Money Matters with Mike

A million dollars might sound like the goal… but in retirement, it's not about the number—it’s about the income . On this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into why an income strategy matters more than a big pile of cash, and how you can create guaranteed lifetime income that lasts as long as you do. Learn about: Why hope is not a plan How to turn s...

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about starting life on your terms. But without the right plan, retirement can become a different kind of stress. In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and producer Matt McClure walk you through a step-by-step summer checklist to upgrade your retirement plan. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already enjoying your gold...

On this week’s episode of Money Matters with Mike , Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure go back to basics and unpack the essential strategies to help you retire confidently—no matter how much you’ve saved so far. Learn how to: ✅ Maximize your Social Security benefits ✅ Eliminate your mortgage and boost monthly cash flow ✅ Build a personal pension for lifetime income ✅ Make smart, tax-efficient...

This week on Money Matters with Mike , we’re unpacking the truth about annuities — and why they’ve stood the test of time from Jane Austen to Julius Caesar to today’s retirees. Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into how annuities work, what makes a good one (and a bad one), and why guaranteed income is so vital in retirement. Plus, we tackle the hidden fees lurking in many portfolios and ho...

Your investment strategy should match your age — and your goals. In this episode, Mike and Matt talk about how to transition from saving to spending in retirement, why decumulation is often misunderstood, and how to catch up even if you started late. Plus: the age-appropriate guide to investing in your 40s, 50s, and 60s. Whether you're nearing retirement or already living it, this episode delivers...

Guest : Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, Ophthalmologist, National Eye Institute   ️ May is Healthy Vision Month , and Matt McClure sits down with Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger , an ophthalmologist with the National Eye Institute , to explore how your eye health connects to your overall wellness —especially as you age. We discuss: How conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure impact your visi...

In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into why retirement isn’t about hitting a magic number — it’s about reliable income . Learn how to transform your portfolio into a personal pension, how to align your investments with your goals, and how to reduce risk as retirement approaches. Plus: ✅ The #1 mistake retirees make with their savings ✅ The...

On this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure reveal the truth about retirement—it’s not about your age, it’s about your income. Learn how to assess your financial landscape, prevent the dreaded “retirement tax bomb,” and build a sustainable income plan that replaces your paycheck for life. From Social Security strategies and life insurance solutions to spen...

In this bonus episode, we dive into the importance of tackling credit card debt before it spirals out of control. You'll hear insights from Robin Growley of Bank of America, who shares practical tips and a message of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt. Whether you're just starting to manage your finances or already feeling buried, this interview reminds us it’s never too late to take cont...

Concerned about market volatility and your retirement future? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , financial pro Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure explore how to protect your retirement savings while still enjoying potential growth. Discover how to take control of your 401(k), make smart portfolio adjustments, and avoid devastating mistakes in the retirement red zone. Plus, what you need...

On this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure reveal a step-by-step checklist for a secure retirement. From income planning and Social Security strategies to healthcare coverage and tax-saving tips, they cover everything you need to know to retire with confidence — even during chaotic times. Get peace of mind for your future at MoneyMattersWithMike.com   --...

Tariffs. Inflation. Market volatility. Retirees and pre-retirees are feeling the pressure—but there’s a smarter way to respond. On this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure break down what’s happening in the markets and how retirees should react. Learn why diversification matters now more than ever, how to shift from accumulation to income, and what strateg...

Retirement can feel like a minefield—especially when taxes, market swings, and health costs come into play. Mike Zaino shares proactive strategies to help you avoid the four biggest threats to your retirement plan. Topics covered: How to protect your savings from market downturns What rising taxes and IRMAs mean for your nest egg The surprising power of life insurance in retirement planning Why So...

Procrastinated on your taxes? You’re not alone—but time’s almost up. Matt McClure shares urgent insights from Jackson Hewitt’s Mark Steber on what you  must  do before April 15 to avoid major penalties. From filing extensions to natural disaster relief, don’t miss this last-minute tax survival guide.   -- Whether you’re five years from retirement or already living it, this episode gives you practi...

It’s America Saves Week—a perfect time to recommit to those financial resolutions you made in January. In this special podcast extra, Matt McClure speaks with Robin Growley, Head of Consumer Deposits at Bank of America, about smart, simple ways to build your savings. From automating deposits to using the 50/30/20 rule, learn how to set yourself up for financial success—without feeling overwhelmed....

Worried about market crashes, inflation, or running out of money in retirement? You’re not alone—and this episode is packed with the smart strategies you need to take back control. Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure break down how to rebuild after a downturn, step by step. You’ll learn: ✅ How to perform a “SMART Inspection” of your financial plan Ways to uncover hidden fees and income gaps Why y...

Is your financial house in order? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino shares practical steps to get organized, reduce financial stress, and prepare for a more confident retirement. You’ll learn: How to “spring clean” your finances The importance of revisiting your financial goals Tips to clean out your financial junk drawer How to make the most of retirement contributions...

In this powerful episode of Money Matters with Mike , we tackle a topic that too many families avoid—the money talk. Whether you're planning for retirement, already living it, or supporting aging parents, open and honest financial conversations are key to protecting your future and your dignity. Mike and Matt cover: Why now is the right time to talk money How to make your wishes known and protect...

Is your current home the best fit for your retirement? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , we explore the pros and cons of downsizing, relocating, or staying put as you age. From emotional ties and social connections to home maintenance costs and financial implications, Mike Zaino helps you weigh your options and make the best decision for your future. Plus, insights on the best retiremen...

Retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about protecting what you’ve built. This episode explores the key risks retirees face, from losing their steady paycheck to hidden investment fees that can quietly drain their accounts. Mike Zaino explains how to build a resilient retirement plan, maximize Social Security, and create income streams that last a lifetime.   Listen to Previous Episodes: https:/...

Market swings got you worried? On this episode of Money Matters with Mike , we’re diving into market volatility, why staying invested matters, and how to protect your nest egg from unexpected downturns. Mike and Matt share smart strategies to safeguard your income, manage risks, and plan for rising healthcare costs—because a confident retirement starts with a solid plan!   Listen to Previous Episo...

Are you unknowingly sitting on a retirement tax bomb? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike, we break down how your retirement income is taxed—Social Security, IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and more. Learn how to create a tax-efficient retirement strategy and explore powerful tools like Roth conversions, QCDs, and tax-smart withdrawal sequencing. Tune in now to keep more of your hard-earned money!...

The market is always changing—are you prepared for what’s next? In this episode of Money Matters with Mike , host Mike Zaino and co-host Matt McClure dive into the realities of market volatility, the history of major downturns, and what they mean for your retirement. From the Great Depression to the COVID-19 crash, we explore the lessons history teaches us and how to protect your nest egg from unc...

How much risk should you take in retirement? What’s the best way to protect your savings? And how do taxes fit into the equation? Host Mike Zaino tackles these critical questions, helping you design a retirement plan that balances growth, safety, and tax efficiency.   Listen to Previous Episodes: https://moneymatterswithmike.com/episodes/ Connect with Mike: https://moneymatterswithmike.com/contact...

The IRS is now accepting tax returns for the 2024 tax year. As usual, the deadline to file is April 15th, but if you are thinking of procrastinating, think again! Matt McClure speaks with Mark Steber of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service about importance of filing soon, changes to tax law this year, and more things to consider.   Listen to Previous Episodes: https://moneymatterswithmike.com/episodes/ Conn...