Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart
Financial and retirement planning guidance from Michael Stewart of Crystal Lake Tax & Financial.
Episodes
A lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, we’re breaking down the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
How do you know if your financial advisor is a bad fit for you? What about an advisor that you’re thinking about working with? What red flags should you be looking out for?
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? Today, we’ll tackle a person’s question about this very dilemma.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The truth is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. Today, we’re exploring the emotional side of planning.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
You’ve probably said it before. ‘I ran the numbers, and I should be fine.’ But what if the math you're relying on isn’t telling the whole story? Today, we’re unpacking some of the most common examples of fuzzy retirement math and showing you how to spot them before they cause real problems.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people still feel unprepared and how that affects their confidence in their financial future.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Just because something used to be true doesn’t mean it still is, especially in retirement planning. In 2025, rising interest rates, tax uncertainty, and longer retirements mean it’s time to rethink some of the old advice. These seven assumptions sound smart at first… but they could quietly hurt your plan if you’re not careful.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
No two retirements look the same, and often clients come in with circumstances that make a cookie-cutter plan impossible. Let’s look at some examples of these more unique and challenging scenarios and explore the solutions you’ll need to successfully retire.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that actually move the needle in retirement.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision?
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
We’re starting a financial book club where a couple of times a year, we’ll discuss a book in the financial realm to see what we can learn…or what we might disagree with. Today, we’ll look at a few concepts from Morgan Housel’s book, The Psychology of Money…
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, we’re answering a smart viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
It's been a volatile month. And if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, we look at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone ...
The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit?
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Valentine’s season is all about love, but let’s be honest, money plays a huge role in any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting out, financial stress can put a strain on even the strongest partnerships. So, how do you talk about money without killing the romance? In today’s episode, we're looking at the questions every couple should ask about finances and retirement.
Contact Info:
Website: h...
For years, $1 million was considered the gold standard for retirement savings. But is it really enough? A new analysis shows that depending on where you live, that million could last a lifetime… or barely 15 years. In this episode, we break down the shocking cost-of-living differences across states and see if $1 million saved is enough or too little for your retirement plan.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
...
Dolly Parton isn’t just a music icon—she’s a source of timeless wisdom. In this episode, we explore her most inspiring quotes and how they can guide your financial decisions, from saving to dreaming big. Let Dolly’s advice help you build a life, and wallet, worth singing about!
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years, and its impact on retirement planning is arguably bigger than ever. In this episode, we’ll explore how to adjust your strategy for 2025.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
It’s almost the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees.
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092
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