Paying for college has become increasingly harder with rising costs. Starting early for your child's or grandchild's education can make a big difference and reduce the need for excessive borrowing later. In this episode, we’ll cover the key aspects of college financial planning from the grandparent perspective. Join us as we discuss saving strategies, the importance of starting early, and answer your pressing questions. From 529 plans to Coverdell IRAs, and even gifting appreciated stock, John breaks down various strategies and their tax implications. With the right strategies, you can make a ..read more

One of the more exciting parts of the retirement planning process is dreaming about the lifestyle you want to enjoy. For many retirees, travel is a big part of that vision. However, budgeting for trips in retirement isn't quite the same as when you're working and can count on regular paychecks to replenish your bank account. So, how do we factor in your dream vacations when crafting a retirement plan? We’ll “pack” all that great information into this episode and even share a few tips for making the most of your travel budget! Whether you are looking to visit children, grandchildren, or embark ..read more

Former New York Yankees great Yogi Berra might be better known for what he said rather than how he played, and these humorous yet insightful "Yogi-isms" have stood the test of time. But did you know that these sayings can also offer valuable lessons for retirement planning?   Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:30 – A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore 4:10 – If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up someplace else 6:10 – When you come to a fork in the road, take it 9:48 – The future ain’t what it used to be 13:40 – It’s like déjà vu all over again 17:00 – M ..read more

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end. So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re back to walk you through the fundamentals in this two-part episode, as we chat about long-term care insurance and life insurance in part 2. At the end of the episode, John answers a question from ..read more

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end. So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re going to walk you through the fundamentals in this two-part episode, covering health insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and more. Stay tuned as we cover the basics you must know ..read more

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