Your Guide To Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Release Date: 08/29/2024
Mailbag: Volatility, Rebalancing, and Buying the Dip
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Retirement planning isn’t that different from calling plays on game day. When the market’s throwing curveballs and the scoreboard doesn’t look great, you don’t panic…but you should adjust. In this mailbag edition, John answers listener questions about navigating market volatility with a level head. Whether it’s rebalancing in a down market, knowing when to “buy the dip,” or understanding what diversification actually looks like when everything feels like it’s dropping, we will break down how you can call the right plays in volatile markets. You’ll also hear why knowing your...
info_outline
What Should You ACTUALLY Do When The Market Drops?
The Red Zone Retirement Program
What should you actually do when the market drops? In this episode, John breaks down the recent market volatility and offers a steady voice amid the noise. With headlines warning of global uncertainty and investors feeling the heat, John shares why emotional reactions can lead to long-term regrets and what smart investors should do instead. Drawing on years of experience, John explains why downturns are expected (one in every four years!), the power of rebalancing, and how diversified portfolios are built for all seasons. He also discusses the importance of written income strategies and risk...
info_outline
Key 2025 Tax Breaks & Adjustment Opportunities
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025—before the year gets away from you. In this episode, we’ll break down the key changes and how you can start planning now to make the most of them. With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. We’ll also highlight the risks of DIY tax filing, the hidden costs of getting it wrong, and when it’s worth...
info_outline
Bracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners
The Red Zone Retirement Program
We’re ready for the return of March Madness and the craziness that will unfold over the next three weeks. We can’t give you any tournament picks, but we can take a look at what it teaches us about financial planning. In this episode, we’re going to look at the surprising parallels between bracket busting and investing—and why trying to pick stocks can feel a lot like picking the perfect tournament winner. With a 1 in 120.2 billion chance of filling out a perfect bracket, it’s no surprise that stock picking success is just as difficult. We’ll discuss why most people chase the wrong...
info_outline
Presidential Wisdom For Your Retirement Plan
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Presidents aren’t just leaders of a nation. They’re decision-makers who navigate uncertainty, make tough calls, and plan for the future. Today, we’re looking at how the leadership lessons of some of America’s greatest presidents can help you build a smarter, more secure retirement plan. In the spirit of President’s Day, Join John and his co-host as they discuss presidential quotes and the lessons they can teach us about patience, adaptability, and long-term planning in the face of uncertainty. From George Washington's discipline to Franklin D. Roosevelt's strategic vision, discover...
info_outline
What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?
The Red Zone Retirement Program
The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy? Today, we’ll explain a bit of the - what they are, why governments impose them, and the historical content of them. We’ll also break down these that have been introduced, their potential impact on everyday people, and what you can do to navigate this shifting financial landscape. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 –...
info_outline
Social Security Claiming Tips for Unique Situations
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income. Discover how small adjustments can lead to successful retirement planning, and learn about the newly passed Social Security Fairness Act. Explore strategies for single and dual-income households, blended families, and special considerations for those with disabilities. Social Security should not be viewed...
info_outline
How To Change Your Money Attitude In 2025
The Red Zone Retirement Program
As we kick off 2025, a lot of people consider what they want the year to look like and how to put their best foot forward, especially financially. Think: “new year, new me!” To figure out what the new “you” is all about, sometimes it helps to reflect first on what you’ve done in the past and what you want to change moving forward. Today, we’ll talk about the financial decisions and habits you’ve maybe had in the past and what changes you can make this year to embrace the new you. From overspending to understanding your net worth, John provides insights and real-life examples to...
info_outline
The Art of Rebalancing
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Do you rebalance at the end of the year, beginning of the new year, or when something happens in life? Rebalancing is an artform of sorts, and it’s a crucial part of maintaining your financial health as you approach retirement. Let’s explore this concept and why it’s often more complex than you’d expect. John will describe how periodic adjustments—whether calendar-based, threshold-based, or triggered by life events—help maintain desired risk levels and asset allocation. Rebalancing isn't about market timing but...
info_outline
Most Americans Are Forced to Retire Early - Are You Ready?
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Did you know most Americans retire earlier than planned, often due to unexpected health issues, job changes, or financial surprises? These challenges can force people out of work early, leaving them unprepared for decades of retirement. In this episode, we’ll explore recent research highlighting the importance of planning for early retirement, even if it’s not in your current plans. Discover how unexpected health issues, job loss, and organizational changes can force early retirement and learn about the small adjustments you can make to ensure a successful transition. Tune in for practical...
info_outlineThe Medicare Open Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! But what does this mean for you? How does the process work, and who should be paying close attention? In this episode, we’ll break down everything you need to know about navigating this crucial period.
Open enrollment, running from October 15 to December 7, allows those already enrolled in Medicare to make changes. Whether you're considering switching plans, adjusting your prescription drug coverage, or simply reviewing your current plan, understanding the ins and outs of open enrollment is vital. Join John as he shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities of Medicare and make informed decisions during the open enrollment period.
By understanding your options, avoiding penalties, and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure a smooth transition and secure the best possible plan for your needs.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:48 – Key open enrollment dates
4:22 – Finding assistance to answer your Medicare questions
7:16 – Things to consider when shopping through open enrollment
8:50 – What to do if you miss open enrollment
11:07 – Inflation Reduction Act
12:22 – Planning ahead
13:42 – Mailbag
Get in touch:
Phone: 661-775-3704
Book an appointment with us: https://mearsmoneymanagement.as.me/schedule.php
Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/
Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM