Tax Planning Tactics and Life Insurance Questions, Ep #205
RETIREMENT MADE EASY
In today's show, I tackle two hot topics listeners have been asking about: tax planning in retirement and the role of life insurance in your golden years. Drawing from real questions and common scenarios. But that's not all: I also dig into the nuances of life insurance in retirement, explaining when it makes sense to keep or reconsider a policy, and how it can be a powerful tool for risk management, legacy planning, or supplementing income. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 06:03 Tax planning vs. preparation 11:17 Optimizing Roth conversions in...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineAre you confident your retirement plan is built to last-or could there be a trap door waiting to open beneath your feet?
In this episode, I shine a light on the hidden dangers that can derail your retirement.
Have you ever considered what would happen if your pension were suddenly cut in half? It has happened to retirees from major companies before, and it could happen again. I delve into real-life stories of people who thought they were financially secure, only to be blindsided by risks they hadn’t seen coming.
From unexpected inflation spikes (like a 27% jump in homeowners insurance) to concentrated investment risk in company stock, I explore about a dozen real threats that could jeopardize your financial future.
And let’s not forget the myth of “guaranteed” part-time work or inheritance that didn't happen; these are shaky assumptions that can crumble when life takes an unexpected turn. Too many people are flying solo, handling their retirement plans without a “copilot”, only to find themselves overwhelmed when tragedy strikes or a spouse becomes ill.
I also caution listeners about locking up most of their savings in complex products like annuities or whole life insurance without fully understanding the rules, restrictions, or penalties. But you don't have to manage your planning alone.
We offer free resources and a company willing to help you navigate these pitfalls. So, what’s your plan if the unexpected happens? Are you prepared, or are you just hoping for the best? It’s time to step back, assess your risks, and patch the cracks in your retirement foundation before it’s too late.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (00:00) Intro.
- (05:11) How a pension is a threat to your retirement.
- (07:34) How the cost of living and inflation affect retirement.
- (09:15) Concentrated investments like company stocks threat to your planning.
- (12:15) What assumed incomes could be a threat to your future funds?
- (15:34) Should life insurance policies and annuities be avoided?
- (17:44) Are you vulnerable to key-person risk? How we can help.
Resources & People Mentioned
- 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
- Why Some Retirement Products Can Trap Your Savings (and What to Watch For), Ep 187
- RetireStrong Financial Advisors | Financial Planner St Louis
Connect With Gregg Gonzalez
- Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
- Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
- Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/
- Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
- Follow Gregg on Facebook
- Follow Gregg on YouTube
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