Retirement Made Simple

Kevin explains research showing financial decision-making peaks around age 53, financial literacy declines about 2% per year after 60, and confidence often doesn’t decline—creating risk in retirement as financial complexity increases and scams become more sophisticated.

Most people calculate their net worth by adding up their 401(k), IRA, and home equity, then subtracting debt. But that number is incomplete — and it might be causing you to spend less, worry more, and make worse retirement decisions than you need to.In this video, I walk you through a better way to calculate your net worth that includes the portfolio equivalency of your Social Security and pension benefits. For the couple in this example, that "hidden" wealth added up to over $1 million — a 72% increase over their traditional net worth.

Someone with $250,000 and someone with $5 million are both watching this video — but their biggest financial risks couldn't be more different. In this video, I break down the 6 levels of retirement wealth (based on Federal Reserve data) and walk through the specific planning priorities at each level.Because the truth is, most retirement advice on YouTube is a scattershot. What works for someone with $500K might be completely wrong for someone with $5 million. Your playbook should match your level.No matter where you sit, ask yourself: Do I have a real income plan? Do I understand my tax picture? Do I have a strategy for long-term care? Is my estate plan current?

In today's episode, Kevin explains why some financial advisors may not tell the full story and shares five signals it may be time to leave: (1) they lead with selling products instead of building a comprehensive plan, (2) they aren’t a fiduciary and their compensation is unclear or commission-based, (3) they avoid tax planning or constantly defer to a CPA on key strategy questions, (4) meetings leave you more confused due to jargon and unnecessary complexity, and (5) they never challenge your assumptions or deliver uncomfortable truths. He gives industry background on how advisor compensation evolved from transaction commissions to product sales to fee-based models, and provides practical steps for switching advisors—transferring accounts in kind without tax consequences, optionally keeping the same custodian, and sending a short, respectful email.

In this episode, Kevin discusses a new type of retirement crisis where despite having sufficient funds and a well-laid financial plan, retirees find themselves feeling worthless and undervalued. He explores the concept of 'mattering span'—how long you continue to feel needed and your life makes a difference—and its crucial role in retirement satisfaction. Kevin shares insights from an enlightening Wall Street Journal article and offers practical strategies to create a fulfilling retirement life beyond just financial planning. Tune in to learn how to plan your mattering span alongside your health and wealth spans, ensuring a holistically satisfying retirement.

Many believe you need millions to retire comfortably, but in this episode, Kevin explains why many retirees are actually better off than they think. Breaking down five key traits of successful retirees—modest spending, being debt-free, having guaranteed income, having solid healthcare, and budget flexibility—Kevin shows how these factors can make a huge difference in retirement planning. He also underscores the importance of individual financial planning and avoiding comparisons driven by media headlines. Check out the video to see if you might be richer than you realize!

In this video, Kevin shares the top 10 habits that make retirees successful and worry-free. Kevin discusses three key habits for building wealth: living below your means, automating savings, and staying invested through market fluctuations. He then covers seven essential habits for protecting and enjoying that wealth: knowing your spending, treating cash as a tool, planning taxes annually, designing income instead of chasing returns, revisiting plans after life changes, making early risk management decisions, and giving your money a purpose. Follow these straightforward, unexciting, but highly effective habits to secure a comfortable and enjoyable retirement. Kevin also offers a downloadable checklist for those considering retirement.

In this video, Kevin highlights the subtle signals that may indicate it's time to retire, inspired by an insightful article from the Wall Street Journal. Kevin discusses the epiphanies and signs, such as feeling numb at work, reluctance to learn new tools, disinterest in promotions, experiencing 'Sunday Scaries,' obsessively checking your 401k, a desire to volunteer, and physical aches and pains. He emphasizes the importance of having clarity and purpose when entering the next chapter of life. If you're contemplating retirement, this episode is essential viewing to help you identify if now is the right time to transition.

In this video, we delve into a recent alarming headline from the Washington Post about the grim financial outlook for Social Security and Medicare. The report from the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees indicates that both programs are running out of funds at an alarming rate, potentially leading to automatic benefit cuts within the next decade. However, headlines often don't tell the whole story. Join me as I break down four major myths surrounding the future of Social Security and discuss potential government solutions to this looming crisis. By the end of this video, you will have a clearer understanding of the current state and future outlook of Social Security, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your retirement. Stay informed, plan ahead, and consider working with a financial advisor to navigate these complexities. ✅ *FREE RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT* ✅ https://www.foundryfinancial.org/retirement-assessment

Thinking about working part-time in retirement? You're not alone! Many retirees choose to keep working for extra income, social connection, or to stay mentally sharp. But a part-time job in retirement looks different than a full-time career. In this video, we explore 8 essential things to consider before diving into a post-retirement job search. We'll cover how to: -Balance your desired lifestyle with work hours. -Leverage your experience and skills for a fulfilling role. -Find a job that fits your physical health and abilities. -Explore flexible work arrangements and remote options. -Consider the financial impact on your retirement income. -Think about the social aspects and potential for new connections. By taking these factors into account, you can find a part-time job that complements your retirement goals and keeps you feeling happy and engaged.

✅ *FREE RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT* ✅ In today's video, we are going to discuss the "5 BIG Purchases Retirees (Almost) Always Regret!" 🛑 Financial mistakes can cause significant stress and uncertainty, especially during the retirement years when income is fixed. If you’re retired or nearing retirement, it’s crucial to make informed decisions to avoid regrets later on. 🔍 We have gathered insights and real-life experiences to compile this must-see list for retirees and future retirees. We’ll explore various big-ticket items and investments that seem enticing but have left many retirees wishing they could turn back time. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn: 1️⃣ The unexpected burdens of buying a new boat 2️⃣ The hidden pitfalls behind building your dream home 🏡 3️⃣ Why investing in an RV may not be the best idea for everyone 🛥️ 4️⃣ The substantial financial and emotional costs of timeshares ⏰ 5️⃣ The reasons some retirees regret giving family money *Schedule a Free Call* // https://foundryfinancial.org/get-started *Private Facebook Group* // http://facebook.com/groups/retirementforum

In this episode, we explore five sources of tax-free retirement income. Understanding these sources can be crucial for minimizing your tax burden during retirement.  In this episode, we'll break down each source, explain its benefits, and guide you on how to potentially incorporate it into your retirement planning.  Whether you're nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this information is essential for a secure financial future. 

Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is a decision that affects millions of retirees. In this episode, we delve deep into a popular question: should you claim Social Security early and invest the money? We'll break down the benefits, potential risks, and key factors to consider. From the impact on your overall retirement savings to market risks, we cover it all! ✅ What we cover:Introduction to how the Social Security benefits work. 📜Real-life scenarios: see the impact of different decisions on hypothetical retirees. 🧑‍🦳👩‍🦳 *Free Retirement Assessment* // https://foundryfinancial.org/get-started *Private Facebook Group* // http://facebook.com/groups/retirementforum

Are you looking for a smart and tax-efficient strategy to boost your retirement income? In today's video, we delve into the powerful concept of utilizing a taxable brokerage account to maximize your tax-free retirement income. ✅ Understanding the concept: We begin by exploring the ins and outs of taxable brokerage accounts and how they can play a crucial role in your retirement plans. By keeping taxable investments in a brokerage account, you gain immense flexibility in generating tax-free retirement income that can significantly impact your financial future. ✅ Utilizing tax-efficient investments: Discover various tax-efficient investment options that align perfectly with your retirement goals. We explain the importance of capital gains taxes, dividends, and other factors in selecting the right investments for your taxable brokerage account. ✅ Long-term estate planning strategies: We delve into long-term tax planning strategies, providing valuable insights on how to navigate tricky tax estate tax laws to your advantage.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of earning an income and receiving social security benefits. Key points covered in this episode: -Case Study: A real-life scenario where a prospect's social security payments were abruptly stopped, leading to confusion and concern. -Understanding Social Security: An in-depth look at the intricacies of claiming social security benefits while working a part-time or full-time job. -Earnings Thresholds: Discussion on the various income thresholds and the penalties that apply when you exceed them. -Q&A Segment: Answers to commonly asked questions about retirement planning, including the impact of a working spouse on your social security benefits, and whether or not you need to report your income to the Social Security Administration. *Free Retirement Assessment* // https://foundryfinancial.org/get-started *Private Facebook Group* // http://facebook.com/groups/retirementforum

Today we are diving deep into one of the most pressing issues concerning retirees: managing taxes and controlling income in retirement. Especially, when those RMDs can cause a significant portion of your social security benefit to be taxed. Another looming issue is the longevity risk, the fear of outlasting benefits which often leads to retirees spending way less during their golden years. However, recent changes in the tax code through the use of a QLAC now provide us with effective tools to tackle both these issues. So, in this episode, we will: -Introduce these recent tax changes -Explain how they work -Illustrate them with a real-life example -Walk you through the pros and cons

Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to maximize your Social Security income? Maximizing Social Security benefits is key to retirement planning. In this video, we'll show you five key steps to ensure you get the most out of your Social Security benefit and we'll tell you exactly how your social security benefit is calculated. From understanding the impact of your claiming age to the role of work history, we'll break down everything you need to know. So, whether you're nearing retirement or planning ahead, these tips will help you make informed decisions. *Get Started Today* // https://www.foundryfinancial.org/get-started *Private Retirement Facebook Group* // http://facebook.com/groups/retirementforum

In this episode of "Retirement Made Simple," we delve into the fascinating world of guaranteed income and its profound impact on retirement spending. We explore why many retirees, despite having sufficient funds, often underspend in their golden years. We discuss the findings of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and how it reveals that households with more wealth in guaranteed income spend significantly more each year than those with more wealth in investments. We also touch on the concept of annuitization and its potential to increase retirement spending. Furthermore, we examine the role of annuities in retirement spending and how shifting non-annuitized wealth into an annuity can lead to increased spending. We also discuss the way annuities are often obsessed to enrich sales people.

In this episode, we dive into a topic that's often misunderstood by investors: Dividends. While many people are attracted by the promise of regular income from dividend-paying stocks, it's not all smooth sailing. Our host explores the five potential pitfalls of dividends: Yield Chasing, Dividends Aren't Guaranteed, Lack of Diversification, Lack of Tax Efficiency, and Significant Risks Carried by Dividends. Through a candid conversation with a client facing these exact problems, we uncover the complexities behind each issue, offering you the insights you need to make well-informed investment decisions. You can find Portfolio Visualizer here. Join us as we continue to demystify the world of retirement planning and investment. Your journey to a simpler retirement starts here.

In today's episode of "Retirement Made Simple", we delve into the world of financial regrets and how you can avoid them as you navigate your journey towards retirement. Our discussion is guided by a recent insightful survey conducted by economists Abigail Hurwitz and Olivia Mitchell, which polled Americans over the age of 50, revealing the top five financial regrets that they have. We take a deep dive into each of these regrets, which range from not saving enough, neglecting to buy long-term-care insurance, wishing they had worked longer, claiming Social Security benefits too early, and not investing enough in lifetime annuities. Each regret uncovers a valuable lesson for our viewers and provides a pathway to avoid similar pitfalls in your own retirement planning. This episode also underscores the fascinating effect of understanding our own longevity on financial regrets. By confronting the reality of how long we are likely to live, we can better plan our retirement and minimize regrets in our golden years.