Reflecting on 3 Lessons I Learned from Clients in 2024, Ep #178
Release Date: 12/30/2024
The ‘What If’ Scenarios of Retirement Planning, Ep 204
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Retirement planning isn’t just about crunching numbers and sticking to a tight budget—it’s about envisioning what’s truly possible for your future. These hypothetical scenarios, often overlooked by retirees, can do more than just safeguard your financial well-being; they can enhance your happiness and help you discover opportunities you never thought attainable. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 05:16 Encouraging Big Thinking in Retirement 10:15 Planning for Early or Delayed Retirement 11:50 Philanthropy and Charitable Giving in Retirement ...
info_outline
The Top Retirement Questions You Should Be Asking (But Might Be Missing), Ep #203
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
In this episode, I decided to do something a little different. Over the last two weeks, my team and I compiled a list of questions submitted by listeners and clients, some common, some obscure, and some that people simply don't know how to ask. I’ve got a legal pad in front of me with over 30 questions, ranging from "Am I saving too much?" to "Do I really need a trust?". We cover a lot of ground today, including the nuances of Roth conversions, the often-overlooked power of HSAs, and the "gas guzzler" analogy I use to explain tax-inefficient investing. I also address the fear of economic...
info_outline
2026 Changes You Can’t Ignore: Social Security, Tax Rules, and Withdrawal Realities, Ep #202
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Welcome to 2026! A new year brings a fresh set of rules for your retirement savings, and not all of them are straightforward. With the turning of the calendar comes changes to contribution limits, Social Security adjustments, and new tax mandates that could catch you off guard if you aren't paying attention. In this first episode of the year, I break down exactly what is changing for 2026, from the "good news" of higher contribution limits to the "bad news" of Medicare premium hikes that might eat up your entire Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. I also dive into a controversial new...
info_outline
Making Your Money Last: A Smarter Approach to Retirement Income, Ep #201
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
How do you take the savings you’ve built over a lifetime and turn it into reliable income you can count on year after year? That’s a question I’ve been hearing more and more, and it makes sense, without a clear withdrawal strategy, retirees can unintentionally drain their accounts too quickly, trigger unnecessary taxes, or simply feel unsure about whether they’re doing things the right way. Making the shift from accumulating money to actually using it can feel uncomfortable, and my goal is to help people approach that transition with clarity and confidence. In this episode, I break the...
info_outline
Retirement Realities: Tackling the Pain Points That Matter Most, Ep #200
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
In this 200th episode, I focus on the real pain points retirees face and the importance of planning ahead. Drawing from years of conversations with clients and listeners, today's discussion highlights how assumptions about retirement often don’t match reality, especially when it comes to taxes, lifestyle choices, and healthcare. Taxes remain one of the biggest surprises, as many retirees discover they’re not in a lower bracket after all. Withdrawals from 401ks, IRAs, and pensions are taxed as ordinary income, and Social Security can also be partially taxable. At the same time, couples must...
info_outline
How Close Are You to Retirement? Listener Questions Answered, Ep #199
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Today, in our 199th episode, I dive into some timely updates on Social Security and answered a batch of long-overdue listener questions. We kick things off with the newly announced 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits starting January 2026. While that sounds like good news, I cautioned listeners not to celebrate too quickly. Medicare Part B premiums are expected to rise by 11.6%, or about $21.50 per month, which will eat into that COLA, leaving most recipients with a net increase of only around $34.50. I argue that announcing the Social Security COLA a month...
info_outline
The Ultimate 401(k) Guide Planning, Pitfalls, and Power Moves, Ep 198
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I delve into 401(k)s: how they work, why they matter, and how to maximize their benefits. I break down the basics in simple terms, just like I always aim to do, because retirement planning shouldn’t be confusing. I discuss the differences between good and not-so-great 401(k) plans, the pros and cons of keeping your money in a 401(k) versus rolling it into an IRA, and how changes in providers can impact your investment options. I also share a helpful government site for tracking down old retirement accounts and explain why Roth conversions...
info_outline
Six Things You May be Missing in Your Retirement That Can Cost You Big, Ep 197
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Are you confident your retirement plan covers everything, or are there blind spots that could cost you down the road? In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I reveal six commonly overlooked areas that can quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned retirement strategy. From inflation shocks and healthcare surprises to tax missteps and market overconfidence, I’ll walk you through the pitfalls I see time and again so you can learn how to avoid them. If you want a retirement that’s not just comfortable but resilient, this episode is a must-listen. My goal is to walk you...
info_outline
Retirement Questions You Didn’t Know You Should Be Asking, Ep 196
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
In this episode, I tackled some of the most common and pressing questions I’ve received from listeners, prospective clients, and current clients at . These questions are all centered around one big theme: preparing for retirement with clarity and confidence. Whether you're wondering about old 401(k)s, required minimum distributions (RMDs), or how to structure your retirement income, we covered a lot of ground. One of the first things I addressed was the new government resource for tracking down forgotten retirement accounts: . If you think you might have an old 401(k) or pension...
info_outline
Do you need Life Insurance in Retirement?, Ep 195
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had several clients and prospective clients ask me the same question: “Should I keep my life insurance in retirement?” Life insurance is something we all tend to think of as essential when we’re younger (when we’ve got a mortgage, kids at home, maybe only one working spouse). But once you’re nearing or in retirement, things change. So, the question becomes: Does it still make sense to pay for life insurance? In many cases, the answer depends on your goals and financial picture. I’ve seen cases where people are paying big premiums for small death...
info_outlineRetirement is one of the biggest milestones in life, and for many, 2025 and 2026 will mark the beginning of this long-awaited chapter. As portfolios have outperformed expectations, more people are realizing their retirement dreams sooner than planned.
In this episode, I’ll share inspiring client stories, practical lessons from 2024, and key insights to help you prepare for your own journey. From understanding why bonuses matter more than you think to exploring the power of legacy planning, we’ll cover the essential strategies to navigate retirement with confidence.
Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, these takeaways will equip you to make the most of your future.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- [0:38] Make sure to check out our YouTube channel
- [2:57] Why you should never turn down a bonus
- [7:45] There will be a lot of people retiring in 2025/2026
- [14:48] Lesson #1 from 2024
- [16:48] Lesson #2 from 2024
- [19:34] Lesson #3 from 2024
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect With Gregg Gonzalez
- Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
- Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
- Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
- Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
- Follow Gregg on Facebook
- Follow Gregg on YouTube
Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy
On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts