Retirement 360: Recent Episodes
Alan Mercurio
Catch Retirement 360 with Alan Mercurio and Troy Bolton, Kentuckiana's highly acclaimed retirement coaches.
Gain true financial wisdom and advice aimed at educating you about all of your financial options when it comes to retirement so you can make the best decisions for you and your family.
Get information and education that can bring you peace of mind with your savings and retirement. Whether it's your 401k account, IRA, or an underperforming asset, Louisville's Retirement Coaches, can answer your questions and make you more aware of issues that may affect you.
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Alan and Troy take a look ahead at what to expect for the bulk of this year, including what could happen with taxes, inflation and Social Security. Then they revisit how to craft a legacy plan specific to your family's needs and goals on passing things to the next generation.
Alan and Ashley Schneider discuss the needs of those with larger IRAs or 401Ks and how to craft a retirement plan that involves tax planning so you pay the lowest legal amount to Uncle Sam and keeping more of your nest egg in your own pocket.
What do some retirees regret about their planning? The number one issue according to a recent survey is not taking saving for retirement more seriously. Alan takes a look at the survey and how you can avoid some of the regrets many people have so that your retirement can be less worrisome. He also revisits downsizing for retirement as well as scams that continue to try to rob retirees of parts of their nest egg.
With the start of a new year, it's a good idea to look at what habits you might be doing to your finances that you might want to stop. Alan and Troy look at factors such as lifestyle creep and procrastination that could be taking away opportunities to grow your savings, and how to get a better handle on these things.
Alan and Troy take a look at the new Trump administration and discuss what could happen with taxes, government spending and other financial factors going forward. They also revisit how slow progress in your financial plan can help bring the kind of growth you need for your plan in the long run.
Taxes and inflation are huge threats to anyone's retirement, especially when these factors are not known and can change at any time. Alan and Troy discuss some strategies, including Roth conversions, that can help mitigate the effects of these factors. They also look at a master calendar for important dates for 2025.
Alan and Troy look at a recent study that indicates people would need some $4.4 million over their lifetime to achieve the traditional American Dream of owning a house, putting kids through college, etc. They also look at the growing federal debt picture and the likelihood of rising taxes to try and pay it off.
Ashley Schneider from the Mercurio office begins the program with a segment concerning certain scenarios of future retirees to determine if they are naughty or nice concerning their planning during this holiday season. Then Alan and Troy take over and review four keys for a solid retirement plan as well as reviewing timeless advice.
Alan takes a look at a recent AARP study which shows that 20% of adults age 50 and older have NO retirement savings, and taxes might go up to help compensate. Alan takes a further look at this study and delves into why saving and planning for retirement is so important. Later Troy joins him to go over things that should be on anyone's list for putting a retirement plan together, as well as answering listener questions.
Today Alan and Troy revisit the topic of how much it costs to attain the so-called American Dream lifestyle of a house, family, vacations and retirement, as well as a recent study which showed that cost to be around $4.4 million. Later they take a look at timeless advice from people through the years and how their quotes relate to retirement planning.
With growth in certain sectors of your investments, the allocation could get out of balance between stocks, bonds and other elements. Alan and Troy take a look at keeping everything balanced to help keep things in range, as well as determining tax responsibilities.
When you roll over a 401K into an IRA it is done in cash, and people can lose out on the potential of growth if those funds are not reallocated into new funds or investments. Alan and Troy discuss a recent survey by Vanguard indicating that people need to pay attention to this when they do a rollover so they can make sure that money is continuing to grow to provide a more comfortable nest egg to retire with.
There are a lot of things you can't control in retirement planning - inflation, pandemics, etc. But you can control more than you think, and Alan discusses how putting a plan together can take future events into account, whatever they may be, to make sure money is there when you need it.
Alan and Troy take a look at the results of a recent survey where Americans look at the regrets they have over financial decisions they have made, how they can affect your retirement, and how to work around them. They also revisit the topic of annuities and how they could work in one's retirement plan to help provide guaranteed income.
Troy and Alan revisit planning for large IRAs, which some folks may have built up over years of saving in their company plans.
Troy and Ashley Schneider appear on this show to discuss ways to help make your retirement savings last, taking into account longevity risk, market volatility, inflation and rising taxes, among others.
Alan and Troy open the show by discussing Social Security and the projected cost of living increase for 2025, among other issues. Later they take a look at topics that should be on your retirement planning list, as well as answer listener questions.
Alan and Troy take a look at when it may be time to change your advisor to one focused on retirement planning, especially when it comes to income and distribution rather than just growth.
Alan and Troy revisit one of the most popular government programs for retirement, Social Security. It's more complicated than it appears on the surface, and the guys take you through the most basic aspects of the program and how you can use it to obtain the most benefits for your situation.
Alan and Ashley Rose Schneider discuss the recent market volatility to open the program, and how having a plan can help mitigate the damage caused by sudden downturns such as what happened this past Monday. Later they revisit the topic of planning for the worst but hoping for the best in retirement.
People are building up larger 401K and IRA amounts recently, as much as a million dollars or more, and the tax implications on amounts such as these can end up being a high number. Alan and Troy discuss how planning for such large retirement accounts can be beneficial, especially when it comes to tax planning and keeping more money in your pocket, not the government's.
Alan and Troy look at the upcoming presidential election and react to comments by Jeff Bush of the Washington Insider about taxes and potential tax planning opportunities people can and should take advantage of now before things can change. They also revisit the five aspects of a solid retirement plan.
Independence Day is coming up for the United States, and Alan and Troy look at the best ways you can provide independence for your retirement plan and the lifestyle you wish to enjoy. They also re-visit the subject of retirement for small business owners and what they can do to make sure their own post-working plans can be successful while transitioning their business to a future generation.
Today Troy and Ashley Schneider take a look at the three stages of retirement commonly referred to as the go-go, slow-go and no-go stages, each lasting roughly ten years, and each with its own particular financial needs. Troy and Ashley look at how your money may need to be allocated in each stage as part of an ongoing financial plan.
You test drive cars - why not "test drive" your retirement? Alan and Troy discuss the idea of trying out the lifestyle you have thought about before you actually retire, especially in regards to relocating, getting an RV, or other different routines. Later they discuss the idea of making marginal gains in your retirement investments, and how even small increases can add up big over time.
Alan and Troy cover one of the most polarizing financial instruments available, the annuity. They look at the various kinds, how they work and how they may fit into a retirement plan to provide guaranteed income for either a set period of time, or a lifetime.
Alan and Troy take a look ahead at upcoming potential tax increases, and how retirees can use tax planning to legally lower the amount of taxes you need to pay if that happens. Later they revisit the three stages of retirement, where retirees will do less activity as their retirement goes along and how their nest egg needs to work in each stage.
Today Alan introduces a new sub-advisor, Ashley Rose Schneider, to the show, and she and Alan discuss why it is important to plan for worst case scenarios so family members will know what their plan encompasses in case something catastrophic does occur.
Alan and Troy start the show by looking at the fast increasing U.S. national debt and how tax rates are virtually certain to go up to help try to pay it off. Later they revisit creating a solid legacy plan as part of the Retirement 360 Game Plan.
The show starts with an introduction to Troy Bolton and his background as a financial planner, then Alan joins him to discuss estate and legacy planning and the kinds of things someone needs to know when adding this to their retirement plan.
Alan and Troy talk about longevity and how it is important to include the possibility of a long lifespan in a retirement plan. They also take a look back at the importance of making your money work for you in all aspects of retirement.
Today Alan and Troy look at what constitutes a solid legacy plan that will make sure your wishes are carried out after you're gone.
A recent survey showed that many people age 55 and older either failed or just barely passed a Social Security quiz. Alan and Troy discuss some of the questions on the quiz and present the right information to help people get the most from these benefits. Later they revisit retirement strategies for small business owners.
When you plan a vacation, you need to get everything in order like passports, tickets and much more. The same thing goes for retirement planning, and today Alan and Troy discuss the things you need to have ready when you want to enjoy retirement life.
Troy's book about the Retirement 360 Game Plan is now one year old, and today Alan and Troy continue their special offer to give a copy away along with the Retirement Took Kit that will help you get started on the process of putting a full Retirement 360 Game Plan together with the help of Mercurio Wealth Advisors.
Medicare is going up again in 2024, and Alan and Troy discuss how to control how you take your income before they affect your taxes, which could relate to Medicare premiums. They also revisit the subject of making marginal retirement gains on a consistent basis to mitigate market volatility.
You have a nice nest egg of retirement savings - but how do you turn that into income, which is what you need first and foremost when you actually retire? Today Alan and Troy take a look of strategies and steps you can take to make sure you have income every month so you can live the lifestyle you want in your post-working years.
Alan and Troy start the show by looking at what they see coming for 2024, then they look at planning for the worst case scenarios in retirement if things go off the rails from your original plan.
Today Troy takes a look at things which are changing that you need to know about for the coming year, including new IRS rules, Social Security adjustments and more. Then Alan joins him to revisit how retirement in real life may differ from what someone might imagine it to be beforehand.
Alan and Troy revisit the top financial news stories of 2023, then look back at legacy planning and how important it could be in your financial plan to make sure what you leave behind goes to who you want it to go to in the most tax efficient way possible.
With a new year about to start, it's a good time to take stock of your financial plan and get out of bad habits which could derail the timing of your potential retirement. Alan and Troy go over some of these, including not having a budget, not paying attention to fees, and several others.
Finances and money have an emotional side that people often have issues with, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Alan and Troy take a look at how behavior can affect how people look at their situation heading into retirement and how a financial professional can help them plan to stay on track and not make emotional decisions that could end up costing them in the long run.
Today Troy looks at some of the top financial news stories of this past year, then he and Alan revisit Social Security and the facts around this program that still constitutes a good portion of most people's retirement income plans.
Today Alan and Troy take another look at a year end checklist of things to get done financially before 2023 turns into 2024. Then they look at the three stages of retirement. commonly referred to as the go-go years, the slow-go years and the no-go years, and how your money needs to be available for certain things in each stage.
Alan discusses a trick banks use by not raising your account's interest rates when they go up. But if you ask them about it, they could get better rates for your account. Later he and Troy visit the challenges women have when putting plans together for their own retirement without a partner.
Sometimes what you imagine retirement will be like isn't what it turns out to be. Alan and Troy take a look at what happens when the reality of retirement clashes with the thought of what you want it to be, and how planning can help with issues that crop up that could change the way you could live your post-working years.
November is long term care awareness month, and people have a tendency not to plan for it because they may not know all their options. Alan and Troy discuss the issue and how it could be more affordable than you think with various programs designed to cover at least some of the costs.
Everyone should have life insurance at some point - but not everyone needs it for retirement purposes. Today Alan and Troy discuss the idea of having life insurance as an instrument to use in a specific way for retirement and legacy planning.
After looking at recent financial news, Alan and Troy take a look back at the facts about Social Security and the ways in which in can be taken to help optimize your benefits that maybe you didn't know you had coming.
Today Alan and Troy go over a list of things to be aware of getting done before 2023 ends, then take a look at legacy planning and how best to respect the wishes of those who have passed to be sure what they leave behind is passed on to those who are supposed to receive it.
Retirement account balances are up, according to recent data. But that means you have more to lose in the event of market volatility. Today Alan and Troy talk about how to plan for that scenario so that you keep more of what you have saved and earned throughout your working career.
Alan and Troy discuss the items necessary for a solid retirement plan and how much it's like planning for a special trip. They also address the local situation involving various businesses potentially buying out employee pensions and how to make the right decision for your particular situation.
September is life insurance month, and it could play an important role in your retirement plan. Alan and Troy discuss how it may fit into a plan in the fight situation, as well as upcoming seminars they will be putting on. Later in the show they revisit the idea of making marginal gains in your retirement investments, and how that is better than taking big losses.
Today Alan and Troy take a look at the unique challenges women face when putting together retirement plans, whether it is as part of a couple or for themselves as a single person.
Alan and Troy break down Social Security and its importance to anyone's retirement income plan, and also address letting a financial professional help determine when the best time to take it would be for your situation. And be listening for a special offer from Mercurio Wealth Advisors for folks to call and get started with a Retirement 360 Scorecard.
If you own a small business, retirement planning could get even more complicated than if you were just an employee. Today Alan and Troy go over options you have with your business and how you can plan for life after owning it.
Aside from the emotional aspect of a spouse passing away, the financial and legacy aspects still need to be addressed. Today Troy, whose own father died when he was three, addresses what needs to happen if a spouse passes away early, and how proper planning can help make this transition go as smoothly as it can under the circumstances.
Alan and Troy look at some current financial news and also provide updates on upcoming seminars. Later they look back at four important questions people should ask themselves before pulling the trigger on retirement.
If you own a small business, retirement planning could get even more complicated than if you were just an employee. Today Alan and Troy go over options you have with your business and how you can plan for life after owning it.
Today's show takes a look at a recent settlement of the estate of singer Aretha Franklin, who didn't leave a formal will but a jury decided from two handwritten notes which one would act as her final wishes, pitting one of her three sons against the other two. Alan and Troy discuss why legacy planning is important, as well as getting over any trepidations about letting other family members know about your retirement financial plan.
Retiring often means getting rid of a lot of things in order to perhaps move to a smaller living space, or just to declutter because you didn't have time when you were working. Today Alan and Troy talk about downsizing and organizing all the financial statements and accounts you may have and put them together into one written financial plan that can guide you through retirement so your money can work for you however you need it to.
The go-go years, the slow-go years and the no-go years are the common nicknames for the three stages of retirement, each lasting roughly a decade. Alan and Troy look at each of these stages, how people generally hope to live in each and how their money needs to work properly for them in each as well.
The long time host of the popular TV game show Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak, recently announced he is retiring. This provides a starting point for a discussion by Alan and Troy about how to plan for a retirement which could last as long as your working career. Later in the show the guys revisit how to put together a five star retirement plan to cover all aspects of post-working life.
Protected income is money coming in outside of Social Security that is guaranteed, and more families are turning to these types of strategies according to a recent study. Alan and Troy discuss the types of financial vehicles that can produce protected income and how they may fit into any individual retirement plan.
Complacency is something many Americans practice, especially when it comes to finances. That is just one of several habits to break according to Alan and Troy, along with so-called lifestyle creep as well as not planning for future taxes. These and other things must be taken into account for anyone's retirement to be successful from a financial standpoint.
It isn't pleasant, but planning for a worst case scenario, such as a major health event or the death of a spouse, is necessary. Alan and Troy talk about how proper planning can cover some of the catastrophic costs associated with things like long term care or other major health care costs.
Alan and Troy go over the debt limit being argued in Congress an d how it could play into short term retirement planning. Later they revisit how to best make your money work for you during your post-career years.
Sometimes just small tweaks can improve a lot of things, including a retirement plan. Today Alan and Troy talk about how making marginal gains in any one area can improve your plan and how an advisor can help make that happen. They also talk plans for summer travel for the coming season.
Alan and Troy discuss issues such as letting lifestyle creep sink in, along with procrastinating and putting off getting a retirement plan put together and others that could put a major crimp into potential retirement desires. They also look back at the upcoming rush of Generation X members coming into retirement and how planning now will help their plans be that much more effective.
Alan and Troy talk about things you need to determine as you begin the planning process, including what an individual or couple want to accomplish in retirement, and then work toward applying the financial goals to help make it happen. Later in the show they look back at risks in retirement planning.
Today Troy and Alan look at recent headlines, including the recent shootings in downtown Louisville. Later they revisit the topic of a retirement checklist and things you need to do to make sure your retirement plan takes care of all your needs.
You may have heard of a five star restaurant, or five star resort. But what is a five star retirement plan? Today Alan goes over the five main pieces that make up a great retirement plan, covering income, taxes, health care and legacy planning and more.
Aside from the emotional aspect of a spouse passing away, the financial and legacy aspects still need to be addressed. Today Troy, whose own father died when he was three, addresses what needs to happen if a spouse passes away early, and how proper planning can help make this transition go as smoothly as it can under the circumstances.
Your retirement savings has to cover a lot of things - rising health care costs, inflation in general, taxes, emergencies, the works. It can be a challenge to make sure it's all taken care of. Today Alan and Troy discuss what you can do in your plan to see that these areas are properly planned for.
After some words on the recent Silicon Valley Bank failure, Alan and Troy take a look at the upcoming groups of retirees - baby boomers in the present day and Gen Xers in the near future - and discuss what each needs to do to be as prepared for retirement as they can be.
Every retiree would like to be able to do this - keep as much income in their own pocket as possible. But it's not that easy with inflation, taxes and other considerations. Today Alan looks at ways in which a solid retirement plan can help you keep more of your own money by being efficient with your expenses.
Today Alan goes over four areas that are not entirely known when someone is getting ready for retirement, such as how long one might live, or the cost of health care - and definitely future market performance. And throw taxes in there and - well, there is a lot to plan for any and all scenarios. Alan goes over how the Retirement 360 Game Plan takes these into consideration when putting a plan together so that it will work no matter what the future holds.
It's not necessarily how much money you have, but how it is implemented in your plan that determines much of its success. Alan and Troy take a look at how money management can help create income and provide for other needs in one's retirement years.
Alan and Troy take a look at three specific areas to watch closely when planning for retirement - income, health care-long term care planning, and taxes. They'll also discuss current headlines and health care trivia.
The current retirement environment is not the same as it was for your parents or grandparents. Today Alan and Troy talk about the changes and newer strategies today's retirees need to put a solid plan together. Troy also goes over upcoming seminar dates in the Louisville area.
Alan and Troy are back to discuss various risks that your retirement plan could be subjected to, including rising taxes, longevity or not being adequately prepared. They also look at some upcoming dates for seminars and their short courses at the University of Louisville's Shelby Campus.
When can I retire? Have I saved enough? Will my money last? Will my loved ones be okay if something happens to me? These are four important questions future retirees ask, and today Alan and Troy address them and how the Retirement 360 Game Plan can help determine the answers for each individual or couple looking at post-working life.
Today Alan and Troy talk about the process they have created to develop a retirement plan that addresses all five main areas - income, growth, health care, protection and estate and legacy planning.
Today Troy takes a look at options you have regarding IRA and 401K accounts, as well as requirements depending on the type of account you may have.
Alan and Troy first go over a checklist you can use to make your final moves with financial issues for 2022, then they tackle the challenges of making your money work and last throughout your retirement years, especially as it concerns longevity and health care.
This show takes another look at the local pension issues that potential retirees need to make timely decisions on. Plus segments on getting to know the backgrounds of both Alan Mercurio and Troy Bolton.
You need the right tools for various things around the house - and you also need the right financial tools for a solid retirement plan. Today Alan and Troy talk about what some of those tools are, including instruments to provide income like Social Security and more. They also discuss their Retirement 360 Game Plan, which puts all the elements together for your specific retirement needs.
Pension plans in the Louisville area may see reduced payout rates come the start of December, and you may have options now that could benefit you. Alan and Troy discuss how the current rate changes affect these plans and what you can do to maximize your benefits. They also look at five important retirement general questions.
In the introductory segment, Alan fills us in on his background in financial services and some of the history of Mercurio Wealth Advisors. Later he and Troy revisit some topics everyone needs to have on their retirement planning checklist.
For years the 60-40 rule was applied to stock portfolios for income, with a mix of 50% stocks and 40% bonds. But in this environment with stocks in bear market territory and bonds falling as interest rates rise, neither one is providing the performance necessary for retirement income. Today Alan and Troy look at how this happened, and make suggestions on how to work around these factors to create an income strategy that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Planning for taxes, income and health care/long term care are the three hot button topics when it comes to retirement planning. Today Alan and Troy discuss these areas and strategies you can use when putting a retirement plan together to make sure these important areas are covered.
When retirement time comes, it may also be time to get rid of things you have held onto for years that may not serve a purpose, or are no longer needed. Today Alan and Troy discuss this process and how to organize financial records that need to be kept to be sure they are available. It also comes in handy when making a retirement financial plan and also a legacy plan for the things you not only want to keep, but to pass on to the next generation.
Today Mark Elliott takes over as host of the program, and he and Alan take a look at what money can mean in an emotional sense. The show is based on the book The Psychology of Money by noted financial author Morgan Housel.
What does it mean to be financially healthy? Today Alan and Troy go over some things you need to take into consideration during a financial check-up to make sure you are actually ready to retire in terms of your money being able to sustain you through those non-working years.
That's exactly what Alan does in this episode - talks about ways in which tax planning strategies could possibly lower your tax bill in the future, as well as keeping on top of your taxes all year round instead of just at the beginning of the year before filing your return.
For people who own a small business, retirement is a trickier proposition, especially when they are putting extra money back into the business instead of into retirement savings. Today Alan and Troy discuss options available for small business owners, whether it be a savings plan developed specifically for small business or a succession plan to determine what happens to the business when the owner is ready to retire.
Inflation is one of the biggest topics of the year in the financial world, and it is affecting people's retirement plans. Alan and Troy have tips on how inflation can be accounted for in a retirement plan as well as how to save more to be sure funds are there to help cover higher future costs.
There is no way to truly prepare for something as the death of a spouse. But you can take steps to make sure the surviving partner will know where financial information is available. Alan and Troy discuss what those are whether you do or do not have a financial advisor.
First, Troy looks at the summer travel season and how people's plans may have changed due to the economy and inflation right now. Then Alan looks back at how retirement planning is different now than it was even 30 or 40 years ago, and the different savings vehicles and options available to help the money you've saved provide you with what you need for retirement.
Alan and Troy begin by discussing financial headlines for the week, then take a look at three big topics for anyone's retirement planning list - income, taxes and health and long term care.
First, Troy takes a look at financial headlines. Then Alan discusses the tools, or strategies, that can be used in creating a personalized, written retirement plan for the specific needs of any individual or couple.
Troy talks financial headlines as well as gives a final update on the July 14th mid-year outlook event hosted by Mercurio Wealth Advisors. Then Alan discusses the different financial instruments, or tools, that can be used to create your Retirement 360 Game Plan
Today Alan address the coming "Peak 65" when more people will turn age 65 than at any point in U.S. history and what it can mean for those who are planning for retirement. Troy and Alan also address other headlines as well as their State of the Economy seminar on July 14 with two outstanding guest speakers.
In the opening segment Troy looks at some headlines as well as promoting some major events Mercurio Wealth Advisors will host in the coming weeks. Then Alan revisits the subject of retiring in today's changing environment with few pensions and longer lifespans, and how a written income plan can help make your retirement dollars last so they can provide for your retirement lifestyle as long as they need to.
There are a lot of things to know about Social Security - taking it at a random time just because you want to could actually cost you thousands of dollars over your retirement lifetime. Today Alan talks about how you can make the right decisions and get the most of your benefits.
The baby boomer generation is in the midst of its retirement years now, but Gen Xers are not far behind. Today Alan takes a look at what folks in their 40s and 50s - as well as boomers in their 60's - should be doing to get their financial plans ready for their retirement years.
Troy begins the program by talking about his background in financial services and how he became involved with Mercurio Wealth Advisors. Then Alan discusses how retiring in today's financial environment is so much different from just a few years ago, especially in regards to how the reduction in pensions and the rise of 401Ks and other self funded investment instruments have changed how people need to save for retirement to assure the lifestyle they want to have after their working years are over.
The IRS tax code consists of over 70,000 pages - and it changes regularly. And they leave it up to you to make sure the return you send them annually is correct. Today Alan talks taxes and how important it is to not only get things right this year, but also how tax planning for the future can potentially save you hundreds of dollars or more that you can keep instead of sending it to Uncle Sam.
Today Alan looks at some of his favorite things about Kentucky Derby Week, which just concluded at Churchill Downs. Later in the show he revisits the subject of stock market volatility, and what to keep in mind about staying the course with your investments during the economic bumps in the road.
After some weekly headlines Alan looks at how you can give your financial situation a so-called spring cleaning. It's a good time of year to take a look at your situation and statements, and have a discussion with a financial professional about the best way to use them in a solid retirement plan, or to go over your current plan and update anything which needs it, depending on your situation.
Retirement is like a vacation destination - and the same kind of planning is required to make sure the trip goes smoothly. Today Alan discusses the process and steps needed to be sure you have everything you need for that retirement destination you imagine.
After Troy looks at current financial headlines, Alan takes a look at the various challenges women face in retirement, especially given that they are likely to outlive their spouse or partner and still have income needs after they are gone. He outlines some of the strategies and planning that can apply to a woman's unique situation so money will continue to be there for her after her partner has passed.
After Troy looks at financial headlines, we look back at Alan discussing how a solid retirement plan is constructed so your money can provide for not only income, but helps you through inflation, paying taxes, health care and legacy planning.
Troy takes a look at financial headlines, then Alan takes a look at what it takes to comfortably retire in today's inflationary environment, as well as looking at working in retirement - yay or nay.
After Troy Bolton looks at recent financial news, Alan takes a look at estate and legacy planning, and making sure that the kids and estate executors know what the plan is supposed to be so that things will be taken care of as desired.
People get spooked by stock market volatility, but a good retirement plan takes these roller coaster rides into account. Alan takes a look at what planning can do to protect assets that provide income while mitigating the risk concerning the money that is still invested for long term growth.
If you are a small business owner, you may not have considered a retirement plan, or a way to transition the business going forward when it comes time to stop working. Today Alan discusses the many ways that a small business owner can set themselves up for retirement even if they don't have much in the way of actual savings for it.
What is it like to come into a financial planning office? Today Alan takes you through that experience with Mercurio Wealth Advisors, from the moment you first make contact through the process of putting a Game Plan together all the way through implementing that plan once it is agreed upon.
As you get close to retirement, you have IRA and 401K accounts that have built up a lot of money. But unless they are Roth accounts, they also could come with big tax obligations. Alan goes over how taxes are paid in these accounts and gives you ideas on the most efficient strategies to use in accessing these funds so you end up with the least amount of taxes necessary.
Today Troy discusses current financial headlines and topics, then Alan revisits the Retirement Construction Zone, and speaks to how a solid retirement financial plan is, well, constructed, using the specific ideas that an individual has in mind for that time of life to put together a customized plan to meet those needs.
Automated programs designed to help you with a retirement plan have been the rage in recent years - but can they do everything a human advisor can? Alan takes a look at both sides of that issue, and how human advisors can help customize a plan in ways a robo advisor isn't designed to do.
Today Alan takes a look at wealthy people and how they may - or may not - have the best plans for their later years. Especially when it comes to legacy planning and how the estates of entertainers like Prince and Aretha Franklin - neither of whom had a will at their death - had court issues before they were settled, much to the detriment of those left behind.
It's one of the cornerstones of any retirement income plan - Social Security. But the rules surrounding it can be tricky when it comes to claiming benefits. Today Alan discusses how choosing the right time to claim them can lead to more money for your retirement, and how making the wrong decision can cost you big.
Today Alan talks about what it is like to contact his office for a Retirement 360 Game Plan, and how everything works so that you get a good idea of what to expect from a top level retirement planning visit.
Having some cash available on an immediate basis is necessary in any good plan, but interest rates at the bank are very low so it doesn't earn much. Alan talks about having the balance between how much to have in available cash and having the rest in other instruments for whatever your plan requires.
Today Alan discusses what it takes to construct a solid retirement plan, akin to construction on highways and projects throughout the year.
As you get closer to retirement, there are numerous and different questions to ask. Today Alan looks at some of these, including whether you have saved enough money for retirement.
After a segment on Black Friday spending, Alan and Troy discuss legacy planning, and the importance of laying out everything needed to be sure that assets are passed down not only in accordance with the wishes of the retiree, but also done so in the most tax efficient way possible so that those left behind are not burdened with further issues.
The go-go years, the slow-go years and the no-go years - those are the nicknames for the three phases of retirement, where you are more active at first, then less and less so as you get older. Alan discusses what your money needs to do during each phase and how proper planning helps make sure it is available.
Putting a solid retirement plan together is like building a house - you need a strong foundation, sturdy walls and a great roof for protection. Alan and Troy discuss what goes into each of these areas when it comes to retirement planning, and how the Retirement 360 Game Plan helps put the right things together for your situation.
Alan and Troy discuss a recent quiz about financial literacy where a majority of Americans flunked, and how they discuss matters with clients to get them a solid plan they can understand and be happy with as they go into retirement.
Today Alan and Troy discuss things to do so that your plan has the best chance of being solid - one of which is to keep it simple.
Alan and Troy look at some recent financial headlines, then talk about what some of the main points are to plan for a comfortable retirement and the strategies used to help get you there.
In this segment, Alan talks about a couple of interesting findings from a new Charles Schwab survey...one being that the average baby boomer has about $920,000 saved for retirement, and that boomers expect to spend about $135,000 a year in retirement.
Alan says at that rate, they’ll enjoy a comfortable seven years of retirement. But what happens in year-eight … and year-nine … and all the years that follow?
Alan discusses what he sees and some tips on how to get ahead of the other "boomers".
They say people assume they’re diversified because they own an S&P 500 index fund. But, all that means is that your stock holdings are diversified – not that your overall retirement portfolio is diversified.
On today's show, Alan and Troy talk about the really important distinction between the two and the very common mistakes you could be making.
The baseball playoff's are underway, so we're giving you a sports analogy tied into your financial planning.
When you’re trying to figure how much money you’ll need in retirement, the first question is – how many years do you think you’ll need to pay for? Unfortunately, we can only guess at that number.
Alan Mercurio and Morningstar’s David Blanchett say most of us are not very good guessers… they give us some tips on how to handle this question while designing a financial plan.
What would you be willing to sacrifice if it meant you could retire 10 years sooner than planned?
You've been working your whole life to get here and what happens? A global pandemic takes over the world, and election with unprecedented consequences is looming in the fall, civil rest is all around and you're just trying to retire.
This week Alan talks about all of these concerns, the solutions and how still meet your goals despite our current situation.
Are you letting the election coverage influence any of your investment decisions? How have these unprecedented times impacted your decision making when it comes to retirement planning?
Alan and Randy take some time this week to talk about what the reality of your investment decisions could be leading up to the election and help put you in the best position heading into November.
How is monopoly like retirement planning? Is it a game of luck or game of skill?
Most people say a little of both. You can’t control what happens with the dice, but you can control what happens next. Alan and Randy take some time on this week's radio show to talk about how a children's board game can teach you a lot about retirement planning if you're thinking about it the right way.
In a trade magazine named "Physician's Practice" they say that doctors think they have an easier time planning for retirement since they're such high earners... but how true is that in reality?
Are high earners simply more prepared for retirement? Does this mean low earners won't be able to even plan for their retirement? Alan and Randy discuss this thought process and the truth behind each question.
We hear the age-old investment advice to not put all your eggs into one basket, which makes index funds really attractive for a lot of people since they're already so diversified. Did you know that of all the gains seen in the S&P 500 since March, 30% have all come from only 6 stocks? Alan & Randy talk about what companies have been driving the S&P 500 and how diversification isn't "automatic" when it comes to index funds.
We hear every day about the downsides of COVID-19 and it's effects on the market... but are their positives we're not thinking about? Troy and Randy discuss these easily ignored upsides we've been seeing when it comes to Coronavirus and your retirement.
Also, we have talked about how all the Federal stimulus money may lead to tax hikes in the future. But don’t forget state and local governments are hurting too. Do you see a tax “double whammy” in the future?
Where are you getting your education about retirement? It's no secret that the confusing path to retirement lacks a bit of transparency but we're trying to change that. In this episode we talk about the educational content we're creating and how you can access it.
This week we go back in time to some of our favorite segments from the beginning of the year until now. Alan weighs in on some important financial topics and continues his stance on transparency and education when it comes to retirement planning.
Fifty-five years…and counting. The soap opera “Days of Our Lives” is one of the longest-running scripted TV shows in the world! Some things stand the test of time … while others fall by the wayside. What are some common retirement planning beliefs that have not held up very well?
Also, according to a Transamerica study, only 1 in 4 workers have taken this essential step before leaving the workforce. That step is…developing a written plan for retirement. The article says you are “flying blind” without this step. Is it that critical and why?
While people were celebrating father's day, hopefully they were tuning in as well! Alan went over some financial advice we all get our fathers and shares some of the best advice he got from his father when it comes to finances.
Is retirement planning too complicated? Alan reviews the results to a Harris Poll and the answer might surprise you. Tune in to find out the results!
This week we decided to take some of our favorite clips from recent months and put them together in a "Best Of" series for you all to enjoy!
Have a topic you'd like to hear covered on our radio show? Drop us a comment and we'll take it into consideration!
Alan talked with Tony & Dwight live on WHAS this morning about what's going on with the market, how to navigate it and how it relates to the Coronavirus. Tune in to see what he had to see!
Historically, whenever the market goes down, at some point investors rush in and “buy the dip" but could this dip be different? We hear audio from Allianz's Chief Economic Advisor Mohammad El Erian advising caution when trying to time the market.
Are people afraid of running out of money? A survey from both Schroders and Schwab both confirm this. The Schroders survey asked people 40 and up. 42% have that fear. The Schwab survey asked people within 5 years of retirement. 72% had that fear. Does it surprise you and what can these people do about it?
The DOW slid almost 13% in one week due to the news of the Coronavirus. When will it stop? Will it continue to slide? Alan and Randy talk about how this recent scare has affected the market and what they expect it to do when comparing it to previous outbreaks.
In contrast to the Coronavirus talk, Randy and Alan also talk about a "backdoor Roth IRA" and go through the pros and cons of going into retirement with a Roth IRA. While there are contribution and income limits, there is a strategy called the "Backdoor Roth" you should hear about!
Did you know that even though people 50+ only make up 35% of the population but pay 59% of all federal income taxes?! Alan and Randy talk about this and more in this weeks radio show and talk a bit about how you can opt out of that statistic.
Is having your money in a hedge fund the best bet? Alan talks a bit about how Wall Street's most successful hedge fund fell short when compared to most run-of-the-mill investors by breaking even in 2019.
Politics and investing... How are they affecting your portfolio? A new study claims that mutual fund managers tend to invest more money in companies that share their same political beliefs and it could end up costing you.
How long do you think you will spend in retirement? For most people, the answer is longer than they expect. Will you live to be 90? 100? Maybe even 150? The more important question is whether or not your money will last as long as you do. How can you build a proper nest egg while not knowing how long it needs to last?
Volatility in the market is causing a lot of retirement savers to pull their money out of the market, but Fidelity thinks they might be over reacting. For instance, what happens if you take your money out and then the market goes up? Then you're just leaving money on the table. Troy talks a bit about this and the risks associated with pulling your money out of the market during volatility.
The age-old idea of the 60-40 portfolio (60% stocks & 40% bonds) is the "traditional" portfolio that most investors have stuck with throughout most of their savings history, but Bank of America says that traditional portfolio just isn't cutting it anymore. What's the new mix look like?
So... Is another recession really on the way? If a recession does hit, how is going to effect you if you're in (or nearing) retirement? Alan talks a bit about this and also talks a bit about how your financial plan should have planned for a possible recession.
There are some people who aren't planning to retire for a very grim reason...They don't expect to live that long. The truth of the matter is, people are living longer than ever these days and you don't want to live longer than you expect while wishing you would have planned better for your retirement. Among men who are currently in their 50s, a third of them will live to be 90. For women, that number jumps up to half! Listen in to hear more about the importance of planning for retirement well past when you think you might need to.
How much risk is too much risk in retirement? How much risk should you be keeping in your portfolio as you start to exit the work force and enter into retirement? Patrick Kelley, the author of Stress Free Retirement, says it all depends on when you're going to actually need the money that you're investing.
Don't tell your lawyer friends, but there's a new phone app that actually lets you draw up a will on your smartphone in around 10 minutes time. While most of their customers are between the ages of 25 and 40, there are a decent amount of their customers within retirement age that are using their phones to draft wills. Alan talks a bit more about this new app called Fabric and how it speaks for the future of estate planning.
Have you heard about Uncle Sam and his retirement plan? Here's a hint - he doesn't retire when you do. Your taxes are essentially Uncle Sam's "retirement plan" and when you retire, you only keep on paying them. Alan talks a bit about paying taxes in retirement and how to factor them in to your anticipated retirement income.
Does it make sense to convert your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? What are the pros and cons of doing so? Tons of "baby boomers" are at a stage in their financial life where they're considering this but might not be aware of all of the benefits of doing so. Alan talks a bit about the benefits behind converting over to the Roth IRA to help settle this debate once and for all.
What do Bill Belicheck and Warren Buffet have in common? They're planners. While Belicheck might do his planning on the field and Buffet in the bank, both have a set plan for what they're doing and understand every step along the way.
This week we talk about how having a game plan for your retirement is incredibly important and how you're leaving money on the table if you're not planning properly. We also talk about the "king" of investing, Warren Buffet, and how he compares retirement to a castle. How are you protecting your "retirement castle?"
If you're still investing in index funds while nearing retirement, a recent Forbes article says you could be making a costly mistake. Many retirees or people closing in on retirement depend heavily on this traditional investment strategy and a recent article says there might be better ways to do so.
Even if you haven't taken the time to set up an official state plan, you already have one whether you realize it or not. You either set up your estate plan with an advisor, or a probate judge is going to impose one on your relatives after you're gone. Troy and Randy talk a bit about this topic and what steps you should take to make sure your estate plan is set in stone.
According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac, in years preceding presidential elections since 1971, the July-October span marked the worst four months. The Dow and the S&P 500 index have tended to peak in July, bounced around in the next couple of months, and dropped in October, ending with losses by Halloween. Should some of us go into “financial hiding” for a while?
Did you know that you could get a "do-over" on social security? An obscure tax law allows you to restart your benefits at a new, higher rate based on your current age. This week Alan talks a bit more about this tax law and how you can use it to potentially increase your social security.
The economy is currently in a good spot... but the Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates? Is this normal? Alan walks you through the traditional process the Federal Reserve follows when it comes to interest rates and explains why the Federal Reserve has decided to cut rates.
Did you know that according to a survey from Nationwide Retirement Institute fewer than 1 in 4 people can name the four factors that will determine the amount they will get from Social Security? This week we're explaining the four factors that effect how much you get back from Social Security and share why it's so crucial you're cognizant of everything within the equation.
When you sit down with a financial advisor, one of the main reasons you do so is to find out if and when you're able to retire. When you're trying to decide that, what factors are you looking at? Alan goes through some of the main factors that help make this decision and talks about the questions he asks in his planning process.
Did you know that about 20% of Americans over the age of 65 are still working? This is the highest this number has been since 1962. While some of those people are working by choice, their is a chunk of them that simply can't afford do retire and Alan shares his thoughts on this topic.
Is another recession coming? How can you protect yourself? A new study from Allianz Life says that 48% of middle class americans fear a major recession, which is higher than it was last quarter. What are you doing to prepare?
The Street is calling for a "Target Income Fund" to be created, but what does it do? Alan walks us through what the creation of the fund would accomplish and how it would benefit investors already in retirement.
If you had at least a million bucks in your various accounts, would you consider yourself to be “wealthy”? Ameriprise Financial put that question to a group of people who each have between one-and-five million dollars…and the overwhelming majority (83%) said they don’t feel wealthy. Why do you think that is?
This Sunday, tune in to Retirement360 with MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, as they take on the latest tending news.
Are you planning to celebrate Bobby Bonilla Day? Better yet, did you know that even though he retired from baseball in 2001, Bobby Bonilla still receives a check for $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets on the first of every July?
Are you receiving the right financial advice for your retirement? Forbes says the financial advice people use in their working years is not necessarily the best choice to help them as they approach retirement. What advice are you receiving?
And, will you really spend more during your retirement? S. Katherine Roy, a strategist for J.P. Morgan, seems to have a pretty strong opinion about the subject.
This Sunday, tune in to Retirement360 with MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, as they take on the latest tending news.
How much of of your salary do you need to save? 10 times or even 16 times? Are the writers at Motley Fool correct? What and who are you supposed to believe?
Have you done a "Stress Test" on your retirement plan, and what does that entail?
And, how does citizenship play a role in your taxes? New Royal baby, Archie, could face an interesting dilemma.
Often, we at MWA discuss the term Retirement Plan. Your Retirement Plan is unique to you, your goals, your needs, and your family's wants. There are ways to achieve these goals, and there are some myths that need to be addressed because they may not be the most viable options.
This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, highlight some common fallacies on securing your retirement goal:
•Relying on your home as a source of income •Only relying on Social Security •Relying on lottery winnings •Relying on inheritance from a deceased relative
Check in with Louisville's Retirement Coach, Alan Mercurio, and his friends as they discuss news and how it may affect your planning.
This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, dive in to the importance of finding the right financial advisor and why you would consider meeting one sooner rather than later. At MWA, we focus on education and the necessary steps families need to take to make sure their retirement is sound.
Planning for retirement is more than taking your last of work - it is ensuring your life becomes what you want, not what it has to be. Learning about investments, insurance, Social Security timing, tax preparation and having an estate plan all tie together for the stress free future most families seek.
Following the guidance of ultra-investors like Warren Buffett, one wonders how everyday families could practice their beliefs. Beyond picking the right investments and wanting to grow your accounts - Buffet seems to advocate protection even more.
“There are too many investors on Wall Street who measure performance based solely on the returns gained. A better measure would be risk-adjusted return. Do not strive to generate every-last dime of profit, if you do so, you expose yourself to unnecessary and harmful RISK. Rather, it is more advisable to make capital preservation one of your leading goals.”
Does that apply to you and your beliefs? Are you also a DIYer when it comes to managing your finances? According to a recent CNBC poll, over 75% manage their own money and are using Google as their adjunct advisor. What are the top questions they are asking?
How much do I need to retire? How to retire early When can I retire?
Alan will add to this list and urge the DIYers to even meet with an advisor, as having a second set of eyes to check can never hurt.
Are financial services moving towards a Netflix-like subscription model? Maybe.
Schwab had recently announced it will charge a $30 monthly fee for "unlimited advisory services, and automatic trades." While this might sound appealing to some, these clients will not have the benefit of custom planning, income planning or tax and estate planning. Robo Advisors might be easier - but are they better?
This week on Retirement360 MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio, and host, Randy Cook, discuss new trends as companies (and the government) grow and develop with their retired audience. What worked in the past, might now be the best option for the future.
Every day we meet families who all have similar questions or expectations for their retirement. While we know two families are not the same, there are a few questions they all seem to ask:
What about fees? Who and what are being paid?
We dive into the three most common groups of fees: Administrative fees, Investment fees, and Individual service fees Am I being taxed on Social Security?
Yes, since 1983 and again in 1993, income tiers were created that formerly only applied to a small group of seniors, now it applies to at least 51% of families - because the base income never accommodated inflation. Moving from too aggressive to too conservative in your investments.
Once you're older, it's wise to shift some of your investments from riskier vehicles like stocks to safer ones like bonds. But that doesn't mean you should dump all your stocks. Americans are living longer these days, with 25% of today's 65-year-olds making it past the age of 90.
This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio returns with host, Randy Cook and they take on one last trick before you file your taxes - putting money away in your traditional IRA and it will still count for last year. How is it possible? You'll soon find out!
Personal finance guru, Suze Orman, says it's not the first 10-15 years of retirement that should concern you, its the following 10-15 years. Alan and Randy discuss strategies to making your retirement last.
This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Troy Bolton and host, Randy Cook are talking taxes - but with a focus on what to do when YOU are the beneficiary. Many families will set up tax efficient legacies for your loved ones, but what happens when you inherit a 401(k)? How do you roll over the assets? How can you prolong RMDs? And most importantly, how do you navigate the taxes?
We often discuss the importance of a good retirement plan and it is more than just income. Troy and Randy determine the 5 elements to make sure you are set for the future.
A solid income plan An investment plan A tax- efficient plan A health care plan A legacy plan
This week on Retirement360 MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook take on three of the biggest concerns facing retirees today: Social Security, taxes and advisor fees.
An easy way to maximize your SSI benefit is to simply wait it out and withdraw as late as possible. However, waiting until you are 70 is not always the best option for some families. Alan and Randy tackle the thought process of selecting the best approach to start receiving your benefits.
As April 15th approaches, many families are filing taxes and meeting with their CPAs. Do you have a "Tax Bomb" lurking in your accounts? What might a traditional IRA, savings bond and your home all have in common? Tune in to find out!
Did you know that someone who pays a two-percent fee on their 401(k) will run out of money ten years sooner than those who pay a one percent fee?
This week Mercurio Wealth Advisors Founder and President, Alan Mercurio, and host Randy Cook, discuss the importance of knowing your Risk Tolerance.
What is Risk Tolerance? It is the ebb and flows you feel secure taking with the swings of the market. Almost everyone feels secure when the market climbs, but what when it dips? How much of your investment are you to miss?
Knowing your Risk Tolerance is paramount to your overall planning strategy. This sets a bar that will intersect with all other saving strategies.
In addition to knowing the importance of your Risk Tolerance, is your planning up to date or is it obsolete? Listening to music on a CD used to be the standard, but now? Streaming. Do similar shifts in trends also apply to financial planning? Yes!
How do you know when it is the right time to see a financial advisor?
Everyone who owns a car knows to bring it to a mechanic when it needs a tune up, so why not apply that same logic to your finances? Why are families hesitant to use the guidance of a finance professional? By meeting with a financial advisor, even for one discussion, you may open the door to new opportunities to learn more about your savings strategies, your planning strategies and even discover ways to make your assets work for you.
Whether it is learning how to create a paycheck once your stop working, or lowering taxes, or finding ways that you may be overspending, working with an advisor will put you on a track to a successful retirement.
Plan today, for a better tomorrow.
Is there such a thing as an average retirement? Surveys show that most folks will retire around 61 years old, and then experience 20+ of retirement! If we could know exactly how long our retirement would last - it would make for much easier planning. The average spend is $46,000 per household and that is mainly divided between monthly expenses of housing ($1,322), health care ($500) and food ($484.)
But since one cannot predict the future - how do you plan? How do you take your savings and assets to get the most of your hard-earned work?
This week on Retirement 360, MWA advisor, Alan, and host, Tony Vanetti, discuss the importance of having a total team to manage and guide your retirement. Does your CPA speak with your attorney, and then do they both speak to your financial advisor?
Alan tackles the importance of having eveyone meet to make sure your retirement is on trach!
If you could protect your wealth in turbulent times - would you do it? Or, would you ride out the waves of the stock market? Do the ebbs and flows match your risk tolerance? Are you concerned about future income should there be a downturn in the market?
This week, MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio, and host Randy Cook, discuss the pressing questions of market volatility and how someone can still come out on top, or at least ride the wave.
As the markets move up and down, our office is fielding phone calls and meetings with everyone wanting to know - what do I do to control my savings? If you are considering adjusting your 401k and moving in to a different style account, what will that take? Will it spare you or add new fees? Will it adjust your taxes? Are there accounts that can offer protection and growth?
This week, MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, discuss options to lessen the unpredictability of the stock market, and to consider exploring different options so you can continue to hold on to your savings and assets. Not every option works for every family, but there are different avenues to explore that might just be what your retirement needs!
Some say retirement is harder today than it was 5 years ago. People fear having to stop working. Families want to grow and protect their savings with little risk. Your income plan is not set and you are not sure where your retirement income will actually come from?
Sound familiar? When there is fear, or a problem, there is often a solution. Meeting with an advisor if only once, or meeting with your advisor regularly, can ease the tension in knowing how your savings are doing, how to make your savings work for you, and how your savings match up against an ever changing stock market.
Different strategies offer different solutions - and not one strategy is perfect, nor perfect for every family. This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, discuss the fears, confusion, and solutions in assisting families as they prepare and transition to retire.
This week MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio, and host, Randy Cook, discuss securing your planning throughout a rollercoaster market.
What is a Yield Curve? What are tools and strategies to protect your wealth? How does inflation affect my savings?
How many people do you in their 80's? 90's? Even living to 100? This week, MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio, and host, Randy Cook, discuss what it takes to make your assets last and have longevity.
Many retirees know that once you stop workin, you ought to have a plan - does your income plan accommodate for family emergencies? Does your plan take in to account for market corrections? How can you structure your plan to sync all the facets of your retired life to make it last 20, or 30 years AFTER you retire?
Holiday shopping ramps up and the smart shopper looks for the best deal - while many online retailers like Amazon and Target compete for incentives like free shipping, others like Walmart are not. When it comes to "shopping" for a new advisor, Alan walks you thru what to look for and what (if any) incentives should come with that new relationship.
The holiday season also means the year is coming to an end. Do you have your Year End Planning set?
Are your beneficiary designations current? How are your asset allocations? When was your estate plan updated - was there a birth or death in your family this year? Or a marriage or divorce? Did you move to a new state?
The markets are up - spend! The markets are down - save! Almost daily you are bombarded from news shows, talking heads and various articles but when it is too much? And, who should you listen to? Many financial media outlets seem to operate on speediness and attention-grabbing headlines, but if you are ever concerned about your accounts, sit down with a trusted fiduciary who can explain how all the news may actually affect you.
Alan and Randy also take on the concept of advisor loyalty and when it is time to consider a second opinion. Sometimes a change is needed, and sometimes its not, but it never hurts to have a second set of eyes to review your retirement plan.
FOMO: The fear of missing out.
Whether you are caught up in the endless financial news cycle, or constant watching the stock tickers, it is easy to get swept in the hype of markets, products, and what your neighbor is doing.
If you go down 9% this month, but grew by 239% over the last years, is there need to panic? Just because a talking head on TV is calling for fire and brimstone, the main thing to do is NOT panic and simply call a fiduciary.
This week, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio, and host, Randy Cook, will dive into how to push away from the financial news cycle, how to contribute more to your retirement accounts, and how to avoid having FOMO.
Sometimes, we meet with families and they seem to know exactly when they want to retire - down to the day. While having a target date in mind helps, we still ask, "Are you ready to retire?"
Retiring from work is more than just not going to your full time job every day, and it can involve much more planning than setting up your SSI.
Are you a business owner? How will you transition out of your business? Have you planned for medical costs? If the medical costs outweigh your structured income, are you ready to go back to work? Are you keeping track of all the fees associated with your retirement accounts? When was the last time you had them reviewed? Planning now, so you can retire when you want to, is essential. Looking over all the aspects of retirement - income, insurance, long-term care, wills, estates, and taxes - is all part of our Retirement 360 Game Plan process. The holistic approach to planning your future.
The word "Correction' is circling the news, so what are you doing in case there is a pullback in the market? But other than worrying, learn what actions MWA Advisor Alan recommends in case there is the 10% drop.
If you do not secure your accounts in the event of a correction, you will also want to consider preventing these mistakes at the 2018 tax season approaches. Alan and host, Randy Cook discuss the “6 Whopping Tax Mistakes that can Ruin your Retirement”:
Retirement Tax Mistake #1: Assuming you will pay less taxes in retirement Retirement Tax Mistake #2: Not Planning for Social Security Taxation Retirement Tax Mistake #3: Forgetting about Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s while you have the chance And with so many things to think about - making the right choice, choosing the best path, planning for the best outcome - how do you make your retirement a priority? While it may seems easy to push off to the side, saving for retirement is necessary today so you will have something tomorrow.
What is a "Market Pullback" and what action should you consider? MWA Advisor, Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, delve in to the details of what to look for, how to understand the highs and lows, and choices you should consider within your portfolio. Always speak with your trusted fiduciary before making any new plans.
Should you make changes in your portfolio - do you know how the fees are assigned and how much you may pay over a lifetime? If you add up ATMs, checking, savings, IRA, 401k and other investing…the real number is closer to $369,000.00! Does this number surprise you? Alan and Randy tackle fees and how to cut back to put more money back in YOUR pocket.
When it comes to growing your money - should you play offense or defense? MWA advisor, Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, tackle the pros and cons of both. A defense cannot earn more money, you cannot just save your way to wealth. They touch on 3 steps to playing a smart offense for growth:
Set a goal. Determine your financial target. Income. Who’s got your money? Find where it is so you can get it. Earn it. Invest. Find something to invest in that will reproduce money. That said, playing a smart defense and setting up certain protections and insurances, should there be another market correction as seen in past Octobers, like Black Monday in 1987 where the DOW dropped 22% of its value in a single day, could also stave off losses. While you wouldn't necessarily gain anything, you might not lose anything either.
Don't forget - November is approaching and that means Open Enrollment for healthcare. If you are signing up for Medicare for the first time check out THESE FAQs to help get you started.
Selecting the right tools, choosing the best date, making sure your funds are all set up to last and stay protected, making sure your will and estate plans are set....there are a number of items to check on your retirement to-do list. Where do you even start? And who is there to help you make the best decisions for you and your family?
This week on Retirement 360, MWA advisor, Alan and host, Randy Cook, discuss the importance of paying attention to these items. While no two retirements will look the same, everyone should be following a few steps to success. And then once you can retire, the new life ahead will need planning as you adjust from your 9-5 work schedule to your new normal.
Don't forget - November is approaching and that means Open Enrollment for healthcare.
10 years ago this week, the financial markets plummeted and we started the Great Recession. What have we learned? For the young, they learned that the market ebbs and flows. For the senior, they learned the value of preservation and risk management. While there might be a correction on the horizon, lessons can be learned from 2008 and new strategies can be taken to safeguard your wealth.
Not only have strategies to protect your wealth changed - but so have options on how to draw out of those buckets. Is it better to take away from taxable accounts first and then withdraw from your tax-free accounts? Well, it depends. Alan will explain the "Tax Bucket" system and how to use it to your benefit.
Lastly, for the biggest change to the lives of those around you - how will you plan for end of life, and eventual passing? Is it worth the cost to put into Long Term Care insurance? And, what are the key differences between a will and a trust?
Are You Asking Yourself the Right Questions?
Self-reflection is necessary for your planning - but are you asking yourself the right questions?
What do you look forward to the most during retirement? How long will your retirement last? How much will retirement cost? How much will you need to save to reach your retirement goals? How much of your retirement nest egg can you afford to spend each year?
Answering these items - let alone planning for them can be a daunting task. By working with a financial professional, a trusted advisor can lead you in the right direction. This Sunday, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio, and host, Tony Vanetti tackle these questions - and try to answer the most pressing - How much will I need in retirement? The answer might surprise you.
Having a team of advisors - retirement, investments, taxes, legal - is not just for a select audience. Every day, our advisors answer questions and address the following:
Myth: Financial planning is only for rich people. Myth: Financial planning costs too much. Myth: Financial planning can wait until life settles down. Myth: Get one plan, and you’re set. Myth: I’ll pay fewer taxes in retirement
Having a team, a whole team, that manage and have your best interests in mind, is part of our Retirement 360 Game Plan. We plan for individuals, couples, and families. We address couples in particular and explain by both parties need to be equally involved in planning and decision making.
This week, MWA advisor, Troy Bolton, and host, Randy Cook, discuss the Guessing Game: When is the Best Time to Retire?
And, that is not an easy question to answer because it is so personal to the individuals and the needs of their home and family. At MWA, we bring all our guests and clients onboard with the Retirement 360 Game Plan. The plan includes the following evaluations:
Complete analysis of your current investment strategy • Where is your money placed? • Are you properly diversified? • Are you at risk of losing if the market takes a turn? • Are you paying excessive fees? Income plan review • What kind of monthly income will your plan generate? • Is it enough to cover your bills and all the things you want to do in retirement? 1040 Tax review • Are you missing opportunities to save money in taxes? • Are you prepared for the upcoming changes in the Trump Tax Reform? • One of our CPAs will go through that with you Legacy and Legal document review • Do you have the proper legal documents in place? o Power of attorney o Will o Trust o Medical directive • Are they updated? • We’ll have one of our affiliate attorneys look them over
This is all free to you as a radio listener. Call us right now at 253-9366 that’s 253-9366 and ask for the Retirement 360 Game-plan. Find us on line at www.mercurioadvisors.com
Since no family is average, and you cannot depend on the financial markets to stay average - one must create a unique plan that adheres to their needs and wants. You can start by meeting with a financial advisor, or take classes (sign up at HERE) and learn about strategies that are best for you.
This week on Retirement360, MWA advisors Alan and Troy, and host, Tony Vanetti try to answer these questions and more. You will learn to answer questions like:
How do I create a will? And, why is it necessary? What does a Bull Market mean? How do I protect myself should the Bull Market turn? If I am nearing retirement, do I take the lump sum offer? Tune in to why financial planning should be personal and customized and why no one solution is a cure all.
Many in our community are a DIY - do it yourself - when it comes to their own finances. But, is there a line at which you should consider asking for help in managing your assets? Are the DIYers choosing their best options and strategies?
- Are they putting too much trust in a "Target Date Fund"?
- Do they know they know what option is the best to pull money from SS or IRA?
- Should you invest the majority of your assets in the stock market?
- And how much of your SS do you actually get to keep?
Some say, once you reach 250k in assets, you should consider meeting with an advisor. This week on Retirement360 MWA Advisor, Alan and host, Tony Vanetti, discuss these questions and more. The benefits of having an advisor can sometimes outweigh the costs, and also ease your piece of mind. Knowing you have a trusted Fiduciary working for your best interests that can help navigate the expansive financial industry might be something to consider - even for the DIYer.
We hear recurring topics when listening to our community and their fears of planning for retirement:
Will I have enough income saved? How much income do I need to maintain my lifestyle? What happens if I get sick and need long-term care? What happens if there are cuts to Social Security? While our advisors do not have a crystal ball, they can assist with planning ahead and trying to prevent a disruption should an event occur that may affect your financial future. They assist in creating the solutions to combat your worries.
This week, on Retirement 360, MWA advisors Alan and Troy, with host, Tony Vanetti touch on ways on how to start planning, when to start planning, and what to consider or ask your advisor as you approach your retirement. There are no dumb concerns, and they are no dumb questions. Whether you are an expert, or a novice, the MWA advisors are here to help. Tune in for so much more!
When is the right time to retire?
Is it solely based on age? When you have exhausted your role at work? Could it be due to family obligations or even sickness? Are you maximizing your Social Security to receive the best benefit? Are you following your risk tolerance to make sure your investments are sound - whether it's for an annual or long-term return?
What should you be asking your advisor, and what should your advisor be asking you?
For many, leaving a legacy to your spouse, family or charity is built within your long term planning. But more than just assigning a beneficiary, your legacy will need to project market inflation, routine audits and even thinking outside the box of just your assigning your assets.
Mercurio Advisor, Alan will chat with host, Tony Vanetti and go over ways to maintain and grow your legacy, account for market changes, and even add items like your airline miles!
There is no crystal ball, there are no tea leaves and there are no fortune tellers to fully explain what the future holds. But families, with the help of their advisors, can prepare for both the blue and grey skies when it comes to protecting and growing their assets.
In retirement, you will need to navigate where that future paycheck will come from, and ensure it will last as long as it needs too. Is a lifetime income possible? Yes. Will it need modifications along the way? Yes, especially should there be new tax changes that will affect your assets. Will you be able to protect that income outside of storing your cash in just your checking account? Yes.
This Sunday, Mercurio Advisor's Alan and Troy will chat with host, Tony Vanetti and go over ways to maintain your income and opportunities to see it protected, and grow - no matter the color of the skies.
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone," said Ronald Reagan. At MWA, we pride ourselves combining our experiences and learning from the daily trends when it comes to creating the best path to retirement for our clients.
Every day, we help our clients navigate some of their biggest questions and concerns and even steer them away from potentially bad habits that might affect their futures. We meet with families who have fallen in love with a certain stock, and they just can't seem to let go no matter that outcome. Or, we identify ways in making their nest egg last and thrive. Or, creating budgets so they enter their retirement as debt free as possible - and not just lowering credit card debt, but also mortgages and school loans.
Often, the MWA advisors hear these questions from our community. The top three concerns are:
How much income will I need? When will I take out Social Security? How do I select my retirement date?
There is no one plan that applies to everyone in the same way. That is why it is so important to have a game plan in place. Some families will want to maintain their current standard of living, other might want to hitch up a Winnebago and hit the open road. That is why an individualized plan is so important. These two families will have different goals and will require different strategies.
Depending on your goals and the needs of your family, you should be asking yourself how can you get there. By working with an advisor, and one who is a fiduciary, they will help lay the course to a stress-free retirement, making sure all your needs are covered along the way.
It is a fairly simple question but unfortunately, the answer can be long, complicated and layered. Retirement planning is different for everyone and for every family. No one solution is exactly applicable even if situations are similar.
Investing in the stock market might yield greater rewards than a low-index fund, but your openness to risk is also much higher. Men and women invest differently, so who is the driving force in your family's planning, and are all needs being met? Is your advisor advocating for the both of you equally and or are they applying a cure-all to both partners? We as a community might share in the struggle of national financial events, so are we to all have the same plan in place?
The short answer is no.
Founder and President of Mercurio Wealth Advisors, Alan Mercurio, and advisor Troy Bolton, with host, Tony Vanetti speak openly about the challenges facing families when it comes to finding the right path for them. As life changes, and goes through ups and downs, are you prepared for the "what ifs?"
Sounds reasonable, right? If you promise a friend the wedding cake of their dreams but show up with a box of lumpy cupcakes and a faltering smile…someone’s not going to have a good day. Ever been on a trip and the driver assures you that they “know a shortcut” to bypass traffic that ends up getting you three hours off-schedule? Maybe you’ve taken on a big project at work before, confident that you could exceed expectations, but slowly find yourself struggling just to keep your head above the sea of work you’ve stranded yourself in. The problem across the board in these scenarios? Someone promised more than they could guarantee—and disaster resulted for all parties involved.
Promising more than what can be delivered is a trend we see time and time again in the financial world, especially when it comes to pensions and 401(k)s. This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, we’re going to be discussing how both of those income streams come loaded with potential problems for retirees.
Mismanaged pensions and 401(k)s have been making the headlines all this year. Promises were made to employees that their retirement funds were being properly managed, only for those at the top to draw back the curtain and reveal severely underfunded pensions and poorly invested employee accounts. Don’t let a faltering pension or shaky 401(k) spell disaster for your retirement. There are ways you can turn yourself back on track, but you’ve got to act now.
On this Father’s Day, consider this: “My father had taught me – mostly by example—that if a man wanted to be in charge of his life, he had to be in charge of his problems.” The line comes from Joyland, a novel penned by one of the famous masters of horror, Stephen King. A father of three himself, King’s characters are known for facing down their problems—albeit often in the form of a killer clown or murderous Plymouth Fury.
Most of us grew up with a father that was a solid rock to rely on when bills started piling up or life problems seemed endless. We carry this idea of our father with us throughout our lives, and ask for their sacred armchair wisdom even into our adult years (but not when the big game is on, of course.)
This week on Retirement 360, Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and wealth advisor, Troy Bolton will be discussing how taking this lesson passed on by our fathers can have a huge impact in the financial world. When you start looking at retirement, it can seem overwhelming—but with the right team behind you, any problem can be tackled. Social security, income streams, taxes, expenses, and a whole host of other issues can spring up when you’re getting a plan together.
The solution?
Just what your dad taught you: don’t bury your head in the sand hoping it will go away—face it head-on.
With summer finally here after our extended winter season, most of us are hitting the lake or hopping on an airplane to far-off lands (or Florida, which we’ll still say is far-off.) Have you ever thought about how much planning really goes into a vacation? There’s tickets to buy, suitcases to pack, pet sitters to arrange, and a whole host of to-do activities before you can set off. Whether you’re a fit-it-all-in-one-backpack type or playing Tetris to fit all 6 of your suitcases into your car’s trunk, all of us have a game plan for our getaways.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and Wealth Advisor Troy Bolton, we’re going to discuss how planning for retirement is just like planning for a trip. This week it’s all about budgets—and if thinking about the differences in a pre-retirement versus retirement budget haven’t crossed your mind, this is the show for you.
Having a firm idea of your monthly expenses will ultimately make sure that you’re not running out of money in your golden years. While the rule of thumb tends to be that you need to replace 70% of your working income in retirement, in reality this varies greatly. After all, if you’re needing every dollar out of your paycheck right now to meet ends meet, you’re probably going to still be in the situation during your retirement years. On the other hand, if you’re squirreling away money constantly, you can probably be a little lax about making sure your retirement income matches your paycheck.
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. " -Benjamin Franklin.
Education is paramount as you begin and maintain your retirement planning. The more you can learn, they better you and your family can better prepare.
This week's radio show will feature MWA advisor's Alan Mercurio, Troy Bolton and also host, Tony Vanetti as they discuss how to avoid the “tax time bomb” with your investments. At what age should you begin your retirement planning? And, preparing for the shift from working full time to full time retirement.
"Everything old is new again." This week's radio show will feature a "Best of Retirement 360" highlights with MWA advisor's Alan Mercurio, Troy Bolton and also host, Tony Vanetti.
They discuss the importance and need for a financial advisor, that just maybe following your parent's advice on financial issues may not be the best idea, how to navigate volatility, and what you can expect with the 2018 tax plan - will filing actually be easier?
The stock market can be a complex creature to understand. You might have incredible gains for a few years, and then suddenly in a few months you’ve lost all that success through a bad market. There’s an old saying that paints the market as an escalator, steadily climbing in the good years….yet it may suddenly transform into a plummeting elevator, ruining all the upward progress you just had.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and Wealth Advisor Troy Bolton, we’re going to discuss how having your entire nest egg on that upward elevator might seem like a good idea…until it all inevitably takes a trip downwards. Have you examined your accounts to see what risk level your retirement is sitting at—and if so, is that risk level you’re at now a solid choice for you in the long run?
Do you know what options you can use to diversify your portfolio, mixing some riskier moves alongside secure investments?
Humorist Erma Bombeck once penned in her weekly newspaper column that, “When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” As many of us celebrate our mothers this coming Sunday, think back to a time you received motherly words of wisdom—requested or not. Insight given across the dinner table or yelled from wooden porches as streetlights began to brighten can stick with us for decades, and might even have a place in your retirement planning.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, we’re asking our listeners to think back to the financial lessons handed down by mothers. Women entering motherhood find themselves in a variety of financial circumstances. Some choose to stay-at-home to handle childcare, while others dually juggle being a full-time mom and holding a full-time job in the workforce. Some take the lead on financial matters, while others prefer to shift their focus elsewhere. No matter what role your mother chose for herself, most adults report that their mothers passed three core financial lessons to their children: pay your bills on time, don’t gamble away the roof over your head, and slow-and-steady trumps get-rich-quick every time.
With Derby right around the corner, many of us will spend this week gearing up for the big show on Saturday—even if all that means is sipping on Mint Juleps and eating Derby pie at in front of your TV. Thousands both on and off the track will be watching to see which swift equine competitor will be the first to cross the finish line.
One thing you can be sure of regardless of where you watch is that the participants—both horse and human—have put in hundreds of hours in training, planning, and commitment just to get a place in the gate. Derby horses, after all, only get one shot to win the roses when they are three-years-old. Believe it or not, this is a lot like your retirement!
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and wealth advisor Troy Bolton, we’re going to be discussing why not putting in that same dedication and focus towards your retirement may land you in last place. Even if you’ve got a million dollars sitting in your nest egg, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a worry-free retirement if you’ve got no plan to support it. Knowing how to go about diversifying your portfolio, strategizing your social security benefits, and keeping your expenses in check with inflation are all crucial points that you must account for.
Founder and President, Alan Mercurio speaks with the host, Tony Vanetti. They cover topics like following the same financial footsteps as your parents, filing taxes, creating a secure plan that strikes back at volatility, and what to expect for healthcar costs.
Think of all the times you've put together a plan. Small things need a plan--a house project you swore you'd get to next summer, a fancy cake to impress your family at Thanksgiving. I'm sure you planned for the bigger tasks in life as well-what career you wanted, when to buy a house, whether to have kids or not.
Did things always go according to the plan you originally set out? For most of us, the answer is a resounding, "No." What if you landed your dream job and ended up discovering you fit better elsewhere? Maybe the fancy cake ended up tasting awful, and you had to go back to the drawing board before placing it on the table. In short: life happens, plans change.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and Wealth Advisor Troy Bolton, we're going to be discussing how your retirement might face challenges even once you've gotten a plan together-but how you can be ready to face them. If you avoid adjusting your plans for what life throws at you, you'll only end up regretting it once you're farther down the road. Whether it's figuring out a plan for your 401(k) in a shaky market or answers on how new tax laws might affect your retirement paycheck-we've got you covered.
As springtime gradually makes its appearance in the Kentuckiana area, many of us have started to think about what house projects we want to get done before winter comes around again. You've probably seen one of the many fix-it-up housing shows that have had a huge boost in popularity in recent years.
The idea is generally the same across the board: a couple or a team of people purchase a "fixer upper" house. In the span of an hour the group rapidly transforms a rickety shack, run-down two-story, or cheerless split level into a housing masterpiece. While it's fun to watch, shows like these don't have time to go over the weeks of work or countless people who pitched in to finish everything that needed to be done. The projects they take on aren't things that can be fixed in a snap-and neither are financial problems if you don't face them head on.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, we're going to be discussing how you can't ever let your retirement plan get to a point where it's a "fixer-upper". Alan and Wealth Advisor Troy Bolton are going to be discussing some of the mistakes retirees make in their pre-retirement years that can put plans off track, and what solutions are available to make sure you're not scrambling to fix things up right before your retirement date.
Easter is hopping closer and families will celebrate this weekend. Whether it's an egg hunt with your grandkids, ham and turkey with family and friends, or quiet time with a hobby you love, remember that these moments are what you want to replicate in the future. Live your life your way, today and tomorrow!
American actor John Wayne once said that, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."
Most of us remember Wayne as one of the biggest stars of Western film in the 20th century, perpetually seated on horseback and riding off to fight the latest bad guy in a countless number of films. While well-known now, Wayne started off as a nobody. He picked up gigs as an extra throughout the 1920s and didn't hit in big until 1939 as Ringo Kid in Stagecoach. That's nearly twenty years of being paid peanuts to pursue his dream in the movies. Wayne didn't see it as a bad thing though-instead, no matter how shaky his prospects might be, he always got back in the saddle and kept going, knowing that the end goal was worth it.
This week on Retirement 360 with Louisville's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, we're going to be talking about how taking Wayne's approach and applying it to how you see retirement can help pre-retirees keep a steady course. We've all worked hard over the years to save as much as we can, but then begin to doubt whether we'll truly be able to handle retirement when the time comes. Worries about long-term care costs, inflation, and simply not having enough to pay the bills without that weekly paycheck are some of the most frequent concerns. Some get so worried that they cut their budgets to bare bones for fear of unexpected costs bankrupting their future selves or put off retiring altogether. There's a better answer: build a plan you're confident in and stick to it.
With spring just around the corner (if you pay no mind to the random snow we've been gifted the past few weeks), you'll find lots of things will be popping up soon. Flowers, Derby hats, allergies, and better weather are all bound to start making their appearances in the coming months---along with our beloved spring cleaning chores.
While most of us are content to "get to it later" when it comes to house chores in the winter, we end up facing the music when springtime comes around. It might be tempting to adopt a winter attitude towards your financial health, but this week we're going to be discussing why it's important you start now-not later-on your financial spring cleaning.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and co-host Tony Vanetti, we're going to show you how basic upkeep on your accounts should be the first item on your to-do list this spring. Keeping up-to-date with new market trends like Bitcoin, figuring out how the new tax laws might affect your accounts, and planning on how to maximize your growth for the coming year are all chores where it pays (literally) to see the task through.
Anyone who has begun even the preliminary stages of retirement planning knows that you're going to have to face some challenges. Even just thinking about not having the promise of that weekly paycheck to get your bills paid can be worrying.
But, as writer T.S. Eliot once wrote, "If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" Retirement is something that has so many facets playing into it that it's impossible to just "wing it" and try for a quick band-aid solution. While it might be overwhelming to face down, your future self will thank you for the time and dedication you put towards building a solid game plan.
This week on Retirement 360, Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and co-host Tony Vanetti will be discussing some tips to keep in mind when it comes to facing the challenges retirement planning can bring on. Market volatility, getting yourself and spouse on the same financial page, hidden fees, and looming tax changes all present potential problems your plan must be able to handle. The good news? They are problems-but not impossible ones. Just as Eliot pointed out, you really will be surprised how much you can accomplish, even when you're in over your head.
With tax season in full swing, many of us have our minds on our finances. This is the time of the year we reflect back on how things went for us-good and bad-in the markets. For those nearing retirement, it becomes an even more critical period as you approach the finish line of your working years.
What we have in our pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and even just your savings account suddenly starts to matter a lot when we begin looking at replacing a paystub with money from our own investments. This can be overwhelming, sometimes even downright scary to think about-but there's no reason to panic.
This week on Retirement 360, Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, wealth advisor Troy Bolton, and co-host Tony Vanetti will be sharing some key insights on how proper planning can prepare you for leaving behind the workforce. Whether it's worries about potential "tax bombs" that might be waiting for you this tax season, the time frame you should have for retirement, or even how to figure out what your goals are-we've got answers.
With tax season in full swing, many of us have our minds on our finances. This is the time of the year we reflect back on how things went for us-good and bad-in the markets. For those nearing retirement, it becomes an even more critical period as you approach the finish line of your working years.
What we have in our pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and even just your savings account suddenly starts to matter a lot when we begin looking at replacing a paystub with money from our own investments. This can be overwhelming, sometimes even downright scary to think about-but there's no reason to panic.
This week on Retirement 360, Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio, wealth advisor Troy Bolton, and co-host Tony Vanetti will be sharing some key insights on how proper planning can prepare you for leaving behind the workforce. Whether it's worries about potential "tax bombs" that might be waiting for you this tax season, the time frame you should have for retirement, or even how to figure out what your goals are-we've got answers.
When we're younger, we learn a hard lesson: life doesn't offer any solid guarantees. We can't hold up a signed contract when we lose the Little League game, or it rains on our birthdays, jabbing a finger at a spot where life promised us exactly what we wanted. Keep in mind this isn't always a bad thing either.
Haven't we all just known something would go badly, but instead turns out okay? Just as we don't have any guarantees for something going right, we aren't guaranteed for things to go wrong either. It's a two-sided coin, and one we can't do away with. The only real answer is to make sure we have a plan in place to handle any circumstance-good or bad-that comes our way.
This week on Retirement 360, wealth advisors Troy Bolton and Aaron Ulrich are going to be discussing how the financial world also doesn't offer guarantees-and why that's okay. Alongside co-host Tony Vanetti, we'll be discussing how the recent market turbulence is something we all have to expect in one way or another. Your retirement plan has to be flexible enough to handle the ups with the downs, as we're guaranteed to experience both.
With the recent market turbulence that’s been occurring off-and-on during the past week, this might be a good thought to think on: “Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing ‘til it gets there.” Penned by American humorist Josh Billings, it’s a quote that can apply to many aspects of life.
Do you pull your steak off the grill when it’s halfway cooked? Or get partway through a job at work and then never finish up? What about a house project—would you paint half of your house, and then decide that’s good enough? The answer to all these questions is probably not.
This same concept can be applied to the recent market hiccups. This week on Retirement 360, wealth advisors Troy Bolton and Aaron Ulrich will be discussing why it’s important to make sure you’ve got a plan you can stick to like a stamp, no matter what might come your way. Joined by co-host Tony Vanetti, we’ll be going over why it’s important to know the difference between minor market fluctuations and an outright crash.
What’s even more important is making sure that your game plan is built to be able to meet your goals, through good times and bad, and can be flexible enough to easily handle minor market corrections.
With the big game coming up this weekend, a good majority of the nation's focus will be glued to their screens either watching the game or waiting for the halftime show to roll around. Snacks will be purchased, couches arranged for optimal viewing, and schedules cleared to fully enjoy the day.
Amid all the snacking and quirky commercials though, there is something that many rarely think about.
For the players, this is a day they have worked towards for years, probably even to back when they were first digging their cleats into a muddy high school field. Both teams are built up with people who have poured their time and dedication into something that mattered to them. No matter who you're rooting for on Sunday, this dedication is something we can admire-and also apply to our own dreams.
All of us have goals or ambitions we work towards. Surprisingly though, many don't see retirement as something to which we need to really devote ourselves to.
This week on Retirement 360, Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio alongside co-hosts Troy Bolton and Tony Vanetti will be discussing how important it is to make sure you've got a game plan going years before you hit the finish line. Whether it's wondering about putting an extra layer of financial protection over your accounts, thinking about the healthcare aspects of your strategies, or what options you have for the 401ks you may have accumulated over the years-we'll be going over how all of it can factor into your final plan.
The experience of worrying is, at one time or another, something we all go through. I don't mean casual uncertainties either- did they remember I said no tomatoes on my sandwich? Did I pack everything for the trip? Is it going to rain during a birthday party?
Those concerns are usually just thoughts that pass by us in the day. Real worries are things that stick with you for months, sometimes years. We try and think through them, come up with a band-aid solution to buy us some time, or maybe even just stick them in a corner hoping they'll disappear.
In the end though we all must face up to them, armed with a plan to put in place. It might sound simple but ultimately, that's the secret: the sooner you have a plan, the sooner you won't have to deal with the things bothering you.
This week on Retirement 360 with Louisville's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and co-host Tony Vanetti, we're going to be showing our listeners plans to overcome some of the worries we hear about the most. Whether you're wondering what you'll do if your current advisor is about to retire, if you need to be ready to support your parents through retirement, and whether it's possible to overcome market-envy with your risk level in mind-we've got answers!
On the last weekend of the year - Retirement 360 with Louisville's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and host Tony Vanetti, will look back at some of the highlights that earned our greatests responses from listeners like you!
When most people go to the grocery, they don't pick food marked as "suitable". The word "suitable" in and of itself gives off the air of something being just okay-not the worst, but not the best either. We all strive to have the best of whatever we're after in life-we aim for the highest of what we can afford and attain, rather than setting our sights on sub-par quality. For years though, many retirement agencies have just had to abide by something called the "suitability standard". This standard-as I'm sure you can guess-meant that the advisor didn't necessarily have to give you the best advice for you-they only had to give advice that was somewhat okay for you but, more importantly, whatever was the best advice for them. While the recent Department of Labor ruling that all retirement advisors must now follow a fiduciary standard and instead give advice on what is best for the clients instead, questions remain about what this really means for you.
This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana's Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and co-host Tony Vanetti, we'll be going over what a fiduciary really is, and the four major loopholes you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to choosing a financial advisor. While all retirement advisors are now required to follow the fiduciary standard, many are trying to slip fees into contracts with their clients without making it expressly clear to them. Even worse are those who are choosing to become dually registered as following both the suitability clause and fiduciary standards, which means you don't know which rule they're applying to the advice they give you. Making sure you have an advisor who follows a fiduciary standard is paramount to making sure the advice you receive is the best you can get. Joining us will also be Rhonda Day, a vacation expert who will be discussing some of the things retirees need to be on the lookout for when using a travel agent to plan their getaways. Don't miss this week's Retirement 360, to make sure you're staying ahead of the game.