The Real Retirement Podcast

Back-to-basics serious continues!    Today, it's all about fees. I share a story highlighting the effects of fees on an investment portfolio.

We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this 3rd episode.   Today, we're talking about Why Money Makes Us Anxious   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode.    Today, we're talking about " savings ."  Where to do it How much to save How to become a saver And how to knock 7 years off your mortgage    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.    

Today we're kicking off our back to basics series. Where I'm going through different personal finance topics. Things like: net worth, budgeting, debt, savings, and investing.  You might think that you're beyond these and maybe so, but in putting this together even I found some great reminders about the basics. So let this be a reinforcement of what you believe or an opportunity to share it with so...

Today we discuss how to earn tax-free income from your bond and money market funds. You may be familiar with Treasury or Municipal bonds, but you might not be getting the tax credit that you are owed. This is especially important in places like California!   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today, we discuss the main issues you need to have nailed down before you retire. Cash Flow Healthcare Investment issues Tax issues Long-term planning issue    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

On today's episode, we're talking about what happens to your investments if a brokerage firm like Charles Schwab or Fidelity failed? Is there something we need to do in case this should happen? What protections are in place to help me not lose my money?   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today, I share how we currently absorb financial news is detrimental to our long-term strategies. And I offer a better way!   Resources: JP Morgan: Guide to the Markets JP Morgan: Long-term Capital Market Assumptions How to read financial news - Robert Martorana, CFA

If you've done a good job preparing the assets for the family (completed an estate plan), how's it going preparing the family for the assets? We'll discuss a huge unstoppable hurdle that's coming for us all as we age. And we'll lay out 2 easy steps to get started with answering this question. For more content on how to retire confidently, head over to www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings

If we are going to have a chance at building wealth and making our money last through retirement, then we'd darn well better know what it means to actually be an investor. How most people define what an investor is could put your retirement in jeopardy. After this episode, you'll know how to be real investors because that's what will put you in the best position to achieve your retirement goals. B...

We discuss an article from the WSJ about tax moves retirees need to consider now before 2026.    

Today we'll be discussing the differences between owning individual bonds or a bond fund. Is one better than the other?  

Today we'll be discussing gifting.  How much can you gift? Will it be taxable? Will it affect my IRMAA premiums?    To learn more, head on over to birchwoodcapital.com . 

On today's episode, we discuss tax estimates. Should you pay them? When do you pay them? How much should you pay?   Learn more at birchwoodcapital.com

On this episode, I share how I structure my client and guest meetings. If you've never worked with an advisor before, this might alleviate some hesitation due to wondering what actually takes place in a meeting.

Today, I'll be sharing with you the Roth IRA 5-Year Rules. Yes, there's  2 of them. One for contributions and one for conversions. As you approach retirement you need to make sure you are not running afoul of these rules or else your earnings could be taxable along with a 10% penalty. That completely washes out the benefits of doing a Roth IRA in the first place! Making this episode made me realiz...

2 Part of the series on one of my favorite books:  The Millionaire Next Door. Today it's all about how millionaires: Buy cars  Help their children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own Part 1 covers: Building wealth. See episode 36 Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 47

Over the next two episodes, we're talking about one of my favorite books:  The Millionaire Next Door If you've ever wondered - how do people become wealthy? Or how do I become a millionaire? And... After I am wealthy how do I help my children to become productive and wealth-builders of their own? Part 1 covers: Building wealth Check out Part 2 covering: Buying cars & gifts to children in episode 4...

Today, I'm going to share with you the problems of ESG - or Environmental , Social, & Governance funds. The case for ESG makes sense: we want to put our money into companies that share our values. The issue is this: Wall Street likes to say that you can do this AND earn a good return or even a higher return! I review 3 problems with ESG investing and some ideas for what we can do.  Read more: http...

Today, I give an argument for contributing to a Roth IRA vs. a Traditional IRA.   Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com

Today, we learn a lesson from musical composer: Beethoven. And we're answering listener questions! "If one has surplus income, is it advisable to put that towards paying down a mortgage to increase home equity, or rather just invest it instead and keep your mortgage as is?" Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapital.com Read more: https://birchwoodcapital.com/

Today, we answer the question: should you ever stop saving for retirement in your traditional IRA or traditional 401k? And we're answering listener questions!  Can combining investments with your spouse increase your returns? What are the pros/cons of contributing beyond your employer's match in your 401k versus putting the excess in a taxable account?   Email questions to: Stephen@birchwoodcapita...

Today, we're talking about how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD's) can save you taxes. Also, I'll share the proper mechanics of doing one so you don't get double taxed!

Today, we'll be working to answer this question. I provide a way to frame it which may make the solution a no-brainer and provide pros and cons for paying/not paying off your home

Today's episode, we're talking about what travel bucket lists and Silicon Valley Bank has to do with creating satisfying retirements.  To learn more, head over to: https://birchwoodcapital.com/   Show notes: Shred the bucket list 'Is this it?' When Success isn't satisfying A son's story about his father's retirement