Retirement Ready

Making more money is great, but what happens when it becomes a roadblock for contributing to a Roth IRA? And how can you make your emergency fund work smarter for you? In today’s episode, we pull from the mailbag and answer a mix of listener questions. Eric addresses concerns that reflect the real-life hurdles many face on the road to retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💰 How to handle income limits and s...

Although tax season has come to a close, the time for smart tax planning has just begun! In this episode, we unpack the upcoming tax updates that could affect your planning for the next few years, including changes to 401(k) contribution limits, tax deductions, and the potential benefits of using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 401(k) Contribution Limits increase so you can boos...

Ever fantasize about leaving your 9-to-5 before traditional retirement age? You're not alone, but is early retirement even possible? In today’s episode, Eric explores what it really takes to retire early including how to tackle healthcare costs, how to make money last longer, and the importance of shifting your mindset from spender to saver.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💼 Why many retirees return to part-time wo...

​What are Americans really concerned about when it comes to retirement? In this episode, we unpack the results of an insightful survey from Financial Advisor Magazine, which was completed by over 400 financial advisors. We’ll also compare these answers with the real-world concerns we hear every day from the clients in our own practice.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

 💸 Outliving Your Money – Still the #1 concern...

March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted.

Many investors can’t resist chasing big wins, even though diversification is a smarter play. One economist, Hendrik Bessembinder, analyzed the returns of nearly a century of stock performance. Let...

Many investors focus on market performance but overlook one of the biggest threats to their long-term wealth: hidden fees. These costs—often buried within mutual funds, annuities, and trading expenses—can quietly erode your retirement savings over time. In this episode, Eric reveals the true cost of investing and how to protect yourself from unnecessary financial drains.

Here’s some of what we discuss:

💰 Mutual Fund Costs – Expens...

What do Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Candy Land, and Risk have in common with retirement planning? More than you might think! In this episode, Eric breaks down the surprising financial lessons hidden in classic board games, offering valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement strategy.

From the asset management lessons of Monopoly to the strategic thinking required in Risk, these games mirror real-life financial decisions....

Join us as we answer questions about the challenges of downsizing, the emotional aspects of planning for family gatherings, and the realities of transitioning into a financial advisory career. Whether you're a grandparent considering a new home or a professional seeking a career change, this episode will hopefully cover something that might impact your retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Is upsizing in ...

On this episode, Eric dives into the complexities of crafting a personalized retirement strategy. While many face the same general retirement concerns, each individual’s situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions.

We’ll explore real-life scenarios like age gaps and separate finances, highlighting the specific challenges people encounter when planning for the future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What c...

Anyone with children knows that they will have a huge impact on your money, and retirement planning is no different. There are family dynamics that impact decisions you’ll need to make during the planning process.

As many nearing retirement age are discovering, adult children and grandchildren can significantly influence financial strategies, making it crucial to understand how to navigate these relationships effectively.

Here’s so...

Financial advisors wear a lot of hats, but one role you probably didn’t expect us to play is a counselor or therapist. That happens more than you would imagine because we help couples communicate about money and have conversations that they might not normally have at home.

This episode is focused specifically on the planning we do with couples with insights on how we help them navigate tricky conversations about money and retiremen...

Retirement is often viewed as a golden era of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can also be riddled with misconceptions that can lead to financial pitfalls. Many people fall into the trap of wishful thinking when it comes to what they expect will happen in retirement, but a successful retirement isn’t built on hope and assumptions. In this episode, Eric sheds light on these common myths and offers practical strategies for effective ...

Retirement is a time for relaxation, exploration, and enjoying the fruits of years of hard work. However, for many, the transition from saving to spending can be a daunting challenge. It’s a common dilemma that we’ll discuss in this episode while offering up insightful strategies to help retirees spend with confidence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Shifting from the saving mindset of your working life to the ...

In the latest episode of Retirement Ready Podcast, Eric pulls back the curtain on some of the most common financial half-truths that many retirees and investors encounter. As someone gearing up for retirement, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of these financial nuances to ensure your strategy is both effective and resilient.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• While the market will go up in the long run, ...

The 401k is the most common way that people save for retirement, which is why we get a lot of questions on the show and in the office about this employer-sponsored plan. You want to take full advantage of your 401k when you’re working, but there are some intricacies that you might not even be aware of. This episode will tackle those frequently asked questions and break down the areas that people are most curious about.

Here’s some ...

When you’re ready to start working with a financial advisor, how do you find the right person to help you reach your financial goals? Not every advisor is the same but most people don’t really know what to look for. This episode is all about helping you ask the right questions and avoid the mistakes that people commonly make when they choose a financial advisor.  

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Different finan...

We all tell ourselves little white lies from time to time. But when it comes to our finances, these "little lies" can have se-rious consequences.

In this episode, we explore some of the most common financial lies people tell themselves:

"I'll pay back the money I borrowed from my 401(k)." Is borrowing from your retirement savings really a good idea? We'll discuss the potential pitfalls and explore better alternatives.

"The stock ...

Retirement is often seen as the golden phase of life, a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, did you know that psychologists rank retirement as the 10th most stressful event you can experience? In this episode, Eric discusses why this phase can be so daunting and offers strategies to ease the transition.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The stress that can come with no set day to...

Throughout our lives, there will be times when the markets rise and times when we experience downturns. Largely, we don’t have control over the circumstances we’re dealt, but we do have control over how we respond to those situations.

In this episode, Eric will explore financial situations that can often feel stressful and inconvenient. We’ll focus on finding the silver linings and learning how to make the best of those situations.