The Retirement Roux

Just like how a roux is the essential base for many iconic Cajun and Creole dishes, a proper plan is essential for a healthy retirement. Join "Acadiana's Retirement Strategist" John Blanchard as he discusses concepts on how to set yourself up for a financially bulletproof retirement. Questions about your retirement? Reach out to the team at Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management by calling 337-366-8366 or head over to MatthewJames.com.

Is There Still Time To take Advantage Of This Market? 04/09/2024

Is There Still Time To take Advantage Of This Market? Despite many economists' predictions, the market continues to move right along, leaving many wondering if they should be investing more, or if they'd be setting themselves up for disaster. Acadiana's Retirement Strategist weighs in on whether or not there's still time to reap the rewards on this episode. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/30854053

How Concerned Are You With the Tax Deadline? 04/02/2024

How Concerned Are You With the Tax Deadline? No, not April 15th (although don't forget about that one, either), but December 31st, 2025. John talks about what you can (and should) be doing before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/30650168

The Financial Independence Roux? 03/26/2024

The Financial Independence Roux? Okay, that's not nearly as catchy, but some people find the term "financial independence" easier to grasp than "retirement." Regardless of which one you think is better, John talks about how to go about achieving it on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/30529608

How Much Should You Have Saved For Your Retirement? 02/13/2024

How Much Should You Have Saved For Your Retirement? Hear what a certain well to do investor (some might say "Wonderful") thinks, and hear John's reaction to that number on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29873363

Tax Reduction In Retirement 02/06/2024

Tax Reduction In Retirement Some people have decided the easiest way to reduce their taxes in retirement is to move to a more tax favorable state. Before you start packing, listen to John on this episode as he offer tips and tricks to reduce your tax obligations that don't involve moving cross country. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29830703

The Importance Of Risk Reduction 01/30/2024

The Importance Of Risk Reduction With so much uncertainty surrounding 2024, many are looking for ways to take control of whatever they can financially. Reducing the amount of risk you have, especially as you approach retirement, could be a great move, and John explains how he helps people do that on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29646108

How Much Should You Withdraw From Your 401(k)? 01/23/2024

How Much Should You Withdraw From Your 401(k)? Is it 4%? 8%? And is it going to change year to year? John Blanchard tackles this question and more on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29645618

What's The Financial Outlook For 2024? 01/09/2024

What's The Financial Outlook For 2024? Between elections, international conflict, and interest rates that will allegedly begin to come down later in the year, there's a lot of uncertainty in the air to kick of 2024. But what should we be doing while it all plays out? John Blanchard offers his advice on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29408703

How To Tackle Financial Resolutions 01/02/2024

How To Tackle Financial Resolutions Did you make any big plans for 2024? How do you plan on taking them on? If one of your resolutions this year was to be more serious about your financial planning (and it should've been), a great first step would be to listen to this episode of The Retirement Roux with John Blanchard! Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29314643

Are Roth Conversions Worth It In Retirement? 12/19/2023

Are Roth Conversions Worth It In Retirement? We all know the appeal of doing Roth contributions/conversions while still in the working world. But what if you're already retired? John Blanchard offers his insight on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/29314483

Short and Long Term Planning 12/12/2023

Short and Long Term Planning While retirement planning should account for 20+ years, you shouldn't neglect planning for the next few years in front of you as well. And that means looking at strategies that might be protected from market risk. John looks at some of these options and gives his thoughts on them on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28988223

Are Bonds Coming Back Into Favor? 12/05/2023

Are Bonds Coming Back Into Favor? Thanks to rising interest rates, bonds took a massive hit in 2022 and even early in 2023. But as rates seem to be holding steady going into 2024 with signs of them decreasing in the coming year, are we at a tipping point where bonds might be coming back into favor? John Blanchard offers his thoughts on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28924958

The Importance of After-Tax Income 11/21/2023

The Importance of After-Tax Income "It's not what you make, it's what you keep." The saying makes sense, but how do we actually make sure we get to keep more of our hard-earned dollars in retirement, while keeping Uncle Sam at bay? John Blanchard talks about the importance of tax planning, especially in retirement, on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28672153

What To Do When You First Retire 11/14/2023

What To Do When You First Retire You've clocked out for the last time, and now you're ready to set out on the next great chapter of your life. But what comes first? John discusses the advice of retirement blogger Joe Kuhn. That advice? Saying no. Find out why on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28569148

What is "Funflation?" 11/07/2023

What is "Funflation?" It's what some have dubbed the recent boom in skyrocketing prices in leisure activities. Whatever you want to call it, it's just another reminder that things are continuing to go up in price, and that means you're going to need a way to make sure your accounts grow accordingly in retirement. John Blanchard talks about how he and the team at Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management do this for their clients on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28499141

What to Do With Your RMDs 10/31/2023

What to Do With Your RMDs AKA, your Required Minimum Distributions. John Blanchard discusses the options you should take look at when it comes to withdrawing the money if you don't need it, and the one thing you should never do: ignore them. All this and more on this episode of The Retirement Roux Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with Acadiana's Retirement Strategist and the entire team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28430738

If Not Now, Then When? 10/24/2023

If Not Now, Then When? Despite the majority of Baby Boomer's retirement accounts taking a substantial hit in the past few years, many are still not seeking out the help of a professional. John Blanchard talks about why this reluctance could cause even more harm in the long run on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28376135

Retiring From The Market? 10/17/2023

Retiring From The Market? A new report from investment company Blackrock lists several suggestions on how to create a successful retirement and a good number of recommendations don't involve investments at all. John offers his insights and more on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28345100

What To Do In A Flat Market 10/10/2023

What To Do In A Flat Market If you look at how the S&P 500 closed September (~4300) vs how it closed July of 2021 (4417), you'll notice that not only did the market not really move, it actually went backwards. If you're concerned about how two years of no returns in the market could affect your retirement, John Blanchard offers some insight and possibel alternatives on this episode of the Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28245005

Predicting the Market (Or, Why You Can't) 10/03/2023

Predicting the Market (Or, Why You Can't) Despite fears that the repeated interest rate hikes we've seen this year would push us into a recession, the economy seems to be doing the exact opposite. But are we in the clear? Acadiana's Retirement Strategist John Blanchard offers his insights, and talks about making sense of an unpredictable market on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28177835

Is 59 1/2 is the New 40? 09/19/2023

Is 59 1/2 is the New 40? Okay, nobody actually says that. But 59 & 1/2 is a very important age when it comes to your retirement, particularly with your 401(k). John talks about why and what you should do at this milestone on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28109663

Death and Taxes 09/12/2023

Death and Taxes According to Benjamin Franklin, those are the two certainties in life. And he's not wrong, but there's certainly a way to minimize the effect that the latter one has on your retirement. John discusses how he and the team and Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management can help on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28109543

The Social Security "Stealth" Tax 09/04/2023

The Social Security "Stealth" Tax Every year retirees enjoy an increase, or COLA (cost of living adjustment) in their Social Security benefits based off of inflation. But does it come at a price? John discusses how he and the team at Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management plan ahead to avoid these COLAs from pushing clients into the next tax bracket on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28109501

401(k) Mistakes 08/14/2023

401(k) Mistakes Despite it being one of the biggest parts of most people's retirement plans, workers are constantly making mistakes in their 401(k)s, and that could result in a significant amount of potential income down the road. John Blanchard discusses these mistakes, and how to change course if you've made them, on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/28109462

Should You Delay Your Retirement? 07/31/2023

Should You Delay Your Retirement? Not out of necessity, but by choice? John Blanchard discusses the pros and cons (including the option of a "phased retirement") on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/27592020

What Are Alternative Assets? 07/17/2023

What Are Alternative Assets? And how do you utilize them in your retirement plan (or should you even)? John Blanchard answers these questions and more on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/27466056

Does the 4% Rule Still Work? 07/10/2023

Does the 4% Rule Still Work? And if not, what should the proper withdrawal strategy be during your retirement? John Blanchard discusses the things you need to factor in to find "the right number" for you on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/27436656

Getting Back on Track In Retirement 06/19/2023

Getting Back on Track In Retirement A lot of Americans have reduced or completely stopped contributions to their retirement accounts due to inflation, market volatility and other crises. John Blanchard talks about why right now is the best time to start again on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/27175830

Retirement Planning Versus Income Planning 06/05/2023

Retirement Planning Versus Income Planning What's the difference? And do you need one more than the other, or both? John Blanchard explains what you need to know on this episode of The Retirement Roux. Get to know/ schedule a complimentary appointment with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/27057462

Is Cash Still "Trash?" 05/29/2023

Is Cash Still "Trash?" The famous 2019 proclamation from Ray Dalio has come back into the spotlight recently as he's walked his "cash is trash" saying back in light of the current economic climate. John Blanchard talks about why your retirement strategy, like Dalio's comments, should change when necessary. Schedule your complimentary second opinion with John and the team at . /episode/index/show/retirementroux/id/26952810

The Retirement Roux

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