Retirement is often portrayed as a time when worries and stress fade away. However, psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we’ll look at some ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process. While we like to talk about numbers around here (as it’s a very important part of the planning process), it's equally essential to address the psychological aspects of this transition. As John has observed with clients, your job likely played a significant role in shaping your i ..read more

Some people just need a reality check when it comes to understanding their retirement. Today, we'll explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial. The episode kicks off with a candid conversation about the misconceptions of retirement life. The ads make it look easy, but John reminds us that even in retirement, the lawn still needs mowing, and the trash won't take itself out. This isn't to dampen your spirits, but rather to prepare you for the realities that await and to ensure your retirement plan is rob ..read more

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the toolbox of innovations that promise to redefine the way we approach financial preparation for retirement. From personal finance management software to the abundance of online calculators, there's no shortage of tools aiming to streamline the planning process. But, do they deliver? Listen in as John and Marc take a critical look at these technological advancements, exploring whether they simplify retirement planning or introduce new complexities. They’ll dive into subjects like Google, do-it-yourself trading platforms, social media influencing, and more ..read more

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today’s retirees to develop. From robocalls and texts to emails and websites trying to steal your data, scams are coming at us from all angles. Stay tuned as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in this digital era, all from the perspective of a seasoned financial professional. And be sure to stay tuned until the end of the epi ..read more

John often points out the numerous connections between coaching football and financial planning. Similar to the mix of personalities on a football team, a financial advisor needs to navigate a diverse set of clients, each bringing their unique quirks and learning styles to the table. Whether it's working with clients resistant to technology or those influenced by the ever-shifting political and economic landscape, John has accumulated years of experience guiding individuals toward a successful retirement. As an advisor, his role involves adapting to each person, ensuring everyone is on the sam ..read more

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.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:24 – Housing prices 7:46 – Chance of a recession 11:52 – The stock market 18:57 – Listener question   Resources From Today's Show: Housing Market Articles- https://www.newsweek.com/will-housing-market-crash-2024-realtors-share-predictions-1851540 https://www.financialsamurai.com/2024-housing-m ..read more

We’re kicking off the New Year by discussing the financial challenges and changes that could impact your retirement in 2024. Listen in as we discuss potential interest rate cuts, inflation’s impact on borrowing costs, and this year’s COLA increase. We’ll also chat about the changes that are coming with the SECURE Act 2.0, the market outlook for 2024, and Medicare changes that you need to be aware of. Stay tuned as we discuss the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan as we navigate the uncertainties ahead.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:16 ..read more

This week on the Red Zone Retirement Program, John is answering some recent listener questions. We love doing episodes like this so that you can gain some valuable takeaways from real-life scenarios! Dan asks whether recent changes in tax laws have reduced the tax benefits of making charitable donations at the end of the year. Another listener asks where they should save money temporarily if they are not eligible for a 401K match until six months into their new job. John shares his thoughts on New Year’s resolutions for this week's two-minute warning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this epi ..read more

In this festive episode, we’ll sift through a sleigh-full of financial products and strategies to find out which ones deserve a spot in your financial stocking this year, and which ones are the proverbial lumps of coal. This will be an educational episode for all investors, whether you’ve been financially naughty or nice this year... Listen in as John and Marc explore topics like options and futures, retirement index funds, precious metals, and whole life insurance and offer insights into their potential impact on your financial strategy. For this week’s Two Minute Warning segment, John tackle ..read more

Get ready to rock to the rhythms of retirement wisdom in this week’s episode! We've put together the ultimate retirement planning playlist, featuring timeless lyrics that reflect various stages of the planning journey. From setting financial goals to finding purpose in your golden years, this playlist sets the stage for important discussions about crafting your dream retirement. Drawing inspiration from AC/DC, Journey, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and more, this episode explores the role of consistency and patience in the retirement planning journey. We also discuss the importance of having a v ..read more