John H. Curry's Secure Retirement Podcast: Recent Episodes
John H. Curry
Many people make decisions about taxes in a vacuum…
But taxes have a significant impact on your finances in retirement.
The good news is that there are proven strategies to optimize your income so you can minimize your taxes.
In this podcast, we’ll show you how tax diversification can help you build a secure retirement.
Listen to learn:
- How tax rates will change in the future
- Why it’s a myth that you’ll have less income in retirement
- How different types of investments are taxed
- The difference between tax-deferred accounts, tax-favored accounts, and taxable accounts
- How to achieve tax diversification
- The impact taxes will have on your income
- The essential facts about Roth IRAs
- How you can use cash value life insurance as tax-free income in retirement
- And more
Planning when you’ll take Social Security might be the most important decision you make for your retirement…
It impacts your income for the rest of your life (and your spouse’s income, too)…
The decision you make determines your destiny…
You need to make the decision that leads to your secure retirement—you’ll have the money to do the things you want and live worry-free.
In this episode, we’ll cover the basics of Social Security and help you understand this important decision.
Listen to learn:
- What factors determine when you should take Social Security?
- The pros and cons of delaying Social Security
- How to find your full retirement age
- What is the cost of living adjustment?
- What spousal benefits will you receive?
- Will Social Security change in the coming decades?
- Is a strategy session right for you?
When it comes to planning for retirement, the decisions you make today determine your destiny tomorrow.
And no matter what stage of life you’re at, making a plan now will ensure that you can retire with maximum freedom, security, and enjoyment.
If you wait any longer, your time and money are on the line.
In this webinar, we answer the most common questions about retirement and show you how to plan for a secure future.
Listen to learn:
- How to get the most out of FRS benefits
- When is the best time to retire
- If going into DROP is right for you
- When you should start taking Social Security
- Why you should retire TO something—not FROM something
- What you may not know about required minimum distributions
- And more
What’s the most important thing you can do today for yourself and your family?
Plan for life insurance--before it’s too late.
But what type of life insurance should you buy? When should you buy it? And who should you buy it from?
How can you create wealth for yourself today AND leave a legacy behind when you die?
This podcast episode breaks down life insurance fundamentals and shows you how to get the most out of this essential financial tool.
Listen to learn:
- Why you can’t wait any longer to plan for life insurance
- The common life insurance mistakes to avoid
- Which life insurance strategy is right for you
- How to use life insurance to grow wealth while you’re alive
- And more
In today’s episode, I sit down with my friend Steve Gordon to talk about overcoming adversity, or how to deal with life's ambushes.
You may already know my story, but if you haven’t listened lately, we’ll catch you up on one of those life changing ambushes I faced earlier this year. What I went through was by far the most difficult, life changing, game changing event I’ve ever faced, yet it's given me insight and wisdom I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
Listen as Steve and I walk through what happened, and how I got to the milestone where I am today, as well as:
- The first thing you need to do when a life-changing event drops into your life
- How to quickly get past agonizing and into action mode when presented with a problem—I share the two things that helped me remain calm in the face of such adversity
- Breakthrough solutions to reset and refocus your mindset
- The real reason we don’t get what we want and how to change your focus so you do
- And much more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, April and I walk through the options for keeping more of your retirement income by paying less taxes—yes, we’re talking tax diversification and the strategies you can employ so your retirement income doesn’t get clobbered by taxes.
As I say, “It’s not what you get, it's what you keep.”
Listen as we break down the three types of retirement investment accounts and walk you through:
- Why it’s important not to put all of your retirement “eggs” in one basket—how to diversify using the different types of investments
- How to accomplish what you want with your money and leave it behind in a tax efficient manner
- How to easily find out which strategies might work for you, how to make them work for you, and when you should be using a different type of strategy
- And much more.
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, April and I break down my new book, “The Secure Retirement Method for Members of The Florida Retirement System.”
This episode will benefit anyone who has a job or is looking to retire one day (even if you aren’t from Florida).
As mentioned in this episode, “What we bring to the table is the ability to ask you questions you’ve never thought about and sometimes we question your answers. We all have a blind spot and need to be challenged sometimes.”
Listen as we break down:
- What's your baseline for retirement?
- The four sessions of the Secure Retirement Method
- The four options of the Florida Retirement System—and how to coordinate your option with everything else you have for retirement
- Tax considerations in retirement—how can you make decisions today to control your tax future
- The number one best (tax free) way to take care of those you love
- And much more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, Ken Armstrong joins us. Ken is a lifetime learner who is passionate about seeking new horizons.
Ken says, “I challenge my friends to seek new horizons every day whether retired or not… if we’re not seeking new horizons we’re standing in one place... not moving.”
At 73, Ken is preparing to embark on the next big step in his quest to seek new horizons, the adventure of a lifetime. He’s planning a trip that will take him across 6 continents, 45+ countries, 100+ cities, and 50,000 miles in 22 months.
Listen as he shares:
- Why now? He’ll share why NOW is the right time for him to sell his “stuff” and head out on this adventure
- Where he’s spending 10 weeks (hint: it’s the best place in the world to learn or improve your Spanish)
- How a jigsaw puzzle played a role in helping him plan his itinerary
- How he’s preparing mentally, physically, and financially
- The place he’s looking most forward to visiting
- And much more… including how you can follow Ken on his travels
Welcome to John H. Curry's Secure Retirement Podcast. In the last two episodes, Steve Gordon and I have talked about my health crisis, my mindset, and my journey back to work.
Steve has nicknamed me “the most productive man in rehab,” but “...there is no “S” on my chest and no blue underwear. There were a couple of moments when I had some tough realizations. At those times I was glad I could step out of my own strength and into that of my team.”
Today we’re talking about how I set my business up to click along (and even grow) without me for four months. I’ll give you an inside look at how I went from being a “rugged individualist” to surrounding myself with the most productive team I’ve ever had, as well as:
- The reciprocity of hiring people (hint: it’s not just about freeing up your time)
- The number one way to step out of your own problems and into something BIGGER
- The “secret sauce” of a great team member
- And much more
If you’ve missed the first two conversations in this series, be sure to go back and check them out.
On today’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast, I sit down with Steve Gordon for part two of our conversation. Steve and I discuss how I kept both my business and my personal life moving forward from rehab, when complications occurred during my recovery that kept me mostly isolated for 49 days.
How’d I do it? Listen as I share the mindset tools I used to press forward, including:
- The number one thing you need to determine before moving forward
- How to leverage the who and not the how for your business and personal life
- The 2 ways to reach your targets
- How not to get stuck in the dip on the path to your goals
- The one book I return to time and again
- And much more
I’m Back!
As you know, I’ve been out of pocket for four months. Today, in my first episode since returning to work, I sit down for a personal interview with my friend Steve Gordon to discuss the shocking health crisis that both sidelined me and required me to make a life-changing decision with no time to weigh my options.
Steve and I go deep into facing adversity head on and how I made peace with my circumstances. I share the challenges I faced in my journey, as well as:
- My advice for accepting circumstances even when you don’t like them
- How to make decisions without second guessing yourself
- The one thing that determines success or failure when faced with life-changing adversity
- The WIRM technique I use to remain positive when the heat is on
- The importance of building the right team
- And much more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, April Schoen talks about the importance of tax diversification in retirement.
April discusses the three different types of retirement investments, offering examples of each type of account, how you can contribute to them, and their tax implications.
Listen as she explains:
- Tax-deferred accounts
- Taxable or tax as you go accounts
- Tax-favored accounts or tax-free accounts
- How spreading out your retirement investments can help you keep more income in your pocket
- How to use Roth IRAs in retirement tax planning
- Permanent life insurance as a financial tool
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, April Schoen joins us to take a deep dive into the five financial risks you will face in retirement and how to overcome them. Additionally, April discusses retirement planning and what balance looks like in retirement.
Listen in to learn more about the retirement red zone as well as:
- Mitigating financial risks
- Retirement planning: what works and what doesn’t
- Building a financially balanced retirement plan
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, April Schoen joins us to discuss the best ways to pay for health care in retirement. We detail the key considerations you need to remember when it comes to Medicare, and go over how to create your detailed plan for what is usually the number one concern for anyone approaching retirement. We have an episode packed with valuable information to have at hand when you enroll in Medicare.
We chat about transitioning to Medicare, as well as:
- Exactly how to enroll in Medicare
- Common mistakes people make with Parts A and B of Medicare
- Who needs to enroll in Medicare and when
- How private insurance works with Medicare
- And more
This week, I’m joined by fellow North Florida Financial advisor, April Schoen, for a live seminar on Social Security. Over the course of the seminar, we're going to be talking about how social security works, what you need to know around the program, different payment scenarios, and also issues that surround the program. April and I have over 50 years of combined experience in retirement planning and we’ll be using that knowledge today to discuss Social Security with retirement in mind.
We dive deep into how to claim Social Security benefits, as well as:
- How and why Social Security was formed
- How Social Security is funded today
- Where to see your statement to view your current benefits and earnings history
- Spousal, widow, and widower benefits
- The big changes made in 2015, including restricted application
- And more
On this week’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast, we speak with Bonnie Bevis, a retiree with 35 years of work with Highway Safety under her belt. She began her career as a license examiner, and shares with us how she spent her years in public service while raising three children, as well as how she occupies her retirement time now.
We chat with Bonnie about her extensive public service career, as well as:
- The need for a steady source of income
- Fixed Assets Department duties and how they’ve changed
- Finding engaging hobbies to stay busy in retirement
- And more
Our special guest on this week’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast is Helen Livingston. Helen was a teacher, a high school counselor, and a principal in Alabama, and earned both her Master’s and PhD, all while raising four children. She was also an integral part of opening the Medical School at Florida State University. Helen has had an extensive career in education and continues to stay busy and active in her version of retirement.
“It's important that you take a good clear-eyed look at your fiscal situation so that you know that you're not going to add stress to your life in retirement, because there will be enough stress. Getting old is not for the faint of heart,” says Helen.
We chat with Helen about living with passion and enthusiasm, as well as:
- Life in both K-12 and higher education, and the changes witnessed over the years
- The community impact of a new Medical School
- Doctors returning home to make a difference in places of need
- Saying YES to opportunities when they present themselves
- Evaluating your reason for retirement
- And more
In our ninth and final episode of our series for members of the Florida Retirement System, Steve Gordon once again hosts our very own John Curry. We discuss an aspect of retirement that is necessary for absolutely everyone approaching this stage of their life to consider, mindset, and dive into how to successfully execute John’s Secure Retirement Method.
We chat about the real motivations behind retirement, as well as:
- The spectrum of reasons why someone heads into retirement
- The four freedoms John continuously seeks
- Suspending belief and judgment in order to learn
- Managing client behavior for the long-term benefits
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, we approach the end of our Florida Retirement System series. The information in this episode will be valuable to our viewers nationally, even if you are not a member of the Florida Retirement System, as these laws apply across the country. We address the universal Required Minimum Distributions and offer ways to prepare for them so you aren’t caught by surprise.
John says, “No matter what type of retirement account you have, the day will come when you have to start taking money. And that's called a required minimum distribution.”
We discuss the recent changes with the Secure Act, as well as:
- Tax codes on various accounts
- Penalties for not taking funds when you’re supposed to
- Verifying your beneficiaries
- Which account types are subject to RMDs
- When and why congress amended RMD laws
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, we focus on healthcare coverage, particularly Medicare Parts A - D, as we continue to address the key issues that affect members of the Florida Retirement System. With Medicare available from coast to coast, the information in this episode will be valuable to our listeners nationally, even for those outside of the Florida Retirement System.
John says, “Most people do not feel the effects of healthcare, or inflation in general, until they've been retired five to seven years. Then all of a sudden, without increasing spending or being extravagant, it's enough time for them to see some cost of living increases at the grocery store. And, healthcare is the biggest expense in retirement.”
We discuss the rising costs of healthcare, as well as:
- Differentiating between the four types of Medicare coverage
- Enrollment windows and when to make your decision
- The delayed impact of IRMAA - Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount
- Staying updated with the annual changes and increases
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, we continue addressing the key issues that affect members of the Florida Retirement System with a special focus on Social Security. Even if you are not a member of the Florida Retirement System, this episode will be particularly useful because Social Security touches everyone nationally.
John says, “For many people, Social Security is really the only guaranteed lifetime income. Folks who have a pension like the Florida Retirement System, they have two streams of income that's guaranteed, but if you're self-employed, or if you are in a job where you have a 401K but not a pension, Social Security might be the only guaranteed lifetime reliable income stream you've got.”
We chat about the impact of the pandemic on Social Security, as well as:
- How Social Security is taxed
- How the collection of Social Security will affect your spouse
- Actuarial equivalents
- Expected changes to Social Security and cost of living adjustments
- And more
On this week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast, we continue our special series focused on the specific concerns of members of the Florida Retirement System.
“Some people say they have the ability financially to retire, but they don't have the ability mentally to retire. And I call that part of the mindset,” says John. “When it comes to the subject of drop, it's not just about money. It's the mindset, what will you do with the money? Do you need the income right away? Do you defer it? Do you take the money and pay tax on it? Pay off the mortgage?”
John uses the wisdom gained through 45 years of experience in retirement planning to decode the options available within the Florida Retirement System, educating others so they can retire with a sense of financial security.
We chat about the retirement frame of mind, as well as:
- To DROP or not to DROP
- Choosing one of the four DROP options
- Researching the right option for your goals
- Understanding DROP and where to go if you have questions
- Lawfully reducing income taxes
- And more
On this week’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast, we continue our series on the concerns of members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), focusing this week on the mindset of retirement and what that means for your planning process. And, if you’re not a member of the FRS, stay tuned because the information provided in this series is still applicable to any recent retirees, or those in the planning stages.
John says, “When you retire, every day is a Saturday. What do you do on Saturdays? Whatever you want. However, when do you spend the most money? During the week when you're working, or on weekends? Usually on the weekends. So, when you retire, if you truly retire and don't work anymore, every day becomes a Saturday, and you're more likely to spend more money because you're doing more things. We're going to touch on that today.”
We chat about the retirement mindset, as well as:
- Determining what retirement looks like for you— will you stop working entirely or start working in a different capacity?
- How your mindset will affect how you finance your retirement
- Considerations around Social Security and Medicare
- And more
On this week’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast, we dive into the third episode in our series on the Florida Retirement System. Today we talk about an important topic that many people choose to avoid— factors to consider while thinking about tax deferral. We also ask the important questions you need answers to before making your final decision.
“We're looking for opportunities to minimize tax. We want to avoid the tax, not evade the tax, because the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is about 10 years in prison”, says John.
We chat about taxes and their impact on your retirement, as well as:
- Questions to ask when deferring your taxes
- A brief history of income tax
- How a change in administration could affect your retirement
- Whether or not income tax is really voluntary tax
- And more
On this week's episode, we speak about properly planning your secure retirement based on your personal financial situation. John explains the four FRS options, what they mean, and how each is designed to suit a specific situation.The discussion, while aimed specifically at members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), gives valuable insights to anyone in the process of planning their retirement.
“Some people choose one of the four options in a vacuum. They're all good, but they're designed for different purposes. Now, the challenge is taking those four options and coordinating that with Social Security, your deferred comp, your IRAs, drop money, savings investments, and your life insurance. All that has to be reviewed as a total package in order to have a comprehensive retirement plan that will last you for the rest of your life. That's what I want to make sure that anybody listening understands. This isn't just about which of these options you take, it's about the total picture,” says John.
We chat about secure retirement plans, as well as:
- The four Florida Retirement System pension plan options
- Making an informed choice
- Scenario planning: how long does your pension need to last?
- The difference between pension and investment
- When contributing to pension is not in your best interests
- And more
This week’s episode of The Secure Retirement Podcast marks the beginning of a special series focused on the specific concerns of members of the Florida Retirement System. However, the key topics covered in this series will still relate, in principle, to any retiree, regardless of whether they are a member of the FRS.
“I have clients from across all walks of life— doctors, lawyers, business owners, and we all have something in common. All of us. And that is: someday, we have a vision of retirement,” says John.
As always, with this series, John uses practical knowledge gained through 45 years of experience in retirement planning to provide insight, not only to members of the FRS, but to other retirees and those planning their retirement, so that they can retire with a sense of financial security.
We chat about why John specifically wants to help members of the FRS, as well as:
- His retirement planning principles
- Concept first— what does retirement look like to you?
- What working with a retirement planner looks like
- And, what to expect from the rest of this special series
We don’t know with any kind of certainty what tax rates will be in the future, which means that planning your finances into retirement can be both stressful and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. This week, John and April discuss tax diversification and how a wide range of investments now will afford you more choices later in life.
April says, “The main thing that we want our clients to have is more options when it gets to retirement, not less; we don't want you to be painted into a corner.”
Together, John and April have over 50 years of combined experience in helping clients plan for retirement and they use that knowledge this week to shed light on the importance of tax diversification in your planning process.
They speak in detail about:
- Tax deferred accounts, taxable accounts, and tax favored accounts
- Tax planning strategies— where should you be saving your money?
- The impact of taxes on retirement income
- Adapting to tax and market changes
- And more
Retirement can come with an amount of financial uncertainty attached, even for people who have taken the time to plan. This week, John and April aim to alleviate some of the stress that comes along with retirement planning by discussing the five biggest financial risks in retirement and how best to avoid them. Together, they have over 50 years of combined experience in helping clients plan for retirement and use that practical knowledge to illuminate what works and doesn’t work during the planning process.
“It's really important to understand that there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle,” says John. “We see people who don't even know what some of the pieces are. Or, they know about them but think that if they don't think about it, if they don't dwell on it, it won't matter. It does matter, and it will sneak up on you.”
They speak in detail about:
- The five risks: outliving your retirement income, sickness or injury, market volatility, taxation, and inflation
- Why traditional planning doesn’t work for retirement
- Key differences between saving for retirement and wealth distribution once you’re retired
- Achieving an optimal cash flow balance during retirement
- And more
On this week’s episode of the Secure Retirement Podcast, we speak with my good friend, Bill Landing, a retired professor from Florida State University who is currently studying environmental chemistry and chemical oceanography. Bill has over 50 years of experience as a scientist and joins us to talk about the facts and fictions surrounding the pandemic.
“The training that you get to be a scientist gives you qualities like skepticism. You look at data and interpretations of data, you look for alternatives, you look for possibilities, testing hypotheses all the time, coming up with explanations for the things that you observe, always considering alternative explanations. Ultimately, I think what drew me to science in the first place is that there are truths. There are things that are, in fact, knowable, that are real truths. That's probably why I was drawn to it in the first place,” says Bill.
We chat about the virus and confirmation bias, as well as:
- The accuracy of numbers derived from testing
- What other countries have done to successfully slow the virus’ spread that the US has not done
- Comparing mandatory mask-wearing to banning indoor smoking in public places
- What world leaders could be doing to help life return to normal
- And more
COVID-19 is the hot topic in the news right now, and in this special episode we give our own take on the situation. There’s no special guest today, but we do think this episode is needed amid the chaos out there in the world.
Specifically, we take time to reflect on other hard times in the past and discuss how we got through them, along with speculating what the future may hold.
Most importantly, we take time to discuss how you should be handling your finances during this unstable and unsettling time. We’ll also chat about:
- The importance of not keeping all your money in one place
- Your COVID-19 financial action plan
- Why trying to time the market is typically not the best idea
- How to find help and ask for it if you need it
In today’s episode, we chat with retired teacher Elizabeth Gladden. After grieving the death of her husband, Elizabeth was inspired to go back to teaching as she craved the normalcy and routine of going back to school.
“There were some days when you think ‘I just can’t face the world.’ And I think that’s perfectly normal to have days like that,’” says Elizabeth while remembering what it was like in the months after her husband’s death while she was trying to get back to living her life.
Nevertheless, she persisted and is now able to chat with us about how to handle a grieving family member or friend, what retirement was like for her as a teacher, as well as…
- The importance of keeping a structure
- How keeping busy allows you to experience everything retirement has to offer
- How she was able to securely retire
- The 4 freedoms of retirement
- And more
For something so important for our retirement, it’s a shame that there is so much confusion and misinformation about social security out there.
As a result, many people are sabotaging their social security benefit… and receiving much less than they could… because they make bad decisions during their retirement planning process.
When you should start taking social security is one of the most important factors here. There is a “best” time – but it’s different for everybody, and there are certain things you must keep in mind when making the decision.
We get into detail on that, as well as…
- What you need to know about taxes
- How Medicare and social security fit together
- Why you might want to wait until age 70
- Ways to maximize your benefit for steady income
- And more
John Dunwoody returns for a preview of his upcoming boating adventure on the Down East Loop and shares highlights of his eight-month trip on the Great Loop, which traverses some of the country’s most iconic inland waterways.
Journeys of this length take some real planning and preparation, and John shares how he gets himself and his boat in shape for long voyages. He also talks about the places he’ll visit on the way… and how he chooses where he docks for the night.
These trips are part of his philosophy of doing things you enjoy– now– and staying active.
We get into detail on that and other thoughts on happy retirement, as well as…
- Tips for planning long-term travel (always have a back-up is #1)
- Places he’ll visit on the way… and why
- Why aging doesn’t have to mean getting old
- The #1 element you need to enjoy your retirement
- And more
Everybody’s idea of a dream retirement is different. It could include cruises and vacations, volunteer work, more time with the grandkids…
But whatever you’re looking forward to… you have to take some precautions now to make sure your golden years are protected from things like inflation, taxes, healthcare costs, and more. We outline some solid strategies to make sure your financial and personal freedom stays secure.
We’ll even talk about how long you might live (since people today live longer than ever) might impact your financial planning. In fact, it’s one of the biggest risks to your dream retirement.
Listen in to discover…
- The biggest factors in running out of money – and how to make sure your income increases
- How to account for your “personal inflation rate”
- Ways your pension or benefits plan could sabotage your spouse
- Why where you save money is as important as how much
- And more
They say that there are two certain things in life: death and taxes. And when it comes to your retirement accounts, taxes definitely come into play.
You may have thought you were saving big-time on taxes with this method. But here’s the thing: required minimum distributions mean you really only deferred those taxes. And when it comes time to pay, the amount could be surprisingly high.
We talk about what you should be doing now to prepare for that certainty, the rules you must follow, and much more, including…
- At what age you are required to withdraw money first (and how this might be changing soon)
- The different actions you should take in the accumulation and distribution phases
- Why RMDs aren’t designed to set you up with lifetime income
- How to use your RMDs to maximize the financial benefit to you
- And more
Like any government program, especially one involving millions of people, Medicare is complicated.
What’s covered? What will it cost? When should you sign up? Which “part” should you join? Where can you seek medical care?
Those are just some of the questions those reaching eligibility age are asking. And the thing is, the answers are different for each individual. But there are some guidelines to consider as you make your decisions.
The biggest thing to remember: Medicare does not cover everything… including some services that are super-important as we get older. But there are ways to prepare for those expenses.
We talk about that, as well as...
- The best plan(s) for those planning on international travel
- Why it’s often a good idea to get a supplemental plan
- The four parts of Medicare – and what each one covers
- Medicare Advantage plans versus “Original” Medicare
- And more
There is so much wrong and misguided information – not to mention confusion – out there about social security. As a result, people make bad decisions that sometimes can be very hard to recover from.
We tackled the most common questions about social security, how it affects retirement planning, and what you should be doing now to prepare for a happy and healthy future with a steady income that meets your needs.
These are decisions you can’t put off any longer because what you do now will affect your social security benefits for a lifetime.
Tune in to find out…
- The basic calculation that determines your monthly benefit
- Balancing income tax with social security – before and after you start collecting
- The biggest mistakes people make with their social security – and how to avoid them
- The earliest – and latest – you can collect social security – and why you might wait
- The regulations regarding working while simultaneously collecting social security – and how much you can earn before you start to incur penalties on your benefits
It started with a segment on a TV show many years ago… and Becky Hollis was hooked. Since then she’s been crazy about bears. Yes, those furry woodland creatures.
What does that have to do with retirement? Well, in your Golden Years you’re not working – so what do you do instead? If you don’t have a good answer – an activity you truly enjoy – you’ll be worse than bored… it can actually negatively impact your mental and physical well-being.
Becky has found fulfillment working with bear programs in Minnesota that help keep them in harmony with the human world.
She gives us all the details of her work, as well as…
- Foods bears actually eat – and what they won’t touch
- The rejuvenating power of being in nature
- The unexpected benefits of following your passion in life
- What to do if you don’t have any “hobbies”
- Where to go and what to do if you want to learn more about bears and enjoy their company in person
As its president, Dominic Calabro, puts it, Florida Tax Watch has been the watchdog for the state’s taxpayers for the last 40 years. A lot has happened in that time, including the transformation of Florida into one of the most important states in the union.
That’s why, says Dominic, it’s more important than ever for public officials to be held accountable… to have an organization watching them closely to make sure they’re good stewards of public money – while not playing partisan politics.
We talk about how Tax Watch has helped save billions and how that will impact Florida’s future for its government, businesses, and everyday citizens. We also dig in to…
- The ways they take legislators to the task – and recognize exemplary government employees
- How they’re spurring positive change in schools
- The most important issues they’re involved in today – and what’s on their radar
- Why they’re encouraging Everglades restoration
- And more
In the retirement planning world, Moshe Milevsky, author, professor at Toronto’s York University, and consultant, is known as someone who takes some stances that go against the grain, to put it mildly.
But it’s not just for the sake of being controversial. He thinks deeply about ways people can live their best lives when they retire. And he says the current system, not to mention conventional wisdom, actually makes it more difficult than it has to be to reach that goal… and he says the problem is getting worse.
We talk about…
- Why the age on your birth certificate is just a number
- The dangers of correlated investment
- Social Security and why it shouldn’t start at 62
- What should be the real determining factor in whether you buy an annuity
- And much more
Robert and Sonia Koudelka have a philosophy that guided them in their careers, second careers (you read that right), and what they do in retirement:
“Get off your butt and do it.”
Whether it’s playing golf five times a week, cruising through the Caribbean, making memories with the grandkids, or taking up a new hobby later in life, Robert and Sonia are enjoying their Golden Years to the fullest.
But it’s no surprise as that’s what they’ve done their entire lives. We talk about what got them to this point, as well as…
- The three things you need when you retire – and money is just part of it
- Why it’s never too late to pursue your passion in life
- The danger of saying “I’ll wait until I retire”
- A mentor you need to help you with financial matters
- And more
If you have a special needs child or even a relative, this is a can’t-miss episode. Lou and Cal Ogburn share the story of their daughter and how she has been able to live a fulfilling and independent life.
It’s thanks to their love and determination to secure her the federal and state benefits she qualified for – not to mention her great attitude and friendly personality.
They’ve also made a plan to pay for her care when they’re gone, which will be especially important as she gets older.
Listen in to find out…
- The state and federal programs you might not know about
- Details on special needs trusts
- A free source of information on special needs benefits
- The type of financial planning you must do if you have a special needs child
- And more
We put John Curry in the hot seat and have business consultant - and longtime friend - Steve Gordon grill him on how attitudes towards retirement are changing and how it could impact your plans.
Most people don’t have a real vision of their retirement, says John. And that can be very dangerous to their physical and mental health.
We unpack what “vision” really means and how you can find fulfillment in your Golden Years – and it’s definitely not just about financial security.
Listen in to find out…
- The surprising things your retirement planner should be asking you
- How car insurance affects your retirement planning
- Why retirement doesn’t have to mean you stop working – and why you’ll love it
- The difference between money and income
- How much you can expect to pay for healthcare in retirement – it’s more than you think
- And more
Lynda Dickens had worked 43 years for the State of Florida. But she wasn’t ready to retire until a fateful trip changed her mind. And a new hobby she picked up soon after her retirement convinced her to never go back to work. In fact, she says it’s become an addiction.
Now she’s more active than ever with lunches out with friends, card games, and all sorts of hobbies. We talk about her secrets to a happy retirement, as well as…
- A unexpected place to make new friends after you retire
- How her parent’s unexpected passing impacted her retirement plans
- The little-known sport that’s perfect for senior citizens
- The #1 strategy that will prepare you financially for retirement
- And more
During their many years together, Bruce and Judi Irvin have always viewed their marriage as a partnership… and that extends to how they manage their money.
As a result, they set themselves up for a comfortable retirement that allows plenty of funds for adventurous travels around the world.
We talk about where they’ve been and the wonders they’ve seen but more importantly how accountability, cooperation, and teamwork when it comes to finances has allowed them to truly enjoy their golden years.
Listen in to discover…
- Three pillars of a financially stable retirement
- The habit many people never adopt that leads to a retirement shortfall
- Why retirement isn’t about how much money you have
- The “In the Event” folder you need to create now
- And more
There are no ideal retirement plans that work for everybody. Every couple has different needs and desires. That goes for how they split day-to-day financial responsibilities as well.
That was certainly the case for Carlton Ingram and his late wife, Nancy.
Carlton explains the arrangement they had and how it led to their happy marriage. He also goes over what he’s doing now to keep going in the face of tragedy.
We also talk about…
- What you must do now with your financial accounts
- The impact of lifelong learning
- When you can’t take “no” for an answer from your doctor
- How to reduce stress around money in relationships
- And more…
Alzheimer’s and dementia has to be part of your retirement planning, whether it affects you, your spouse, or a relative. It could take away your secure retirement if you don’t plan for it… and everyone who listens to this episode will be impacted in some way by this issue.
As a caregiver, John Beck’s passion has become to educate people about how, as a community, we can be caring and accommodating to people with this common condition.
Lisa Bretz, executive director of the nonprofit Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, has been instrumental in creating public awareness for this and many other issues, as well as connecting older adults in need with a variety of assistance programs.
As Lisa says, there is help out there and she tells you where to get it.
Listen in to find out…
- Why now is the time to account for dementia (or other long-term care needs) in your retirement plan
- The statewide hotline that can connect you to services you may not be aware of
- How to make sure you – or a relative – is not a victim
- The many ways you can get involved in helping older adults in the community
- And more
After 30+ years working for the State of Florida, Kay Harris was certainly ready to retire, which she did in 2006. She had planned and prepared – financially and mentally.
But, Kay says, there were things that popped up that she didn’t expect.
We talk about how she dealt with the bumps in the road, as well as how she’s been able to achieve a profound personal transformation in retirement while ticking items off her bucket list.
Listen in to find out…
- The questions you must ask now about your retirement plan
- The biggest myth about money when you retire
- How taxes impact Social Security and Medicare – and vice-versa
- Ways to take your medical coverage around the world
- And more
Former circuit judge Terry Lewis has embraced retirement. He’s indulging in hobbies and interests, getting involved in the community in unique ways, and even giving back to the next generation of the legal profession.
He feels like staying active and busy is a key to happiness when you’re no longer working. But, he says, don’t feel like you have to wait until retirement to do things that make you happy – he sure didn’t.
And you do have the time too – you just need to find it.
We talk about what he’s up to these days and how it affects his mental and physical well-being, as well as…
- The power of mentors and a “support group” to help you master a new skill
- What really happens in small claims court – this isn’t Judge Judy
- The type of retirement that is a “death sentence”
- Ways to prepare for retirement you haven’t considered (that have nothing to do with finances)
- And more
There’s so much misinformation about Social Security (and Medicare) out there. Even worse, people are basing their retirement planning on this misinformation.
John Curry and April Schoen clear the air and get to the heart of the best way to take full advantage of this benefit you’ve been paying into your whole life.
Every situation is different. And you shouldn’t make a move until you look at your complete financial situation. But John and April give you the facts so you can make an informed decision.
Tune in to find out if you qualify for benefits you didn’t realize, as well as…
- How your Social Security income is taxed
- How to decipher your confusing Social Security statement
- What will change in Social Security and what never will
- Why taking Social Security too early can drastically reduce your benefit
- And more
What are you looking for in retirement?
For retired pharmacist – and lifelong boater - John Dunwoody, it meant adventure on the high seas in a 36-foot Grand Banks.
Most people retire and get bored, says John, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Explore your own interests to figure out what’s going to give you your dream retirement… and make a plan to get it.
We explore how to apply that philosophy to the real world – and how to make it work financially – as well as…
- The joys of slow travel
- Where to find little-visited but very interesting historic sites
- Finding the value in the journey
- The culture of boat cards
- And more
In retirement, Fran Buie is busier than ever… and having the time of her life.
After a 33-year career working in state government, Fran was ready for a change.
She found fulfillment by embracing lifelong interests and hobbies she had set aside for years… and helping others in her community.
As Fran says, we have limited time on earth, let’s do something worthwhile. We discuss that philosophy and also get into…
- How to discover what you really want out of life – now
- Ways to stay engaged and active in retirement
- The unexpected value of your past experiences
- The importance of having a Plan A – and a contingency plan
- And more
The average American gets only 10 days of vacation per year. Even worse, a recent study found that 24% didn’t use any of their vacation days, and more than half didn’t use all of their days off.
Larry Simmons is bucking that trend. After 40 years of working an 8 to 5 job this consulting engineer decided to “slack off.”
He and his wife, Carol, travel around the country in their RV when and where they want to. Thanks to the Internet, Larry is able to take his work on the road.
We discuss how to set up a “mobile office,” as well as…
- The unique community you find in RV parks
- How to get into national parks for free
- Ways to try out the RV lifestyle without a huge commitment
- The best-kept secret in the American West
- And more
With all the misinformation out there about health and nutrition, it’s hard to know what you can do keep your body and mind in tip-top shape.
Dr. Sam Graber specializes in helping people stay healthy and looking great now… and for years to come.
This retired chiropractor turned health coach is a big advocate for “real food” that hasn’t had the nutrition processed out of it. And she doesn’t believe in dieting.
We talk about how you can get started on a more healthy lifestyle and maintain it in the long term. Listen in to find out…
- The trusted advisor you need for your health – it’s not your doctor
- The unexpected factors that increase your chances of dementia
- The better alternative to dieting
- How you should exercise (it’s easier than you think)
- And more
As a longtime and committed journalist in Florida, WFSU’s program director for news Tom Flanigan has seen his share of political controversy but also plenty of uplifting news from everyday people.
He has a commitment to the truth, something he passes on to the up-and-coming journalists he mentors.
Tom doesn’t think he’s ever going to retire. It’s a sentiment that many share – traditional retirement isn’t for everybody.
We talk about the alternatives, as well as…
- Why a healthy savings doesn’t guarantee a happy retirement
- The impact of longer lifespans
- Making sure there are no surprises with your retirement accounts
- The rejuvenating power of lifelong learning
- And more
It’s tempting to think of retirement only from the financial side of things. Yes, it’s important that you save enough to be comfortable in your golden years.
But, says Dr. Larry Kubiak, you can’t forget the emotional and psychological side. As Director of Psychological Services at Behavioral Health Center Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Larry knows that better than most.
With our identities so wrapped up in our jobs, retirement can bring your whole life crashing down if you’re not careful. And your mental health can suffer.
Retirement can – and should – be your biggest adventure yet! Larry and I talk all about how to make it happen.
Tune in to discover…
- What you should do now to ensure a fulfilling retirement
- The best way to react to bad situations
- A strategy for staying young, no matter what your age
- How to earn a “psychic income”
- And more
As the Chief Medical Officer at a nonprofit organization and long-time internal medicine specialist, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem is in prime position to see how certain habits can severely impact a person’s long-term health.
She’s also seen the way healthcare issues are impacting everyday people.
One of the major concerns is rising costs. In our chat, we highlighted strategies to account for that, especially in retirement. We also spoke about the importance of discussing end of life care with your family – so your wishes are followed.
Tune in now to discover…
- Things you can do now to live a long and healthy life
- What accounts for 50% of the impact on your health
- How to tweak your retirement plan to account for increasing lifespans
- The very real consequences of not listening to your doctor
- The #1 health risk in the United States – and how to avoid it
- And more
When they reached retirement, Phil and Betty Ashler were finally ready for some travel. They say anybody can – and should – do it too, even if you don’t have much experience.
Phil and Betty are keeping busy in other ways, including some very unique volunteer work.
It was a lifetime of discipline in following a financial plan that got them to the point where they can do the things they enjoy most. And they’re living life to the fullest, finding fun everywhere they go.
Tune in to learn…
- How seeing new places is only the beginning of the benefits of travel
- Tips for inexperienced travelers – going across the country and around the world is easier than you think
- The value of having a life outside of work
- Why you should always call your bank before you travel
- And more
Listen now…
With the precision of a military operation, Honor Flight Tallahassee takes 75 local veterans to Washington, D.C. each year – free of charge.
They stop at the major war memorials in the nation’s capital, as well as Arlington Cemetery. It’s a time of intense emotions… memories… and gratitude.
These are the men and women who’ve protected the American way of life and sacrificed so much, says my guest Mac Kemp, and he considers it an honor to be part of this organization.
Mac, chairman of the group and deputy chief with Leon County EMS was instrumental in forming the local chapter and ensuring that vets from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War are able to get the recognition they deserve.
Mac and I talk about highlights from past trips and how everyday people can get involved, as well as…
- The rewards of being an Honor Flight Guardian
- What vets always say during the trip
- How the group cuts through D.C. traffic ”like butter”
- A welcome back ceremony like you’ve never seen
- And much more
Listen now…
You can have all the money in the world in retirement. But if you don’t have your health… well, you really can’t enjoy it. Part of that, says Bill Kepper, a physician for 40+ years, is being a good patient throughout your life, following doctor’s orders.
But as important is making sure you can get the medications, procedures, and other things you need as you get older… while you’re depending on your retirement income and retirement accounts to pay for it.
Bill shares his thoughts on the healthcare system and how to best take care of yourself.
Listen in to discover:
- Habits you can adopt now for better long-term health
- The importance of staying active – physically and mentally
- Fitness and nutrition habits anybody can adopt
- Tips for adjusting to more time at home in retirement
- And more
Listen now…
As a senior analyst with CNBC and pioneering financial journalist, Ron Insana has seen a lot of ups and downs in the markets and how that impacts the average investor. And over the years he’s identified some key factors that separates those who do well… and those who fall behind.
Ron shares the two most important things you must be doing right now to invest in your future. And he has some specific advice for what to do when you have a “winner” in your portfolio – it might not be what you think.
We also talk about…
- How to overcome the Main Street versus Wall Street divide
- The one thing that could most affect your investments in the coming year
- Why “balance” is so important in your financial planning
- The impact – good and bad – of today’s 24-hour news cycle
- And more
Listen now…
When you’re talking about financial planning, you can’t leave out healthcare, says Peter Stahl, author of Top of the First: The Convergence of Healthcare and Financial Planning. It’s one of the most important parts of your retirement, after all. And it’s one of the biggest expenses, too.
Medicare is one element here that confuses a lot of people. Peter has some solid advice for navigating that program. He also highlights three things you can do to maximize your health care funds when you retire.
There’s a lot more on this vital topic, including…
- How to maximize your health savings account
- Ways to plan effectively for long-term care
- The right time to enroll in Medicare – it’s different for everybody
- How the new tax law could impact your healthcare planning.
- And more
Listen now…
Financial and retirement planning – most important issues in our lives, in fact – are often made too complicated. The best plans… the best ideas… are actually the simplest, says Steve Harvill, founder of Creative Ventures.
You can also take an active role by using easy-to-use tools to work towards your most important goals one step at a time.
Steve shares some strategies for injecting simplicity in the key areas of your life. You’ll discover…
- Having “more” of something doesn’t mean you have more value
- The “old school” method for achieving key objectives
- Why you should be thinking inside the box
- The OCT method for focusing on tasks with the most impact
- And more
Listen now…
When is the best time to start eating right, exercising, and working on reducing the impact of stress in your life? Right now, says Ellen Berkowitz.
As a doctor specializing in psychiatry, Ellen has seen the impact of a lack of proper “self-care” in herself and her patients. She shares some simple techniques and practices you can use for your own self-care plan at home.
The result is a better quality of life – and health – now and as you get older. And that’s just as important to your retirement as the financial side of things. It’s never too late and you’re never too old to starting take care of yourself
We go into in detail on self-care strategies, including…
- The right way to meditate… even you don’t think you can do it at all
- Easy stress reducers you can start today
- The importance of rest and sleep to your brain function and physical well-being
- How to combat the sometimes “self-imposed” physical limitations that come with age
- And more
When it comes to retirement planning, what you want can be very different than what you really need. The same goes for many things in life, says Dr. Jim Murdaugh. We get into the nitty-gritty of that philosophy.
Since this week’s guest is president of Tallahassee Community College, we also cover his first-hand experiences in how the college experience is changing.
Jim came to that role after a long career in local and state law enforcement, where he had a variety of roles. As he likes to tell those just starting out… life isn’t a straight line. He has some tips for embracing that fact.
We also cover…
- Applying a results-driven approach to financial planning… and life
- The benefits of making a job your mission
- Why you should never view your competition as an “enemy”
- The “disruptions” that are impacting higher education and Florida’s job market
- The value of lifelong learning
Listen now…
Many people think they are taking all the right steps toward a long retirement full of time with family, travel, and relaxation.
Unfortunately, there are many financial threats to your retirement plans – some you can see, some that are invisible until they take away income and assets. To make matters worse, too many folks have assumptions about their current retirement plan that are just plain false.
But you can plan and prepare for these threats, even the unexpected ones, to protect your retirement funds. And you can cut through the misinformation out there. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, and the solution is not to simply buy more financial products.
It takes a personalized plan, and you must take action ASAP.
Listen now to discover…
- The 4 biggest threats to your retirement right now
- How taxes can impact your retirement plans in ways you didn’t know
- Why you need to go through a “retirement rehearsal” right now
- A 4-part plan for creating an effective retirement plan (or fixing your current one)
- And much more
Listen now…
You’ve done the planning you need for your ideal retirement… or have you?
There are several factors outside your control that will impact your savings and payments from Social Security, a pension, or retirement plans. But you can prepare for these issues so the effect is less drastic.
And you can make sure you’re not making critical mistakes right now with your pension, healthcare, and more that could sabotage your retirement dreams.
Listen in to find out…
- The consequences of underestimating your life expectancy
- What you should consider first when retirement planning
- The “silent thief” that robs your retirement savings and payments
- How to make sure you’re not overpaying your taxes (most people are)
- The two factors that, over time, ensure that your money doesn’t go as far in day-to-day life
- The unexpected way you can lose your life insurance
Listen now…
Trial lawyer Gary Anton had a tough – but rewarding and very accomplished – career in the legal profession. It taxed his personal life, but he had some good times along the way.
At the height of his career a serious but unexpected near-death medical emergency changed Gary’s outlook on life and how he did his job. Not to mention it compelled some serious action with end of life planning.
Gary shares how he adapted professionally and financially to his new reality.
Listen in to find out…
- The retirement planning you need that you don’t know about
- How health can impact your career and life – and how to make needed changes
- Financial planning you need for potential tough times
- Ways to take care of your surviving loved ones
- And more
Listen now…
Retirement not just about money. Physical fitness is also key.
My personal trainer Jason Harville shares easy ways you can stay fit, no matter how old you are… especially if you have any issues, conditions, or injuries.
This is not about becoming a bodybuilder. Rather it’s achieving a standard of fitness that incorporates flexibility, cardio and strength for better overall body function. That’s key to truly enjoying a long and healthy retirement.
Find out…
- The most important benefit of having a personal trainer
- The 3 elements of any successful fitness plan
- Exercises you can do right now to improve health
- A diet plan that makes sense in the real world
- The simple exercise you should do if you sit a lot at work or at home
Listen now…
Marylin Stallworth’s husband, Bill, died unexpectedly in October 2014.
The couple, married 50 years, had been enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement thanks to following through on sound financial planning.
But they had left a few key parts out of their plan that made a traumatic time for Marylin even worse.
In this episode, she shares what she would have done differently, what she’s doing to improve her end of life planning to help her son, and what actions she says you should take right now to make your loved ones’ lives easier when you pass away.
Listen to discover…
- The power of the Living Balance Sheet
- How to make sure your financial accounts are up-to-date (they might not be)
- The questions a funeral home will ask that your loved ones should know
- The 4 elements you must keep in mind for end of life planning
- And more…
Listen now…
You’re stuck. Perhaps in your job or business. Or you can’t seem to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Maybe your finances are a mess.
Modern life throws a lot at us. But whatever is holding you back… you don’t have to go it alone.
Connie Clark, of Striving Forward Coaching, is a life coach. And she shares how professionals like her help clients get from wherever they are now to where they want to be in their lives.
Tune in to find out…
- The crucial differences between a life coach and mentor
- Why your goals must be measurable, reasonable, and achievable
- The key to success in any coach-client relationship
- How to determine if you need a coach… and how to find the right one
- And more
Listen now…
What does your dream retirement look like?
For Bill and Donna Elliot, it was an once-in-a-lifetime trip in a motorhome… a voyage that had them zigzagging across the U.S. full-time for two years and 24,000 miles.
Bill, a retired architect, and Donna, who had worked in the legal field, were ready for a break after long successful careers. And they had a lot on their bucket list, like a NASCAR race in Indianapolis, Niagara Falls, Frank Lloyd Wright homes, and a baseball game in Pittsburgh.
They explain how they prepped for the trip… but also how they were able financially to make it work.
Listen in to find out…
- Tips for transitioning from work to retirement
- The role of an advisor in organizing your finances
- Why now is the time to indulge in something you’ve always dreamed of
- How to untangle yourself from your old day-to-day routine
- And more…
Listen now…
Most people aren’t looking for an extravagant lifestyle.
They want to buy a nice home, own a reliable car, save money for their kids’ – even grandkids’ – educations, and put away enough money for a comfortable retirement.
That’s a good life.
To ensure that happens you need to prepare now for the biggest financial danger to your retirement. It’s a danger that many suffered from in the 2008 economic crisis… and the problem hasn’t gone away.
Fortunately, you can safeguard your retirement by following some simple guidelines.
Listen in to discover…
- The 4 P’s you need in place now for a comfortable retirement
- Why protecting your money always comes first
- How to create a living balance sheet to guide your financial decisions
- When term life insurance or whole life insurance is best for you
- The reason cash is not king anymore… and what you should focus on instead
Listen now…
For members of The Florida Retirement System, the decisions you must make to optimize your retirement income can be complicated and confusing.
In this interview, John Curry breaks down the key considerations and decisions that are unique to FRS members.
This is a fascinating interview with WWII veteran, pioneer of population study at Florida State, and now a master his own retired life, Dr. Charlie Nam. Charlie shares his keys to staying engaged and excited about the future, even in retirement.
In this deep interview, one of my clients grills me and I share the four big threats to your Secure Retirement, I explain the four options under the Florida Retirement System, and I share our approach to structuring a Secure Retirement Plan.
Listen as Betty Hodges shares her experience with the benefits of life insurance that she's enjoyed while she's still alive.