What’s Changing in 2026 (And Why It Matters To Your Money)
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at What’s new in 2026 for retirees & pre-retirees? John covers several updates that could quietly impact your cash flow, taxes, and savings strategy. A quick review now can help make sure changes in 2026 work with your plan, not against it. Discover actionable reminders and why your next steps matter more than ever. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 2026 Overview – Key retirement-related changes for the year 📈 COLA & Medicare – Social Security increases offset by premiums 🧾...
info_outline
Year-End Mailbag: Your Biggest Retirement Questions Answered
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Join John as he wraps up the year and answers some of the biggest questions on listeners’ minds. This episode dives into real-world financial concerns, practical strategies, and tips to help you keep your retirement game plan on track. John cuts through the noise with straightforward answers that help you think clearly about the retirement decisions that matter most. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎁 Holiday Gifting: understanding limits and smart giving strategies 💰 Excess Cash:...
info_outline
I'm 62... Should I Claim Social Security?
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Celebrate our 100th episode as John tackles the ever-important topic of Social Security and retirement planning. In this milestone show, we discuss key considerations for deciding when to claim Social Security benefits and the common mistakes to avoid. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about when to take Social Security. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🚫 Don’t Rush at 62: the common arguments for claiming early 📊 Why Waiting Pays: the...
info_outline
Why Better Questions Build Better Retirements
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning, some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame a question often determines the quality of the answer, and sometimes the quality of your entire retirement. Today, John goes through some of the most asked questions and how to reframe them to get clearer, more useful answers. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🦃 Thanksgiving Traditions: John’s holiday traditions and...
info_outline
The Giving Playbook: Smart Moves for Lasting Impact
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In football, every great play starts with a solid game plan, and generosity works the same way. Giving feels good, but giving wisely wins championships. Today, John breaks down the playbook for smart, purposeful generosity and shows you how to make every dollar count. Because when it comes to giving, it’s not just about moving the ball, it’s about leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📅 When to Give: Timing your donations for both impact and...
info_outline
Fidelity’s 2025 Report: Health Care Costs Just Jumped Again
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Fidelity just released their 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate. The number is staggering: $172,500 for a 65-year-old retiring today. The bigger problem? One in five Americans hasn’t even thought about health care costs in retirement. Today, John breaks down exactly what this means, why it matters, and how to prepare. With the right planning, you can make health care just another line item in your retirement budget, not a financial shock. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Fidelity’s...
info_outline
Year-End Strategic & Tactical Planning Meetings
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Retirement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about strategically planning your withdrawals. In this episode of Red Zone Retirement, we'll take you through our annual “strategic and tactical” fall meetings, showing how smart planning now can prevent massive surprises later. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ✅ How to make Roth conversions work in your favor ✅ The hidden Medicare penalty most people miss ✅ Guardrails that protect your income when the market dips ✅ How strategic...
info_outline
Reacting To Unfiltered Retirement Takes from YouTube
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In this episode, John steps onto the field and reacts to unfiltered takes from viewers, everything from taking Social Security at 62 to the hidden penalty of healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in. These “back of the napkin” plays may look good in the huddle, but we'll break down where the blocking is weak, what gaps are being missed, and how early mistakes can leave you taking a permanent loss on retirement income and survivor benefits. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Taking Social...
info_outline
The Hidden Medicare Penalty You Might Be Paying
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your income’s too high, there’s a hidden surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands a year. It’s called IRMAA. And most people don’t see it coming. Let’s break down who’s impacted and how to avoid it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 IRMAA is a Medicare penalty based on income—not assets 🔙 It looks 2 years backward to determine your premiums 💥 One-time income events like property sales or...
info_outline
Football & Finance: Don’t Panic, Stick to the Plan
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In football, one bad play doesn’t decide the outcome. A fumble, interception, or blown coverage can rattle a team, but the best players stay calm, adjust, and keep running their game plan. The same lesson applies to your finances. In this episode, John uses football stories from the field to show how to handle financial fumbles without panicking. Setbacks are part of the game. What matters is responding with discipline and perspective so you can stay on track toward your long-term goals. Here’s some of what we...
info_outlineBig tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you’re getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let’s set the record straight on what’s really changing. If you’ve been hearing wild claims about tax-free retirement or giant write-offs, this conversation may just be the reality check you need.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧾 New Social Security deductions for seniors 65+
💰 Not everyone gets a tax cut, despite the hype
🏡 Estate tax tweaks don’t replace actual planning
🙌 Changes to the charitable deduction
💵 Tips under $25K are tax-free… for now
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Summary: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1
Get in touch:
Phone: 661-775-3704
Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net
Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/
Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM
Check out John’s FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/