The Retirement Solution

Is your 401(k) quietly draining your retirement savings? In this episode, Jon Hicks of J. Hagan Capital exposes hidden fees, underperformance, and limited investment options in many 401(k) plans. Learn how a 401(k) x-ray can reveal what’s really going on—and how strategies like in-service rollovers and mega backdoor Roth conversions could help you take control of your financial future.   Schedule...

Is your 401k about to get risky—or revolutionary? Financial advisor Jon Hicks breaks down the latest investment options showing up in retirement plans, including private equity, hedge funds, and even crypto. Learn why these offerings are gaining traction, what risks they carry, and how accredited investors can already access them through IRAs. It’s a deep dive into volatility, liquidity, and the p...

Is working one more year really worth it? In this episode, Jon Hicks challenges the conventional wisdom around delaying retirement. They explore who truly benefits from postponing your exit—and it might not be you. From strategic planning to business exit strategies, they unpack how timing, tax efficiency, and personal goals shape a fulfilling retirement. Whether you're an employee or a business o...

Think taxes end with April 15th? Think again. In this episode, Jon Hicks unpacks the difference between tax prep and tax planning—especially in retirement. He breaks down the latest updates from the OBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), how Social Security taxation has evolved, and why most retirees face more complex tax situations than they expect. From income stream strategy to lifetime tax reducti...

What happens when the U.S. debt soars and fewer countries want to buy our bonds? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down how rising national debt, failing bond auctions, and inflation could impact your retirement portfolio. From the risks of traditional bonds to the potential of private credit and annuities, Jon explores alternatives to the classic 60/40 model—and why now might be the time to rethi...

If it costs two cents to make a penny, what else in your financial life doesn’t make sense? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down outdated investment strategies that could be quietly draining your retirement savings. From tax-inefficient mutual funds and high-fee variable annuities to underperforming insurance policies, Jon explains how to spot financial dead weight and what to do about it. It’s...

Is buying the dip the same as a Roth conversion? Not quite—but there’s a smart way to connect the two. In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down how market downturns can create tax-savvy opportunities—if executed correctly. From risk arbitrage to asset location, Jon explains why good ideas often fail without the right strategy. Whether you're eyeing a Roth conversion or just trying to avoid costly ta...

What if the secret to retirement confidence is as simple as three buckets? In this episode, Jon Hicks of J. Hagan Capital breaks down his “Now, Soon, and Later” strategy for managing retirement income through market volatility. With insights on liquidity, income generation, and long-term growth, Jon explains how to structure your assets to weather downturns without panic. From emergency funds to a...

One wrong move can ruin a vacation—and your retirement. In this episode, Jon Hicks draws a sharp comparison between travel mishaps and financial missteps, revealing the top three mistakes that can derail your retirement: claiming Social Security at the wrong time, failing to shift to a conservative investment strategy, and overspending without a plan. Learn how to avoid these pitfalls and build a...

What happens at age 59½ that could change your retirement strategy? Financial advisor Jon Hicks breaks down the key age milestones that shape your retirement decisions—from in-service withdrawals and Social Security timing to Medicare enrollment and required minimum distributions. Learn how each age unlocks new financial choices and why getting a second opinion might be worth it. Whether you're DI...

Are you ready to navigate the emotional and financial maze of retirement? Jon Hicks goes through the evolving roles of financial coaching and advising, focusing on the transition into retirement and how to structure exit strategies for business owners. Learn how to align your goals with your financial plan, explore the balance between lifestyle and savings, and uncover the hidden challenges of lea...

What does Warren Buffett’s investment wisdom have to do with your retirement? Jon Hicks dives into his core principles—stick to a plan, avoid emotional decisions, and don’t lose what you can’t afford to lose—and reimagines them for today’s retirees. From “bucket strategies” that ensure financial stability to balancing traditional investment approaches with emerging opportunities like AI and crypto...

A financial legacy can be complicated and overwhelming, especially without proper planning. Jon Hicks discusses the importance of legacy planning and how failing to do so can lead to costly legal battles and hefty tax bills. Celebrity examples like James Gandolfini, Kobe Bryant, and Aaron Carter illustrate the consequences of not having updated estate plans. Jon emphasizes the need for a will, par...

Retiring in uncertain economic times can be daunting, but a well-structured plan can help you navigate these challenges. Jon Hicks goes through the impacts of recession fears on retirement plans. Discover how a well-thought-out strategy can help you navigate market uncertainties and ensure a sustainable income during retirement. Learn about the five key pillars of a successful retirement plan and...

Retirement planning can be daunting, especially when considering tariffs and economic fluctuations. Jon Hicks explores how retirees and soon-to-be retirees can assess their financial position, understand their income sources, and ensure their financial stability. John Hicks and his team delve into what it means to be 'positioned well' and share insights on spending wisely, protecting your income,...

Have you considered how the outdated 4% rule could impact your retirement? Jon Hicks delves into the revised 4.7% rule by William Benjamin, emphasizing the risks of relying solely on market returns averaging 9%. He scrutinizes the sequence of returns risk, explaining how early losses can drastically reduce retirement savings. Jon also discusses the need for realistic financial planning and the pit...

Are you truly ready for retirement? Jon Hicks dives into the emotional and financial aspects of retiring, emphasizing four crucial elements: emotional preparedness, sufficient savings, managing portfolio depletion, and discussing plans with your significant other. These factors are vital in determining whether you can retire now or need to wait. Planning for retirement involves understanding both...

Retirement planning can be simplified using a three-bucket approach: Immediate Income Short-term Income Long-term Growth. Jon Hicks explains how these 3 buckets work together to navigate market fluctuations and economic uncertainties, providing a structured plan for financial stability. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | F...

The market’s up… the market’s down… back up… then back down… and tariff policy is constantly changing. Is stability possible during nonstop turbulence? Jon Hicks dives into the essentials of setting up a secure retirement plan amidst economic uncertainties and ever-changing policies. He explains how to balance risk and safety with clear strategies that could ensure steady income while safeguarding...

What investments are dragging down your portfolio? Jon Hicks explains how to clean out your investments and eliminate underperformers such as TDFs to maximize gains. He discusses the option of rolling over your 401k into a self-directed IRA at 59 and a half to gain more control of the assets to invest in. Jon also touches on other investments to avoid, such as high-dividend ETFs that pose more ris...

Retirement can be unpredictable, especially when faced with unexpected layoffs and economic shifts. Jon Hicks explores the emotional and financial impact of forced early retirement and offers practical strategies for navigating these challenges. From calculating buyout packages to adjusting retirement plans, Jon covers essential steps that could lead to a secure and stable future during your golde...

Is stagflation a possibility? Is a recession looming? How will these impact your retirement? Jon Hicks explains that with economic uncertainty and market fluctuations, retirees and those nearing retirement need to prepare for potential financial challenges. He explores the impact of market downturns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining income streams during such periods and mitigating taxes...

Ever wondered how market risk affects your retirement plans? In times of economic uncertainty with Trump’s plans for tariffs, Jon Hicks explains that understanding income sources, maintaining emergency reserves, and evaluating risk tolerance are essential to retirement planning. He explores strategies to find security amidst market turbulence, with insights into creating a balanced portfolio. Sche...

Jon Hicks explores how fluctuating tariffs and unpredictable policies impact your investments. He discusses strategies to protect your retirement funds and navigate market volatility, highlighting the importance of having a solid distribution and income plan. Jon explains the importance of understanding the risks associated with sequence of returns and how to avoid common pitfalls that can jeopard...

In today's market climate, diversifying your 401k is crucial as relying solely on the S&P 500 might not be the best strategy. Jon Hicks breaks down historical data that shows that energy, commodities, and managed futures can offer better returns during periods of market stagnation. By understanding the overlap in your investments, Jon explains that you can make smarter decisions and potentiall...