roadmap to RETIREMENT

Welcome back to another “Roadmap to Retirement” episode. During this episode, I am covering several financial topics. Addressing fears of an AI-driven market bubble by comparing two investors: one stays invested and grows $100 to $200 before a 40% drop to $120, while the other stays in cash at $100, illustrating why long-term investors may still come out ahead and why market predictions are unreli...

Welcome back to Roadmap to Retirement. This episode we are joined by friend of the show, Nick Savas for a fast-moving conversation drawn from common client questions. We discussed how to choose inflation assumptions in financial plans—typically using long-term historical averages around 3% and stress-testing higher rates—while noting that each person’s “personal inflation rate” can differ from hea...

Welcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast! During this episode, I explain how parents can decide if college is the right path by making the economics real: estimate a child’s starting salary, subtract savings and taxes, then build a post-graduation budget including student loan payments, rent, and car costs. I use nursing as an example and show how big loans can strain cash flow, influenci...

Welcome back to Roadmap to Retirement, this episode I will be answering recent client questions: What to do if you’re spending more in retirement (first verify if it’s sustainable, then budget, cut expenses, or add part-time income) How to help an elderly mom after a pension ends (consider selling the home or a reverse mortgage) Ways to tackle credit card debt (lower-rate loans, possibly a 401(k)...

On the Roadmap to Retirement Podcast, I talked with Jason Grover from Grover Financial Services about how geopolitical conflicts like the current Iran situation can spark fear and tempt investors to make drastic moves. Our core message was that “this time isn’t different”: if your goals haven’t changed and you still own great companies, the plan shouldn’t change just because of headlines you can’t...

In this Roadmap to Retirement episode, I break down what “Trump accounts” are and when they may make sense for parents and grandparents. The account lets you contribute up to $5,000 per year and works like a non-deductible, after-tax IRA: your contributions come back tax-free, but any growth is taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. The big draw is the federal $1,000 seed deposit for children bo...

In this solo Roadmap to Retirement mailbag, I answer five listener and client questions: how to retire early by building a liquid, non-retirement investment pool to bridge the years before penalty-free access to retirement accounts (while still enjoying life); whether to buy a whole life policy for a friend, where I stress starting with your financial plan rather than a product; whether to buy sil...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I talked with Jon Sheldon, founder of BelleauWood Coaching LLC in Rochester, NY, about the non-financial side of the FIRE movement—especially the purpose gap that can hit when someone retires around 45 and suddenly loses the structure and meaning work provided. Jon explains his coaching framework built on four pillars: Purpose (separating personal purpose...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I sat down again with Jason Grover to talk about how financial planning shouldn’t only revolve around the vague idea of “retirement someday,” especially for younger people who need more motivating, near-term goals. We discussed common “pipe dream” goals like buying a cottage or lake house and even retiring early, and why those goals are often achievable if...

Welcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast. In this solo episode, I discuss two key topics. First, the challenge some retirees face of having ‘too much money,’ a situation often resulting from decades of diligent saving and conservative spending habits. I explore strategies for making meaningful use of these funds, such as gifting to adult children or supporting charities, and a...

In our latest episode of Roadmap to Retirement, we dive into the interplay between accountants and financial advisors with Jordan Stealey, EA at Redwood Tax and Accounting. We discuss the importance of collaboration in financial planning and tax preparation, especially around tax season. Topics include the misperceptions surrounding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), the nuances of handlin...

Welcome to The Roadmap to Retirement, this episode I am flying solo. As a way to kick off the new year, let’s talk about financial planning best practices, tips and smart money moves. Learn about the Mexican fisherman story, and the importance of financial goals aligning with one’s desired lifestyle rather than merely accumulating wealth. I want to caution against relying on market pre...

Welcome back to the Roadmap Retirement Podcast! Kicking off the new year strong with a new guest – Jesse Cramer, who transitioned from a mechanical engineer to a financial planning and wealth management professional. We dove into Jesse’s journey, including his podcast, ‘Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors,’ and discussed the unique financial planning perspectives that come f...

Welcome back to the Roadmap Retirement Podcast, returning for a second time, I am talking with Alex Wesdorf today to talk about the often-avoided topic of disability insurance. This episode explores the critical need for disability insurance, especially for self-employed individuals and W2 employees who might not fully comprehend their existing benefits. We discuss real-life scenarios, such as the...

Welcome back to the ‘Roadmap to Retirement’ podcast, where we delve into financial tips, investment strategies, and smart money moves to supercharge your retirement savings. Today, I’m joined by Tom Harris, someone whose career and perspective on retirement resonate with many of our clients. Tom shares his journey from a career in operations excellence and leadership development...

Welcome to another episode of the Roadmap to Retirement Podcast! I’m joined once again by Matthew Jarvis. In this episode, we dive into the complexities of retirement planning, with a particular emphasis on tax strategies. We shed light on recent changes in tax laws, such as the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) cap from $10,000 to $40,000, and new provisions for charitable contribu...

Insights from Bill Cates on Wealth Wisdom In a recent episode of the Roadmap to Retirement podcast, I had a great conversation with Bill Cates, The Original Referral Coach , about financial decision-making and referrals. We delved into the importance of mindset, nurturing referable relationships, and his new book, “The Hidden Heist.” Bill shared invaluable tips for advisors seeking qua...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, we dive deep into real estate strategies, focusing on first-time home buyers and retirees looking to downsize. Julie Ohmann from Remax shares insights on the initial consultation process, emphasizing the importance of understanding terms and the home buying timeline. For first-time buyers, planning for a 5-10 year home is advised to avoid equity issues and...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by John Howe-Wemett, CFP®, MSFP for a fourth time to discuss various aspects of financial planning for retirement. We address common misconceptions about Social Security, “is it a Ponzi Scheme?” and the importance of understanding its broader benefits. We cover the clickbait concept of retiring with one million dollars and highlight...

Welcome back to the Roadmap Retirement Podcast! I was recently joined by Liam Hanlon, the Head of Insights at Jump, a leading AI meeting assistant in the financial advice sector. Liam explains how Jump leverages unique and powerful data to aid advisors and make their work more efficient. During our discussion, we delve into the adoption of AI in financial advisory, its impact on time management, a...

In this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by Jennifer Stott, a CPA, to discuss effective financial strategies for those nearing or already in retirement. We cover Roth conversions, explaining the process of converting pre-tax IRA funds to a Roth IRA, the tax implications, and when it might be beneficial. The conversation continues on to cover considerations such as the impact on Medica...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement’, I am talking with health insurance professional R. Cole Craven. We delve into effective health and Medicare insurance planning for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those nearing retirement. Cole shares his journey and passion for health insurance, focusing on the complexity many people face in understanding their healthcare plans. The discussi...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am talking with Chet R. Bennetts, PhD, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®,CLF® today, assistant Professor of Financial Planning and Program Director at the American College of Financial Services. We discuss the importance of earning professional designations for both credibility and confidence in the financial planning industry. Chet shares his journey from being...

In this episode of ‘Roadmap to Retirement,’ I am joined by Jason Grover, founder of Grover Financial Services. Jason shares his journey starting in the financial industry during the 2007-2008 Great Recession and emphasizes the importance of behavioral management in financial advising. We discuss investment strategies, the significance of setting financial goals, and managing market vol...

On this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I am joined by CPA, Catherine Tindall to talk about the importance of tax planning and strategic outsourcing for business owners, specifically those in financial advisory firms. Catherine emphasizes that while basic tax returns can be managed by individuals with simple finances using software like TurboTax, complex financial situations, such as owning a bu...