Retirement: Expectations vs. Reality
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Release Date: 03/31/2025
Outdated Retirement Rules that Can Cost You - And What to Do Instead
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Many of the “golden rules” of retirement no longer shine. The 4% withdrawal rule, the “set it and forget it” investment strategy, and even long-trusted programs like Social Security and Medicare aren’t as reliable as they once were. In this week's podcast, we unpack why these outdated approaches could put your financial future at risk, and more importantly, what you can do instead. You’ll learn the new realities of retirement planning, the hidden challenges that could drain your savings, and smarter strategies to protect your income, healthcare, and lifestyle. Listen...
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How Fed Rate Cuts Could Impact Your Retirement
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Over the past few months, the economic debate has heated up: the Federal Reserve is weighing the possibility of lowering interest rates, President Trump has already extended corporate tax cuts, and the national debt continues to soar. What does all of this mean for your retirement security? In this episode, we unpack how lower rates could affect everything from your 401(k) and pension returns to the cost of borrowing in retirement. We’ll also explore why Trump is pressing for lower rates — arguing it will ease pressure on the ballooning national debt and further stimulate business growth...
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5 Ways to Fireproof Your Retirement
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
If a fire broke out, would you know exactly how to respond? In the heat of the moment, panic can take over — and retirement works the same way. The worst time to make critical financial decisions is in the middle of a crisis. That’s why planning ahead is essential. In this week’s Providence Financial Retirement Show, we share 5 practical ways to fireproof your retirement, so you can face the unexpected with confidence. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Keep an emergency fund ready for sudden expenses ✔️ Minimize debt before it becomes a burden ✔️ Develop a sustainable withdrawal plan...
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Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and Your Retirement
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
The "big beautiful bill" that just went into play has sparked both praise and criticism — but what does it really mean for retirees and those approaching retirement? While politicians debate and high-profile voices like Elon Musk warn that this law could widen the deficit and eventually pressure lawmakers to cut spending or raise taxes, supporters argue that reducing taxes puts money back into the pockets of consumers and businesses, fueling growth. Both sides make valid points — but the long-term macroeconomic impact remains unknown. In the shorter term, what matters most to retirees is...
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Mutual Funds, ETFs and Your Retirement Income
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Mutual funds are one of the most popular investment tools — but are they the right choice for your retirement? This week on the podcast we take a closer look at mutual funds and ETFs, uncovering fees, tax implications, and drawbacks you may never have considered. In retirement, it’s not just about growth — it’s about generating reliable income and protecting your nest egg. It's a shift from the accumulation phase of life to the distribution phase of life. We explore why mutual funds are typically designed for the first phase, and what that means when your focus shifts toward...
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Paychecks in Retirement: How to Invest for Steady Income
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
When you retire, your paycheck stops — but your need for income doesn’t. Too many retirees rely on the “withdrawal method,” slowly spending down their savings and hoping the market cooperates. In this week’s podcast, we explain why building an income stream through interest and dividends can be a smarter, more sustainable approach. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why the withdrawal method can leave you vulnerable to market swings ✔️ How income-focused investing works in retirement ✔️ The types of investments that can generate steady interest and dividends ✔️ How to choose the...
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Halftime Check-In: Smart Money Moves for the Rest of the Year
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
We’re officially in the second half of the year — and just like in football, halftime is the perfect moment to reassess the game plan and take a strategic pause to evaluate your finances, goals, and risk exposure before the year slips away. Ask yourself: ✔️ What’s gone well so far this year—and what hasn’t? ✔️ Have your goals, income, or expenses changed since January? ✔️ Are you on track for retirement or just hoping for the best? ✔️ Are you exposed to more risk than you realize as the market shifts? Don’t let the second half of the year catch you off guard....
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Retiring Right: How to Prepare Financially and Emotionally
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Most people think retirement readiness is all about the numbers — but there’s a lot more to it than that. In this week’s episode, we explore what it truly means to be ready for retirement — not just financially, but mentally and emotionally too. We’ll cover the financial side, including: ✔️ Creating reliable income that lasts ✔️ Managing inflation and taxes ✔️ Planning for longevity and the sequence of returns And we’ll also tackle the often-ignored mindset side: ✔️ How to find purpose beyond your career ✔️ Ways to avoid boredom, loneliness, and regret ✔️...
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Smart Retirement Strategies: How to Maximize Income and Minimize Taxes
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
A successful retirement isn’t just about how much you’ve saved — it’s about how wisely you manage it. In this episode, we walk through some of the most effective strategies for turning your nest egg into lasting, tax-efficient retirement income. We’ll cover: ✔️ Tax-saving moves that can keep more money in your pocket ✔️ When annuities make sense—and when they don’t ✔️ How to structure your portfolio for growth and stability ✔️ Smart timing strategies for claiming Social Security ✔️ How all of these pieces work together to create a secure retirement Whether...
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Long Term Care - The Hidden Risk
Providence Financial Retirement Show with Anthony Saccaro
Long-term care is one of the most underestimated — and financially devastating — challenges facing retirees today. In this week’s episode of The Providence Financial Retirement Show, we break down everything you need to know about preparing for the possibility of needing care in your later years. Whether it’s home health assistance, assisted living, or full-time nursing care, the reality is that 70% of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. Yet very few have a solid plan in place to cover these expenses. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What long-term care really...
info_outlineIn this episode, we examine eight common retirement expectations and contrast them with the realities many retirees face:
1. Lower Expenses: Many anticipate reduced living costs in retirement, but factors like healthcare, travel, and leisure activities can keep expenses high.
2. Manageable Healthcare Costs: While some believe Medicare will cover all health expenses, out-of-pocket costs for services like dental, vision, and long-term care can be substantial.
3. Reduced Taxes: It's a common belief that taxes decrease in retirement; however, withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts and other income sources may keep tax liabilities significant.
4. Optimal Social Security Strategy: Many assume they're maximizing Social Security benefits, yet factors like timing and spousal benefits can greatly influence the amount received.
5. Continuing to Work: Some plan to work part-time during retirement, but health issues or job market challenges can hinder this intention.
6. Reliable Financial Advice: Trusting that all financial advisors have one's best interests at heart can be misguided; it's essential to ensure advisors are fiduciaries committed to acting in your favor.
7. Consistent Investment Income: Relying solely on investments for income assumes market stability, yet market volatility can impact returns and financial security.
8. Certainties in Retirement: While some aspects are unpredictable, retirees can anticipate factors like market fluctuations, legislative changes, inflation, and unforeseen expenses, emphasizing the need for flexible planning.
Listen in as we explore these topics to help you better prepare for a retirement that aligns with reality.
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