Ready, Set, Retire!

The Federal Reserve just raised interest rates.  And it will likely not be the last time - what does that mean for you, your money and your retirement? How concerned should be about the Fed? Hear Steve explain how he can help you grow and protect your income despite the Fed, record high inflation and big tax changes coming our way. We can't control inflation, the market or the Fed but you CAN cont...

We know that when you draw up a retirement plan, you certainly include Social Security in the income picture.  For those who are on the verge of taking it, what steps can they take to maximize their benefits? Then, annuities are insurance contracts that are designed to help protect you from outliving your retirement income.  And there are different types and products to choose from.  But the one o...

Wall Street is famous for saying, “The market always comes back.”  And it usually does.  The question is how long it will take?  Amid the ups and downs, hear how Steve can you help limit the losses and cut down on recovery time!  Call Steve today for your complimentary Portfolio Review!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Security Administration has announced its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023.  It’s 8.7% - the highest in 40 years.  Is that something you warn clients about? Then, there’s a guy in Brazil who can count all the companies he’s worked for on one finger.  Walter Orthmann is 100 years old and recently set a new world record for longest career at the same company – 84 years!  He has n...

Let’s pretend that time travel was possible.  What decade of your life would you choose to experience all over again?  A new survey of seniors found their number one answer was their 30s.  Many described that decade as their best and happiest.  So, what financial advice would you tell your younger self?    Call Steve today for that Comprehensive Retirement Plan, its never too late to start financi...

One of the biggest chains for breakfast in America is Waffle House (located in 25 states).  But what customers don’t realize is the cooks use an elaborate “marking system” that helps them get the order right.  So, they’re using something they see, but we don’t.  Isn’t that the same when it comes to a portfolio or 401(k)? When you review them, what do you often see that we don’t?  Then, he’s been t...

Sometimes a rocky economy is like a football game.  Market volatility, high inflation and the threat of recession can tackle even a good retirement plan and throw it for a huge loss.  So, is there a tool that can withstand these threats? Then, a recent survey (by GOBanking Rates) shows that many Americans are in desperate need of retirement information.  More than half wish they had more education...

A website called TheBalance.com warns that a big mistake too many married couples make is they think about their retirement future based on “my money, your money.”  But if they look at the picture jointly, their money may last longer.  What problems have you seen couples encounter?  Do you insist on involving both spouses in their retirement planning?  Call Steve today for your customized retireme...

What is an annuity? They provide a steady stream of guaranteed income in retirement.  Annuity advocate Sheryl Moore with WinkIntel.com recommends looking into annuities but be careful if you start to feel pressure. Hear Steve explain the different types of annuities, how to know if it's a fit for you and the red flags to avoid!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation remains high, and things are still more expensive.  So, people need more guaranteed income in retirement because bonds aren’t getting it done.  That’s where annuities can help fill the need.  But many still hesitate.  Steve explains the benefits of an annuity and how he can help you achieve income for LIFE!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airline staffing issues have led to a shortage of baggage handlers.  The result?  The number of unclaimed bags has soared.  After 90 days, much of this luggage heads to the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, Alabama. The same thing applies to ‘lost’ retirement funds.  People forget about 401(k)s and pensions when they change jobs or leave their retirement account in an old employer’s plan.  So...

Planning for retirement doesn't have to be stressful - Steve make's it easy, simple and FUN! Here's something most retired couples don’t think about:  When one of you passes, one of your monthly Social Security checks will go away.  That can mean a substantial drop in income for the surviving spouse.  Steve explains how how he helps his clients decide on a social security claiming strategy and mor...

On today's episode, new research (by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies) says millions of workers have made a dangerous mistake with their retirement savings.  More than a third say they’ve taken a loan from a retirement plan – or even worse – took an early withdrawal.  Steve explains how to avoid financial mistakes and creating income for life!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

The Wall Street Journal says rising prices are forcing retirees back into the job market.  Higher inflation is also making workers who are near retirement to rethink their options.  The article says it’s very hard for these groups to know if they’ve saved enough for retirement.  Hear how Steve can help you inflation proof your income plan so this doesn't happen to you ! For the DIYer's: Do you enj...

How long has it been since you cleaned out your fridge?  A survey commissioned by Rubbermaid finds that the average refrigerator has five food items that are “expired” and probably should be thrown out!  So, is it too much of a stretch to compare our refrigerator with our retirement portfolio?  Could that also benefit from a little reorganizing, to make it work more efficiently for us?  Call Steve...

Taxes are still relatively low, but that can change at any time.  An article in U.S. News & World Report says that makes this an opportune time to consider converting a traditional individual retirement account into a Roth IRA.  But this might not be right for everyone.  What instances could make this a good move or maybe not?     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are some of the regrets expressed by retirees?  One of the most common ones was that they wish they’d had a plan.  But as long as we don’t go crazy with our retirement spending, can’t we just wing it?  Call Steve today for a Financial Review!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The difference between a Roth IRA and other types of IRAs is that the Roth is funded with after-tax dollars. But many would-be retirees may still have their money in pre-tax traditional IRAs.  Does converting those dollars to a Roth make sense, even after age 60?  What are some of the pros and cons? Then, if you inherit an IRA or 401(k) from your parents, the IRS has changed some of the rules.  He...

Inflation remains the top economic concern.  And there are fears it could grow worse amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis.  So, when will the soaring prices come back down to earth?  Right now, the market is wondering if the Fed will get it right.  Should we even worry about a correction at this point?  Hear Steve explain how you fight inflation and protect and grow you income IN the market despite any...

Steve joins Grace to discuss the current market downfall that has put us in a recession, ways to protect your money during this time and how Steve can help give airbags around your income plan to fight off inflation!    Call Steve today for a Complimentary Portfolio Review!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve goes through a list of popular retirement myths, and gives his take on these and more!  Call Steve for a Complimentary Portfolio Review!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that 401(k)’s are among the most popular retirement accounts.  But a survey by TD Ameritrade found that only 27% know how much they’re paying in fees.  The smaller the plan, the larger the fees, which can exceed 2%.  That can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.  Hear how Steve can help you mitigate fees, protect and grow your income.  Call Steve today for a Fee Analysis!  ...

INFLATION! INFLATION! INFLATION! We are all feeling the burn at the pump, the grocery store - pretty much everywhere right? When you enter retirement, the paychecks stop, and you have your "pile of money" to get you to and through retirement, how can you protect your retirement from inflation? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question most retirees ponder is how much they should take out of their financial plan each month to meet their spending needs.  For a long time, many have subscribed to the “4% Rule.”  But a columnist in the Wall Street Journal has his own that he calls the “$400 Rule.”  He says you’ll spend about $400 each month in retirement above and beyond what you’ll think you’ll spend.  Hear what Steve...

We haven’t seen the end of interest rate hikes as inflation continues to threaten the economy.  But legendary investor Mark Mobius tells CNBC that there’s one way to hedge against it. Steve weighs in on this and explains how to protect and grow your income during these times of inflation.  Inflation Proof Your Retirement Plan!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.