Relax, It’s Retirement Podcast: Recent Episodes
Josh Leonard
Are you worried about the impact of taxes in retirement? Concerned you might run out of money in retirement? Are you looking to avoid making costly pitfalls transitioning into retirement? Welcome to the Relax, It’s Retirement Podcast with Josh Leonard from Leonard Advisory Group. In this podcast, we help those nearing retirement greet it with a well prepared smile. Join Josh and his guests to learn the retirement and tax planning tips you need so that you too, can live your golden years with the happiness and excitement you deserve. Hear stories from his years of experience to help you transition into a fun and intentional retirement.
Are you prepared for the five worlds of money in retirement?
In this episode of “Relax, It’s Retirement,” Josh Leonard explores the distinct but interconnected areas crucial to a successful retirement plan. He dives into income planning, investment strategies, the importance of health and legacy planning, and of course, those pesky taxes. With real-life examples and practical tips, Josh provides insights on making the most of your social security, planning for long-term care, and optimizing your tax scenarios. He debunks myths about social security and explores ways to ensure your financial future is secure and well-planned.
Josh discusses:
- Income planning essentials and pension options
- Navigating social security concerns and strategies
- Investment planning for a long, confident retirement
- Crafting an efficient legacy plan
- Health planning and managing long-term care costs
- Tax planning and the benefits of Roth conversions
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Goal setting isn’t just for your career—it’s essential for creating an intentional and fulfilling retirement.
What goals will keep you engaged, active, and satisfied as you transition to this next chapter? How do you plan for a successful financial and personal journey during retirement?
In this episode, Josh Leonard recaps his personal and professional goals while emphasizing the importance of intentional goal-setting.
He explores strategies to maintain motivation, improve well-being, and align your finances with your desired lifestyle. By applying the SMART framework, Josh outlines how retirees can structure their aspirations to make retirement a rewarding experience.
Josh discusses:
- How achieving his goal of completing the Leadville MTB 100 taught him the value of preparation and persistence
- The importance of using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) when setting personal and financial goals
- Examples of how retirees can create income plans, like targeting $6,000 monthly from various sources, to ensure financial stability
- Strategies for maintaining healthy habits, such as balancing exercise, diet, and reducing phone time with family
- The psychological and emotional benefits of setting goals, including enhanced focus, time management, and overall happiness in retirement
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Overcoming Obstacles With Grit, Endurance & Family Support (Ep. 66)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Giving is a joyful part of the holiday season, and retirement offers unique opportunities to make it meaningful.
How can retirees balance financial, personal, and charitable giving during the holidays? How can creative and intentional choices enhance the spirit of giving?
In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss strategies for embracing the joy of giving in retirement, including financial tips, creative gift ideas, and charitable contributions. From smart tax planning to handmade gifts, this episode is packed with practical advice for a thoughtful and budget-friendly holiday season.
They Discuss:
- The emotional and personal rewards of giving during retirement, including the value of sharing time and handmade gifts
- Creative and budget-conscious gift ideas, such as shared experiences and handmade items, to add meaning without overspending
- Charitable strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and donor-advised funds to maximize the impact of financial giving
- The importance of holiday traditions and how simple, shared activities can create lasting memories
- Year-end financial planning tips, including Roth conversions and tax-efficient
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- December to Remember Car Commercial – SNL
- Christopher’s Kitchen
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
What happens when market emotions take over your retirement planning?
Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro tackle the rollercoaster ride of market trends and how you can prepare for those inevitable twists and turns. They explore the intricacies of bull and bear markets and how these fluctuations impact your financial strategies for retirement. They discuss critical indicators that can predict a market downturn and reason why, despite multiple alarms, a recession hasn’t hit.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- (00:50) The current bull market scenario and what it means for your investments
- (04:53) Recession indicators – what they are and why we haven’t hit one yet despite all the signs
- (07:29) The role of consumer spending in sustaining market confidence
- (09:13) How inflation and interest rates have shaped current market conditions
- (12:42) The impact of credit ratings and monetary policies on global economies
- (21:16) Behavioral responses in market bubbles – understanding FOMO and the fallout
- And more
Don’t miss out on understanding these significant market behaviors that could affect your retirement planning.
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- FOMO in Retirement Planning, Explained (Ep. 56)
- In Retirement, Put Your Eggs in These Three Baskets by Pete Belcastro
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies can make it smooth and intentional.
How do you structure finances to ensure your money lasts while enjoying the lifestyle you want?
This episode compiles the best retirement advice moments from Josh Leonard and his team, covering vital tips to plan your golden years with confidence.
From managing taxes to healthcare planning, they explore practical solutions for long-term stability.
Key Highlights:
- How to prepare for longer retirements by factoring in family history and careful planning
- The “three-bucket system” for managing cash, steady income, and long-term growth
- Proactive ways to minimize healthcare expenses through HSAs and yearly drug plan reviews
- Tax-saving approaches, such as Roth IRA conversions and efficient withdrawal strategies
- Creative retirement paths, including passion projects, part-time work, and minimalist lifestyles
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
- Episode 59: Longevity in Retirement: Planning for the Long Haul
- Episode 61: Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Strategies to Manage Your Expenses
- Episode 65: Planning for an Early and Intentional Retirement
- Episode 69: Capital Loss Harvesting vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: What’s Right for Your Retirement?
- Episode 77: 5 Key Tax Opportunities to Capture Before Year-End!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Are you aware of what you truly owe, and more importantly, own in your financial portfolio?
Join us in this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, where Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the nitty-gritty of financial awareness and planning.
Do you really understand how balancing debts and assets can pave a way for a secure retirement?
They explore the significance of knowing your financial landscape, including debts like car loans and mortgages, and how they weigh against your assets.
They discuss:
- The importance of financial awareness: Recognize your current financial position and plan accordingly
- Differentiating debts: Understanding car loans versus mortgages and their impact on your credit
- Strategies for debt repayment: Prioritizing high-interest debts like credit cards
- Asset knowledge: Understanding different investment types—stocks, bonds, life insurance, and annuities—to make informed decisions
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you making the most of your year-end tax planning?
In this episode, Josh Leonard dives into effective year-end tax planning strategies to maximize your savings. Prepare for an insightful discussion on Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and charitable giving.
Learn how to navigate potential tax pitfalls and make informed financial decisions before the calendar flips to a new year.
Josh covers:
- Roth conversions and their tax advantages
- Tax loss harvesting to offset gains
- Charitable giving strategies, including QCDs and donor-advised funds
- Maximizing deductions for medical expenses
- Adjusting withholding for accurate tax planning
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Are you protecting yourself from the growing threat of identity theft, especially as you near retirement?
This week on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard sits down with Angela Ferrante, Leonard Advisory Group’s in-house expert on identity theft, to shed light on this pressing issue. They delve into the methods used by scammers to target older Americans and discuss practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information.
Josh and Angela explore:
- How identity theft commonly occurs
- Red flags that might suggest your identity has been compromised
- The importance of credit monitoring and how to set it up
- Steps to take if your identity has been stolen
- Best practices for password and device security
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
- Think you’ve been targeted by a scam? Report it to the FTC and get resources to protect yourself
- Set up your IRS PIN to protect your tax information from fraud
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
Angela Ferrante is a 1987 graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Economics and Finance. She started with Equitable Life as an insurance representative 2 weeks after graduation selling life and disability insurance to the medical community. By 2005 she was supervising 165 representatives in 4 states and running the brokerage side of the office which included the opening of accounts, research, trade placement, cashiering of upwards of $2 million per month, as well as her own client base. Angela became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015. Angela and Mark live in Somerset County where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.
What happens when an unexpected job loss disrupts your retirement plans?
In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into strategies for navigating the economic and emotional turbulence of being laid off near retirement.
They offer essential tips on managing finances, addressing healthcare needs, and maintaining a positive outlook during this challenging transition. Additionally, they bring insightful stories from their experience.
They discuss:
- Recognizing and managing emotions post-layoff
- Filing for unemployment and understanding severance packages
- Healthcare options post-employment
- Evaluating financial standing and the sustainability of retirement plans
- Finding purpose and connection through hobbies and community involvement
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Feeling empowered in retirement requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs and maximize enjoyment.
Are you prepared to handle debt, taxes, and big life changes in retirement?
Learn how financial strategies can help you manage taxes, pay down debt, and even enjoy your golden years worry-free.
In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the world of financial empowerment through careful planning and smart tax strategies. They explore real-world scenarios, including helping clients navigate unexpected credit card debt and embrace the freedom of spending wisely in retirement. Learn how tailored planning can lead to a worry-free retirement, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.
They discuss:
- How comprehensive tax planning can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses
- The benefits of using a structured, three-bucket strategy for financial security
- Real-life success stories demonstrating financial empowerment through planning
- Strategies for maximizing income in retirement while minimizing potential financial stressors
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Download our “7 Big Retirement Mistakes Checklist” to help avoid costly retirement mistakes!
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Charitable giving can be a powerful part of your retirement, and it’s about more than just donations—it’s about making a lasting impact with your finances. How do you ensure your giving is intentional and efficient? What strategies can help you make the most of your contributions without incurring unnecessary taxes? Join Josh Leonard and Pete …
When was the last time your reviewed your Medicare plans? In this episode of Relax It’s Retirement, host Josh Leonard sits down to discuss the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and ensure you’re prepared for the year …
As inflation cools, new questions arise about the market’s direction and future economic trends. How will the Fed’s decisions on interest rates affect your investments? Can the economy withstand reduced inflation without entering a recession? This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the significant shift of investor concerns from inflation to other economic …
Election seasons often bring a wave of anxiety, especially for those nearing retirement. How do you prepare for potential economic shifts without succumbing to fear? How can you ensure your retirement plan remains robust regardless of political outcomes? In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard explores how the election results could potentially affect …
Are you maximizing the potential of capital gains and losses in your retirement planning?
This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the often-overlooked strategies of capital gain and loss harvesting. You’ll learn the essential differences between capital loss and capital gain harvesting, why timing and tax brackets play a crucial role in your financial planning, and how these strategies can help minimize your tax liability, particularly in retirement.
Join us for an informative discussion that could significantly influence how you manage your investments for a more secure financial future.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Exploring Capital Loss vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: Understanding the fundamental principles and their implications for your tax strategy
- Timing is Everything: Why the fourth quarter is critical for reviewing and adjusting your tax planning strategies
- Tax Brackets: How these affect your decision-making on selling assets and realizing gains or losses
- Retirement Focus: Tailoring these strategies to optimize tax savings and maintain financial health in your golden years
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Time can still be on your side even in retirement!
In this episode, Josh dives into the fascinating dynamics of time and retirement planning. You’ll learn how to maximize your retirement years by leveraging the power of compounding interest, making strategic investment decisions, and using financial tools like annuities and HSAs to ensure your money lasts. Join us as we explore practical strategies to make the most of this new chapter in your life.
Josh discusses:
- 03:28) The importance and impact of time and compounding interest in retirement
- (06:07) How to manage finances effectively with Cash, Income, and Growth Buckets
- (09:18) Utilizing financial tools like HSAs and annuities to maximize benefits
- (16:57) Adapting to market volatility without making hasty decisions
- (21:18) Making the most of your newfound time, hobbies, family time, and volunteering
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- 6 Ways to Travel on a Budget in Retirement (Ep. 67)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Ready to make your dream retirement travel a reality without breaking the bank?
In this episode, Josh Leonard guides you through six effective strategies for budget-friendly travel during retirement. Learn why flexibility is crucial, how to use points and miles effectively, and the surprising alternatives to traditional accommodations. This is your roadmap to financially savvy and fulfilling travel adventures, specially crafted for retirees.
Josh discusses:
- Flexibility around travel dates to find cheap flights
- Using credit card points and loyalty programs
- Considering alternative accommodations such as Airbnbs or house swaps
- Planning your travel budget, tracking expenses, and taking advantage of discounts
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass
- Million Mile Secrets
- The Points Guy
- Expedia
- Kayak
- Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Are you ready to hear a story about grit, teamwork, and the unexpected turns that can define your journey, whether it’s a race or your retirement plan?
In this episode, Josh recounts his recent journey of conquering the Leadville MTB 100 in the Colorado Rockies, with the invaluable support of his wife Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, Director of Finance. Alongside tales of determination and grit, Josh and Yana emphasize the remarkable role family support played in achieving this monumental feat. Packed with real-world lessons, hear how Josh navigated unexpected hurdles and triumphed with one crucial lesson – preparation and a reliable support system can make all the difference. From unexpected flat tires to quick solutions, learn how this endurance race teaches vital lessons for retirement planning and navigating life’s unpredictability.
Josh and Yana talk about:
- How Josh overcame unexpected challenges during the race with the help of his wife and community
- The quick, practical solutions that helped Josh complete the race – a lesson in planning for the unpredictable
- The crucial role of support systems in achieving big goals, both in sports and financial planning
- How disciplined training and strategic planning in sports can translate to successful retirement strategies
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Variety My Bike Donation
- Variety My Bike Program Overview
- Leadville Race Info
- Leadville Race Recap
- Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Yana Leonard:
- LinkedIn: Yana Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
What if you could retire earlier than you think?
In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the concept of early retirement with the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement, a lifestyle choice emphasizing extreme savings and smart investments. They provide information about how adopting frugality and strategic financial planning can help set you on a path to early retirement. Josh and Pete cover practical tips on extreme savings, smart investing, and the importance of a frugal yet fulfilling lifestyle.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Overview of the FIRE movement and its focus on extreme savings and lifestyle choices
- Challenges and strategies for those aiming to retire in their 30s or 40s versus traditional retirement age
- Tips for managing finances, including healthcare and penalty-free withdrawals, for those considering early retirement
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Your Money Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
You can protect your loved ones and legacy as you transition into retirement by estate planning.
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, host Josh Leonard, and Pete Belcastro dive into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of retirement planning: estate planning. They talk about how to effectively prepare your essential estate documents, avoid the drawbacks of probate, leverage trusts for tax planning, and ensure your loved ones are protected. Tune in for some practical tips and advice around estate planning that can give you peace of mind as you plan for your golden years.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Why regularly updating your will and legal documents is important
- The role of Power of Attorney in managing assets during incapacitation
- How to use trusts to protect assets and control distributions
- How you can minimize the impact of estate taxes
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Navigating RMD Changes for Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 62)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Where should you retire? Your perfect place could be closer than you think.
Let’s take a look at some factors that could make or break your retirement decision.
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro talk about what truly makes a state great for retirement. They dissect a recent study listing the top states for retirement, unpacking factors such as the cost of living, weather, healthcare, and why personal preferences can completely change the ideal location for retirement.
Tune in to learn how to weigh these factors with your personal priorities and hear insightful anecdotes from Josh’s years of experience.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- The top factors that determine the best states to retire in
- How different states compare
- The impact of state and local taxes on retirement planning
- The importance of balancing the cost of living with lifestyle and proximity to family
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Why does the government force you to take money out of your retirement accounts, even if you don’t need it?
In this episode or Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the intricacies of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and explain why they are a crucial aspect of retirement planning. Together, they cover recent changes in RMD rules, including the impact of the Secure Act and the importance of understanding how these changes affect your retirement and tax planning.
You’ll learn about the different types of beneficiaries and the rules surrounding inherited IRAs, making this a must-listen for anyone approaching or navigating retirement.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and their recent rule changes
- The implications of inheriting an IRA and the different types of beneficiaries
- How the Secure Act has changed the way RMDs are calculated and distributed
- How to navigate these complex rules and avoid potential penalties
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Understanding RMDs: 6 Strategies to Reduce Your Tax Burden
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you struggling to navigate the maze of Medicare and healthcare costs in retirement?
In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into the complexities of healthcare planning for retirees. They discuss understanding Medicare, evaluating different health plans, and the critical steps to prevent unexpected medical expenses. Josh and Pete share valuable insights into Medicare’s parts, long-term care options, and the magical benefits of a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Understanding the intricacies of Medicare parts A, B, C, and D
- Evaluating long-term care options and associated costs
- Strategies for shopping around for prescription drug plans annually
- The advantages of contributing to and using a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Medicare
- Genworth Long-Term Care Cost Survey
- GoodRx
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you ready to break some financial rules to optimize your retirement planning?
Today, we’re challenging the rules of retirement planning to see when breaking them might actually be in your best interest.
In this episode, Josh Leonard and his partner in crime, Pete Belcastro dive into five conventional financial rules that many believe are set in stone but might be worth reconsidering to better fit individual needs. They discuss why paying off your mortgage before retirement, avoiding credit cards, and rigidly maintaining a budget might not always be the best advice. Instead, they offer nuanced views and actionable insights on when to break these rules to suit individual financial needs and goals better. Join their discussion as they talk about how to achieve a more nuanced and personalized approach to financial planning, ensuring a more robust and flexible retirement strategy for listeners.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- The true impact of paying off your mortgage before retirement
- The benefits and drawbacks of using credit cards in retirement
- How to maintain a realistic budget without sacrificing quality of life
- The importance of re-evaluating the “100 minus your age” rule in investment strategies
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Pete’s Credit Score Video
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you ready to make your retirement last for the long haul? In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss the importance of longevity in retirement. They cover strategies for structuring your assets to ensure they last, the importance of tax planning, and tips for maintaining an active and fulfilling …
Have you ever found yourself curious about how some folks manage to live their retirement years to the fullest? This week on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh sits down with Chuck Glenz, a long-term client and family friend, to discuss Chuck’s unique and insightful journey through life and retirement. You’ll learn practical advice on retirement planning, …
Art isn’t just for galleries – it’s a powerful tool for enriching your retirement experience. Have you ever thought about how art could transform your retirement? Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh introduces Tami Fauver, the Executive Chief and Curator at Krasl Art Center. They explore the dynamic intersection of the arts and retirement and …
Are your financial decisions driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO)? Get ready to conquer your retirement planning with confidence and ease. Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss retirement planning with a focus on overcoming the fear of missing out (FOMO) and making informed decisions for a secure financial …
What does it take to truly conquer life’s toughest challenges and apply those lessons to your retirement?
This week on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the topic of “doing hard things” and how taking on challenges can prepare you mentally and emotionally for retirement. Josh shares an inspiring anecdote about a grueling bike ride up Maui’s Haleakala volcano, and they explore parallels between physical endurance and financial preparedness. They discuss why staying active and engaged matters even after retirement, offering insights on setting goals, planning effectively, and remaining adaptable.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- The significance of preparation and planning ahead for a successful retirement, just like planning a challenging bike ride
- Why retirement doesn’t mean stopping; it means finding new and fulfilling challenges
- Being ready to adjust your plans, just as you might need to adapt during a physically demanding activity
- How building a support system around your retirement plan is as crucial as having a team backing your adventures
- Balancing risk and reward while navigating the complexities of retirement
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Watch Josh’s Intense Bike Ride
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Ever wondered how to effectively save for retirement without missing out on the joys of life today?
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard shares invaluable tips about optimizing your savings strategy during the accumulation phase of your finances. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode demystifies the order of saving money, and ensuring a balanced lifestyle while preparing for a secure future. He navigates through practical advice on emergency funds, the power of employer matches in retirement accounts, and the strategic use of HSAs and IRAs for long-term benefits.
Josh discusses:
- Why starting with an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability
- Maximize employer retirement plan contributions for compound growth
- Navigating high-interest debt and the impact on your savings journey
- The long-term benefits of diversifying savings beyond traditional retirement accounts
- And more
Tune in to grasp how to craft a retirement savings plan that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals, ensuring a smooth transition to your golden years.
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Are you being hoodwinked by financial advice on social media?
In today’s episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard delves into the murky waters of financial advice on social media platforms. With special attention on the credibility of so-called financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers,’ Josh unpacks the allure of simplicity in managing finances that social media tends to promise. He explores how the ease and accessibility of social media content can often misguide individuals when making crucial financial decisions.
Josh discusses:
- The impact of social media on financial decisions
- Distinguishing credible financial advice from sensational content
- Understanding the risks associated with following financial influencers without due diligence
- Practical tips for verifying the credibility of financial advice encountered online
- And more
Tune in to learn about navigating the complex landscape of online financial advice with a critical eye.
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Newsletter Placeholder – Please see my comment in the transcript for context.
- Broker Check by FINRA
- TikTok: Every kid looks like an alpaca
- TikTok: If you save $1 a day
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Are you ready for retirement? How much money do you need to ensure your golden years are truly golden?
Today on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro address essential considerations for anyone nearing retirement. From understanding the right time to retire to strategically managing retirement income, this conversation aims to equip you with the knowledge to navigate financial decisions with confidence. Whether it’s determining if your savings are sufficient, dealing with market fluctuations, or making smart investment choices, this episode covers the groundwork for a fulfilling retirement journey.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Understanding when you’re ready to retire and ensuring you have enough saved
- The intricacies of the 4% rule and how it applies to your retirement savings
- The importance of planning for healthcare and long-term care expenses
- Strategies for generating stable retirement income, including social security, pensions, and rental properties
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Decoding Life Insurance for Retirees: Is It Essential? (Ep. 51)
- Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years (Ep. 48)
- Seven Steps to Successful Retirement (Ep. 36)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
How does life insurance fit into your retirement plan? Is life insurance still relevant in retirement?
This week on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss whether or not life insurance is necessary in retirement. They cover four main reasons to own life insurance in retirement: covering debts, preserving family assets, covering long-term care expenses, and leaving a tax-free legacy. They also mention the importance of planning and working with a financial advisor to determine the best approach for individual needs. From protecting your loved ones to planning for unforeseen medical expenses, this conversation is packed with everything you need to navigate the complexities of life insurance in retirement.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- The different types of life insurance and their roles in retirement planning
- Strategies for managing and potentially reducing expenses associated with life insurance
- The importance of life insurance in covering long-term care and unforeseen medical costs
- How life insurance can serve as a financial safety net for your loved ones and contribute to estate planning
- And more
Tune in to gain valuable insights that could help you make more informed decisions about life insurance in your retirement planning strategy.
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Transitioning into retirement could feel just as sunny and relaxed as a perfect summer day, but like spending a day in the sun, you’ve got to plan for all weather factors when it comes to retirement or risk feeling a little burned.
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into part two of financial literacy for your golden years with a focus on government benefits and tax planning. In addition to managing required minimum distributions and the timing of Social Security benefits, the conversation also navigates through estate planning and the considerations for relocating or downsizing in retirement. Listen in to empower yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to embrace retirement with confidence and intention.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Maneuvering the complexities of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their impact on your taxes
- Strategic insights into optimizing Social Security benefits based on individual working and earning scenarios.
- The importance of updating beneficiaries and how simple changes can drastically influence estate planning
- Navigating the decisions surrounding relocation or downsizing in retirement, including tax implications and quality of life considerations
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years (Ep. 48)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Many believe that impactful philanthropy is exclusive to the ultra-rich. However, strategic charitable giving is accessible to a wide range of donors.
In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by philanthropy expert Jack Miller, principal of Miller Consulting, for a conversation about how strategic charitable giving can be a cornerstone of your financial planning and legacy. Jack shares his personal journey, blending faith, philanthropy, and financial strategy, to provide listeners with a roadmap to creating a legacy that resonates through generations. Discover the synergy between tax-efficient philanthropy and fulfilling retirement goals, reinforced by Jack’s rich experiences and the strategic insights from Leonard Advisory Group.
Jack discusses:
- The pivotal role of charitable giving in tax-efficient retirement planning
- Harnessing the Qualified Charitable Distribution to optimize philanthropy and tax benefits
- Creative leveraging of assets like real estate and tangible property for charitable impact
- Personal stories of charity transforming lives and reinforcing community bonds
- And more
Tune in to uncover how charitable giving can amplify your retirement planning and leave a lasting legacy for the causes closest to your heart.
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- The Red Door
- North Hills Community Outreach
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Jack Miller:
- Miller Consulting
- LinkedIn: Jack Miller
- millerpgh@aol.com
About our Guest:
Jack Miller is the principal and lead of Miller Consulting. During his 30-year career, Jack has conducted annual and capital campaigns, special events and estate planning seminars. He has helped individuals contribute millions of dollars to charity and in 2000, his consulting work led Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation to hire him as its first director of planned giving, a position he held until July 1, 2012 when he became Vice President of Development for Baptist Homes Society in Pittsburgh.
From 1993 until 2006, Jack also headed Anlin Industries’ development division before founding Miller Consulting. Since 1975, Jack served western Pennsylvania as planned giving director for United Way of Allegheny County and St. Barnabas Charitable Foundation; chief development officer for Suburban General Hospital, The Medical Center and St. Peter’s Child Development Centers; executive director of Duquense University’s Duke’s Court sports booster organization; assistant development and alumni director at LaRoche College and public relations coordinator at the School for Blind Children.
Jack graduated with distinction from Bethany College and is a past-president of the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council. In 2000, the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Western Pennsylvania Chapter named him its Outstanding Fund-raising Executive.
In 1992, Jack helped to organize a statewide development issues task force that was instrumental in passing the Pennsylvania Charitable Gift Annuity Exemption Act, 10 P.S. §361 et. seq., that established parameters for Pennsylvania charities to issue gift annuities. The task force also helped to pass legislation that defined purely public charities in Pennsylvania.
Some interesting gifts Jack closed include an outright gift of a personal residence with a retained life-interest; the first funeral home in Pennsylvania to fund a charitable remainder annuity trust and a $500,000 grant from a major foundation to promote planned gifts as a way of leveraging resources.
Are you ready to greet retirement with a well-prepared smile?
Welcome to the Relax, It’s Retirement podcast, where we dive into mastering financial literacy in your golden years. This episode, featuring Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, zooms in on transitioning into retirement with intent. They explore practical tips for income and budget planning in April’s Financial Literacy Month, highlighting ways to navigate the shift from a steady paycheck to managing retirement funds. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, you will glean insights into making informed decisions for a fulfilling retirement.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Understanding income and budgeting in retirement
- Navigating the transition from receiving regular paychecks to retirement income planning
- Strategies for managing expenses and creating effective budgets
- Addressing the impact of healthcare expenses during retirement
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Fidelity® Releases 2023 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate
- Fidelity: How much will healthcare cost you in retirement?
- Ronco Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ Full Infomercial
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you struggling to navigate the complexities of charitable giving and tax planning for retirement?
Let us introduce you to Daffy!
Josh Leonard and his guest, Adam Nash, co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org dive into the world of donor-advised funds, money decisions, and much more on this engaging episode of Relax It’s Retirement. They address how Daffy can help simplify your giving and give you more control over your charitable donations. Take the stress and guesswork out of charitable giving, allowing you to support causes you care about with ease while maximizing your tax benefits. Find out how Daffy can revolutionize your approach to giving and tax planning.
Josh and Adam discuss:
- What donor-advised funds are, and how do they benefit individuals
- How Daffy.org is reshaping charitable giving with cutting-edge technology and innovation
- The importance of setting financial goals for charitable giving
- The impact of automating contributions on financial planning
- Benefits of setting giving goals and embracing a donor-advised fund for smarter tax planning and impactful philanthropy
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- CS 007: Personal Finance For Engineers by Adam Nash
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Adam Nash:
- Daffy.org
- LinkedIn: Adam Nash
- $25 for Charity
About our Guest:
Adam Nash is co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org. Adam is a proven advocate for development of products that go beyond utility to delight customers. At Dropbox, he led the teams responsible for growth, product strategy, product management & product analytics for a platform with over 600 million registered users with responsibility for all of Dropbox self-service revenue (~90% of all company revenue in 2019).
Before Dropbox, Adam served as the President & CEO of Wealthfront, where for four years he championed the creation of a new category of automated investment services. While Adam was at Wealthfront, the company grew its client base by over 60x, and grew assets under management 45x from less than $100m to over $4 billion. During his tenure, Wealthfront delivered industry-leading innovations including Direct Indexing, the Single-Stock Diversification Service, and the first automated 529 College Savings Plan.
Prior to joining Wealthfront, Adam was Vice President of Product Management at LinkedIn. Adam led LinkedIn’s Platform & Mobile products, including the launch of LinkedIn’s open developer platform and their highly successful native applications and mobile web experiences. Adam was the founder and architect of LinkedIn Hackdays, a seminal program for driving the innovation culture at the company. He also was responsible for leading LinkedIn’s search & cloud efforts, as well as forming and leading their user experience & design team.
Prior to joining LinkedIn, Adam held a number of leadership roles at eBay, including Director of eBay Express, an innovative new site focused on new, fixed-price products. Previously, Adam also held strategic and technical roles at Atlas Venture, Preview Systems and Apple.
Adam holds an MBA from Harvard Business School as well as BS and MS degrees in Computer Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction from Stanford University.
Adam was born and raised in Silicon Valley where he lives with his wife, four children, and a golden retriever.
Are you looking to maximize your tax bracket and secure a stress-free retirement?
You might want to consider adding Roth conversions to your retirement plan.
Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the world of Roth conversions, discussing three key scenarios when converting to a Roth IRA might benefit your retirement plan with a focus on reducing taxes, maximizing income, and securing a tax-efficient legacy for your family.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Maximizing your tax bracket by strategically converting to a Roth IRA to save on taxes in the future
- Using Roth funds for emergency or unexpected expenses to avoid high tax implications when tapping into traditional IRAs
- Creating a tax-free legacy asset by inheriting a Roth IRA and providing your heirs with a tax-efficient asset
- Balancing tax diversification by considering a blend of traditional and Roth IRAs based on your unique financial situation and long-term goals
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Are you nearing retirement but still burdened with your kid’s college debt payments? Discover how you can potentially cut those payments in half with The College Dude.
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Dan Cieniewicz, CFP®, CCFC, CSLP®, a.k.a. The College Dude, delve into the world of managing Parent PLUS loans to balance funding education and retirement savings effectively. They discuss the nuances of student debt repayment strategies, income-driven repayment plans, the double consolidation loophole, and the impact on retirement planning.
Josh and Dan discuss:
- Understanding Parent PLUS loans and their underwriting criteria.
- Exploring income-driven repayment plans for managing student loan debt effectively.
- Unveiling the double consolidation loophole as a strategy to lower Parent PLUS loan payments.
- Examining the implications of student loan repayment on retirement income and estate planning.
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- How Can You Prepare for the Rising Cost of College? With Dan Cieniewicz (Ep. 23)
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Dan Cieniewicz:
- The College Dude
- Facebook: The College Dude
- LinkedIn: Dan Cieniewicz
About our Guest:
Dan Cieniewicz works with parents of teenage children as they find themselves in a position to strategize to pay for college while also staying on track for retirement. Dan’s goal when working with clients is to explain the complexities of the financial aid & college application process and to strategize to make sure that both parents and children are set up for long-term success.
Dan was born & raised in Berks County. He attended Albright College, majoring in Economics & Political Science and played on the football team. Dan has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation.
Dan is the head girls basketball coach at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA and loves working out and playing basketball. He resides in Lititz with his wife, Carly. He also became a father in March of 2022, to a beautiful daughter, Stella.
Have you ever wondered how quickly the stock market can plunge into a bear market and the impact it has on your investments?
Join Josh Leonard and our Pete Belcastro, as they delve into three significant market crashes in history, including the 1929 stock market crash, Black Monday in 1987, and the recent COVID market meltdown. Discover how fear drives investors, the role of margin accounts, and the importance of long-term investing, even in times of extreme volatility.
Josh and Pete discuss:* Historical market crashes: 1929, Black Monday 1987, and the COVID crash in 2020 * Examining the impact of fear on market behavior and investor decisions * Understanding the role of margin accounts and their implications in market downturns * Highlighting the importance of staying committed to long-term investing despite market volatility * And More!
Resources:* Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard: * jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com * LinkedIn: Josh Leonard * Leonard Advisory Group * 412-998-PLAN * YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group * Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro: * LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP® * pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
What’s your retirement adventure? Meet Barbara Hillary, the trailblazer who set foot on the North Pole at 76. Let’s explore her remarkable story!
In this special Women’s History Month episode, Josh Leonard and Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, Director of Finance, share the incredible life story of Barbara Hillary, an inspiring woman who challenged herself to achieve the impossible. From battling cancer to conquering the North Pole at 76, Barbara’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Discover how she raised funds, trained rigorously, and embodied the spirit of adventure in retirement, inspiring others along the way. Get ready to be inspired to embrace new horizons and set audacious goals.
Josh and Yana discuss:
- How Barbara Hillary conquered the North Pole at 76 and later the South Pole
- Overcoming health challenges and turning them into inspiration
- The importance of finding purpose and adventure in retirement
- Planning for the next chapter in life and empowering women to chase their dreams
- Embracing new challenges and adventures in retirement
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a 15 Minute Call
- Women Who Dared by Linda Skeers and Livi Gosling
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Yana Leonard:
- LinkedIn: Yana Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, is the Director of Finance at Leonard Advisory Group. Ms. Leonard has held various finance roles within the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries. In her current role, Ms. Leonard delivers strategic recommendations and implements targeted solutions to drive business growth and optimize financial performance. Ms. Leonard earned a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and a minor in economics from Baldwin Wallace University and a masters of business administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting. She is a certified internal auditor (CIA). Ms. Leonard grew up in Solon, OH and resides in St. Joseph, MI with her husband Josh, their children, Eli and Isaac, and Layla, a golden retriever. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her kids’ extracurricular activities, traveling, volunteering, reading, and spending time at the lake with friends and family.
Have you ever found yourself making financial decisions based on instinct rather than informed choices?
In this episode, Josh Leonard talks about five common behavioral biases that can influence financial decision-making. He addresses loss aversion, confirmation bias, herd mentality, overconfidence, and anchoring bias, illustrating each with real-world examples. He also discusses the influence of laziness and habit on decision-making and suggests a four-step approach to counteract biases: recognition, education, professional advice, and informed decision-making.
Josh discusses:
- Loss aversion and its impact on investment decisions
- Confirmation bias and its influence on perceptions and decision-making
- Herd mentality and the potential financial risks associated with following the crowd
- Overconfidence and its role in guiding risky financial decisions
- Anchoring bias and its impact on decision-making and perceptions of value
- Four steps to outsmarting behavioral biases
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- The Planet Money Podcast
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, discipline stands as a beacon of consistency and success, guiding us toward our goals and aspirations. Whether in financial planning, health routines, or personal growth, discipline forms the foundation for long-term achievement and fulfillment.
Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh and Pete Belcastro, CFP®, talk about discipline in various aspects of life, drawing parallels between maintaining financial discipline and personal habits. Using personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals, committing to long-term strategies, and seeking professional guidance to achieve financial success in retirement. They discuss the three-bucket approach to retirement planning, emphasizing the significance of consistent contributions and staying invested for long-term growth.
The conversation touches on the value of discipline in navigating market fluctuations and resisting short-term impulses. The episode concludes with insights on the positive impact of discipline in achieving financial goals and the benefit of seeking professional advice for retirement planning.
Key topics include:
- The concept of discipline in various aspects of life, including health decisions and financial planning for retirement.
- Why setting realistic expectations, consistent behavior, and long-term goals to achieve success is important.
- Discipline’s role in investing, and the need for a disciplined approach to navigate market volatility and achieve financial goals.
- How discipline can help achieve financial security for retirement.
- Negative connotations associated with discipline and how it can actually lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
- The challenges of maintaining discipline and the benefits of setting disciplined goals
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- In Retirement, Put Your Eggs in These Three Baskets by Pete Belcastro, CFP®
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Tax time is near. Nobody wants to pay taxes, but we have to, so let’s talk about how we can maximize our tax savings.
In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, Financial Planner at Leonard Advisory Group, talk about tax planning. They share tips for filing taxes this year and some ways to help reduce taxation in the future and be more tax-efficient. Josh and Pete cover the importance of reporting interest from savings accounts, accurately reporting capital gains from stock sales, and the benefits of qualified charitable distributions.
Their conversation also includes strategies for making HSA and IRA contributions to reduce taxable income and the significance of conducting a thorough tax analysis for future savings. Additionally, Josh and Pete explore the pros and cons of traditional versus Roth 401(k)s, tax diversification, Roth conversions, and managing capital gains and charitable giving. They also discuss handling sudden income increases and the use of donor-advised funds for tax-efficient charitable contributions.
Josh and Pete discuss:
- Importance of reporting interest earned on savings accounts and capital gains from stock sales for tax purposes
- Qualified charitable distributions as a tax-efficient way to donate to charities
- Tax implications of qualified accounts and making direct contributions to charities from these accounts
- Opportunity to make HSA and IRA contributions before the tax filing deadline to lower taxable income
- Benefits of traditional 401(k) versus Roth 401(k) contributions
- Strategies for managing capital gains and charitable giving as part of comprehensive tax planning
- Importance of proactive tax planning and practical advice for optimizing tax strategies
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Pete Belcastro:
- LinkedIn: Pete Belcastro, CFP®
- pete@leonardadvisorygroup.com
Have you ever wondered how successful couples navigate the challenges of marriage, parenthood, and career?
Meet Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, a key member of the team at Josh Leonard Advisory Group, as she steps into the spotlight in this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement.
Today, Josh introduces his wife, Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, Director of Finance, to listeners. They dive into the evolution of their relationship from their college days to marriage. Josh and Yana candidly discuss the hurdles they’ve overcome, including the birth of their children and the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic on their family life.
Knowing the team at Leonard Advisory Group is very important to them. The episode aims to give listeners the opportunity to get to know Yana.
Josh and Yana talk about:
- The story of their relationship from college to marriage
- Challenges faced as a couple, including the birth of their children and the impact of COVID-19
- Importance of communication, balancing priorities, and finding time for each other
- Challenges of finding a balance between individual interests, work, and family commitments
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Connect with Yana Leonard:
- LinkedIn: Yana Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
What are the long-term impacts of keeping your 401(k) with a former employer versus rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer’s plan? How can the benefits of IRA rollovers and Roth conversions influence your decision for penalty-free withdrawals?
Josh Leonard explores the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the 401(k) with a past employer, transitioning it into an IRA, or moving it to the retirement plan of a new employer. He highlights the importance of comprehending the regulations, costs, and tax consequences associated with each plan.
Josh discusses:
- What are the options for handling a 401(k) with a previous employer
- When is it appropriate to roll over a 401(k) to an IRA
- How do automatic savings and employer matching contributions benefit 401(k) participants
- What are the potential tax implications and benefits of converting a traditional 401(k) or IRA to a Roth IRA
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Is your financial plan secure enough to last until retirement? How could dividing your income into separate groups help ensure your retirement income will last? Check out this episode as Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro from the Leonard Advisory team explore the essential elements of retirement preparation. They delve into the “three baskets” strategy, which …
Is your retirement plan set for a successful future? When was the last time you reviewed your plan and ensured it has been adapted for any life-changing events? Discover the seven key steps for achieving a fulfilling retirement with Josh Leonard. He touches on everything from crafting a budget and merging accounts to making savvy …
How do you build a connection with your work colleagues? How has your work culture helped with personal and professional growth? Listen in as Josh Leonard and his guest Eric Leathem, director of operations at Leonard Advisory, explore Eric’s career journey with Leonard Advisor – his entry, his exit and his return. They reveal the …
Can current market predictions be as off the mark? How do long-term investment strategies and emotional management play into market unpredictability? How do unexpected market outcomes challenge current forecasts? Listen in as Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, Financial Planner at Leonard Advisory Group, dive into what the market’s been up to and look back at …
Did you add financial goals to your New Year’s resolutions? What happens when those goals aren’t the best option for your financial plan but you don’t want to change them? Sticking to those goals could do more harm than good. Josh Leonard goes beyond the surface, addressing the intricacies of financial goal-setting and providing tangible …
The New Year typically follows with New Year’s resolutions. What goals do you have for the New Year? And what strategies could help you to stay on track? Gear up for a power-packed New Year as Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro from the Leonard Advisory team discuss their resolutions and success strategies! Dive into their …
Do you take your personal safety seriously? What indicators could you be putting out, telling unsavory characters you are a vulnerable target? Discover with Josh Leonard, Angela Ferrante and their guest Sam Rosenberg, founder of Live Ready and the author of “Live Ready: A Guide to Protecting Yourself in an Uncertain World.” Sam debunks some …
Are you worried that technology could take over your job? You aren’t the first to feel this way. Whenever technology booms, fear of replacement creeps up. But have you considered the new jobs that this type of evolution opens up? Join Josh Leonard with his guest Michael Laughlin, head of the portfolio specialist team at …
The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your personal finances and make any adjustments that need to be made. From catching up on retirement contributions to making charitable donations, you have a bit of time left to get everything in order before 2024. In this episode, Josh Leonard explores …
In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, Financial Planner at Leonard Advisory Group, shine a light on a concerning topic that affects many retirees – identity theft and fraud. Join them as they unveil practical advice that acts as your shield against these modern-day threats. Discover the power of freezing your credit, regularly monitoring …
Get to know another puzzle piece that intertwines perfectly in the Leonard Advisory Group’s growing team… In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Pete Belcastro, Financial Planning Consultant at Leonard Advisory Group. Pete shares his journey from cold calling to becoming an investment banker and then a Certified Financial Planner. Pete also discusses his …
Discover the secrets of wealth mastery as we unveil strategies that will work for you no matter what your portfolio looks like. In this episode, Josh unravels essential strategies for navigating uncertain financial landscapes, drawing insights from the practices of the ultra-wealthy and astute investors. Starting with the importance of diversifying a portfolio to mitigate …
When you’re in the hospital, the last thing you want to worry about is where your next meal is coming from. That’s the philosophy Christopher’s Kitchen bloomed from. In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Leonard Advisory Group’s very own client and good friend, Carol Hesz. As an ambassador for Christopher’s Kitchen, a nonprofit …
Are you questioning whether you want to retire in your home state or venture into a different area during your golden years? Josh Leonard explores the topic of the best places to retire, depending on an individual’s savings and personal preferences. He explains the important factors to consider when making the decision to relocate such … Continue reading How to Choose the Best Place to Retire (Ep. 24) →
As your children get closer and closer to graduation, that education cheque is slowly becoming your reality.
In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Dan Cieniewicz aka The College Dude, to discuss all things saving for college. They emphasize the need for parents to come up with a budget and consider sources of funding for college including the FAFSA process and recent changes to it.
Dan and Josh discuss:
- Retirement benefits grandparents can receive through paying for their grandchildren’s education
- The challenge of integrating grandparents into the conversation about college funding
- The importance of scholarships, grants, and choosing the right school for each student
- The FAFSA Simplification Act and its implications for grandparent-owned 529 plans
- The four fits and factors you need to consider before choosing a college
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Tax Tips For Grandparents Paying for College
- How to Pay for College: eBook
- College Tracker
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
Dan Cieniewicz works with parents of teenage children as they find themselves in a position to strategize to pay for college while also staying on track for retirement. Dan’s goal when working with clients is to explain the complexities of the financial aid & college application process and to strategize to make sure that both parents and children are set up for long-term success.
Dan was born & raised in Berks County. He attended Albright College, majoring in Economics & Political Science and played on the football team. Dan has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation.
Dan is the head girls basketball coach at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA and loves working out and playing basketball. He resides in Lititz with his wife, Carly. He also became a father in March of 2022, to a beautiful daughter, Stella.
Dreaming of world travel but unsure how to do it safely? In this episode, Josh Leonard dives into how you can transition into a retirement life filled with safe, intentional travel. Learn how to embrace the excitement of exploring new places while also ensuring your safety, health, and financial well-being. We’ll cover: Blending in and … Continue reading Practical Tips for Traveling (Ep. 22) →
Retirement just isn’t what it used to be. In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses the concept of “unretirement” and finding a mission in the next phase of life. They challenge the conventional understanding of retirement, discussing the potential pitfalls, tax implications, and the emotional aspects of stepping away from a lifelong career. Josh unpacks: The … Continue reading Are You Thinking About Un-Retiring? (Ep. 21) →
We’ve got our very own IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead accomplisher in the studio! In this episode, Josh Leonard shares his experience completing a half ironman race. Despite facing thunderstorms and a delayed start, Josh was able to swim comfortably and exceed his expectations on the bike leg. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you’re … Continue reading Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals (Ep. 20) →
Are you worried about the market affecting your retirement plans? In this episode, Josh Leonard talks about five reasons to ignore the market when you retire. He explains each reason and emphasizes the importance of the corresponding retirement planning steps. But ultimately, it’s all about sticking to a long-term plan. Just like climbing a mountain, … Continue reading 5 Reasons to Ignore the Market When You Retire (Ep. 19) →
Father’s Day is a great time of the year to reflect on some of the most important life lessons and skills you have learned over the years. In this episode, Josh Leonard invites a VERY special guest on the show, his father, Bill Leonard! Together they discuss some of the unforgettable life lessons and mindset-altering … Continue reading Important Life Lessons Learned: Father’s Day Edition With Bill Leonard (Ep. 18) →
Getting stuck doing the things that you’ve always done just because you’ve always done them is one of the biggest atrocities of life. We have an opportunity each day to make something new and you should make the most of it. In this episode, Josh Leonard brings on Jerome Myers to talk about one of … Continue reading Transitioning into Retirement with Jerome Myers (Ep. 17) →
In a world where AI is slowly taking over our everyday lives, it is important to understand what exactly this technology is and how it may be beneficial to a number of different aspects of your life.
In this episode, Josh discusses new AI ventures such as Chat GPT and how some of our everyday devices may not be so far from it. He shares the different ways this technology could be leveraged to serve our clients better.
Josh discusses:
- Some benefits AI might bring to your job and everyday life
- The number of different AI vehicles you might not realize you are using on a day-to-day basis
- Ways we see it impacting the financial services industry
- How AI can be used to assist in data analysis and decision making
- The benefits of using AI to personalize and enhance customer experience
- The future of what these technologies could mean for us in a number of facets
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
After the Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, a lot of people panicked and started doubting the stability of their own banks where they hold accounts.
What is the difference between investing in a bank and depositing in it? Are my deposits insured? What can I do if I fear that my bank will collapse?
In this episode, Josh Leonard addresses the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, what happened, and how it affected their clients and investors. He talks about how FDIC insurance works for our deposits, and what we can do to protect ourselves if our bank fails. Additionally, Josh explains high-yield savings accounts and how they give us good returns with our unused funds.
Josh discusses:
- The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank and the factors leading to their failure
- The difference between investing and depositing in a bank
- How FDIC insurance can help protect your deposits
- The importance of finding a diversified bank
- High-yield savings accounts and some options for earning more interest on our unused money
- And more!
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
As the flowers bloom, the grass gets greener and our worries feel lighter, we know that spring is around the corner. You’re probably cleaning out your closets this spring or your garden beds but we’re going to talk about financial spring cleaning as this is a great time to get organized. It is a process of organizing your finances and reviewing your financial position. It can help find areas to save money, reduce expenses and improve your retirement.
In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses 10 different ways you can clean up your finances to get ready for this season and easily transition, helping you feel confident in your portfolio.
Josh discusses:
- How you can calculate and review your expenses
- Cleaning up debt and checking your credit report
- How to approach that junk drawer we all dread going in to
- Optimizing your tax strategy to pay fewer taxes in retirement
- Some strategies on how to operate inactive accounts from prior jobs or student accounts that are no longer in use
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- FTC Credit Report Dispute
- Check your Social Security statement
- Checklist for Financial Spring Cleaning
- Register for Shred Day
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Have you been in a sticky situation where you needed to pay a large amount of money but did not have liquid assets on hand? With price increases on basic necessary items, it is time to start thinking smarter, not harder.
In this episode, Josh Leonard outlines a number of saving strategies you can start incorporating into your daily life now, to combat the stressors that come with surviving the current recession.
Josh discusses:
- Some key tips for saving your money while prices hike up
- Rising along with interest rates – locking in higher retirement rates
- The 10% rule you can use as a guide for all of your investments in your portfolio
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Recession Survival Kit
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
What do YOU view as your most substantial asset that allows you to live the life you want to live on a daily basis?
In this episode, Josh Leonard talks about the road you have to follow once your paychecks stop coming in. Is your life going to run the same? How do you feel confident in your bank account when that number stops increasing? Where is all your money going to come from? Josh alleviates all of these stressors in detail.
Josh discusses:
- How life expectancy can determine the plan you create for your retirement
- The ins and outs of pension planning
- Some ways you can keep a consistent income source during retirement that does not limit you to a 9-5 job
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Income Planning Checklist
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
The Secure Act 2.0 was signed into place on December 23, 2022. This opens several new strategies you can dip into, in order to save for your retirement and/or fund important goals such as education.
In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses the number of changes this act has brought forward to us so that we can save more money more efficiently. Whether you are in the planning stage of your retirement or are looking into the future to understand how to further your savings, this episode will help you move forward.
Josh discusses:
- What this act means for people under or over the age of 72
- Changes in required minimum distributions and how the reduction penalty has lowered
- The increase in catch-up contribution amount for different plans
- The ability to roll leftover 529 funds into a Roth IRA tax and penalty-free
- How you can more effectively donate to charities of your choice
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Sign up for our webinar
- Wealth Report
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
What is your biggest fear? Many times our fears don’t align with our biggest risks. Market risk has been on the top of everyone’s mind but that is not the only risk we need to worry about in retirement.
In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses what risks you should be wary of when preparing and in retirement. Due to the recent market activity, everyone’s been worried about the stock market, but that might not be the biggest risk you might be facing in your financial life.
Josh discusses:
- Common risks we might not be aware of in retirement
- How current tax cuts will affect your portfolio in the next few years
- Longevity risk and how that ties into your retirement plan
- Mitigating market risks by diversifying
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
New year, new you… At least until around March.
Isn’t that always how it goes? Most of us set some goals but fall off the wagon not too long after. We get it.
In this episode, Josh Leonard talks about the challenges of staying accountable and on track with your New Year’s resolutions. He shares some tips and tricks for how to overcome these VERY common challenges.
Josh discusses:
- His New Year resolutions and how he plans to stay on track for achieving them
- The SMART goals framework, how it works and why it works
- The importance of staying accountable to achieve your goals
- Some creative ways to make goal-setting a fun process
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Looking for last-minute gift ideas for your Grandkids? Look no further! Although they might be looking for fun toys, it might be time to offer them the gift that keeps on giving; a solid financial foundation.
In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Bill Leonard, father and founder of the Leonard Advisory Group. As the holiday season is sneaking up on us, it might be time to start thinking about some non-traditional gifts you can offer your children. These gifts can aid in the stability of their financial future, whether that is opening a savings account for them or offering aid through goal setting.
Josh and Bill discuss:
- Ways to incentivize savings accounts among younger children
- Some out-of-the-box gift ideas you can offer your children or grandchildren that can help their financial future
- Some teachable moments that come from fun experiences
- How to help your children understand the idea of savings
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
William Leonard founded Leonard Advisory Group to fill in the gaps he saw when helping his mother plan for retirement. Bill focused much of his career on the insurance and annuity industry. As an independent advisor, he helped thousands of retirees and pre-retirees face the financial challenges that lie ahead with confidence. Since 1996, Bill has worked in a variety of capacities, gaining valuable experience with insurance. In 2007, he became an independent consultant, focusing on income protection and retirement planning. Bill was an honorary host of the “Protecting Your Profits” radio show on 94.5 3WS Pittsburgh and a weekly guest on the national broadcast “Financial Safari” radio show heard locally on NewsTalk 104.7 FM. He has also been featured on WISR 680 AM and WORD FM. In his free time, Bill enjoys traveling, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, restoring antique vehicles, and spending quality time with family, friends, and clients. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for almost 40 years. They have three children: Zach, Josh, and Zoey, as well as a crazy border collie named Sweep. After over 25 years of assisting families transition into retirement Bill is excited to transition himself into retirement at the end of 2022.
2022 has been a challenging year, to say the least. From the war in Ukraine, inflation and elections to the downward shift in the market, there are a number of factors coming together, causing us to stress about our finances. Thankfully, the year is not over yet and we have a few effective strategies that might save you tax-free money.
In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses five hidden tax-saving opportunities you may want to take advantage of before year-end.
Josh dives into:
- How to get more tax-free money
- Making savvy retirement planning moves
- Being charitable, skipping your RMD, or getting rid of some qualified money
- Bundling up the deductions as you make big money moves
- Maximizing the current tax discounts
- And more
Resources:
- Meet with us for a Complimentary Tax Analysis
- Digital Guide – 5 “Hidden” Tax-Saving Opportunities To Lock In BEFORE Dec 31, 2022
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Do you ever wonder about how people will think of you or remember you once you have passed away? Is it important for you to leave behind a story or personal anecdote that you feel defines your life?
In this episode, Daniel Powell from Liminal Legacy Media is here to talk about legacy planning and the different ways you can create this legacy that can be shared for years to come. From creating an audio memoir to offering your family the expertise that you have perfected in your lifetime, it is time to start thinking about what you might want to leave behind for your family to remember you by.
Daniel discusses:
- What an audio memoir entails and the value of capturing one as part of your total legacy plan
- What a legacy plan looks like beyond just finances
- The ideal age to start recording audio memoirs
- How you can leave a positive mark on your family through the years of experience you have to offer
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with Leonard Advisory Group
- Complimentary Estate Planning Guide: “Estate Planning The Greatest Gift”
Connect with Daniel Powell:
- Call Daniel: (970) 658-9948
- LinkedIn: Daniel Powell
- Liminal Legacy Media
- Instagram: Liminal Legacy Media
- Set up a Meeting with Daniel
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
Daniel Powell is an audio producer and storyteller based in Fort Collins, Colorado. He’s the founder and owner of Liminal Legacy Media, a business that partners with individuals entering their golden years. He works with his clients to capture their life stories, share their legacy with loved ones, and of course, preserve those tales for the life of generations to come.
What he does with a client is he works to create an immersive audio memoir focused on their life experience. The audio memoir is a documentary centered on their life experiences. These productions don’t just explain your story to loved ones, but it helps immerse them in your experience and gives you a unique firsthand insight into their lives.
Are you unsure what your retirement will look like? Finding new passions at an old age can be challenging but finding an activity that releases your serotonin like never before can jumpstart you into a fulfilling retirement, living out your days to the fullest.
In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by Al Miller, an avid cyclist who completed his ride across the US last year that he blogged live, where he averaged 350 viewers per day with a grand total of 18,000 viewers in 16 different countries. He dives into where his passion for cycling started and how he has turned it into a passion project over the last couple of years.
Josh and Al discuss:
- All the benefits of cycling
- How staying active helps, especially in this day and age
- His most recent ride and all the scenic places he would like to visit again
- The importance of retiring to something, not from something
- His favorite ride and why he and his brothers were so determined to complete it
- And more
Resources:
- Al’s Blog
- Kate Cloud Blog Entry
- Adventure Cycling Association
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About Our Guest:
Al Miller is an avid cyclist who completed a ride across the United States last year. His adventure was chronicled through his blog with 86 followers and an average of 350 viewers per day. 18,000 total views in 16 countries. Al is a retired engineer, husband and father in addition to being a cyclist.
As we get our front porches wrapped with spider webs and observe the leaves changing colors, it might be a good time to take one step forward in your retirement planning.
In this episode, Josh Leonard discusses some tricks and treats for retirement along with all the planning that goes into it as we head into the final quarter of the year. Additionally, he explains some ways to develop an efficient plan to take advantage of current market conditions, prepare for recessions before they come, and make smart health and tax decisions.
Josh discusses:
- How you can use tax loss harvesting to benefit your portfolio
- The benefits of a donor-advised fund
- Ways you could earn more with your savings accounts
- How to take advantage of the current market conditions
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- How to Weather a Recession
- Sign Up to Learn About Medicare
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
With the large number of clients under our belt, we pride ourselves in adapting and catering to any of our client’s needs, in any circumstances. This is why we work with trusted professionals, as well as other partnered firms such as AE Wealth Management and Morningstar Investment Management.
In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by some of the key players from his team: Angela Ferrante, Desiree Hoosac and the founder of Leonard Advisory Group, Bill Leonard. They explain what you can expect while working with them as you plan your retirement. Additionally, they talk about some fun events you can look forward to participating in when you join the clientele.
The Leonard Advisory Group team discusses:
- Everyone’s individual role within the business and how it all works together
- How the Leonard Advisory Group started out
- The importance of a close-knit environment among the staff
- How we have helped clients no matter what step in their planning process they are at
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
- Our Team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guests:
William Leonard founded Leonard Advisory Group to fill in the gaps he saw when helping his mother plan for retirement. Bill focused much of his career on the insurance and annuity industry. As an independent advisor, he helped thousands of retirees and pre-retirees face the financial challenges that lie ahead with confidence. Since 1996, Bill has worked in a variety of capacities, gaining valuable experience with insurance. In 2007, he became an independent consultant, focusing on income protection and retirement planning. In his free time, Bill enjoys traveling, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, restoring antique vehicles, and spending quality time with family, friends, and clients. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for almost 40 years. They have three children: Zach, Josh, and Zoey, as well as a crazy border collie named Sweep. After over 25 years assisting families transition into retirement Bill is excited to transition himself into retirement at the end of 2022.
Angela Ferrante is a 1987 graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Economics and Finance. She started with Equitable Life as an insurance representative 2 weeks after graduation selling life and disability insurance to the medical community. By 2005 she was supervising 165 representatives in 4 states and running the brokerage side of the office which included the opening of accounts, research, trade placement, cashiering of upwards of $2 million per month, as well as her own client base. Angela became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015. Angela and Mark live in Somerset County where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.
Desiree Hoosac has worked for over 20 years in client service and administrative roles in the financial and medical industries. Her top priority is to provide exceptional service to clients. This includes assisting the team in preparing for client reviews, updating plans and various service items. Desiree resides in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, with her two rescues: Maggie, a Lab mix, and Mittens, her cat. She has a daughter, Deanne, and granddaughter, Eliza. Desiree stays active trying to keep up with her many great nieces and nephews and enjoys golfing with her dad, playing pinochle, reading, spending time with family, history and being outdoors.
Retirement looks different for many people. For some, it might be slowing down, taking your foot off the gas, and leaning back into a more relaxed lifestyle. For others, it may be continuing to work part-time but focusing on passions rather than a career. An intentional retirement can kickstart this process for you through planning ahead early and identifying your goals.
In this episode, Josh Leonard details the retirement planning process at Leonard Advisory Group. He explains how they mentor and guide their clients by the breakdown of INTENT – I (yourself), Needs, Taxes, Endowment, Navigating Financial Tools, and the Team helping you through this process.
Josh discusses:
- What needs and wants to identify when planning your retirement
- How you can start saving at a young age while simultaneously being able to enjoy your money
- Important questions to ask yourself before creating your retirement plan
- The three-bucket approach to dealing with finances
- And more
Resources:
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
Retirement may pose many questions, but you can make the most of this next chapter of your life by preparing for it intentionally.
And you’re in the right place if you’re wondering how.
Introducing the Hello Retirement podcast with Josh Leonard.
In this inaugural episode, Josh Leonard is joined by the father of the Leonard Advisory Group, Bill Leonard who also happens to be his father and real-life mentor during his shift to the financial services industry.
Bill and Josh share:
- Stories of how each of them started in the financial industry
- What their business philosophy is
- How they integrate teaching in their client community
- Leonard Advisory Group’s five areas of personalized retirement planning
- And more!
Resources:
- LinkedIn: Bill Leonard
- Schedule a meeting with the team
Connect with Josh Leonard:
- jleonard@leonardadvisorygroup.com
- LinkedIn: Josh Leonard
- LinkedIn: Leonard Advisory Group
- Leonard Advisory Group
- 412-998-PLAN
- YouTube: Leonard Advisory Group
- Facebook: Leonard Advisory Group
About our Guest:
William Leonard founded Leonard Advisory Group to fill in the gaps he saw when helping his mother plan for retirement. Bill focused much of his career on the insurance and annuity industry. As an independent advisor, he helped thousands of retirees and pre-retirees face the financial challenges that lie ahead with confidence. Since 1996, Bill has worked in a variety of capacities, gaining valuable experience with insurance. In 2007, he became an independent consultant, focusing on income protection and retirement planning. Bill was an honorary host of the “Protecting Your Profits” radio show on 94.5 3WS Pittsburgh and a weekly guest on the national broadcast “Financial Safari” radio show heard locally on NewsTalk 104.7 FM. He has also been featured on WISR 680 AM and WORD FM. In his free time, Bill enjoys traveling, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, restoring antique vehicles, and spending quality time with family, friends, and clients. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for almost 40 years. They have three children: Zach, Josh, and Zoey, as well as a crazy border collie named Sweep. After over 25 years assisting families transition into retirement Bill is excited to transition himself into retirement at the end of 2022.