Secure Your Retirement

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss Social Security spousal benefits. Social Security is a complex subject, and today, we're diving into the intricacies of spousal benefits. What are they? How do they work? And what strategies can be utilized to maximize these benefits? To help us navigate this important topic, we are joined by Heather Schreiber, a consult...

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the importance of reevaluating your annuity, especially in the current economic climate. The episode dives deep into scenarios where reassessing your current annuity product can be beneficial, highlighting how both banks and insurance companies have gained from the recent rise in interest rates.  Listen in to learn...

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the upcoming changes to Medicare Part D in 2025, bringing on their in-house healthcare specialist, Shawn Southard. The discussion highlights significant updates to prescription drug coverage that will impact beneficiaries, especially concerning cost reductions and structural changes due to the Inflation Reduction Act of...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss whether to take Social Security at age 62 or wait until the full retirement age of 67. This is one of the most frequent and challenging questions they encounter from clients. Through a detailed example featuring their colleague Taylor, they explore the considerations that influence this significant choice. The conversati...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs speak with Andrew Opdyke as he provides his expert analysis on the current economic landscape and what to expect moving forward. They discusses the divergence within the economy, the issues with the banks, the recession and market volatility, and much more.  Listen in to learn Analysis of the stock market's performance in t...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss holistic wealth management, which goes beyond just savings and investments. While an investment manager looks at your investments or savings in your wealth accumulation phase, a holistic wealth manager helps you build a comprehensive retirement-focused financial plan.  Listen in to learn all the data points we colle...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the income needed during retirement. It’s important to understand that spending needs in retirement will differ significantly from your current earnings due to various factors such as taxes, savings, and job-related expenses.  Listen in to learn about a comprehensive approach to estimating retirement expenses by ide...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss practical tips on how to safeguard your information and prevent cybersecurity fraud. Fraudsters are continuously evolving their tactics, making it easy to fall victim with a simple click, which is why keeping yourself educated is important.  Listen in to learn the importance of regularly updating your personal infor...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon, Murs, and Taylor discuss the significance of Form 5498 as an essential tax information document. Taylor describes Form 5498 as an informational document that reports contributions, rollovers, and required minimum distributions (RMDs) related to IRAs.  Listen in to learn why Form 5498 is important for record-keeping and verification...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the concept of annuitization and immediate annuities versus deferred annuities. Annuities can come from different sources, such as insurance companies or municipal pensions.  Listen in to learn how immediate annuities work, their pros and cons, and risks such as the potential loss of the principal if the annuitant d...

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the difference between FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) insurance. Both FDIC and SIPC offer protection of funds held in accounts at financial institutions like Charles Schwab or Fidelity. Listen in to learn about the basics of FDIC insurance, whi...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon, Murs, and Shawn discuss Medicare planning for people nearing the age of 65. Shawn explains the timelines and eligibility criteria for the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), Special Enrollment Period (SEP), and General Enrollment Period (GEP).    Listen in to learn the importance of understanding enrollment periods to avoid...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs speak with Lynne Moore about the concept of aging in place, comparing it to continuous care retirement communities (CCRCs). Lynn has an extensive background in geriatrics and now works with ThriveMore, an organization specializing in helping people age in place.  Listen in to learn how ThriveMore's program supports seniors...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon, Murs, and Nick discuss downsizing in retirement. Scenarios such as lifestyle preferences and financial needs are what make downsizing a consideration for retirees.  Listen in to learn how we use practical scenarios to help clients visualize the potential outcomes of downsizing decisions. You will also gain insights into the importa...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon, Murs, and Taylor discuss in detail the importance of spending more in retirement as a savvy saver. Taylor provides a numerical analysis and insights into how spending habits in retirement can impact your financial plan in a scenario of a sample retired couple in their late 60s.  Listen in to learn the importance of aligning expense...

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the importance of spending more in retirement. The savings habits we build in our working years can unintentionally lead to a fear of spending money to enjoy life in retirement. Listen in to learn how to shift your mindset from fear of spending and start building good habits that will lead to a successful retirement. You...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the meaning of portfolio diversification and why you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. True portfolio diversification means spreading your money across multiple layers of different options.  Listen in to learn about the four major strategies we use to significantly diversify investment portfolios for our cl...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs speak with Andrew Opdyke about a 2024 1st quarter economic update and the expected economic changes in the second quarter. Andrew is a Certified Financial Advisor and Economist at First Trust Advisor. Listen in to learn how the current concentration performance and the 2024 elections will impact the market volatility and economy...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the impact of the sequence of returns on your retirement plan. The sequence of returns is the risk associated with how your money makes or loses money, and it can significantly impact your retirement plan. Listen in to learn the importance of having income safety and growth buckets to make your retirement smoother and re...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon, Murs, and Taylor discuss navigating tax withholding for retirees. When you retire, you have various sources of income, and you can choose to either withhold the tax on them, make estimated tax payments throughout the year, or do a combination of both. Listen in to learn about your tax withholding options regarding your social security b...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the possible impact of the presidential election on your retirement investments. Political uncertainty causes increased volatility in the short term, and the idea here is to maintain security and peace of mind regarding your retirement plan.  Listen in to learn why combining the strategic core and tactical portfolio...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs speak with Mercedes Fernandez about keeping mobility in retirement. Mercedes is the founder of Movement, lead Geriatric Physiotherapist, a certified senior fitness instructor, and an authorized CPR/First Aid responder. Listen in to learn the most common mobility issues in older adults and the good habits you can develop to reduc...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss things to consider when gifting and loaning money to children. There are tax and financial implications when it comes to gifting, but you can do it right when you understand all the legalities. Listen in to learn the importance of understanding the purpose of gifting money to your kids to help you structure it and think...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss how to harness the power of step-up in basis when it comes to inheritance. A basis is the original investment into something and can be a big tax strategy as a step-up in inheritance. Listen in to learn about the tax advantage inheritors get when capital gains on investments are erased when you pass away. You will also l...

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs have Shawn Southard, our in-house Medicare expert, talk about Medicare's doughnut hole. Medicare’s doughnut hole is a temporary limit on what a Medicare drug plan will pay towards the course of the drug. Listen in to learn about the importance of enrolling into a prescription drug plan at the right time to avoid paying penalties...