Retirement Ready

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.

There are plenty of obvious questions about retirement planning that everybody knows they should be asking. Then, there are other questions that aren't exactly enjoyable to think about.

For example, it’s not easy to consider how taxes and income might shift after losing a spouse, how losing the ability to drive could lead to new financial and social challenges, or whether relying on your children for care in old age is realistic. Y...

Diversification is one of those buzzwords you hear often in financial planning. While many people know it's important, few are clear on what it actually means when applied to various aspects of their financial strategy. In today’s episode, Eric and Marc will bring you the diverse definitions of diversification.

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

Diversification in terms of stocks.

Diversification of asset classes.

Gl...

As technology keeps advancing, it’s made our lives easier in so many ways. Tasks that used to need outside help can now be done on our own with just a few clicks. This shift has also brought more accessible online financial tools, but how accurate and helpful are they really?

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

• The risks that come with sponsored ads on Google.
• How robo-advisors take the emotion out of investing.
• H...

Dorothy Parker is one of the great writers of the 20th century. Her wit and prose have been appreciated by readers for generations. But are there any lessons we can learn when it comes to finance with some of Parker’s most well-known quotes?

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

• Planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
• Putting your financial resources to work for you.
• Having a plan for what you want to do wit...

In this episode, Eric is answering your questions! We’ll cover a range of topics today, including key considerations for income taxes when moving to a new state, how to initiate financial conversations with parents or grandparents, and whether using a life insurance policy to save for a college fund is a wise choice.

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

• The financial impacts of moving to a state with a higher incom...

What is lazy money and why do you want to not have too much of it in your retirement portfolio? Simply put, lazy money is money that isn’t growing as much as it could be. Having your money grow and work for you is a key part of building a solid portfolio, so Eric breaks down some strategies to help get the most out of your money in this episode.

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

• Defining the term “lazy money.”
• Mak...

Retirement planning simply isn’t the same as it used to be. From changes in life expectancy, the lack of pensions, and getting caught in the sandwich generation, there’s a lot to keep in mind when putting together your financial plan. Instead of taking advice from others who may have retired in a different era, it’s important to understand what strategy is right for you.  

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

• Pensi...

After so many years of paying into Social Security, you might feel ready to reap the benefits. But before you get too eager, it’s best to have a thorough understanding of the different variables and how to best leverage them.

On today’s podcast, Eric emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy and personalized plan.

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

• The different buckets in retirement.  
• How Social Security b...

One of the key discussions you may have in retirement is what to do about the house. Should you downsize your home? Pay it off early? Buy a vacation home and become a snow bird? Eric emphasizes the importance of considering not just the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes each of these decisions entail. Weighing out the pros and cons of each decision can highlight what is right for you (which isn’t always the same...

One major (yet often overlooked!) expense in retirement is healthcare. Especially if you are retiring early, healthcare can be a huge expense as you bridge the gap between your working years and when eligible for Medicare. Not only will you have an increased monthly cost, but you may need to budget for additional medical costs as time goes on or even long-term care needs.

In today’s episode, Eric will give us an inside look at the ...

Your money and your nest egg have a direct effect on so much of your life, especially those you hold dear. Today we talk about what happens in a family, particularly when someone has passed away, and the financial impact that can have. Losing a spouse is an emotionally devastating experience, and amidst the grief, the financial implications can add another layer of stress.

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

• Overc...

Have you ever wondered how a water wheel can relate to your retirement planning? It might seem like an odd comparison, but in today’s podcast, Eric breaks down this fascinating analogy and its significance in maintaining a stable financial future.

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

• The driving force behind your lifestyle in retirement.
• Diversifying income streams.
• How personal pensions could help.
• Managing your f...

We all make mistakes from time to time. But what if your financial mistakes could be avoided with just a little insight? Eric shares some of the most common retirement planning mistakes people are prone to make and what you can do to save yourself from heartache.

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

• Understanding tax implications.
• Timing your Social Security benefits wisely.
• Focusing on income instead of returns.
• B...

When it comes to planning for retirement, the relationship you have with your financial advisor is crucial. Many people express common complaints about their financial advisors, from taking on too much risk to paying high fees or a lack of communication. In today’s podcast, Eric sheds light on these concerns and offers valuable insights to help you navigate your financial journey.

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