Middle Class Millionaire: Advisor Conversations with John Choi, CFP®

We heard from a listener who has managed their own money for years and done well. So why would they need an advisor now that retirement is around the corner? WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

We got a great question from a listener: "My investments didn't do as well in the last 12 months as the overall market has done. Should I be re-evaluating my advisor based on this lack of performance?" It’s a question a lot of people ask at some point in their investing lives. Let’s break it down on today’s episode. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-24...

In this episode of Middle Class Millionaire , John discusses key considerations for financial advisors working with senior and elderly clients. He highlights the importance of trusted contacts, long-term care planning, and maintaining proper documentation to protect both clients and advisors. John also explains common estate planning pitfalls- such as unfunded trusts and missing documents- and how...

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Let’s break it down. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

In this episode of Middle Class Millionaire , John dives into how the financial advisory industry is evolving beyond traditional investment management.  He discusses why true value comes from holistic financial planning- covering foundational principles, insurance, investing, tax, retirement, and estate planning- and how advisors can better serve clients in every area of their financial lives.  Jo...

Today’s listener question gets right to the heart of retirement planning: how much is enough? They’ve saved a lot, but not quite what they hoped. So can they still retire comfortably, or is that magic number just out of reach? WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your income’s too high, there’s a hidden surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands a year. It’s called IRMAA. And most people don’t see it coming. Let’s break down who’s impacted and how to avoid it. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

What does it take to build a successful financial planning career in today’s world? In this episode, CFP® professional Tori Ten Hagen shares her journey from starting in the industry during COVID to building a client-focused practice in Dallas. She and John talk about the challenges new advisors face, why tax and retirement planning dominate client conversations, and the best practices that make p...

Welcome to a new season of Middle Class Millionaire! We’re excited to spend this season chatting with financial professionals and students to explore their unique perspectives, stories, and strategies for success in the industry. This episode, John sits down with two seasoned financial advisors, TJ and CB, to talk about the impact the CFP® designation has had on their practices.  WAYS TO CONNECT:...

Year-end planning is always a smart move, so this week on Middle Class Millionaire, John shares essential checklist items to wrap up 2024 strong. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at exciting podcast changes coming in 2025 and catch up with John after a brief break- don’t miss it! WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

Next up: uncover the critical mistakes many make when choosing a financial advisor. We're cutting through the noise to highlight what often goes wrong—from misplaced trust in big names to overlooking the fine print. This episode is your essential guide to avoiding those pitfalls and making informed decisions that align with your financial goals. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that...

Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. By regularly assessing your budget, goals, and progress, you can make informed decisions to keep your finances on track. Although financial wellness is going to look different for everyone, we’ll share some areas you s...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that e...

Unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning, but does it deliver? This episode takes a critical look at the wave of innovations, from personal finance management software to online calculators, and questions whether they truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-...

Welcome back to Middle Class Millionaire! In this week's episode, we're going to touch on a couple of different financial planning topics. Stay tuned as John and Marc chat about procrastination, the benefits of side hustles, and whether to keep, sell, or rent out a second property in retirement. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit....

Every generation likes to talk about how much harder things used to be when they were kids. Like all of the people who used to have to walk five miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways. But they had at least one thing that was EASIER…and that was retirement planning. Let’s talk about why on today’s episode. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : htt...

Welcome back to part 2 of a conversation that might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor?  We explore the pros and cons of practices like paying off debt early, keeping up with financial news, and more. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected...

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected effects of everyday money decisions. Are your goo...

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards… WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net/ Phone : 847-247-0850 Blog : https://bit.ly/3CNltG2

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're back to explore the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From overlooked savings tricks to smarter insurance choices, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life. If you missed part 1 of this episo...

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From overlooked savings tricks to smarter insurance choices, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.j...

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt… Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? In today’s episode, explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you. WAYS TO CONNECT: Website : https://www.johnchoi.net...

In today's episode, we're taking a close look at high-net-worth individuals - those who have accumulated significant wealth and face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Unlike the average person, their financial considerations go beyond the basics. We'll explore the distinct strategies and factors that come into play when securing a comfortable and pros...