Retirement Reality Podcast

For some people, the idea of retiring and then getting another job is detestable. For others, they can’t sit still and have to go find some other job. In this show, we discuss the benefits of taking on side gigs during retirement and explore five practical ideas that can help retirees stay engaged and financially secure. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:52 – Consulting 2:43 –...

The five love languages were made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. In the spirit of the month of love, let’s take a look at how you may encounter the love languages when it comes to financial planning. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:22 – Acts of Serv...

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...

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:26 – Single-income households 3:53 – Coordinating c...

Winter has a lot of people thinking about warmer weather. For some, that just means an annual vacation down south. But for certain retirees, they choose to live elsewhere through the brunt of winter, becoming “snowbirds.” Is snowbird life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if it’s worthwhile. Here’s what we discuss in this e...

Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years, and its impact on retirement planning is arguably bigger than ever. As prices for everyday goods and services continue to rise, understanding how to effectively manage these changes is essential for securing a comfortable retirement. Let’s explore strategies for inflation-proofing your retirement and share a look into how we address this in our plann...

As we kick off 2025, a lot of people consider what they want the year to look like and how to put their best foot forward, especially financially. Think: “new year, new me!” Today, we’ll talk about the financial decisions and habits you’ve maybe had in the past and what changes you can make this year to embrace the new you. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:20 – Overspending 3...

The majority of the investment planning you do for retirement is aimed at long-term success, but what can you do with the money you’ll need in the next few years? You don’t want to put those funds at risk when there’s a major purchase like a wedding or a new car coming in the near future. So what can you do with that money to keep it from being stagnant in the interim? This show will discuss the p...

It’s the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 – Why the reservations? 4:20 – Easing spending fears 5:59 – Overconfidence...

Join us as we explore the evolving benchmarks for retirement savings, the importance of proper planning over mere goal-setting, and the role of charitable contributions in financial strategies. We’ll break it all down and explore what these new numbers mean for your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:28 – Is there a universal retirement benchmark? 2:41 – Chari...

🎄 The holiday season is here! As you're busy stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that bring you closer to a secure retirement. 🎁   Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:03 – Maxing out contributions 2:04 – Reviewing your Social Security strategy 3:55 – Consolidating old retirement accounts 5:28 – Bucket strategy 7:0...

Did ​you ​know ​that ​most ​Americans ​are ​forced ​to ​retire ​early? ​A ​little ​bit ​more ​than ​you ​might ​actually ​realize. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 60% of Americans are forced to retire earlier than their planned age.​ On this show, ​we're ​going ​to ​talk ​about ​some ​things ​to ​think ​about and the next steps to consider if you find yourself in this sit...

Retirees face serious financial temptations that can jeopardize their future, but there are smart ways to avoid them. In this episode, we’ll reveal the most dangerous temptations the average retiree faces and share strategies to help you avoid them, or correct your current course, to keep retirement on track. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 – Debt 3:45 – Missing out on a...

Today it’s part two of our discussion about  the crucial insights every investor should know before stepping into a financial advisor's office. This week, learn about the importance of comprehensive planning beyond investments, the emotional side of financial decisions, and the value of diversification. Discover why financial planning isn't just for the wealthy and the significance of working with...

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 what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:02 – Investment costs 3:40 – Real risk 5:40 – Motivation behind information 8:06 – S...

As we rapidly approach 2025, it's essential to stay informed about the latest changes in retirement contribution limits and tax brackets. In this episode, Mike will update you on what adjustments are being made to key pension and retirement plan limits, providing listeners with the knowledge needed to maximize their retirement savings. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1...

Social Security has long been a cornerstone of retirement planning for millions of Americans, providing a crucial safety net in their golden years. However, recent proposals suggest significant changes could be on the horizon, potentially altering the landscape of retirement as we know it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Brendan Boyle’s request for information from the Congressiona...

Every firm has distinct principles that guide its approach to financial planning. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the core values and unique processes that set Principal Preservation Services apart. We’ll walk you through how we get to know our clients on a deeper level, create personalized financial strategies, and how our approach redefines what it means to have a succe...

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire. Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode as Mike an...

In this episode, we’re exploring some of the world’s most unique and quirky fears—and believe it or not, they have a lot more in common with your financial life than you might think. From the fear of long words to the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth, we’ll navigate through a list of some of the world’s most peculiar fears and draw parallels to financial planning. Mike shar...

In this special mailbag edition of the show, Mike answers a wide range of listener questions. From life insurance and alimony to savings and retirement planning, this episode covers many of the financial planning conversations we have with clients every day.   Here are some of the questions we’ll answer in this episode: I’ve heard that you need to have between 15 and 20 times your annual salary in...

Retirement planning is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the needs of your family. In the latest episode, Mike shares valuable insights on how children and grandchildren can significantly impact retirement goals and offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenges.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: More and more parents a...