North Georgia's Retirement Game Plan

What if claiming Social Security early could cost you more than you think? In this episode, Evan Ward of Atlas Retirement explains why decisions about Social Security, taxes, and retirement income should be based on strategy—not fear or headlines. He breaks down the real math behind benefit timing, how to avoid over-relying on online calculators, and why your assets need specific jobs, not j...

These last few weeks in the market have been unpredictable at best, volatile at worst. What moves, if any, should you be making for to your portfolio? Evan Ward looks at when you should buy and hold or when it's time to be more aggressive. Just like traffic, you can put it in cruise control, or you can reroute. Evan helps us with some suggestions when we are on the road to retirement. Ready to bui...

What do dog bites and taxes have in common? Both can sneak up and take a painful chunk out of your retirement if you’re not prepared. In this episode, Evan Ward of Atlas Retirement explains how tax diversification, strategic planning, and understanding your financial “position in the race” can help you avoid costly surprises. From chasing market rallies to the difference between...

What do destination weddings and retirement have in common? Both can cost more than you expect. In this episode, Evan Ward of Atlas Retirement shares how overlooked expenses—like taxes, healthcare, and long-term care—can derail even the most well-planned retirement. From real-life stories to practical strategies, Evan explains how to prepare for the financial surprises that often come...

Just like the friendly environment Norm always walked into on Cheers, Evan Ward wants that for his clients and anyone who he talks to at Atlas Retirement. What other lessons can we learn from Norm and how does he tie into what Evan does everyday? Plus, Bill Gates is making sure to pass on a lot of his wealth. What does Evan want to pass to his kids and how can you take similar actions in your reti...

A  94 year old bookkeeper just retired and offered tons of lessons on life, work and retirement. Evan Ward tells us what we can learn from her and some of the things to think about it when it comes to retirement and the next chapter that is retirement. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Lee Corso will be retiring this year after an incredible run on College Gameday. While his iconic phrase applies to picking football games, it can also apply to retirement planning. Evan Ward realizes that there are a few things you need to rethink when it comes to strategies for your retirement. He runs through some things he has had to pause on that clients and other advisors have said, but also...

Sometimes annuities get a bad wrap, but Evan Ward tells us how they might be a good idea for the right people and the right retirement portfolios. Each annuity is different depending on the person and the plan. And when it comes to change, retirement can feel like quite the change. Your lifestyle, where you are physically and especially how your money works for you. It's similar to Kenny Chesney p...

Ken Griffey Jr. is known for what he did in MLB and his outstanding career as a baseball player. Recently though, he has taken up a new occupation: sports photographer. Evan Ward tells us how finding another job or hobby in retirement can be helpful, so you don't feel stuck. Listen in for his strategies and how you can turn that side hustle into something more during your retirement. Ready to buil...

President Trump has talked about Social Security and eliminating federal taxes along with it. With the uncertainty surrounding the program, how should your retirement planning change? Evan Ward has some strategies and a gameplan to help you attack the unexpected when it comes to retirement. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his team to...

With all of the uncertainty and changes in the market, many are wondering if a recession is on the way. Others think that we may already be in one. What does Evan Ward think and how can we prepare our retirement plans for either scenario? Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

Everyone who lives in a big city knows that traffic is part of everyday life. But unlike the major highways at rush hour, your retirement portfolio can largely be uncluttered and cleaned up. Evan Ward provides some ways to freshen up your plan to help your money work better for you. And with the Masters wrapping up a couple weeks ago, some valuable broadcasting advice was given by Verne Lundquist....

These last few weeks in the market have been unpredictable at best, volatile at worst. What moves, if any, should you be making for to your portfolio? Evan Ward looks at when you should buy and hold or when it's time to be more aggressive. Just like traffic, you can put it in cruise control, or you can reroute. Evan helps us with some suggestions when we are on the road to retirement. Ready to bui...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin discuss Tom Brady and his "super power" that allowed him to be so successful on the field. If Evan had a super power in retirement planning, what would it be? How could that benefit his current clients and those who may be retired or retiring soon? Find out on a new SUPER episode of North Georgia's Retirement Gameplan! Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit  ht...

Sometimes annuities get a bad wrap, but Evan Ward tells us how they might be a good idea for the right people and the right retirement portfolios. Each annuity is different depending on the person and the plan. And when it comes to change, retirement can feel like quite the change. Your lifestyle, where you are physically and especially how your money works for you. It's similar to Kenny Chesney p...

Just like spring cleaning around the house, your retirement plan could use some sprucing up as well. Evan Ward gives us a couple of places to look at in our portfolio and how we can tidy them up to make our money work better and smarter. Along with the spring cleaning talk, Evan also dives into the topic of debt and how that can affect a plan and ways to reduce it. Ready to build your retirement p...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin dive into all things retirement and retirement planning. This week, they take a look at something that all of us are starting to encounter on a daily basis, AI. Is there a place for AI in your retirement plan? What are some of the benefits and what does Evan think is the best blend of technology vs. human input? Find out ways technology can affect or impact your retirem...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin tackle all things retirement planning on this week's episode. With the baseball season right around the corner, Evan and Kevin talk about the outdated facial hair policy that the New York Yankees just got rid of. What outdated policies and practices could be plaguing your retirement portfolio? The guys dive into two big ones and tell you how to avoid them for your finan...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin dive into retirement discussions on this week's episode. Specifically, they take a look at what it will look like if the Trump tax cuts will be extended. And regardless, how you should take advantage of low tax rates however long they may last. With the help of comedian Zoltan Kaszas, the guys discuss how folks are living longer and how that means your retirement plan h...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin discuss Tom Brady and his "super power" that allowed him to be so successful on the field. If Evan had a super power in retirement planning, what would it be? How could that benefit his current clients and those who may be retired or retiring soon? Find out on a new SUPER episode of North Georgia's Retirement Gameplan! Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit  ht...

Evan Ward and Kevin McAlpin look at the risks of making assumptions in retirement. From health to thinking that an inheritance is a done deal, they run through why that's not a good idea because it can affect your retirement in the long run. After all, we know what happens when you assume... Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his team t...

Evan Ward details why and how hiring a financial advisor shouldn't be a stressful process. If you have thought about whether or not it's the right time to work with a financial professional, this episode is for you. Evan details a client story and how she realized all of her concerns were put to ease by just speaking with a professional like Evan. For this and other information on retirement and r...

Evan Ward honors the life of Bob Uecker and appreciates the lessons he taught us in life, baseball and even retirement. What can we learn about our retirement plan and retirement as a whole from the legendary baseball icon? And if we're not ready to retire, Bob has some insight on that too. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his team to...

With Christmas in the rearview, Evan Ward talks about the difference in dead and lazy money. And how do gift cards give us an example of that dead and lazy money in our retirement plans? What can we do to make sure we have our money pulling its weight for us? Tune into this episode to find out! Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://atlasretirement.net/ to connect with Evan and his tea...

Evan Ward talks about diversifying your portfolio and tells a story about a family member who was basically using a hammer to complete an entire construction project when it came to her retirement plan. Make sure you know when you need a hammer and when you need a saw... or something else! Plus what do fees get you and are they worth it? How does this relate to Starbucks? Join Evan as he walks you...