We currently find ourselves amid a presidential election year (whether we like it or not), and political headlines already dominate the news, sparking questions and concerns about how election outcomes might impact retirement and investment plans. As a Financial Planner, I often get clients coming to me and asking how the elections may affect their portfolios or retirement savings. And it's safe to say I've heard all the theories, and I mean all the theories, about who's better or who's worse for the markets. It's a crazy time for everyone, but it's crucial to approach these times with clarity ..read more

In this episode, I talk with Economist Bryce Gill of First Trust Portfolios on pivotal market trends of 2023 and look ahead to what 2024 holds for investors. Tune in for a rich discussion on the stock and bond markets, recession risks, and the intricate relationship between the markets and the economy. Topics discussed: Insights into 2023's stock market, featuring the 'Magnificent 7' stocks Market outlook for 2024 Analyzing the potential risks of recession Deciphering the differences between market trends and economic health Understanding the volatile nature of the bond market and interest ra ..read more

Join me on this episode of the Financial Breakaway Podcast as we dive deep into "Social Security Essentials: 3 Must-Know Topics for Effective Retirement Planning." As you near retirement, it's crucial to understand the intricacies of Social Security and how it fits into your overall financial plan. I'll guide you through the complexities and strategies to make the most of your Social Security benefits. In this episode, we'll cover: • ? My insights on the Optimal Claiming Age: Weighing the benefits of claiming early versus delaying, tailored to your unique situation. • ? Strategies for Coordina ..read more

Join me as I help unlock the secrets of the "Bucket Approach" to retirement planning. After decades of diligent savings, are you prepared to transition from the accumulation phase of your life to the distribution phase? This episode sheds light on the challenges retirees face and offers a structured solution to ensure your investments serve you effectively throughout your golden years. Dive into: • ? The shift from career mode to retirement mode and its challenges. • ? Basics of the "Bucket Approach" and its advantages in retirement planning. • ?️ Constructing and maintaining your investment b ..read more

Join me in this episode as I unravel the mystery behind retirement planning by addressing the fundamental question: "How much do I need to retire?" I dive into the complexities of retirement income planning and offer a unique perspective on determining your retirement needs. By examining the three distinct stages of retirement—Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go—I provide a framework for understanding the changing financial demands of each phase. Gain valuable insights on how to align your financial resources with your evolving lifestyle goals, ensuring a fulfilling and secure retirement. Get ready to n ..read more

In today's special pre-launch episode, I have some thrilling news! "The Financial Breakaway Podcast" is relaunching with a fresh focus: "Your Clear Path to Retirement." Since its humble beginnings in 2019, this podcast has grown immensely, achieving 30 episodes and garnering thousands of downloads. Your valuable feedback, combined with my passion for financial planning, has inspired a refined vision for the podcast. The content will now prioritize empowering individuals like you with the knowledge and tools to make confident decisions for a secure retirement. In addition to the usual audio con ..read more

00:45 - Intro  01:45 - Observation 1: Inflation hurts retirees more  2:20 – Sidetrack: What is Inflation? 05:30 - What can we learn: Find your own “Personal Inflation Rate”   08:31 - Observation 2: Social Security COLA adjustment isn’t as advertised   10:45 - What can we learn:  How to figure out what your NET Social Security COLA really is     13:52 - Observation 3: The biggest risk for retirees is happening to people for the first time in a long time  17:00 - What can we learn:  Strategies to protect against this risk     Ryan Hitchcock ..read more

2022 has been a tough year all around.  So in this episode, I'm breaking down three observations I've seen so far in 2022 for mid-career individuals and what we can learn from those observations.  I try to explore these observations and lessons learned through a financial planning lens for the everyday person.   01:00 - Intro  02:20 - Observation 1: Traditional backup savings plans don't cut it 03:25 - What can we learn: How to create a good backup plan AND a backup, backup plan   05:22 - Observation 2: Not diversified enough in your investments  06:40 - What can ..read more

2022 has been a tough year all around for people.  Headwinds such as the lingering effects of COVID-19, rising interest rates, rising inflation, rising commodity prices, the Russia/Ukraine War, falling stock and bond market, and then an economy that seems to be having a hangover in general.  It has been a lot. With all this going on, it has been hard to conceptualize how it all works together and how it affects you financially (you as an everyday person).  In this episode, I'm breaking down three observations I've seen in the investment markets and following that up with what we ..read more

Conversation between Ryan Hitchcock, Financial Planner at Hight Point Capital Group, and Bryce Gill, Economist at First Trust:   02:45 - Intro on Inflation & Market 04:45 - Great Moderation or Globalization    Long-term inflation outlook    Supply chain War in Europe 12:50 - Fed and interest rates 14:45 - The Monetary Tailwind is Ebbing    M2 Money Supply    Stagflation   18:30 - YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS PART!   24:30 - A Recession Unlike Any Other 30:20 - Services Can Keep US Out of Recession: 39:30 - Housing Market on Economy 39:30 ..read more