Ready, Set, Retire!

What if the biggest retirement mistake isn’t choosing the wrong annuity—but not understanding what you already own? Steve Anzuoni breaks down why annuities create so much confusion, how retirees can avoid costly planning mistakes, and why guaranteed income plays a critical role in long-term retirement confidence. He shares a real-world example of aligning income and long-term care conc...

Are you saving for retirement—or saving yourself from actually living it? This episode explores how fear of running out of money leads many to hoard wealth instead of creating meaningful experiences. Steve Anzuoni discusses shifting the focus from accumulation to income, using strategies that prioritize steady cash flow, tax-efficient wealth transfer, and personal fulfillment. From guarantee...

What if retirement confidence came down to one thing—your paycheck? Steve Anzuoni breaks down why income planning—not market performance—is the foundation of a steady retirement. He explains how combining income strategies with wealth management can reduce guesswork, create reliable cash flow, and help address inflation concerns. From guaranteed lifetime income to being proactive...

What if your retirement plan isn’t built to replace your paycheck? This episode breaks down why 401(k)s alone may fall short and how retirement really comes down to creating reliable income. Steve Anzuoni explains the gap between expectations and reality, the risks of relying on hypothetical projections, and why income planning—not just saving—is critical. From Social Security ti...

Could your retirement plan be quietly costing you more than you realize? Steve Anzuoni breaks down the surprising pros and cons of moving retirement funds, including proposed changes to Roth IRA rules and what they could mean for your control and taxes. He highlights the hidden impact of fees, the importance of tax planning over guesswork, and why relying on workplace-only advice can lead to costl...

A conversation at Mar-a-Lago brings an unexpected takeaway: retirement success starts with one word—planning. Steve Anzuoni breaks down insights from Donald Trump Jr. on why early preparation, understanding the fundamentals, and staying adaptable matter at any income level. Steve explores how disciplined planning helps protect wealth, manage uncertainty, and create reliable income streams. F...

What if your retirement lasts 40 years—will your savings keep up? This episode breaks down why a large 401(k) balance isn’t the same as a reliable income plan and why longevity is reshaping retirement strategy. Steve Anzuoni explains how to turn scattered savings into a structured “paycheck,” the role Social Security plays, and why timing matters when claiming benefits. The...

Annuities are back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons you might expect. On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down why more retirees and advisors are reexamining annuities as part of today’s retirement income conversations. He shares his long‑standing focus on cash flow, income stability, and avoiding emotion‑driven financial decisions. The discussion also explores replacing lost pens...

Market swings may grab headlines, but the real retirement risk often shows up quietly. On this episode, Steve Anzuoni explores why many near-retirees feel less confident despite strong markets, and why relying solely on a growing 401(k) can be misleading. The conversation covers shifting from accumulation to income planning, the role of rebalancing, rising healthcare costs, and why flexibility mat...

Is your retirement confidence built on real planning—or just a strong market streak? On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down why rising market gains can create a false sense of security without a written income plan. He explains the difference between saving for retirement and planning real retirement income, highlights the risks of market timing and sequence-of-returns, and discusses how...

Annuities don’t fail retirees—confusion does. On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down why so many people misunderstand annuities and how that confusion can derail an otherwise solid retirement plan. Steve explains the difference between simple and complex income products, why goals matter more than rates, and how guaranteed income can change how retirees actually live and spend...

Inflation is everywhere, yet many retirees say they’re doing just fine—so what’s really going on? On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down how retirees are absorbing rising costs, why guaranteed income matters more than headlines, and how to think clearly about cash flow once the paycheck stops. The conversation cuts through fear, financial noise, and novelty investments—...

What happens when a lifetime of saving suddenly feels fragile? On this episode Steve Anzuoni breaks down the emotional shift from accumulation to retirement and why a “pile of money” isn’t the same as a plan. The conversation explores market volatility near retirement, assigning purpose to savings, and the bucket-based approach to income, growth, emergencies, and enjoyment. You&r...

One simple habit could quietly unravel a retirement plan—and most couples don’t realize it until it’s too late. Steve Anzuoni unpacks why treating one partner as “the money person” creates unnecessary risk, especially when life changes fast. The conversation moves through shared financial awareness, Social Security realities, income gaps, common retirement myths, and...

Market swings, war headlines, and retirement jitters collide—so what actually matters when your paycheck stops? On this episode, Steve Anzuoni cuts through volatility to focus on retirement income, guaranteed cash flow, and why a pile of savings isn’t the same as a plan. They break down income “buckets,” the psychology of spending in retirement, and how guaranteed sources l...

What if the real retirement risk isn’t market swings, but losing the paycheck you depend on? Steve Anzuoni breaks down why so many Americans doubt retirement is even possible and why replacing income matters more than chasing growth. He explains the shift from pensions to personal savings, the role Social Security really plays, and how an income‑first approach can change how people think abo...

When everyday expenses start competing with your future, where should the line be drawn? On this episode Steve Anzuoni breaks down why tapping retirement accounts can be a costly move and why separating money by purpose matters more than ever. The conversation explores “bucket” strategies for income, emergencies, inflation, and fun, along with real-world examples of using existing asse...

A tax refund can be more than a windfall—it can become a turning point. On this episode Steve Anzuoni breaks down how recent tax law changes may impact retirees and near retirees, then explores smarter ways to put that money to work. The conversation covers legacy planning, retirement income versus account balances, and the real difference between retirement and financial freedom. Steve expl...

One spouse does the dishes, the other does the money—until retirement makes that division risky. On this episode Steve Anzuoni unpacks why both partners must understand the full financial picture. The conversation covers shared responsibility, Social Security’s role in retirement income, strategies that address longevity and market swings, and a simple “bucket” framework fo...

What if the next financial shock isn’t a market crash—but your own personal debt? On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down rising credit card interest rates, the national debt debate, and why managing your personal finances matters more than predicting the next “black swan.” He dives into market uncertainty, political gridlock, luxury habits of the ultra‑rich, and how eve...

When rising costs force tough financial choices, how do you protect your future without sacrificing your present? On this episode, Steve Anzuoni explores why Americans are cutting retirement savings, the real difference between needs and wants, and how spending habits matter as much as account balances. He breaks down the transition from building wealth to using it wisely, the hidden risks in poli...

A surprising truth about your 401(k) could change the way you think about retirement. In this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down the hidden tax traps retirees face and reveals how proactive planning can help you keep more of what you’ve earned. From creating tax‑efficient income to understanding guaranteed lifetime payout options, Steve and Jessica dive into practical strategies that help re...

A surprising retirement strategy could turn a required tax burden into a powerful wealth‑building opportunity. On this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down proactive tax planning, smart RMD moves, and a little‑known way retirees can create tax‑free legacy dollars for their families. Jessica Forkel guides the conversation as they explore why couples should tackle money decisions together, how Social...

What if one retirement decision could reshape your financial future? On this episode of Ready, Set, Retire Podcast , Steve Anzuoni breaks down the rising interest in Social Security bridging — what it is, who benefits, and why timing matters. Steve tackles myths, longevity planning, guaranteed income strategies, inflation concerns, and the real questions retirees are asking today. From delay...

A simple lobster story turns into a revealing lesson about how retirement planning really works. In this episode, Steve Anzuoni breaks down why saving consistently is only half the battle — the real challenge begins when you shift from accumulation to creating sustainable income. Steve shares insights on 401(k) habits, common retirement missteps, and why specialized guidance matters when bui...