The Happy Retirement Show with Victor Gray and Colin Hurst

You’ve been contributing to Social Security for your entire working life, but do you have peace of mind about when to start drawing from it? In this episode, Victor sits down with Hamilton Morales, a Social Security expert who breaks down the real decision points that come with turning on your Social Security benefit. He unpacks some of the biggest mistakes people make, like turning it on too early, or worse, copying their neighbor...

We all know the news can shape how we feel, but what if it’s also shaping how we invest? In this episode, Victor raises a crucial concern: how biased or emotionally charged headlines may sway investor behavior and cause short-term market volatility. Drawing from his own daily routine of listening to stock market reports, Victor explains why investors should be cautious about reacting to sensational news. 

The conversation highlights...

“How can I enjoy some of my life and my money while I’m young and healthy, without messing up my retirement?” That’s the question one client recently asked, and in this episode, Colin breaks it down. He shares why delaying joy until later doesn’t always make sense, and how smart planning can help you design a lifestyle that balances now and later.

Colin walks through a real case study of a couple in their 60s who wanted more time an...

Investing isn’t just about spotting good opportunities; it’s about choosing the right ones for you. In this episode, Colin and Victor share a real-life story of a client who nearly put money into what he believed was a safe utility bond, but it turned out to be a high-risk oil and gas venture. Fortunately, he reached out for a second opinion and avoided a costly mistake.

This story highlights a powerful truth: even a solid investmen...

A little hope is good for the soul, but when it comes to retirement planning, wishful thinking can lead to serious financial mistakes. In this episode, Colin and Victor walk through five common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly damage your retirement and how you can build a plan that protects your future instead of relying on luck. 

Beliefs like “I’ll just work forever” or “the market always goes up” may feel comforting,...

Thinking about retiring in 2025 but feeling uneasy about market volatility, layoffs, or rising taxes? You’re not alone. That’s why Colin dives into one of the most common (and important) questions he’s hearing right now: Is this a bad time to retire? Whether you’re on the brink of retirement or still a few years out, this episode offers calm, practical options for how you can navigate retirement planning during uncertain times.  

Yo...

You might think your 401k is your retirement plan, but what if that mindset is setting you up for financial frustration later? In this eye-opening episode, Victor unpacks a common misunderstanding that could cost retirees thousands: confusing retirement accounts with actual retirement planning. 

Victor explains why treating your pre-tax retirement account as your catch-all fund- for cars, emergencies, vacations, and more- ...

If you’re approaching retirement, it’s critical to make sure your 401k is working as efficiently as possible, not holding you back. In this episode, Colin and Victor tackle a common question: should you leave your 401k where it is when you retire? They walk through why leaving your account behind might limit your investment choices, expose you to higher hidden fees, and make accessing your money more complicated.

You’ll also hear ho...

The thing about assassins in the real world is that they’re sneaky and you don’t see them coming. The same is true for the silent killers of your retirement plan. In this episode, Colin and Victor reveal the most dangerous “retirement assassins” that can quietly derail decades of planning if you’re not on guard. 

From reacting emotionally during a market crash to ignoring inflation, higher taxes, long-term care, and even procrastina...

For many retirees, a little extra income can go a long way, and it doesn’t have to feel like “work.” In this episode, Colin shares fun, flexible side gigs that allow retirees to earn extra money while doing what they already enjoy. From working a few hours at the golf course to get free rounds, to pet-sitting for neighbors or selling handmade cards at local markets, these ideas aren’t just income generators—they’re lifestyle enhanc...

"Should I own gold or silver?" It's a question that comes up often in financial planning conversations. But the real issue goes deeper- it's about portfolio diversification and ensuring every asset you own serves a clear, strategic purpose.

Whether you’re holding metals, stocks, or any other asset class, this episode is a timely reminder that investment decisions should be rooted in knowledge, not assumptions.

Her...

Are you unknowingly losing thousands of dollars in hidden retirement expenses? In this episode of The Happy Retirement Show, Colin Hurst and Victor Gray reveal the top two overlooked costs that can eat away at your savings: investment fees and taxes.

Many retirees focus on rates of return, but fail to realize how much they’re paying in hidden brokerage fees, charges, and taxes—all of which directly reduce their income. Colin and Vic...

What does it take to have a happy retirement? For couples, finances can be a major thorn in your side, but proper communication can help eliminate many of those money problems. In this first episode of The Happy Retirement Podcast, Colin Hurst and Victor Gray dive into the key money questions that couples need to be asking each other.

From spending vs. saving battles between people with different financial habits to managing expecta...