The Retirement Solution

Next time you check out of a hotel, double check your receipt first! Some hotel chains are now charging a “parking fee” to guests, even if they’re not parking a car. On this episode, Jon exposes the common hidden fees in mutual funds, how fee structure changes can happen in your 401(k) without you knowing, while also offering ideas on better-performing options. Learn about: How "transparent" fees...

Many are confused about how much you need to retire. Recently, Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary said that number is $5 Million! On this episode, Jon Hicks explains why you should forget the unrealistic "magic number" and turn your focus towards strategies to generate income in retirement. We discuss why a “one-size-fits-all approach” often does not work, alternative income-generating strategies to help...

Many are sick of feeling trapped by high taxes, particularly California residents. Which explains why the state has lost over 750 thousand residents over the last three years. The oppressive state tax rate of 13.3% has folks packing up and headed for states like Florida, Texas and Tennessee which have no state income tax.  But if moving is not one of your retirement goals, at J Hagan Capital they...

Owning a business is a passion project. So, what happens when you want to retire? In this episode, Jon explores the challenges and emotional nuances that come with considering an exit strategy. Drawing from personal experience as a small business owner himself, Jon’s speaks about the shift in mindset required when transitioning from the hustle of running a business to the prospect of retirement. L...

The W-2 statements you’re getting serve as a reminder that it’s tax season. And if you took advantage of higher interest rates on CDs, money-market funds, and certain bonds in 2023, there’s another statement you’ll see – a 1099-INT – the ‘INT’ stands for interest income… Yes, you have to pay taxes on that money, proving that the 5% you earned isn’t really 5%.  On this episode, financial advisor Jo...

In the golfing world, a “mulligan” is a do-over.  But the ability to have a second chance in your retirement may not be so easy. On this episode, financial advisor Jon Hicks shares the 5 crucial strategies they believe everyone needs to live out a comfortable retirement, even when things don't go according to plan. Learn about protecting your retirement investments from market swings, boosting inc...

On this episode, financial advisor Jon Hicks uses Shohei Ohtani’s landmark deal with the LA Dodgers to highlight the smart financial moves you can make to help better secure your future.   Jon breaks down steps for individuals, small business owners, and professionals to help maximize savings and create a tax-smart financial strategy. Discover insights on tax-efficient planning and how understandi...

The stock market was up 8% in November. Some economists say it’s based on hope that interest rates will finally come down next year, but others argue that the market can keep going even with higher interest rates.   On this episode, we hear from economist Ken Polcari who challenges the need for rate cuts, saying a 5% rate is sustainable. Drawing on personal experiences and historical mortgage rate...

In this episode, financial advisor Jon Hicks delves into lesser-known opportunities, such as “backdoor Roth conversions,” highlighting the tax advantages and potential growth of converting after-tax dollars into a Roth 401(k), whether you're approaching retirement or are already retired.   As Jon breaks down these complex financial strategies, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the rule...

In this episode, Jon Hicks unravels the complexities of healthcare costs in retirement. With alarming studies projecting substantial expenses, Jon dives into the numbers, dissecting the 90% chance that a 65-year-old couple needs nearly $300,000 in savings for healthcare coverage.   Drawing from his own personal experiences of his father’s healthcare needs and costs, Jon addresses the genuine conce...

In this episode, Jon Hicks takes a sharp turn into the realms of financial etiquette and questionable advice, spotlighting the recent proclamation of a popular nationally syndicated personal finance radio host who said retirees should stay 100% invested in stocks and withdraw 8% of their portfolio each year—with no worries.   Jon dissects why this advice is not only unrealistic but downright dange...

New inflation numbers came in lower than expected. October's Consumer Price Index was 3.2%, down from September’s 3.7%, and the core CPI (which excludes food and energy prices) dropped one-tenth to 4.0%. Still, the numbers remain higher than the Fed’s goal of 2%.   In this episode, financial advisor Jon Hicks shares insight on the intricate dance of preparing for your financial future amid the cha...

From avoiding the "Browns," to building 3-story houses, there are real strategies to winning at Monopoly… and the same goes for your retirement plan.   On this episode, Jon delves into ideas on real-world wealth-building and the importance of protecting that wealth from unnecessary taxes. He breaks down the complexities of the tax code and shares ideas to make it more accessible for listeners eage...

Join Financial Advisor Jon Hicks as he dives into the evolving landscape of retirement planning amidst "funflation." With the rising costs of experiences and entertainment, there's a new challenge in retirement — balancing the desire for fun with the need for financial security.   From the surprising impact of inflation on everyday items to the skyrocketing prices of concert tickets, Jon discusses...

In this episode of The Retirement Solution, Jon Hicks heads to Nashville to sit down for a great interview with one of the most powerful couples in music today. Sixteen-time Grammy award-winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster and his wife, acclaimed singer-songwriter, television and Broadway star Katherine McPhee recently joined forces on stage with the Nashville Symphony for an int...

It doesn’t make sense when you can get a higher return for a 1-year bond than a 3-year bond, but that is what’s happening right now. It’s called an ‘inverted yield curve’ and it often signals a recession, which some say is still possible. So, what does that mean for a retiree's portfolio?   In this episode of the Retirement Solution, Jon Hicks unpacks the complicated narrative of today’s economy....

A new study from Morningstar looked at the performance of TDF's over the last 15 years and concluded: “If Target Date Funds had never been invented, and Vanguard and Fidelity had placed that money in a balanced fund, investors would be significantly wealthier today.” As you get closer to retirement, the TDF's in your accounts are supposed to move to more conservative investments. Yet, many lost si...

Are you among the many Americans unaware of the tax consequences that may be looming within your retirement savings?   In this episode, Jon discusses the importance of understanding the tax implications of your retirement savings. He highlights the issue of required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, and how they could push you into a higher tax bracket, but strategies...

As we enter the year’s 4th quarter, it's time to think about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). With the age for RMDs shifting to 73, it's crucial to understand how these distributions play a role in your plan. What if there was a better way to handle these withdrawals?   We hear from Morningstar’s Christine Benz who says for some, RMDs may actually present opportunities. Jon shares his though...

On this episode of  The Retirement Solution , Jon shares the personal story of his father who worked until he had a stroke at age 69. Personally, this experience taught Jon to live in the present and enjoy every moment he has with his family. Professionally, it has motivated him to help everyone he meets embrace the opportunities of retirement and understand how this new chapter can be filled with...

Recently, Jon had an opportunity to travel to Yale University and meet with two of the most respected individuals in the field of investing: Dr. Roger Ibbotson and Dr. William Goetzmann.   Dr. Ibbotson, founder of Morningstar, has revolutionized how we think about investments and risk. His colleague, Dr. Goetzmann has done extensive research in alternative investments, hedge funds, and the risk-re...

The Wall Street Journal reports that many investors age 55 and up are putting most of their nest egg into the stock market, which could backfire if there was a major tumble, especially for older retirees.   On this episode of  The Retirement Solution , Jon Hicks talks about what you can learn by following the investment models of top university endowments. These endowments have to spend money ever...

Nowadays the choices on everything from home renovations to investment options seem endless, which can trigger “analysis paralysis” for many. On this episode of  The Retirement Solution , Jon dives into the complexities of modern decision-making.   As the financial landscape constantly changes, even traditional indicators may no longer apply.  Financial analyst Eddie Gabor, sheds light on how the...

On this episode of  The Retirement Solution , Jon delves into financial strategies that may help safeguard your retirement income from surprising taxes.   Discover how seemingly harmless choices can inadvertently push you into higher tax brackets, costing you thousands. Jon explains how “bracket bumping” and "phantom income tax" could be hiding your accounts and eroding your savings, while offerin...

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s movie “Air” revolves around Nike's audacious risk in 1984 to build a shoe line around an unknown NBA rookie, Michael Jordan… the story prompts a thought-provoking question: “How much should you rely on intuition when designing your retirement plan?”   On this episode of  The Retirement Solution , Jon looks at the dynamics of investment intuition versus mathematical str...