Retirement Reality Podcast

Mike gets a lot of questions about 401(k)s and knows they can be tricky to navigate. That's why we're tackling your top questions in one comprehensive episode. From understanding target date funds to adjusting your investments as you near retirement, this conversation will cover a wide range of essential topics. Listen in to see what you can learn!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:...

Imagine retiring comfortably on just $42 per month—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s exactly the assertion you might have seen in the headline of a recent article online.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Is this article clickbait or is there some value to it? Some strategies you need in order to save for retirement. What are some realistic savings goals that people sho...

We hear a lot of half-truths in the financial world, not necessarily because people try to make misleading statements, but because sometimes a simple statement just doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Join Mike as he goes over some common financial half-truths to try and help clear some things up and put your mind at ease.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Knowing how much you are...

In this episode, we’re diving into some famous words by the one and only Yogi Berra. You might know him for his legendary baseball career, but Yogi was also a goldmine of wisdom. So, what can we learn from Yogi about retirement planning?   Here are some of the quotes we’ll unpack in this episode: “I never said most of the things I said.” “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.” “If you don’t know wh...

What types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re going to walk you through the fundamentals in today's episode, covering health insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and more.   Here’s some of the mistakes we discuss in this episode: Why your health insurance coverage might change and how c...

In this episode, we’ll uncover the critical mistakes many make when choosing a financial advisor. We're cutting through the noise to highlight what often goes wrong- from misplaced trust in big names to overlooking the fine print. This episode is your essential guide to avoiding those pitfalls and making informed decisions that align with your financial goals.   Here’s some of the mistakes we disc...

When we think of retirement, we often imagine endless days of relaxation, travel, and leisure. But how much of this is a dream versus reality? Today, we'll explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Understanding what retirement will realistically look lik...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. In this episode, we're covering the retirement questions that Gen X, Millenni...

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights into the unique concerns that e...

Today we will unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning, but does it deliver? This episode takes a critical look at the wave of innovations, from personal finance management software to online calculators, and questions whether they truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The rise o...

In today’s episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to protect your future from the one mistake that could derail everything.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The importance of having a robust financial strategy that e...

In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender pay gap to the impact of caregiving responsibilities and higher debt burdens, this is why retirement planning is different for women.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Even though they make up almost half of the workforce, women rece...

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.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What do we mean by lazy money? Why we should still be concerned about having too much lazy money. The d...

Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why Mike feels bullish about real estate in the upcoming year. Is a recession coming in 2024? Mike says there’s a lot o...

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards. In part two of our discussion, we’re going to talk through four more situations which people commonly pick the option that g...

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: It might not seem like a big deal to miss a 401k contribution and the compa...

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From finding the right balance in your cash reserves to consolidating old 401Ks, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life.   Here are a few of the financ...

We're nearing the end of the year, but it's not quite over yet! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Regularly reassessing and rebalancing investment portfolios Tax-loss harvesting, required minimum distribution (RMDs), and qualif...

Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you.   Here are the mistakes we’re going to talk through: I regret taking premature IRA withdrawals. I spent way too much in my peak earning years. I paid so much in tuition...

In today's episode, we're taking a close look at high-net-worth individuals - those who have accumulated significant wealth and face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Unlike the average person, their financial considerations go beyond the basics. We'll explore the distinct strategies and factors that come into play when securing a comfortable and prosperous retireme...

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings.  Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways t...

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer.   We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance...

In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner.   Here are some key topics to listen for in this episo...

In this episode, we’re tackling some common complaints and fears that can arise during the retirement planning process. These complaints often include concerns about advisors taking too much risk, dissatisfaction with account growth, high fees, worries about Social Security not being enough to retire on, and more. We'll discuss which concerns are well-founded, which are based on misconceptions, an...

Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In part 1 of this series, we're digging into the financial face-offs that make Monopoly fights look like child's play and exploring some money minefields that can test even the most solid relationships.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: What is your risk tolerance with your inve...