Retirement Matters With Michael Stewart

Just like your iPhone or your computer can become obsolete and need to be replaced, the way that some people think about retirement is obsolete and needs to be replaced. Let’s talk about some outdated ideas that people still cling to. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2020” report is packed with lots of intriguing stats and findings about Americans and how they save for retirement in the crazy year that is 2020 (most of the recent data is technically from 2019 although some figures are current through the Spring of 2020). Let’s look at some of the top takeaways from the study and how you might compare to the “normal” savings behaviors of Americans. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

For some people, the idea of putting together a financial plan doesn’t sound like much fun. But the idea of building a home sounds like a lot of fun. So let’s find the similarities in building a strong financial plan and a dream home. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Many financial issues impact us all the same. But, of course, other challenges have varying impacts from person to person because our situations are all unique. Let’s take a look at some of the financial and retirement challenges that are unique to women. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

It is a life event that can be one of the most difficult things to go through both emotionally and financially. When one spouse dies, the remaining spouse is left to wrestle with a mountain of questions and choices. And although it’s difficult to discuss, proper planning can help make it easier to transition through this major life event. Let’s explore what someone should do in the event of a spouse’s passing, but also some of the pre-planning that can take place. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

There are some financial planning blunders that are interesting to talk about but are quite rare in reality. On the other hand, there are some financial planning mistakes that happen far too often. Let’s talk about the mistakes so many people have made in the past it has made them “classic”. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Will talk about what is going on in the news, answer an email question and see what can we learn about money by exploring some quotes from the great Mark Twain. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

We’ve found that—for a lot of people—what they say and what they do don’t necessarily match. Let’s look at some examples in the financial world where you might be saying one thing, but your behavior indicates something different, and you don’t even realize it. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

This week we provide a positive spin on bear markets. We discuss the differences in a V and a W recovery type and how the three little bears story can correlate to the various bear markets. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

We take a break from the coronavirus conversation to catch up on some email questions sent into the podcast. We also have a brand new name but still with the same great content. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Just a quick note to let you know we're changing the name of the show. We are now the "Retirement Success Blueprint Podcast". You can still expect the same great information and financial guidance as before, just with a fresh coat of paint in the form of a new name. A new episode is in the works and coming to you later this week!

This week, we'll discuss 7 items to think about during these economic times no matter if you are still working or if you've already retired. Since you've got some down time at home while we wait things out, consider re-evaluating these crucial pieces of your financial plan. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

It's time for an update on where we stand with the markets, the economy, and retirement planning as it relates to the Coronavirus pandemic. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Have you ever gotten lost? Not that much fun is it? Well, getting lost in the car or in the woods is a lot like getting lost in retirement planning. Let’s look at the reasons that people get lost, and then how to get back on track... Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

How far out from retirement are you? 15 years? 10? 5? Is it on the doorstep? No matter which stage you’re in, there are some really important things you should be thinking about as you inch closer to that day you call it quits at work. On this episode, we’ll walk through these different stages to see exactly the kinds of things you should be doing from a planning perspective and how your focus changes as you get closer to the big day. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Most people like to think that they always make decisions based on logic and facts, but the truth is that emotions usually play a role for all of us in the decision-making process. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

The idea of a Roth conversion is intriguing to a lot of people, and for some people it can be a great strategy to enact. Let’s explore the concept. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Let’s pretend like building a retirement plan is like running a farm. There are actually some very cool similarities between farming and building a good retirement plan. Let’s explore them on today’s show. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

A lot of financial professionals say things that just aren’t true. And it’s not that they’re intentionally trying to mislead, it’s just that they’ve been trained to use certain talking points, which they might even believe to be true themselves. Let’s talk about the statements you should be cautious of if you hear them from a financial advisor... Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Do you believe you need to be completely debt free to retire successfully? Or are you okay carrying some balances beyond your working years? There are many opinions about the best way to handle debt and retirement planning, so we’ll tackle them all on today’s show. Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092