The Retirement Complacency Trap, Ep #232
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Release Date: 01/21/2025
When Should You Claim Social Security? 3 Decisions to Consider, Ep #240
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Claiming Social Security as soon as you become eligible at age 62 is a common choice for Americans. While understandable, this decision can have significant, and often underappreciated, long-term consequences. For many, the urge to claim early may stem from financial necessity, lack of other income sources, or simply a desire to “get what you’ve paid for.” However, claiming early can reduce your benefit by as much as 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age (typically around 67). If you are in the fortunate position of having other income sources, such as a pension, 401(k),...
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Navigating Market Volatility with Mike Eklund, Ep #239
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Chad and Mike break down the major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter, revealing why diversification works unexpectedly. They chat through the impact of recent tariff news, what those headlines might mean for the economy and your portfolio, and share evidence-based strategies for taking action (or not!) when markets get rocky. Outline of This Episode [0:00] Major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter [4:22] The benefits of diversified portfolios [9:15] Trade deficit and tariffs explained [9:54] Tariffs impact product prices, and consumer...
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Your Market Volatility Survival Playbook, Ep #238
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Market volatility is never comfortable, but with the right mindset and a thoughtful plan, you can face downturns not as a victim, but as an opportunist. On this episode of the Financial Symmetry Show, we’re sharing our advice on managing your finances amid turbulent markets and giving you a helpful checklist to guide your decision-making when headlines make your stomach flip. Outline of This Episode [0:00] We discuss the importance of planning, reviewing its steps, and controlling expectations during unforeseen events. [4:29] Evaluate income, expenses, job security, income sources, and...
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5 Ways to Transform Tax Season into an Opportunity with Grayson Blazek, Ep #237
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Tax planning might not top everyone's list of leisure activities, but in the middle of tax season there’s a hidden opportunity. What if, instead of seeing it as a mere logistic hurdle, we embraced it as a moment to refine our financial strategy? *********** 📰 See the 🌐 to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.
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How Longevity Could Impact Your Retirement, Ep #236
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
What if your retirement lasts much longer than you anticipated? Increasing life expectancies have reshaped our understanding of retirement and financial planning in recent years, and we’ll likely become more concerned about effectively managing financial resources throughout a potentially very long life in the future. In this episode, we’re sharing some insights gleaned from a recent industry conference focused on the impacts of longevity on retirement planning. There's a growing need to rethink how long you'll need your savings to last and how you approach your investment strategies...
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10 Myths That Exist Around Women's Wealth, Ep #235
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
We're spotlighting women's wealth in honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Join us as we dig into some of the stats surrounding women's financial empowerment. From the rising number of women controlling wealth as they outlive their spouses to tackling stereotypes that hinder women's earning potential, this episode addresses the systemic barriers that impact women's financial journeys. *********** 📰 See the 🌐 to assure you are positioned to experience your ideal retirement.
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Navigating Your Options as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary, Ep #234
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Four categories are recognized under current regulations to qualify as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB). These include the surviving spouse, minor children of the decedent, a disabled or chronically ill individual as assessed at the time of the decedent's passing, and other individuals who are no more than ten years younger than the deceased account owner. If you fall into one of these categories, you'll be afforded more time and flexibility than Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries. This is due to recent regulatory changes, underscored by The Secure Act, altering the landscape of...
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Fighting FOMO in Your Portfolio, Ep #233
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Investing can often feel like riding a rollercoaster of exciting highs and daunting lows. This week, we’re digging into the intricacies of the financial planning process, focusing particularly on the importance of understanding market trends and the role diversification plays in safeguarding your wealth. Outline of This Episode (03:08) Investing with diversification mitigates risk; US stocks average 10% annual returns over the long term but vary yearly. (08:39) US and China stock market gains were largely driven by speculative buying, with US stocks being pricier than international and...
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The Retirement Complacency Trap, Ep #232
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Retirement, often portrayed as a glorious era of freedom and relaxation, has its own set of challenges beyond the financial arena. This week, we’re exploring the psychology behind retirement and discussing the four phases retirees go through. Vacation/Honeymoon Phase: The initial euphoria of not having to set an alarm. Loss Phase: Often associated with disenchantment as the honeymoon phase wears off. Trial and Error Phase: Trying out various activities to find what gives life meaning. Reinvent and Rewire Phase: Adding a new sense of purpose and joy from activities outside oneself. ...
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How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Gifting Money to Family, Ep #231
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves thinking about gifts. While gifts can come in many forms, monetary gifts often cause the most confusion. In this episode of Financial Symmetry, hosts Chad Smith and Grayson Blaszak discuss the intricacies of financial gifting. Financial gifting generally involves transferring assets, such as cash or securities, from one individual to another without expecting anything in return. This process can have several benefits, including seeing your loved ones enjoy the fruits of your generosity during your lifetime. *********** 📬...
info_outlineRetirement, often portrayed as a glorious era of freedom and relaxation, has its own set of challenges beyond the financial arena. This week, we’re exploring the psychology behind retirement and discussing the four phases retirees go through.
- Vacation/Honeymoon Phase: The initial euphoria of not having to set an alarm.
- Loss Phase: Often associated with disenchantment as the honeymoon phase wears off.
- Trial and Error Phase: Trying out various activities to find what gives life meaning.
- Reinvent and Rewire Phase: Adding a new sense of purpose and joy from activities outside oneself.
The excitement of retirement can last about a year. The dreamy honeymoon phase is great, but when reality sets in, it can be tough. The transition takes time and usually involves emotional highs and lows as retirees grapple with their newfound freedom while trying to preserve their sense of identity, purpose, and routine.
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