In today's episode, we're going to dive into some famous words by the one and only Yogi Berra, inspired by Liz’s recent trip to Fenway Park. You might know him for his legendary baseball career, but Yogi was also a gold mine of wisdom. When we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning.
The first week of August might be National Simplify Your Life Week, but one thing that remains complex is managing your IRA and other tax-deferred accounts. These accounts are subject to the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules, which can be confusing to navigate. Fortunately, the IRS recently issued final regulations to help clarify these rules, and in the episode, Liz will cover the main rules you need to know.
Age is just a number- except for when it comes to retirement planning. In fact, the financial planning process is filled with key milestones that you need to be aware of as you plan for a secure future. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the birthdays you need to pay close attention to. From catch-up contributions at 50 to Medicare at 65, tune in as Liz shares some helpful insights and tips to help you make the most of each milestone.
As you approach retirement, the complexities surrounding your 401(k) can become overwhelming. Liz gets a lot of questions about 401(k)s and understands how tricky they can be to navigate. That’s why in today’s episode, she’s going to cover some of the biggest 401(k) questions for someone getting ready to retire soon.
Target date funds were introduced in the mid-1990s as a way to simplify retirement investing. These funds are essentially mutual funds that invest in a mix of other mutual funds, tailored to fit a specific time horizon. While these funds are convenient and offer a “set it and forget it” approach, are they an effective way to get the diversification and growth you need for retirement? In this episode, Liz breaks down the findings of...
Have you ever wondered what it means to "rebalance" your investment portfolio and why it's important? If so, today's episode is just for you. Liz will explain the ins and outs of rebalancing, including when to do it and how often. Tune in as Liz and Marc discuss why rebalancing is essential for managing portfolio volatility and staying on track with your financial goals. They'll cover everything from how frequently to rebalance to the tax...
Have you heard of the “safe withdrawal rate?” This is a rule of thumb that helps retirees know how much they can safely take from their retirement portfolio. One of the most famous safe withdrawal rates is known as the 4% rule. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about where this rule came from and whether it’s still relevant in today’s environment. During this conversation, we’ll bring in perspectives from well-known financial figures such...
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress women have achieved in the financial realm over the past century. Despite this, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges for women, and it’s important to recognize the financial hurdles they continue to face. In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender...
Ever wondered how much you need to retire comfortably in America? According to a recent survey by Northwestern Mutual, the average American believes it's nearly $1.5 million. But where did this figure come from, and is it a reliable benchmark? Join us in today’s episode as we unpack the survey’s findings and share insights into how different generations view retirement savings. We’ll discuss how age, income, and lifestyle shape individual retirement goals and share how...
In this episode, we’re covering an important aspect of financial planning: preparing your heirs to inherit your wealth. Even if your children have developed solid financial habits, they might not be fully prepared for their role in your legacy plan. Let’s face it – discussing your legacy can feel daunting. But starting to have these conversations sooner rather than later can equip your children to become responsible stewards of their future wealth. Estate planning, open...
Inflation is a topic that affects everyone but can be a bit confusing to understand, especially when it comes to retirement planning. If you’ve found yourself wondering where inflation numbers come from and how they might impact your situation, today’s episode is for you! Stay tuned as we cover the basics of inflation and help you understand its impact on retirement planning. Listen in as Liz and Marc unpack the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Personal...
Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments.
When it comes to retirement planning, many people think about what year they’d like to retire. But choosing the optimal month to retire is just as important. In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss some important things to think about when it comes to finding the ideal timing for you. From financial factors like bonuses and stock options to strategic retirement income planning, tax implications, and emotional aspects, there’s more to consider than you might think...
Would you benefit from a backdoor Roth strategy? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this question, tackling what it is, how it works, and, most importantly, whether it might be the right move for you. We’ll discuss the pros and cons, identify the ideal candidates, and talk about why it’s gaining traction in today’s financial landscape. We’ll kick off the episode by addressing the basics of the backdoor Roth and dispel...
Are you prepared for the realities of long-term care? While conversations about long-term care might not be the most thrilling, they are undeniably important. Listen in as Liz and Marc provide an insightful guide to understanding the nuances of long-term care. In this conversation, we’ll explore the various levels of assistance that may become necessary for you or your loved ones, shedding light on associated costs and effective ways to financially prepare for the future...
Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash. We'll balance our discussion with both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives from an array of sources to give you a comprehensive view. Tune in to navigate the uncertainties and opportunities of 2024's economic landscape and...
Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today’s episode, we’re tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship. It's about getting clarity on how advisors work, what they specialize in, and how they align with your financial goals. From how much your advisor gets paid to who you’ll be working with on the team...
Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. RMDs can be confusing, so in today’s episode, Liz is here to unravel the mystery and ensure you have a clear understanding of the process. Listen in as we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. We’ll make sure you understand how to calculate them, share strategies to potentially avoid them and help you...
We're nearing the end of the year, but it's not quite over yet! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-saving opportunities, and even...
The SECURE Act 2.0 was passed in January, and it is still confusing to most people. Today we're going to talk about five times the SECURE Act could impact you, whether you're working, retired, or planning for your legacy. Intriguingly, the Secure Act 2.0 has provided more tools and options for retirement planning. However, it's up to you to seize the opportunities these changes offer! Join us for this episode to delve deeper into these...
Are you confused about the four different parts of Medicare and what they each do? Do you have questions about when to enroll? Medicare is a critical component of your retirement plan, and understanding its intricacies is essential. In today’s episode, we break down the ins and outs of Medicare and help you understand the basics of this important health care program. We’ll tackle some common misconceptions about Medicare, explore what it does and does...
Are you contemplating retirement but unsure if it’s the right time? Retiring is a big decision, and the idea of this significant life change can feel intimidating. Many worry about whether they've saved enough, how long their retirement savings will last, and what unexpected events might impact their retirement. Listen in as we explore some common fears and uncertainties that hold people back from embracing this new chapter and explore 5 compelling reasons to consider...
Do you have a well thought out written plan that connects your family values with your resources and ensures you can live the retirement you want to live while leaving the legacy you want to leave. Whether you already have a plan, or you're looking to create a plan, you'll want to know some common mistakes you should avoid. Join us today as we’ll run through an important list of seven mistakes that you want...
Are you financially prepared for retirement? Many individuals near retirement age find themselves facing uncertainty when it comes to their income plan. In this episode, we explore the importance of a well- constructed retirement income plan and why it's often overlooked. Listen in as Liz shares insights on the complexities of retirement income planning and the dramatic shift from saving and accumulating wealth during one's working years to creating a sustainable income stream in retirement...
In a digital world filled with evolving cyber threats, protecting your financial well-being has never been more crucial. Following the recent data breach involving the “MOVEIt” software program, Liz and Marc discuss 7 practical ways to shield yourself and your family from the increasingly sophisticated tactics of hackers. From safeguarding your credit bureau information with security freezes to using private emails solely for financial matters, we explore actionable strategies that empower you to be proactive...
Retirement planning often focuses on numbers, and while this is crucial, it's just one part of the equation. A fulfilling retirement is also about having something to retire to - a clear sense of purpose, a social circle, and activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Taking a look at a Kiplinger article, Liz and Marc discuss seven habits for a happy retirement in this episode. Tune in as we discuss staying healthy, maintaining optimism, practicing...
There are plenty of decisions that you’ll make in the retirement planning process that can’t be undone, so you want to make sure that you make the right call. In this episode, Liz and Marc will explain why these decisions are so important and can’t be undone and provide guidance on making informed choices from the start. The episode will cover various financial decisions that have a substantial impact on your retirement, including determining when...
Tune in as Liz explains the importance of being financially prepared so that you can make decisions based on choice rather than obligation in retirement.
Research tells us that rebalancing once a year is sufficient. Sometimes people will think about rebalancing more often, but that that can create more of a drag than you need on your portfolios.
If you're approaching retirement, you're likely finding that there is much to think about when planning your retirement withdrawal strategy. Today, Liz and Marc talk about 3 common mistakes you should avoid to get the most out of your retirement savings. Join us as we dive into some popular portfolio strategies that are now a bit outdated and may not work for everyone. We’ll kick off this episode by discussing the importance of understanding your...
Beneficiaries play a crucial role in a carefully planned retirement strategy. Although naming beneficiaries may appear straightforward, there are certain aspects of this process that are easy to overlook if you’re not careful. Failing to handle these aspects correctly could cost you and your loved ones dearly in the future, so in today’s episode, Liz will cover the essentials of this planning process. Join us and learn how to avoid these potential complications. We will...
Welcome to part 2 of our talk about this year’s top Social Security myths. In part 1, we talked about the myths surrounding benefits for stay-at-home moms, taxes and whether the Social Security Administration can really help you make decisions. On today’s show, we’ll talk about when to claim benefits, whether you can work and still claim benefits and more. There are a lot of misconceptions about Social Security out there, and we’re here to...
Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this two-part episode, we'll debunk the most common myths about Social Security. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about Social Security out there, and we’re here to set the record straight. Tune in and learn the truth about this...
If you’re planning to leave your wealth to your children and grandchildren, should you also make gifts to them throughout your lifetime? With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expiration on the horizon, we’ve had several questions about this recently. Today we’ll talk about some important things you should think about when considering lifetime gifts. In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of lifetime gifts, including how they can reduce your tax burden and provide...
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls that could derail your financial plan. On this episode, we’ll cover some of the top rookie mistakes we see people make, illustrate how to avoid them or how to fix them if you’ve already made some mistakes in your financial life. It’s easy to get sucked into investment trends that do not align with your future goals, make emotionally...
Retirement can come with a lot of tax questions and concerns. From understanding the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts to minimizing taxes on investment income, it can be overwhelming. On today’s episode, we’ll break down the top ten tax questions retirees are asking in 2023. Before you file your 2022 taxes and plan ahead for the rest of the year, make sure to listen to this episode as we’ll discuss some important...
Retirement is a big change of pace. So much of your daily routine is built around work, and when that goes away, it can be difficult to figure out how to keep yourself busy with all that free time. In this episode, we’ll discuss the six types of retirees and how they fill their time.
Another year is upon us and it’s a great time to ask yourself 10 questions to assess how ready you are for retirement to kick off 2023. If you’re retiring this year, it’s essential to have some concrete answers to these questions. In this episode, Liz will share this 10-point checklist and explain how each item might impact your retirement. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations.
Did you plan to retire in 2023, but now you’re second guessing if that’s a wise move given the bad year in the stock market in 2022 and an uncertain economy in the months ahead? You’re not alone if you’re reconsidering your original retirement date. On this episode of Retire On Your Best Path, Liz will tell us about how these conversations are playing out in her office with clients and she’ll detail the pros...
Market volatility became the norm in 2022. The question investors are asking now is are we in for more of the same in 2023? In this episode, we’ll talk about the market outlook for the next 12 months, plus share tips on how you can best prepare for potential future volatility. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What predictions are the experts making for 2023? (1:46) We all have to be very...
Now that Congress just passed the Secure Act 2.0, we wanted to talk about what changes you can expect. Some of these provisions start now while others won’t be implemented for years. Either way, it is good to understand what is happening and keep these changes in mind for the future.
Because everyone has an estate, everyone needs an estate plan. That can be simple or complex, depending upon your needs, but everyone needs to at least have a plan for their situation.
Is the 60-40 portfolio dead? The 60-40 portfolio has been used for many, many, years to diversify a person’s bonds and stock portfolio. Over the last few years, market changes, interest rates, and inflation have had people questioning the rule. So, today we will be taking a look at whether or not we should still be using it and what alternatives there are. What is the 60-40 rule? (1:45) What is a better alternative to...
You may or not be a football fan, but we’re sure you’ll benefit from learning about the red zone in retirement. In the game of football, the red zone is the last 20 yards before you score. In retirement, the red zone is the last five years before you retire, and the five years after.
Health Savings Accounts have become increasingly more popular over the last ten years, and rightfully so. They are an excellent resource to have as a retiree and we even joke that an HSA is a “Super Roth” (Spoiler Alert: it’s triple tax-free). In this episode, we will explain the exact tax advantages of an HSA. We will also show you how you can get the most out of your HSA as you approach retirement. Listen...
As we mentioned in our last episode, Roth conversions have become a popular strategy and there are plenty of good reasons to do one. What about the reasons NOT to? In our last episode we went over reasons to do a Roth conversion, but today we will be going over reasons you may not want to do one. There are many tax-related factors that come into play when making this decision. We review some examples...
The Roth conversion is a planning strategy that’s picked up more and more interest in recent years. There are many reasons behind its rise in popularity, and now is a great time to have a discussion with your advisor about whether it might be right for you.
You know about the many different types of risk that investors face but there’s one that might have a big impact on whether you run out of money in retirement that you might not know about.
Before we really hit the ground running into the financial and retirement topics that matter the most, we wanted to spend a few minutes laying the foundation for the podcast.
