Live with Thrive: Recent Episodes
Thrive Financial Services
Check out hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar every Saturday Morning at 6AM and 1 PM EST on 1210am WPHT Philadelphia or 98.1 WOGL to stay up-to-date on the latest industry knowledge!
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the evolving landscape of 401(k) plans and exploring how modern strategies are reshaping retirement. Much like how "Xerox" and "Kleenex" have become synonymous with photocopies and tissues, the term "401(k)" often carries a generic, misunderstood connotation. But fear not, we're here to unravel the complexities and shed light on new innovations that promise to reinvent your retirement experience.
In this episode of "Roadmap to Retirement," David Bezar and Bret Elam explore the critical decisions around the timing of Social Security benefits, discussing whether to delay or claim early to optimize retirement outcomes. They address how personal, economic, and health factors impact these decisions.
Explore the evolving challenges faced by retirees and pre-retirees on our podcast, where we dive deep into critical issues like inflation, market volatility, and geopolitical tensions. We're committed to raising awareness and providing essential financial education through resources like seminars and free webinars, ensuring listeners have the tools they need to navigate these turbulent times effectively.
(Originally Aired 3/2/24)In today's discussion, we'll also touch upon the current economic climate, including the surprising inflation numbers and the ongoing debates around interest rates and the U.S.' credit rating. Our aim? To arm you with the knowledge and strategies to de-risk your retirement, ensuring income sustainability, market volatility, and tax efficiency for a more confident and fulfilling retirement journey.Tune in as we explore the major financial risks that could impact your retirement, and the steps you can take to safeguard your future. It's more than just managing money; it's about securing a legacy of financial success.
Join us in this enlightening episode of our podcast where we delve deep into the intricate world of retirement planning and social security strategies. Our featured topic, "Reinventing Retirement," offers a comprehensive exploration of the journey to and through retirement, highlighting the critical financial decisions that shape this phase of life. Our hosts, David and Bret, bring their expertise to the table, discussing the common pitfalls and blunders that retirees often encounter.
Join us as we delve into pivotal retirement-related questions, while also exploring broader topics such as financial planning, psychological adjustments, and lifestyle choices. This dynamic episode not only offers expert advice but also engages its audience in shaping its content, reflecting its commitment to guiding listeners toward a more fulfilling and well-prepared retirement.
Join us on our latest podcast episode as we delve into the critical questions shaping Americans' retirement strategies amidst financial uncertainties. From the impacts of the 2022 financial turbulence on retirement views to the resilience of retirement plans against potential economic downturns, we cover ten thought-provoking topics. Our episode, enriched with insights from a comprehensive survey and a dash of humor, aims to align your retirement preparedness with contemporary realities and offer valuable perspectives for an informed financial future.
Our experts dive into key topics like the tax efficiency of Roth IRAs, pension choices, and optimizing dividend-yielding investments, providing you with strategies to navigate the tax implications of your retirement income. Tune in to enhance your understanding and planning for your retirement.
In this radio episode, we delve into the often unexpected tax implications of retirement planning, covering topics like rollovers, Medicare premium surcharges, and inflation. We'll also highlight potential pitfalls and opportunities for tax advantages, such as capital gains tax minimization, the benefits of Roth IRAs, and understanding life insurance and death benefits from a tax perspective. The episode underscores the significance of tax-efficient retirement planning, considering various income streams and adapting to changing tax laws to optimize your financial strategies. As you listen, keep in mind the critical questions that will help secure your financial future.
In a recent episode of "Roadmap to Retirement," special guest Dawn Meyers from Delaware Valley Brokerage discusses the intricacies of Medicare, emphasizing the importance of personalized Medicare plans. Dawn's brokerage services several regions and offers tailored advice based on individual needs and habits, ensuring that clients are not funneled into generic or inappropriate plans. Throughout the show, the hosts reiterate the availability of a 2023 Quick Guide for Social Security and Medicare. Listeners are encouraged to attend upcoming workshops for more in-depth information.
Episode 203: David Bezar kicks off this episode with a recap of last week's much-talked-about Social Security-focused session, where listeners poured in texts, benefiting from the white paper we shared. The massive engagement confirmed our belief in the positive impact we were making.
Taking a cue from that, today's show presents another 'not-to-miss' playbook — "Thrive Retirement Tax Playbook: Important Tax Strategies for Retirees." Our 2023 edition, packed with 20 pages of critical information. Text the word 'tax plan' to 215-999-3272 to get your hands on it! 📖
Why focus on tax? As David aptly mentions, while the tax is a necessary 'evil' funding vital community services, nobody enjoys paying more than they owe. The surprising fact? Taxes haunt you even in retirement! A shift from the accumulation phase (gathering and growing assets) of working years to the distribution phase in retirement demands a unique strategy.
Our hosts, David, Bret and Joe deep-dive into this change in mindset. The conversation moves from simple tax planning to understanding the distribution strategy, ensuring you're maximizing your benefits without paying unnecessary taxes.
Whether you're approaching retirement or are already enjoying your golden years, it's never too late to optimize your tax strategy. If you've not started yet, remember — the best time was yesterday; the next best time is NOW!
Tune in for an engaging, informative session, and let's demystify the tax maze together.🎧
Episode 202: In this enlightening episode, hosts David Bezar and Bret Elam of Thrive Financial Services provide an in-depth exploration of a topic that has become a prominent concern for retirees and pre-retirees: Social Security. After a week of reflective consultations and deliberations, the duo zeroes in on this subject, fueled by the myriad questions and concerns they have encountered.
While the world around us changes—politically, economically, and socially—the uncertainty and curiosity surrounding Social Security remain constant. Tapping into their extensive knowledge and experience, our hosts strive to shed light on this vital subject, equipping their listeners with professional insights.
Tune in to unlock the mysteries of Social Security and stay updated on what's shaping the world today!
Airdate: 7/16/23:
Join David Bezar and Bret Elam as they discuss essential retirement planning strategies on the Roadmap to Retirement podcast. In this episode, they delve into the impact of stock market volatility on retirement savings and the importance of diversification in managing risk. Gain insights on reassessing your risk tolerance and aligning your investment strategy with your financial goals. Don't miss this valuable advice to secure your financial future.
Airdate: 7/9/2023:
Join David Bezar, Karen Bezar, and Bret Elam on the newest episode of the Roadmap to Retirement podcast as they discuss the complexities of retirement. In this episode, they talk about the importance of proper planning and investing, the impact of taxes on retirement savings, and the viability of Social Security. Gain insights and guidance to navigate the complexities of retirement and make informed decisions. Tune in to get expert advice and ensure a secure financial future!
RetirementPlanning #FinancialServices #FinancialPlanning #SocialSecurity
FinancialPodcast
Airdate: 6/25/23:
In this episode, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar discuss the importance of long-term care planning and its impact on families. Joining our hosts for this episode are SPECIAL GUESTS Michele Kilstein and Brett Ringold of “A Long Term Companion,” a family-owned and operated homecare agency. They share their personal experiences with long-term care and explain the importance of planning and preparing for it.
Listen now!
RetirementPlanning #FinancialServices #FinancialPlanning #LongTermCare #CareGiving
Airdate: 6/18/2023:
In this episode, David, Karen, and Bret discuss important topics related to retirement planning and financial services. They cover recent news about the Federal Reserve's interest rates, the impact of inflation on everyday expenses, the need for proper retirement preparation, and so much more. Listen now!
RetirementPlanning #Inflation #FinancialServices
Airdate: 6/11/2023:
Join Bret Elam and Erik Schuster on this week's episode as they tackle the importance of holistic planning in retirement. Gain valuable knowledge about retirement planning strategies, financial well-being, and the latest news in their every week!
retirement #livewiththrive
Airdate: 6/4/23:
Join our hosts David, Karen, and Bret on the latest episode as they delve into the world of retirement planning. In this episode, they discuss the psychological aspect of spending in retirement, from chronic underspending to the importance of balancing wealth preservation and enjoying life's experiences. They also cover Social Security scams and insights on maximizing benefits and more.
Listen now!
RetirementPlanning #Retirement #Podcast #FinancialPlanning #FinancialWellBeing
Airdate: 5/29/23:
Join us on the latest episode of Roadmap to Retirement #194 and discover expert advice on managing your IRA, 401k, and tax strategies. 💼 Don't miss out on valuable insights from David, Karen, and Bret! 📻
RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvice #TaxStrategies
Airdate: 5-21-2023: Join us on the latest episode of our podcast as we discuss the evolving landscape of retirement and the importance of making resilient choices. From annuities to retirement savings and unexpected life events, we delve into the challenges and opportunities retirees face in today's marketplace. Listen now for valuable insights and expert advice. #retirementplanning #financialsecurity #resilientchoices #livewiththrive
Airdate: 5/14/2023:Join David Bezar, Karen Bezar, and Bret Elam on the Roadmap to Retirement Radio Show as they educate and empower individuals on retirement planning. Don't miss this week's topics: Achieving financial empowerment for women and understanding Social Security benefits.#RetirementPlanning #FinancialEmpowerment #SocialSecurity
Airdate: 5/7/2023:Welcome to podcast episode #191 - "Create Retirement Success with Awareness and Education" of Roadmap to Retirement, The Radio Show.Listen and read along as hosts David Bezar, Karen Bezar, and Bret Elam talk with Joe Krause.
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar Karen Bezar and special guest, Jeff Walker CRC as they talk about navigating difficult circumstances in retirement.
Airdate: 4/9/23: On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they cover the latest news in their industry! It's also #FinancialLiteracyMonth - listen now to find out all the things you need to know!
Airdate: 4/2/23: On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they cover the latest news in their industry!Some of the things that they will discuss in this episode are planning for the unexpected, the senior independence act, and more! Listen now to find out.
Airdate: 3/19/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they cover the latest news in their industry!
Airdate: 3/12/23On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they cover the latest news in their industry!
Airdate: 3/5/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they cover the latest news in their industry!
Airdate: 2/18/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar! A lot of good information in this week's episode. Take a listen now on why we here at Thrive are all about awareness, providing education, and bringing leadership into the equation so that these things that scare people can be solved if you are proactive vs reactive!
Airdate: 2/5/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar!
Airdate: 1/29/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar!
Airdate: 1/22/23:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar.
Airdate: 1/15/2023:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they discuss this week's episode on taxes and Roth conversions, 10 ways women can save themselves from retirement shortfalls, and so much more!
Airdate: 1/8/23On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they talk about kicking off 2023!
Airdate: 12/10/2022:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they go over wrapping up the new year.
Airdate: 12/03/2022:On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with Bret Elam and Karen Bezar and special guest Jeff Walker! This is a must-listen to episode.
Airdate: 11/19/22:
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with Bret Elam who brings on two special guests, Mandy Snider and Erik Schuster as they talk about that time of year with record-breaking holiday sales, and finalizing important documents that should be completed before the end of the year!
Airdate: 11/12/2022:
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar. "There are a lot of moving parts right now in the stock market. One of the benefits of working with the right type of financial professional is that they can give you that awareness of what's happening, education so that you can make the right decision and if you're still wondering what the right decision is, that professional can offer that leadership to walk you through that process." - David Bezar
Airdate: 11/05/2022:
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they will be going over market volatility, lagging indicators in relation to the market, and what they foresee of what's coming ahead and the reasons to be proactive today. Also talking about what one of the most surprising things about retirement is today. Take a listen to find out!
Airdate: 10/22/2022:
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they talk about our upcoming workshops and how we are trying to bring awareness to retirement to our community.
Airdate: 9/24/2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with our hosts David Bezar, Bret Elam, and Karen Bezar as they talk about inflation.
Airdate: 10/08/2022
On this week's episode of Roadmap to Retirement, the radio show catch-up with hosts Bret Elam and Erik Schuster as they talk about important questions you should be asking your advisor!
Airdate: 9/10/2022 On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar today!
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar as they talk about staying ahead of the curve in the market!
Airdate: 8/27/2022 On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar as talk about the storm that will be happening to the market.
Airdate: 8/20/2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar as they talk about how things are going with inflation & so much more!
Airdate: August 6, 2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam and Karen Bezar as they catch up together after being away on vacation!
Airdate: July 23, 2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with Bret Elam & two NEW guests, Stacey Cohen & Mandy Snider as they go over women's position in finances & mistakes women should watch out for!
Airdate: July 16, 2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with Bret Elam & TWO special guests this week as they go over the questions people ask in a time like we've never seen before.
Special guests: Erik Schuster & Jeff Walker!
Listen Now To Find Out More!
Airdate: June 25, 2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar & special guest Erik Schuster as they go over Build Back Better Bill, Tax increases, market volatility & more!
Listen now to find out!
Airdate: July 9, 2022
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam, & Karen Bezar as they go over meeting people where they are. This show covers where the world is - the tragic news, market, and so on.
Listen Now To Find Out!
In this week's episode, Roadmap to Retirement - the hosts talk about things going up & down. They talk about the challenge that takes place when preparing for your retirement. Today's show is to help give you some comfort about what's going on in the market.
Catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam, & Karen Bezar! Our radio show airs every Saturday Morning at 6 AM and 1 PM EST at 1210am WPHT Philadelphia or 98.1 WOGL to stay up-to-date on the latest industry knowledge, especially during the volatility of the markets recently!
On this week's Roadmap to Retirement, the Radio Show - catch up with David Bezar, Bret Elam, & Karen Bezar as they go over the current markets and the secure act. Our radio show airs every Saturday Morning at 6 AM and 1 PM EST at 1210am WPHT Philadelphia or 98.1 WOGL to stay up-to-date on the latest industry knowledge, especially during the volatility of the markets recently!
On this week's episode of Roadmap to Retirement, our hosts talk with Joe Casey, an Executive Coach and Retirement Coach who brings extensive experience navigating transitions from his coaching work with clients and from his own life and career. In this radio show, our hosts talk about the struggles people go through when thinking about retiring and the questions to ask yourself about where you want to be and what retirement looks like for you - and so much more! Tune in now to find out!
It's Financial Awareness month! On this week's episode of Roadmap to Retirement, our hosts talk about tactical strategies to be proactive towards your retirement. Our hosts also talk about the Global Altlantic Financial Group case study, the importance of women knowing what and how to do things in retirement, and more!
On this week's episode of Roadmap to Retirement, we have one of our own financial planners Erik Schuster on as a guest! Our hosts talk about investment tools, the Target Date Retirement Fund, the 6 signs your ready to retire, and more! Remeber, let Thrive help you retire right and give this weeks episode a listen!
On this week's episode of Roadmap to Retirement, our host's talk about taking action to complete your financial plans! This weeks episode also features guest Julie Palumbo who is a health coach and touches on how you need to be healthy in order to be wealthy! You won't want to miss this one!
On this weeks episode of Retirement Roadmap, our host's talk about the importance of taking action as soon as possible, robot advisors, the psychology of retirement, and more! Give this episode a listen in order to get your plan started! Remember you can only retire once, so retire right with Thrive!
During this weeks episode, our hosts talk about all of the details that you need to consider in order to move into the next phase of your life! The hosts will go into the topics of longevity, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), selling your house, capital gains, and more!
Is your financial plan complete? During this weeks episode, our hosts talk about the important questions you need to ask, that you didnt know you needed to ask, along with the converstions you need to have that you were unaware you needed! Our hosts also go into the topics of The Secure Act 2.0 coming into play, protecting your finances during divorce, Investments in the market, and more!
Happy 2022! It's the New Year and there is no better time than now to start planning your retirement! Retiring this year or not, make this the year of preparing for your retirement! In todays's episode, the topics of tax reform, doctoring yourself, and consistancy are talked about. Also, our host Karen talks about the importance of women stepping up and taking the initiative of understanding the information needed! Remeber, you only have one shot to retire successfully, so let Team Thrive help you retire right!
Inflation is on the rise now more than ever, as it recently hit a 40 year high. With inflation being at an all time high, it comes along with the cost of healthcare and interest rates increasing as well. You now may be wondering to yourself "Can I even retire now?" or "How do I navigate that healthcare piece?". If so, you'll want to give a listen to this weeks episode as our hosts guide you through the process of both healthcare and inflation. Remember, you only have one shot to retire successfully, so let Team Thrive help you retire right!
Listen to our podcast this Saturday at 6am & 11pm on WPHT or 98.1 FM WOGL, Sundays at 9am on WPHT or WOGL, and Sundays at 6pm on 1400AM WOND
There is a lot of confusion out there about taxes. How do we protect ourselves? Well, hear it from one of our hosts. “Taxation is a big deal. When you’re planning to retire, the number one concern when people come in is “Do I have enough money to retire? How much will be eaten away by taxes?” Here at Thrive we have always planned for inflation, taxation and retirement. You cannot see the future but we are here to make retirement known for you rather than unknown.
Listen to our podcast this Saturday at 6am, Sunday at 9am and 5pm WPHT or am990 on Saturdays at 8am.
As we approach the end of the year, we jump into a discussion about the fourth quarter, as well as the long term future. In this weeks episode, we discuss the ever changing tax laws and how that could impact you. Join our Thrive Army and make sure you are equipped with knowledge that can set you apart from the pack!
In this weeks episode, our hosts discuss some loaded topics, such as: -Common Retirement Myths -Roth Conversions -Taxes & How they will impact your life savings -And More! Be sure to join the Thrive Army and equip yourself for your ideal future!
We’ve seen forest fires in California, Hurricane Ida, and flooding in Tennessee, plus a continuation of COVID. When we consider everything that life can throw at us, it seems important to prepare for setbacks in life. There’s no getting rid of all the risks in life, but a solid plan goes a long way, whether it’s having a first aid kit or a financial plan as you enter retirement.
Want to RETIRE in the next 5 yrs? How prepared are YOU?
THRIVE CAN HELP! Check out our 4-step Action Plan SS Maximization Make Your Money Last 401K Tax Planning
We typically don’t think of the word “aging” as having a positive connotation. It may bring to mind graying hairs, aching backs, and slowing down. But these things don’t always have to be true, and they don’t necessarily tell the whole story when it comes to getting older. There are many birthdays to look forward to as you near and enter retirement. These birthdays could come with greater ability to take control of your finances, or a Social Security benefit. Starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical to understand because they have implications regarding your retirement income. We’ll discuss these important ages in this weeks show!
This week our Thrive Army discusses tax planning, and navigating tax preparation, with special guest and tax planning EXPERT, Tim Gertz, CPA.
You're not going to want to miss this exclusive episode!
In this weeks episode, our team covers what challenges you will face as you move forward with your retirement planning.
Our crew will cover things like: -What Happened at the latest Fed meeting? -Are you worried about running out of money in retirement? -Will you sell company stock? -How to take advantage of Today's tax rates.
Make sure you join us and equip yourself with all the necessary information to THRIVE in retirement!
"Mid-Year Review" Segment One — Prepare for Tax Increases • This segment covers the Biden administration's proposed tax increases on individuals and estates. Segment Two – Do A Mid-Year Portfolio Review • This segment covers how to review investments and what to think about when creating a retirement investment strategy. Segment Three — Don't Outlive Your Savings • This segment talks about annuities and the QLAC provision in the SECURE Act. Segment Four — How Will Your Retirement Account Distributions Be Taxed? • This segment discusses RMDs and tax minimization strategies
"Important Retirement Decisions" and we’ll be covering the following topics: Segment One — What You Need to Know About CryptoCurrency • This segment discusses information about investing in cryptocurrency, including how it's taxed. Segment Two – Don't Outlive Your Savings • This segment covers how to create retirement income for life. Segment Three — Have a Social Security Maximization Strategy • This segment discusses what to consider when deciding when to claim Social Security. Segment Four — Why You Need An Estate Plan • This segment talks about important estate planning documents and how to name beneficiaries.
We all know that a 401(k) is one of the most important retirement planning tools we have. The potential tax benefits and power of compound interest can make it a great saving and investment tool for anyone who practices financial discipline and contributes regularly. If you’ve saved in a 401(k) and are nearing or in retirement, now is the time to strategize so you can use it most effectively. Join your Thrive Army to discuss your 401k, taxes, fees and the options available to you!
If you’re planning on taking a vacation, it’s probably something that you’ve looked forward to for a while now. Maybe you haven’t traveled much since before the pandemic and want to this summer, or maybe you’ve recently retired and just want to relax and enjoy your free time. However you choose to spend your time in retirement, the great thing is that that it’s your 30 or more year vacation. On average, we spend more time every year planning for vacations than planning for retirement – and retirement is much longer than any vacation you will take. Dive into the discussion with your Thrive Army on this weeks episode!
No one can predict the future when it comes to the economy or the market, but we can look at economic indicators regarding inflation and interest rates. Right now, demand for goods is surging and global supply chains are being upended. Shortages, transportation bottlenecks and price spikes are nearing high levels, and this could mean high inflation... Learn how to combat these retirement risks with your Thrive Army on this weeks episode!
Can you believe we've been living with COVID for a full year now? It's become a cliché, but our world has truly changed in the last rollercoaster of a year. In light of the past year, we want to help you create a plan that weathers storms and accounts for the unpredictable, because as we have seen, the unpredictable things do not make them impossible. In this weeks episode, we will cover how COVID will continue to affect us this tax season.
Are you the type of person who takes action and tackles issues head on? Or are you more likely to freeze or be reactive?
Today we're talking about 4 critical things you must do with your money and investments now... that could help you retire in the next 5 years. Join the Thrive Army for tips on being proactive in your retirement planning!
Tax season is the perfect time to take stock of your overall finances, and how they may have changed in the last year. And luckily for you, tax season is extended until May 17th this year, so you have even more time to do that! As you go through important documents, review your investment plan, estate plan, long-term tax minimization strategies, and overall retirement plan. If you don’t have a plan in place, call us and we can help! (215) 798-9088
Karen, David and Bret jump into a discussion to walk you through the questions that you may have while considering a Roth IRA. Does it make sense for you? Be sure to head to ThriveFinancialServices.com to get your free Roth IRA guidebook.
022021 THRIVE - The Market Can Remain Irrational FULL SHOW by Thrive Financial Services
If you watched Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl, you may find it hard to believe that he’s 43 years old. He was not only the oldest player to every win a Super Bowl, but the oldest player who has even appeared in a Super Bowl game. He’s proof that aging is what you make of it, and that there’s no defined script when it comes to retirement. While we tend to associate age 65 with retirement, many people retire much sooner than that. Your retirement might not follow the stereotypical script of starting at age 65 and moving to Florida... Listen to this weeks episode and make sure you are aware of some of the important dates as you near retirement!
The SECURE Act was passed about a year ago – that is, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. It was the biggest piece of retirement legislation to be passed in many years and it will undoubtedly have a major effect on how many Americans approach retirement and estate planning.
What it means for you depends on your unique situation: Will you benefit from starting RMDs at a later age? Will you have to adjust your estate plan based on a major change in the SECURE Act? Your Thrive Army will discuss these topics in depth in today’s show, plus how we could help you come up with solutions to potential retirement problems.
Your Thrive Army jumps into their weekly discussion to talk about the inauguration, and what that may mean for you financially.
Now that President Biden has been sworn in and the Senate is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, it’s time to consider what tax policy changes could be coming your way.
Join Karen, David, Bret and Joe to learn how you may be impacted by the change of power.
Join Karen, David, Bret and Joe for your weekly education filled discussion, that could aid you to greatly improve your retirement plan!
Join Karen, David, Bret and Joe for your weekly dose of education that could greatly improve your retirement plan.
Our team jumps into their weekly roundtable discussion, this time to talk about preparing for potential emergencies that are unanticipated.
There's a lot of uncertainty, as well as market volatility, that can leave people incredibly anxious and completely unsure of how to handle their situation. Don't allow yourself to fall behind, learn about your potential options before the next emergency presents itself.
Join us for a new, loaded episode!
With election season upon us, it's important to prepare yourself for either possible outcome, and anticipate how they will personally impact your finances.
In this weeks episode, Bret, David, Karen and Joe discuss: - How to take advantage of the current historically low tax rate - How to navigate your Roth IRA - A Breakdown of the reports that we offer - What does the elimination of the Stretch IRA mean? - and MORE
Be sure to join the Thrive Army for a loaded episode!
Would you like to retire in the next 5 years? You may not realize it, but you could be A LOT less prepared than you know. And the financial consequences of not being prepared could be detrimental to your goals.
Don't miss a 3-Step Action Plan that could help you make your dream, a reality.
You're not going to want to miss this weeks show loaded with information.
There's a lot of uncertainty in this world, and your finances are definitely no exception to that. Most people assume that by stashing away as much money that they can afford into savings, they will be in a great place once it's time to retire. While that may be the case for some people, that is not 100% and those uncertainties can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
Be sure to listen to this show loaded with useful information for your proactive tax-planning, and find out how you can get a FREE complimentary guide on forward tax planning.
Joe, Karen, David and Bret jump into their weekly discussion - this week to discuss how you can take charge and get the most out of your social security benefits.
96% of Americans forfeit an average of 111,000 in social security income. 80 years old, full of life and flat broke. That's the unfortunate predicament. So many baby boomers could find themselves in because they simply failed to have a plan to generate income in retirement...
You're not going to want to miss this episode loaded with information!
This week a special guest joins the Thrive Army in our roundtable discussion.
Dr. Maggie Baker; author of "Crazy About Money: How Emotions Confuse Our Money Choices And What To Do About It" sits down with us and gets into the details of the psychological impacts of your finances.
You're not going to want to miss this critical, special edition of this weeks Roadmap to Retirement show.
Today, record low interest rates make it impossible to generate income from CD’s and savings accounts. Healthcare and medical expenses are going through the roof, and the threat of higher taxes could destroy your retirement savings.
Learn 6 ways planning for retirement has been turned on its head! Don’t miss a special edition of the Roadmap to Retirement show!
Required minimum distributions could set off a chain reaction of events with your taxes, social security benefits and more. Learn how you could avoid this on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement.
Take two identical couples that are the same age and have the same retirement date, income history and more.
Although all these things are identical, the difference in their social security benefits could literally be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The reason why is all due to how and when they filed for their social security benefits. Learn how you could avoid 5 misconceptions about social security, on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement show.
When it comes to planning for retirement many people still rely on conventional wisdom from decades ago. Not only is this so-called wisdom outdated but it won’t stand a chance against the challenges you’ll face in the coming years. Learn what these 5 pieces of conventional wisdom are and what it takes to retire successfully today. Don’t miss this weeks episode of Roadmap to Retirement!
Wealthy Americans understand just how deadly taxes can be. That’s why they do everything in their power to use the laws to their advantage to help them pay fewer taxes.
Most people don’t realize it but many of these same strategies the wealthy use to save a fortune in taxes are also available to you. Learn what they are on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement!
Recently “The Street” described this year as “the equivalent of a root canal.” And we’re only halfway through it. There are 4 daunting challenges for the second half of 20-20 that could have even more significant financial consequences for your nest egg. Make sure you play your cards right! Don’t miss a special edition of Roadmap to Retirement.
Having an IRA, or 401K is pretty straightforward. You fill out some forms; pick your investments; and make contributions automatically.
It’s just not that complicated, right?
But that’s not true. There’s a lot more to these retirement accounts ... than most people realize.
You soon learn that saving money in one of these accounts … is the easy part. But withdrawing this money in retirement … gets very complicated.
This is where millions of Americans make critical mistakes. And these mistakes … come at a huge price.
Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump into this weeks roundtable, this time to discuss overlooked expenses in retirement.
Every year millions of Americans overlook, or underestimate a major expense in retirement. By the time it hits them, it’s too late to do anything about it. So, they’re forced to make a tough decision severely cut back on their lifestyle, or start looking for a job just to make ends meet. Learn 6 often overlooked expenses in retirement that could decimate your savings on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement.
What if you forgot about the whole idea of retirement? What if you stopped thinking about it as some sort of finish line, or that it happened at a certain age, or date? Instead, what if you focused on becoming financially independent? Learn 5 proven steps that could help you achieve financial independence. Don't miss it on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe hop into their weekly discussion, and this week, they're talking Social Security!
In a recent study, only 1 in 300 people between the ages of 60 and 70 could answer 5 basic questions about social security correctly. 99.6% of these people got it wrong. That’s frightening when you consider hundreds of thousands of dollars are at stake. Learn how you could wring every nickel out of your benefits on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump into their weekly round-table to teach our Thrive Army what you are able to be in control of in your own retirement to greatly impact your savings.
When it comes to your money, and planning for retirement it’s easy to get distracted and worry about things that are totally out of your control. However if you shift your focus to the things you can control it could have a profound impact on your nest egg. Discover 4 specific things you can control with your retirement savings now on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement!
This week, Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump in to discuss an unwelcome surprise waiting for you in retirement. It’s called required minimum distributions. Ignoring or underestimating the impact they could have on your retirement savings could set off a domino effect of unexpected taxes, penalties and fees. Get the ultimate guide to successfully navigating required minimum distributions on this weeks Roadmap to Retirement show Live With Thrive! You aren't going to want to miss it.
Karen, David, Bret and Joe hop into their routine discussions, to talk to you about your IRA & 401K, and what you should do to give it a jump start. Chances are, the recent stock market crash has had a devastating impact on your IRA and 401K. It’s shocking, but most people’s response is to simply shrug their shoulders and say, “I hope the market comes back.” However “hope” is never a great strategy, especially when it comes to something as important as your retirement savings.
Learn 5 proactive ways to jumpstart your IRA and 401K on this weeks episode of Live With Thrive! You aren't going to want to miss out.
Bret, David, Karen and Joe jump into their weekly discussion, and detail how in these trying times, one thing you absolutely cannot get derailed is your retirement.
You’ve worked hard and made sacrifices to save for retirement, but what’s your plan to reduce your taxes with your IRA and 401K? What’s your plan to optimize your social security benefits? And what’s your plan to generate different sources of income, to ensure you never run out of money? Get the ultimate 10-point retirement planning checklist in this weeks episode of Live With Thrive. You aren't going to want to miss this!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump in to their weekly discussion, and answer some pressing questions that may currently be impacting your wealth and financial welfare. They answer questions like; What are the investing lessons from previous stock market crashes?How could you avoid the costly mistakes that others have made? What are the investing opportunities in this market right now?
Join the Thrive Army for another episode of Live With Thrive, to get the answers to these questions and more that could exponentially grow your retirement nest egg.
Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump into their weekly discussion, this week to give you important information about the current state of interest rates. Just when you thought interest rates couldn't get any lower, the Fed slashes rates again, to record lows. If you're retired, or retiring soon, this cripples your ability to generate income from CD's or savings accounts. So, what are your best options to generate income now; without betting the farm? Don't miss the answer, right here on this weeks Live With Thrive!
Bret, David, Karen and Joe jump into their weekly discussion, and key you in on some information that's often overlooked. The steep losses on Wall Street is a painful reminder that investing in the stock market comes with risk. However, if you're on the verge of retirement, there are other risks that threaten your financial security that nobody is talking about. Join the Thrive Army and find out what the six risks that often go unchecked are to get yourself best equipped for the future!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe dive head first into a conversation about the near future of taxation, and how it impacts all of us. Our team takes a realistic approach to the current dire situations we all face, and get you best prepared for difficult times that may be on the horizon. Additionally, within the episode, we offer a complimentary retirement checklist that will absolutely help you plan appropriately for your road forward into retiring. This show is full of necessary information, you're not going to want to miss out!
Bret, David, Karen, and Joe jump into a discussion about the current state of the economy, and the direction that it is trending in the near future. With unemployment increasing, and having no timeframe for the upcoming weeks, it is important to prepare yourself for what may happen. The Thrive Army is here to deliver the necessary information to you, and does just that in this episode. You're not going to want to miss this; check it out!
Bret, David, and Joe jump into a discussion about the current volatility of the market, and how it is impacting each of us differently. With many of us in a state of uncertainty, the Thrive team introduces you to a "retirement rescue plan," and discusses what different methods work for different types of investors. This episode is loaded with critical information, you're not going to want to miss it!
Bret, David, Karen and Joe jump into a detailed discussion about the action, and planning you should be partaking in during these tough times, in order to make sure you are in a good place with your current budget. With the looming anxiety that most people are dealing with, it is important to seek a second opinion, in order to think of things you may not have thought about, and that's what the Thrive Army is here to help with. This episode is full of good information to put your mind more at ease; be sure to check it out!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe jump into a very necessary discussion in lieu of the current events impeding on our society. The Thrive Army is here to help you rally in these troubling times, and will guide you through some scenarios to help you put your mind at ease in this time of uncertainty. With the future feeling unclear, you aren't going to want to miss what this team has to say, be sure to check it out and stay educated!
In this episode, Karen, David, Bret and Joe take on another discussion in this current climate of heightened anxiety and uncertainty, to help put you at ease. The Thrive Army knows that there are people feeling a wide array of feelings, and our team is here to help guide you in the direction of making the right decisions for you. Now is a key time to be equipped with the appropriate knowledge, and our team is here to help guide you to being stronger than ever before. Be sure to check it out!
Karen, David, Bret and Joe set the stage for the audience leading into a time where most people are anxious about the current state of affairs, with navigating the market and planning for retirement. Our Thrive Army helps ease your worries with discussions about how everyone's course of action is not the same, and how to approach matters moving forward. Be sure to join us to be equipped with the necessary information to help you THRIVE in your retirement.
David, Karen, Bret and Joe jump in to a discussion about expecting the unexpected when planning your future, and considering things you may not have thought of. With the past week seeing exterior forces, such as the coronavirus impacting the market, you're not going to want to miss what they have to say! Join the Thrive Army and get educated on how to take your next steps properly!
David, Karen, Bret and Joe dive in to a discussion detailing the importance of planning your benefits appropriately, to make sure that your money ends up in the right place. This episode touches on some unique situations, and some tough topics that are a must hear to assure that you and your loved ones are properly taken care of. Be sure to check it out and learn about planning properly with the Thrive Army!
David, Bret, and Karen join Joe to "kick off" February (and the tax season) on this huge football weekend, and talk about the importance of having a good retirement plan. The Thrive Army is tuning in for this in-depth look at the three major pillars of any solid plan: Social Security, tax planning, and risk management.
Karen talks spousal benefits and the whole team discusses the 567 choices involved in a restricted Social Security Application strategy (for those qualified applicants born before January 2, 1954) - and outlines alternative considerations for those who were not!
David, Karen, and Bret join Joe in revisiting the SECURE Act - this time in greater detail - in response to overwhelming interest from the Thrive Army. The demise of the inherited IRA, changes to both IRAs and 401ks, RMD age changes, and how the Act affects both individual savers and employers are all discussed during this episode of the podcast!
Bret, David, and Karen join Joe as they go over the ups and downs of the stock market. David analyzes the investment acumen of various Wall Street luminaries while Bret talks 'supply & demand!' Karen goes in-depth regarding the benefits of having a financial advisor, and choosing the right one for your needs. Learn about Thrive's free Riskalyze report and the differing perspectives of institutional and 'Main Street' investors.
David and Bret drill down on ANNUITIES this week, as they go over the myriad of nuances involved with Joe; and also the different types of annuities which are available. They take a look at Thrive's January workshop schedule, the upcoming 'Women's Revolution' event with Karen, and even discuss Thrive Army feedback regarding the show itself. Tune in with us and kick off 2020 with Team Thrive!
David and Karen join Joe to say farewell to 2019 and discuss the huge women's event coming in 2020! With an in-depth look at the new changes relating to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and other positive impacts surrounding the passing of the SECURE Act. Sample tax scenarios are explored as the Thrive Army marches into the New Year.
David, Karen, and Bret reflect on a jampacked year which featured 100 workshops with some 5500 guests in attendance, and discuss Thrive's year-end charity efforts. ALSO COVERED: three unusual retirement risks that you cannot ignore; the sample reports available on ThriveFinancialServices.com; and the possibility of a Women's event in 2020!
David, Karen, and Bret continue the countdown to 2020 with a look at upcoming tax changes, and also discuss potential pitfalls to avoid based on real scenarios that they have recently encountered with clients!
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss Thrive's new "20 Things to Consider for 2020" paper and RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) tax reports! ALSO COVERED: the shortcomings of a purely 'DIY' mentality and Thrive's December event calendar.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe return to "Live With Thrive" this week for a discussion of the year-end crunch and Thrive's December workshop schedule! They also welcome special guest David Reibstein to discuss age 55+ Communities and continuing care scenarios for retirees.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe return for yet another episode of Live With Thrive this week. They discuss how saving money for the future starts in small increments, which eventually leads to a fair amount of money saved for your own personal retirement.
David, Bret, Karen, and Joe are back at it again this week. This time around, it's all about the client! They discuss the importance of changing people's lives and providing them peace of mind heading into their retirement years,
Bret, David, Karen, and Joe are back for another jam packed discussion this week as the 4th quarter is officially underway! They discuss the state of the economy, it's current struggles, and also go over what the 4th quarter holds in store for Thrive as the year is quickly wrapping up.
David, Bret, Karen, and Joe return for their first episode since the big Tax Summit Event on September 25th. They recap the event, and discuss the new material that was covered during it. They also highlight what separates Thrive from nearly all financial planners in the Delaware Valley: We put education FIRST!
Bret, David, Karen, and Joe are back for another jam packed discussion with the Thrive Army this week. The main topic is all about IUL's, Index Universal Life Insurance. We want to provide our clients with a wide range of services that will set them up for the rest of their lives.
David, Bret, Karen, and Joe discuss progress within the company over the calendar year as the 3rd quarter is quickly wrapping up. They also discuss the exciting Tax Revolution Seminar coming up September 25th with special speaker, Marty Rub, of Stonewood Financial
Bret, David, Joe, and Karen discuss retirement plans differ depending on each scenario. They also talk more about the Tax Revolution Summit coming up on September 25th. Visit http://www.pataxsummit.org/registration to learn more and register today!
David, Bret, and Joe are joined by a very special guest, Marty Ruby, CEO of Stonewood Financial. Marty gives on overview of his career, and his areas of expertise. He also discusses what he will cover at the Thrive Tax Revolution coming up on 9/25. Sign up today at http://www.pataxsummit.org/registration
Bret and Joe have a great discussion about the growth within Thrive, as well as big plans coming up to end summer, and into Fall. Bret gives a sneak peak a big event planned in late September. Stay tuned for more details!
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the progress and growth that Thrive has experienced since the start of 2019. Bret also discusses current trends within the financial market that could have long-term impacts in the future.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the current state of Thrive and current trends within the industry. Bret goes in depth about how to manage the fees within 401(K)'s.
David, Bret, and Joe are joined by Jim from Del-Val Insurance. They each discuss similarities and differences between the financial planning and insurance industries, as well as the importance of building relationships with clients.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe a few current ongoing things at Thrive. David and Bret also dive in the Secure Act, and how it could affect people.
David, Bret, and Joe discuss the current trends among retirement, and are joined by Thrive team member Maryann Lim to get some background on her career so far. David also goes into detail about the truth of the 4% rule
Karen, David, Bret, and Joe have another jam packed discussion this week. Topics include current financial trends in the United States, as well as not fearing the uncertainties of retirement.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the importance of always reaching out for 2nd opinions regarding financial well-being. They are also joined by Jim from Del-Val Insurance to discuss numerous topics within the industry.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe recap the first quarter of 2019. Karen gives great advice for women who are already in, or entering retirement.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss how important it is to have a plan in place that will suit your own retirement needs
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe have a discussion about Tax Day, which is a big deal for Thrive Financial Services. They also discuss the current state of the company as well as upcoming workshops and plans.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the progress within Thrive Financial Services as well as Tax Day approaching on April 15
David, Bret, Karen, and Joe discuss which strategies for taxes in retirement may be more beneficial in certain situations than others.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe further discuss tax implications that may affect you in 2019. Karen also discusses the impact of International Women's Day.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe dive into a discussion about taxes and break down some strategies for 2019. Karen also discusses current developing trends among senior citizens in the U.S.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss unfortunate situations that hurt people in retirement. They are also joined by Jim from Del-Val Insurance to discuss what is going on within the industry
Thrive Financial Services are joined by Jim and Fran from Del-Val Insurance to discuss how each company goes about their everyday business. The 2 companies have more similarities than most would expect
Bret discusses the downfalls of greed, Karen goes over annuities 101, and David talks about the growth and progress within the company.
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the developing pension crisis within the United States, and what it could possibly mean for you
Joe, David, Karen, and Bret discuss what it means to be "bulletproof" in retirement, as well as other unique topics.
David, Bret, Karen, and Joe each discuss their own unique topic, as well as new business practices coming in 2019
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the goals for Thrive Financial Services, as 2019 is now underway
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss the growth and changes within Thrive Financial Services as 2018 comes to an end
David, Karen, Bret, and Joe discuss all things Thrive, including why you should be up-to-date on your knowledge of RMD's, or required minimum distributions.
David, Karen, and Bret are joined by Jim and Fran from Del-Val Insurance as they discuss current financial trends heading into 2019 such as extreme market volatility, which could cause uncertainty heading into the new year.
Karen, Bret, and David discuss what makes Thrive Financial unique compared to other financial advisories, and what makes them the right choice for you.
David, Bret, and Karen discuss the advantages in conducting business with a financial expert opposed to on your own
David, Karen, and Bret each discuss a unique topic and trend that is going on in the financial industry. Some topics include stock trends heading into 2019, how to approach annuities, and why you should start saving for retirement now.
Join David Bezar, Bret Elam & Karen Bezar as they discuss your road-map to a successful early retirement.
Under current law, 94 cents of every dollar in the year 2026 is going to be spent from the United States government on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and servicing 'The Debt'. If there's only going to be 6 cents of every dollar that's going to be left to spend on all these government programs, which ones are we going to cut? FEMA? The SEC? Roads and Construction? Do you know your options?
We're going to talk a little bit about what's going on out in the marketplace. We're going to talk a little bit about the mistakes that we see people making as they approach retirement.
We want to explain to people what that experience is like when they come in and see us for the Thrive Retirement Roadmap Review. I really want to start helping people soften other concerns, or their hesitation, or whatever their perception may be of what it might be like to experience this process because it's got so much value to it.
Have you selected the best pension benefit choice? Has your life changed since you last selected? Have you even thought about that in years? Let us help you!
We're going to go deep talking about pensions here today, and the crisis that people may be aware of, and people that may not be aware of, but trying to bring it to light that it's out there. The second one, Social Security. And then the last one, we're going to chat about that a little bit too, and the last one is your savings.
Why do people come to see us? It's the main reason people come see us, right? That starts the conversation. The thing that confuses people the most, or people have the least understanding of, is what the tax rules are, and how they'll be applicable during retirement. One of the first questions I ask when I go up and start our workshop, is "How many of you have a complete understanding of how taxes will impact you during retirement?" There's never a hand that comes up. That's why I'm here. "How many of you have questions?" Every single hand goes up. If you position your money improperly, you could end up paying the piper because of that
How prepared are you for retirement if you're planning? How much money do you really need to retire? You need to figure that number out so you can plan. Do you know the ins and outs of your pensions if you have one?
We here at Thrive, we always say that retirement is like a 30-year vacation, but that route to that 30-year vacation can be a very bumpy one. Most people get very stressed when they're in transit, even when they're going on a trip they've looked forward for a lot of years.
It happens! In fact, it happens more often than we tend to believe. First, there's fear. Second, there's Thrive Financial Services. We're here to make sure your plan stays on track no matter what life throws at it.
We find most times when we sit with clients that want to have an annuity review done as part of their retirement road map review, because they don't understand what they bought. Most times annuities are sold, they're not bought by the consumer. So, we dive in very deep. We get as clinical as someone wants us to be, but people do walk out with complete and utter clarity. We understand them inside and out.
What makes Thrive unique? Our process, our team work, our experience. "Our unique process is really trying to completely understand the position of the person or people that we're sitting in front of. We don't take generalities. We want to know you. We want to know exactly what's going on. What's your fear? What's your strength? What's your concern? What do you got? Where do you want to go?"
Learn about the common mistakes that people are making while planning retirement and in retirement in general. And one of the biggest mistakes we have come across when people walk through that door, is they didn't think they didn't need a financial advisor, and they've already made the mistakes, but sometimes we can help them out.
What we try to communicate to the folks that we get the opportunity to sit down with is just try to take a step back. Remove the emotion from the equation. Watch what the successful people are doing, and that's how you can base a decision.
Among American's 65 and older, almost twice as many women, as me, are living with financial hardship. 68% of all of the elderly poor, are women. Again, we've set it before, and we'll say it again, women do tend to outlive men.
We have come to the realization that in meeting with couples and a lot of time single women, whether they're single through a divorce situation, through being widowed, or just never being married, and had very little knowledge of the family financial situation. If women are outliving men statistically, they need someone to help answer the questions. That's why we're here!
Sometimes people spend more time planning a wedding or planning a vacation or planning this or that, when they should spend a lot more time planning their retirement.
We're gonna talk about three main things and what to do about them if you are getting an offer about early retirement planning, or early retirement packages.
Thrive has partnered with a premier property and casualty insurance agency in the Delaware Valley area providing quotes at no charge to Thrive clients!
We're going to spend some time today talking about the difference between somebody who's really in the financial field and really focused on helping people accumulate their asset, but the thing that we hear so often and so passionately from the people that attend our workshops or come into our office for Retirement Roadmap consultation is it's really the first time that they're having this deep of a conversation. Taxes, Medicare, Social Security, many more topics, but how does it all fit together because it's complex.
We will address the areas of challenge in retirement, we will talk specifically to the women in our listening audience about women in retirement, and of course we'll go back in time and focus on the updated changes in all of the tax laws.
Did you know... 93% of food purchases are made by women, so that's 93% and as I go down, I'm gonna skip a couple, but 85% of consumer purchases are made by women. 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions are made by women. And 65% of new car purchases are made by a woman. And then we get down to number of stocks that are owned by women and it's 40%.
The very first, most important thing in talking about your benefits is making sure you have the most up to date information.
Don't even bother calling the Social Security Administration. You won't get anywhere. Call us, instead!
Over the past couple weeks we've seen over a 10% decline on the market, erasing all the January gains, and starting to dip back into 2017. So again, we talk about preparing. Preparing for retirement. We gotta be proactive and find out.
What we want to help people understand is that you can actually really enjoy the layover in retirement planning right before taking off for your retirement of your dreams. There's a way of making the experience much, much easier. So what you need, is you need a good travel planner. Someone who knows their way around and who has helped other travelers have fun in retirement planning before having a blast in retirement. You need experience. You need the kind that we offer here at Thrive. We've been helping people plan a route for retirement and get there safely so that they can get that dream vacation that they've always been considering and that it lasts a lifetime.
'Cause you know, somebody said that money can't buy you happiness, but being broke can't buy you happiness either. So not realizing that you've got a big pile of cash sitting in your house that you can tap into is something that can inhibit people from, I don't want to say happiness, but having options. Money doesn't buy you happiness, but it does buy you options.
Some smart investors who plan ahead can easily hit the one million dollar mark. I know it sounds like a lot of money when you first start out, but you can hit the one million dollar mark in your 401(k)s, but the truth is, most of us don't have the time or patience to learn all the strategies that you need to get there.
But one thing we do know, is that there is gonna be a hike in our debt. And, when we see that happen, it's going to basically negate some of the plans that the government had to really create stimulus. So, the plan is estimated to add about one trillion dollars to the debt burden that was already slated to grow, due to rising expenditures from an aging population.
70% of people, people already collecting Social Security, they're actually going to see that increase. Because what happened over the past couple years. There were small cost of living adjustments, where typically people were playing about approximately $109 a month. So, 2017 Medicare cost $134, well in 2018, it's also going to cost $134. However, that 2% increase that people are getting from Social Security, is going to be eaten up by that increase in Medicare premiums by, on average, $26.
Over 40% more people now have mortgages heading into their 60s. Sometimes that's something that keeps them from hanging up the cleats, if you will. We have sat down with a client recently where that happened to we're just talking about that. Plus, how to utilize the equity in the house, where you talk about, there's a line of credit structure.
Required Minimum Distributions: a required minimum distribution, that's something when you turn age 70 and a half in the United States, you're typically required to take money out of your traditional IRA or 401(k), some type of retirement plan that you have set up other than a Roth IRA. Why can that derail your retirement? Because people might not realize that it's taxed as income and what effect would that have on you is twofold. Are you ready?
There's also a lot of misinformation out there today. The government has made some changes that Bret will address related to the benefit choices that you can take with Social Security. But there still are some election choices that are available that people that don't think that ... both financial advisors, financial professionals, and consumers think that they're completely gone, and that's not true. So there's still some avenues available where you can end up maximizing that benefit.
It's that time of the year to start to understand that and to start itemize that, figure that out, and start to create those bullet points and those areas that you want to focus on as we rap of 2017 and look towards 2018.
Studies have consistently shown that people getting ready for retirement don't have an accurate sense of how much money they're actually going to receive from Social Security. If you're one of those people and you overestimate the program's generosity, you could end up with some real problems in your retirement budget. So today, we're going to try to help and clear up some of those few misconceptions about Social Security.
So the word annuity just brings up, some people think it's the most evil thing that's ever been created on the face of the earth, there's people who advocate for it dramatically and think it's the greatest thing that's ever been created, and what I try to share with people, and again our show is based on education right, we want to be advocates, we want to educate, we want to start conversations, we want to clear up misconceptions, things of that sort.
The news is conversation about the proposed tax changes and what's going to take place, what will I do, what do the changes mean?
We're in interesting political times, interesting economic times, and as we meet with folks, one of the big things people are obviously trying to figure out is what's gonna happen with this stock market.
We've been in business collectively for over 30 years. Owners Bret Elam & David Bezar describe who they are, who Thrive is, and how it came to be. Our mission, our goals, and why we do what we do.