Mason Street Retirement Insights

Interest rates are shifting—and so should your retirement strategy. In this episode, Sean Mason breaks down how the Fed’s rate cuts are impacting CDs, annuities, and fixed income products, and why locking in favorable yields now could be crucial. From spending volatility in early retirement to the risks of relying solely on Social Security and pensions, Sean shares real-life planning s...

Is your retirement strategy missing out on thousands? This episode dives into Roth conversion season, revealing how timing and expert advice can make or break your financial future. Learn why private equity is shaking up 401(k)s, and discover the red flags that signal it’s time to put your financial advisor in the hot seat. Real-life stories and actionable insights from Sean Mason help you n...

Are you worried it’s too late to secure your retirement? Discover why planning beats guessing as Paul and Travis Ivanoff tackle the biggest myths and anxieties facing retirees today. From overcoming the fear of starting late to navigating Medicare changes and breaking outdated retirement “rules,” this episode delivers practical strategies for building confidence and clarity in yo...

What happens when your “guaranteed” retirement income isn’t as secure as you think? In this episode, Sean Mason explores the realities behind Medicare changes, income strategies, and the risks of relying on pensions and annuities. Learn why understanding the fine print and planning for uncertainty are essential for protecting your retirement lifestyle and peace of mind. Schedule...

Is the bull market here to stay, or is a financial fire lurking in your retirement plan? Join Sean Mason, president of Mason Street Wealth Management, as he unpacks the latest market trends, reveals strategies to balance growth and protection, and explains how to build a retirement plan that lets you choose your future. From risk tolerance to portfolio “flight risks,” discover how inte...

Is your retirement plan ready for the next headline? This episode dives into how Social Security pairs with other income streams, real-life stories of retirees balancing lifestyle and certainty, and the political risks that could reshape your financial future. Discover actionable insights and strategies to help you navigate market volatility, legislative changes, and the unknowns of retirement. Sc...

Think a 1% fee won’t impact your retirement? Discover how hidden costs and overlooked fees can slash your savings—and why understanding your financial team matters as much as your investments. Sean Mason explains the real value of financial advice, shares strategies for monitoring fees, and explores the emotional side of retirement, including finding purpose and community after leaving...

Is Warren Buffett’s move to billions in cash a warning for your retirement strategy? On this episode, Sean Mason breaks down what Buffett’s actions mean for everyday investors, reveals how tax bracket management can save you thousands, and exposes the hidden dangers of required minimum distributions. Plus, practical tips to keep more of your retirement income and avoid costly surprises...

What does your risk tolerance really say about your retirement plan? In this episode, Sean Mason breaks down how emotions and pragmatism shape your investment strategy—and why revisiting risk tolerance regularly is essential. Plus, we explore the new “Trump accounts” and how they compare to 529 plans for saving toward your grandkids’ future. Whether you're decades away or a...

What do outdated school lessons and retirement planning myths have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Mason Street Retirement Insights , Sean Mason breaks down the retirement “rules” that no longer serve today’s retirees—or maybe never did. From the 4% withdrawal myth to the misunderstood Rule of 100, Sean explains why personalized strategy beats one-size-fi...

Is “boring” the new smart when it comes to retirement planning? In this episode of  Mason Street Retirement Insights , Sean Mason breaks down how rising interest rates, annuity strategies, and recession risks are reshaping retirement decisions. From leveraging today’s rate environment to tailoring risk by time horizon, Sean shares real client stories and practical insights t...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t market volatility—but taxes? In this episode, Sean Mason breaks down the complexities of Roth conversions and why timing and strategy matter more than common sense. From RMDs and widow tax penalties to legislative risk and legacy planning, Sean explains how tax diversification can protect your lifestyle and your heirs. Plus, hear how...

What happens when retirement dreams meet real-life fears? In this episode, Sean Mason shares the emotional story that led him into financial advising and how it shaped his mission to help others retire with clarity and confidence. From income planning to long-term care concerns, Sean dives into the realities of retirement and how to prepare for the unexpected. Whether you're five years out or alre...

Sean Mason talks about 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold’s lack of fear with his cancer diagnosis. Then they relate that to why people are so anxious about unexpected events in their lives. Sean shares some tools and tips on how to plan for those…and the important question to ask first. And Sean shares his love of nature in Yosemite and the start of waterfall season. Schedule your...

Sean Mason discusses how going broke is a main concern of so many people. Then he expresses a major misconception people have about retirement: money saved vs. future income. Sean gives a general rule of thumb to help people determine what they need annually, describes different retirement income tools, and shares how inflation and taxes need to be in the equation. Sean also describes his “R...

Sean Mason talks about annuities and explains how they work and why they often are a key ingredient in retirement income. He also shares the negative perception that annuities have but how fixed annuities and their preserved principals often remedy that. Sean also talks about hiking in California and the longest hike he has ever taken. Click here to schedule a complimentary appointment with the Ma...

Sean Mason discusses the differences between tax planning and tax preparation. He shares some mistakes that people make in when they draw from retirement accounts and why taking steps years ahead of time can potentially save someone thousands of dollars. Sean also explains how people’s lifestyles are affected when taxes increase and why paying taxes in the present is often better than down t...

Sean Mason discusses the many benefits of Roth conversions. He first describes what a Roth IRA is and the limitations they have and then compares that to the many ways people can use Roth conversions. Sean explains why people who need money to be liquid should be wary of a Roth conversion and warns of tax implications in converting that money. Sean describes the strategies and planning that his te...

Sean Mason talks about two popular buckets of money. He explains what people misunderstand about qualified money accounts and why they need to be very considerate of the tax implications down the line. Sean also talks about common accounts that people realize are non-qualified – that people have already paid taxes on. And Sean shares why there are so many exceptions and rules and that people...

Sean Mason discusses the required minimum distribution. He defines it and shares the complicated formula for the ages at which people begin having to take RMDs. Sean shares which accounts have RMDs and why and explains when they are due and the penalties for missing the date. Sean also shares why having Mason Street Retirement Insights assist people in this process is important, since this puzzle...

Sean Mason talks all things social security. He explains how SSI is complicated and has many nuances, along with the ages can and must take it and the strategies in doing so. Sean also describes the factors that determine when people start drawing social security and the effects that can have on taxation. And Sean shares how winter in Fresno has been and how they could use some rain. Click here to...

Sean Mason discusses one of the most popular retirement plans: the 401(k). Sean defines what it is and how it interfaces with people’s taxes. Sean also compares a 401(k) to a Roth 401(k) and shares how no single plan is the single answer for someone. He also talks about how retirement planning is like a descent down a mountain and takes careful planning. And Sean discusses his sports rooting...

Sean Mason talks about growing up in a small town in Northern California and then going to college and staying in Fresno. He describes his move from the advertising industry to finance and how talks with his mom prompted that. Sean also describes Mason Street Wealth Management as a full-service firm and tells listeners why some other firms simply do not do enough for retirees. See omnystudio.com/l...

Wherever you are on your road to retirement, now Mason Street Wealth Management can come with you! Mason Street Retirement Insights is a convenient new podcast show hosted by Sean Mason where you can get the financial information and professional insights that will help you convert your ideal vision of retirement into an actionable financial plan and investment strategy.  On each episode, Sea...