestyle goals, and how employment may affect your broader retirement st...

Generation X is getting closer to retirement, and many are managing multiple financial priorities at the same time. Some may be supporting children, helping aging parents, paying down debt, or trying to increase retirement savings. In this episode, we discuss retirement planning considerations for Gen X, including savings, income planning, healthcare costs, debt management, and long-term financial...

If you have a retirement account from a former employer, you may be wondering what to do with it. Should you leave it where it is, consider a rollover, or evaluate other options? In this episode, we discuss important factors to consider, including fees, investment choices, taxes, account access, and how the account may fit into your broader retirement strategy. Every situation is different, and th...

Year-end can be an important opportunity to pause, review your financial picture, and make thoughtful planning decisions before the new year begins. In this video, we cover key areas you may want to review, including savings goals, retirement contributions, tax planning considerations, investment accounts, charitable giving, insurance, and overall financial priorities. A year-end review could help...

Many people wonder, “How much money do I really need to retire?” The answer depends on your lifestyle, goals, income needs, healthcare costs, inflation, and how long your retirement may last. In this video, we explore the idea of a retirement “magic number” and why it should be personalized rather than based on a generic rule of thumb. With thoughtful planning, you may be able to better understand...

Gen X is getting closer to retirement, and planning decisions made now could have a meaningful impact. This video covers retirement strategies to consider, including savings, taxes, income planning, and working with a financial professional.

Many people want to protect what they have worked hard to build, especially near or during retirement. But playing it too safe may also create challenges, such as inflation risk, reduced growth potential, or not keeping pace with long-term income needs. In this video, we discuss why “safe” financial decisions are not always risk-free and how a balanced strategy may help align your investments with...

Retiring early is a major financial decision that can affect your income, healthcare, taxes, investments, and long-term lifestyle. Before making the transition, it may be important to understand how you will cover expenses, when to claim Social Security, how to handle healthcare before Medicare, and how your savings may need to last over a longer retirement period. In this video, we discuss key co...

Retirement income planning requires ongoing attention, especially as rules, market conditions, interest rates, and personal circumstances change over time. In this video, we discuss why 2026 may be an important year to review your retirement income strategy. Whether you are already retired or preparing to retire, it may be helpful to evaluate income sources, tax planning, Social Security timing, i...

When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it can influence many areas of personal finance. Borrowing costs, savings rates, mortgage rates, bond yields, and investment markets may all be affected in different ways. In this video, we explain what a Fed rate cut could mean for individuals, retirees, investors, and those planning major financial decisions. While lower rates may create opportunitie...

Market downturns are a normal part of investing, but they can create uncertainty and emotional decision-making. In this video, we discuss ways to think about financial risk during periods of market volatility. Topics may include diversification, cash reserves, time horizon, income needs, portfolio reviews, and the importance of avoiding reactionary decisions. A well-designed strategy may help you...

Life insurance and Roth IRAs can both play important roles in financial planning, but they are designed for different needs. A Roth IRA may provide tax-advantaged retirement savings, while life insurance may offer protection for loved ones and potential legacy planning benefits. In this video, we explore how these tools differ, what questions to ask, and why the right strategy depends on your goal...

Beneficiary designations are often overlooked, but they can be an important part of a complete financial strategy. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, and investment accounts may allow you to name beneficiaries directly. In this video, we discuss why beneficiary planning matters, what could happen if designations are outdated, and why it may be wise to review them after ma...

Retirement planning includes many moving parts. From income planning and Social Security to healthcare, taxes, estate planning, and investment reviews, having a clear to-do list may help you stay organized. In this episode, we walk through important retirement to-dos that may help you prepare for the transition and manage your financial life in retirement. These steps may include reviewing income...

Medicare is an important part of healthcare planning in retirement, but understanding what it covers can be confusing. Original Medicare may help cover hospital care, doctor visits, preventive services, and certain medically necessary treatments, but it may not cover every healthcare cost. In this episode, we discuss what Medicare may cover without extra coverage and why retirees may want to revie...

Estate planning is not only for the wealthy. It can help clarify your wishes, protect loved ones, guide decisions if you become unable to act, and determine how assets may be handled after death. In this episode, we explain why many people may benefit from an estate plan and what documents or decisions may be involved, such as wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designati...

Even the best financial plans can face unexpected challenges. Market changes, healthcare costs, family needs, inflation, job changes, and emergencies can all affect your retirement strategy. In this episode, we discuss planning steps that may help you prepare for the unexpected, including emergency savings, insurance reviews, income planning, healthcare considerations, estate documents, and regula...

Retirement is not just about reaching a savings number. The details of your plan may affect your income, taxes, healthcare costs, Social Security strategy, withdrawals, estate planning, and long-term financial confidence. In this episode, we discuss why the details matter in retirement planning and what you may want to review before making major decisions. From timing and income sources to risk ma...

Choosing when to retire is one of the most important decisions in a retirement plan. The timing may affect Social Security, Medicare, retirement withdrawals, taxes, healthcare coverage, and your overall income strategy. In this episode, we discuss the idea of “two retirement windows” and why certain timing opportunities may be more favorable depending on your age, income needs, savings, benefits,...