Retire On Your Best Path with Liz Whitteberry

We’re in the middle of tax season, and you may have heard that annuities can provide tax benefits. Who is that true for, and are there any side effects? Today, we’re going to clear up some of the confusion around the advantages and disadvantages of annuities. Liz will also provide some tips on what you need to know before considering an annuity.  Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Wha...

Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025- before the year gets away from you.  With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. In this episode, we’ll break...

Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car (like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. In today’s episode, Liz is going to cover 5 areas that you should review.  Here are the warning signs we discuss in today’s show: You have no idea what it...

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question Bob, one of our listeners, sent in. He’s got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo. So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced in...

You face risks every day and in every stage of life. But retirees face some unique challenges that are important to talk about and plan for. In today’s episode, Liz and Marc explore the 4 risks unique to retirees, their potential impact on your financial future, and what steps you can take to prepare. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Accumulation vs. decumulation  Why the timing of...

Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood.  Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What you’re truly paying for your investments The motivations behind the information you h...

We all know that rebalancing our portfolio is important, but when should we do it? Is it a December tradition- a January jumpstart? Or should it be triggered by your life changes or a change in the economy?  In this episode, Liz dives into the art of rebalancing. From calendar-based strategies to threshold triggers, life events, and market shifts, Liz breaks down the when, why, and how of keeping...

Studies show that 70% of families lose their wealth in two generations, and 90% lose it in three. The reasons behind this are varied, but one thing that can help keep a family’s legacy intact is open communication and solid planning. And what better time to start those important conversations than during the holidays? In today’s episode, Liz and Marc will share some key questions to help you have...

Retirement planning raises a lot of important questions. Have you saved enough? When should you begin collecting Social Security? Is long-term care insurance a wise choice? While these are all essential considerations, it’s not uncommon for other important questions to go unasked.  Liz recently came across a blog post that addresses seven crucial questions frequently missed in retirement planning....

Did you know this week is National Retirement Security Week? This is a great time to have a conversation about financial wellness. 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. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about areas you should pay attention to at ever...

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, future, and financial security. Stay tuned as Liz breaks down the history of Social Security, the reasons behind these proposal changes, and the potential long...

There’s an old saying that goes, “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Yet the only thing certain about taxes is that we’re going to have them and not how much they’re going to be. In today’s episode, we’ll explore a thought-provoking blog post that discusses where to save your money if you’re concerned about future tax rates.  Many people believe that deferring taxes now and paying...

A retired YouTuber recently created a video that went viral, sharing the top 5 regrets from retirees in their 70s. The video has garnered nearly half a million views, and for good reason. In it, retirees express regrets such as not retiring earlier or missing out on travel opportunities while they were still able.  In this video, Liz will talk about these common regrets and discuss how having a co...

In today's episode, we're going to dive into some famous words by the one and only Yogi Berra, inspired by Liz’s recent trip to Fenway Park. You might know him for his legendary baseball career, but Yogi was also a gold mine of wisdom. When we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning.  Take Yogi’s quote, “If you don’t kno...

The first week of August might be National Simplify Your Life Week, but one thing that remains complex is managing your IRA and other tax-deferred accounts. These accounts are subject to the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules, which can be confusing to navigate. Fortunately, the IRS recently issued final regulations to help clarify these rules, and in the episode, Liz will cover the main ru...

Age is just a number- except for when it comes to retirement planning. In fact, the financial planning process is filled with key milestones that you need to be aware of as you plan for a secure future. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the birthdays you need to pay close attention to. From catch-up contributions at 50 to Medicare at 65, tune in as Liz shares some helpful insights and tips to h...

As you approach retirement, the complexities surrounding your 401(k) can become overwhelming. Liz gets a lot of questions about 401(k)s and understands how tricky they can be to navigate. That’s why in today’s episode, she’s going to cover some of the biggest 401(k) questions for someone getting ready to retire soon. From understanding catch-up contributions to tax implications, Liz covers numerou...

Target date funds were introduced in the mid-1990s as a way to simplify retirement investing. These funds are essentially mutual funds that invest in a mix of other mutual funds, tailored to fit a specific time horizon. While these funds are convenient and offer a “set it and forget it” approach, are they an effective way to get the diversification and growth you need for retirement? In this episo...

Have you ever wondered what it means to "rebalance" your investment portfolio and why it's important? If so, today's episode is just for you. Liz will explain the ins and outs of rebalancing, including when to do it and how often.  Tune in as Liz and Marc discuss why rebalancing is essential for managing portfolio volatility and staying on track with your financial goals. They&...

Have you heard of the “safe withdrawal rate?” This is a rule of thumb that helps retirees know how much they can safely take from their retirement portfolio. One of the most famous safe withdrawal rates is known as the 4% rule. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about where this rule came from and whether it’s still relevant in today’s environment.   During this conversation, we’ll bring in p...

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress women have achieved in the financial realm over the past century. Despite this, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges for women, and it’s important to recognize the financial hurdles they continue to face. In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice t...

Ever wondered how much you need to retire comfortably in America? According to a recent survey by Northwestern Mutual, the average American believes it's nearly $1.5 million. But where did this figure come from, and is it a reliable benchmark? Join us in today’s episode as we unpack the survey’s findings and share insights into how different generations view retirement savings. We’ll discuss...

In this episode, we’re covering an important aspect of financial planning: preparing your heirs to inherit your wealth. Even if your children have developed solid financial habits, they might not be fully prepared for their role in your legacy plan. Tune in as Liz shares some insightful tips for navigating tricky conversations about money and legacy. Let’s face it – discussing your legacy can feel...

Inflation is a topic that affects everyone but can be a bit confusing to understand, especially when it comes to retirement planning. If you’ve found yourself wondering where inflation numbers come from and how they might impact your situation, today’s episode is for you! Stay tuned as we cover the basics of inflation and help you understand its impact on retirement planning. Listen in as Liz and...

Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments.  Stay tuned as we cover where these options fit in a savvy investment strategy. You’ll gain valuable insights into making your money work...