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In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles recounts a time when he and Sheri helped two sisters navigate a tough financial situation. After watching one of Charles’ webinars, the sisters sought his advice after a troubling annuity product was sold to them. Tune in as Charles explains how they fought for their clients' best interests, ultimately helping them get back nearly $1 million from a poor investment choice.
Inflation is one of those financial topics that can feel elusive and often misunderstood. Despite recent reports showing a decline in Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, many of us still haven’t felt any real relief when it comes to our day-to-day expenses. Why does this disconnect exist?
Obviously, we all have to pay taxes. But, depending on income levels, some people are paying more into the system than others. In this episode, Charles breaks down exactly who is paying what, using clear charts and visuals to make it easy to understand.
Think of your financial future like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece- whether it's taxes, insurance, retirement accounts, or estate planning- represents a critical part of your financial life. Without the box cover it’s hard to know how each piece fits. In the same way, understanding how all the pieces of your financial puzzle interact is key to achieving your long-term goals. That’s why having someone to help you put it all together who understands the big picture can be incredibly beneficial.
Long-term care is a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but it is such a critical part of retirement planning. In this week’s episode, Charles and Marc discuss an article from Investment News that highlights some interesting statistics and misconceptions surrounding long-term care.
We’ve got another listener question episode for you today! Tune in as Charles answers a few questions from podcast listeners like you. In this week’s edition, a listener named Wendy asks if it's okay to have all her 401k money invested in American Funds or if she should diversify into other investments. Charles also tackles a question about how aggressive one’s retirement savings goals should be to retire by 60.
According to a recent survey by Bankrate, roughly 25% of Gen Zers and 21% of Millennials are not saving enough for emergencies. This statistic is alarming, considering that 44% of Americans said they couldn't cover a $1,000 emergency out of pocket. What’s causing this?
Ever had that “light bulb” moment when everything just clicks? Retirement planning is full of them. Charles has had many clients experience these moments of clarity throughout the planning process, one of which he’s going to share with us today.
Charles frequently receives financial planning questions via email. This week, he addresses Mary's concern about her portfolio, which dropped significantly earlier this year, recovered somewhat, but is still down from its peak. Relying entirely on this money for income, Mary is considering starting Social Security earlier than planned.
In today's episode, we're taking it back to the basics to start 2024 on the right foot. Listen in as we cover the 5 crucial parts of financial planning. From understanding income and expenses to risk management, we'll cover the pillars that make up a comprehensive plan.
In today's episode, we're focusing on a critical aspect of retirement planning: healthcare costs. How well-prepared are you to handle medical expenses after you retire? We'll discuss everything from Medicare complexities to strategies for managing unexpected health-related expenses. Tune in as we break down the essentials of healthcare financial planning for retirees.
There's a lot going on in the financial industry. In today's episode, Charles is going to address some of the things that are driving him crazy in the community, from the plethora of confusing financial designations to the lack of attention given to long-term care planning. At the end of the episode, Charles answers a listener question about combining finances and discusses the importance of financial communication in a relationship.
Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? On this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, healthcare, taxes, stock market trends, and long-term care. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?"
Are you nearing “retirement age?” If so, let’s explore that pivotal question you’ll soon face: Should you retire or continue working? We’ll unravel the intricacies of this decision, addressing both financial and emotional aspects, and help you find out if you’re truly ready to retire.
In this episode, we tackle the common complaints and fears about financial situations during retirement. We'll discuss which concerns are well-founded, which are based on misconceptions, and offer insight on how retirees can best navigate their financial future.
It’s not just the financially uncertain who need to think carefully about their retirement plan. Even those who feel confident in their retirement savings might still have important questions to answer and decisions to make. In this episode, we'll explore the three retirement planning mindsets: those who have no idea if they can retire, those who think they have enough money to retire, and those who know for sure they have enough money to retire. We'll discuss the key considerations and next steps for each of these mindsets to help you prepare for a fulfilling retirement.
In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 5 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. So, join us as we delve into these key issues and learn how to navigate them effectively when it's your turn to plan for retirement.
Are you aware that not all retirement accounts are created equal? It's crucial to understand the purpose and advantages of each type of account to make the best choice for your future. In this episode, we'll delve into the different types of retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, Roths, and several other examples. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each and give you insights into the purposes they serve so that you can make an informed decision. Join us and discover why understanding the purpose of these accounts is essential for securing a comfortable retirement.
Are you preparing for retirement but feeling confident that you have covered all the expenses? Well, think again... It turns out that many retirees overlook some crucial expenses that can leave them financially vulnerable. In this episode, we explore the retirement expenses that most people tend to forget, including skyrocketing medical bills, unexpected travel costs, taxes, and much more. We'll discuss practical tips and strategies to help you plan for these expenses and ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.
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. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations.