RETIREMENT MADE EASY

I’ve been helping people plan for their dream retirement for the last 16 years. I’ve nearly heard it all. I’ve had to tell people they can’t retire yet or that they have to save far more than they planned. The people who make these mistakes derail their retirement and jeopardize their success. I detail the top 7 mistakes I see that you’ll regret forever in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy Podcast!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [4:05] Mistake #1: Borrowing from a 401k [8:06] Mistake #2: Planning to work indefinitely [10:37] Mistake #3: Buying a timeshare [12:02] Mistake #4: Delaying saving for retirement [14:33] Mistake #5: Diverting the money to your kids [19:28] Mistake #6: Avoiding investing in the stock market [24:20] Mistake #7: People that relocate on a whim Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning 16 Retirement Mistakes You Will Regret Forever Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

I’ve recorded over 160 episodes since the Retirement Made Easy podcast launched. In this special “Greatest Hits” episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’ll share snippets from the 5 most downloaded episodes. They include some of my best advice for navigating retirement preparation, so you can live out the retirement of your dreams.  Have an idea for a future episode topic? Do you have a question you need answered? Feel free to submit your questions to me at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [0:33] The 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2023 [3:21] Episode #5: 5 Ways to Prepare for Retirement, Ep #154 [7:31] Episode #4: What Social Security Isn’t Telling You, Ep #150 [12:30] Episode #3: The Level of Detail Required in a Great Retirement Plan, Ep #145 [18:56] Episode #2: The Basics of Managing Your Retirement Income, Ep #143 [28:35] Episode #1: How Saving for Retirement May Change in 2024, Ep #146 Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Do election years impact the stock market? If so, how? We know that election years introduce a rollercoaster of emotions for a variety of reasons. Those emotions tend to influence the stock market and the decisions individual investors make. So in this episode of Retirement Made Easy, I’ll share how the market responds to election years—and what you should do about it.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:00] Head to RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com!  [2:53] Election years are a roller-coaster ride of emotions  [7:58] The presidential cycles and the stock market [11:36] How the stock market performed during each term [12:55] You can’t speculate on what will happen in the market Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Presidents and the Stock Market How Presidential Elections Affect the Stock Market Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

In this special episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I revisit some of the most commonly asked—and popular—questions from 2023. We’ll tackle everything from capital gains tax to tax mapping for my clients. As tax-filing season comes to an end, these are some important things to keep in mind. Give it a listen!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:33] Question #1: How does a capital gains tax work?  [3:39] Question #2: Did contribution limits increase? [5:20] Question #3: How does the gift tax exclusion work? [8:09] Question #4: How do you convert a beneficiary IRA? [11:52] Question #5: How does tax mapping work for my clients? Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What factors go into the social security claiming decision? How do strategies differ based on your age, health, and marital status? Where do you even start? Social security planning is often neglected—or at the very least not given the attention it deserves.  In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I hope to start the conversation about Social Security claiming strategies. I want each of you to be able to make an informed decision with your financial planner. Hit the play button to learn more!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:57] Social security planning can’t be neglected [5:10] Claiming strategies for single people  [8:51] Claiming strategies for people still working [12:19] The break-even analysis [16:13] Claiming strategies for married people  [20:32] The answer isn’t black and white Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Scotty Kilmer on YouTube Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What happens if you start collecting Social Security payments but feel like you’ve made a mistake or taken it too early? Did you know that you can stop or suspend the benefits? Secondly, when you start collecting Social Security there’s an option for a lump-sum payment. Learn more about this little-known Social Security strategy in this episode of Retirement Made Easy! And as a bonus, I’ll answer three listener questions!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:08] Submit a question at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! [6:19] Using Subsidies for Retirement Plans to Fix Social Security [12:45] Social Security withdrawal options  [15:26] Social Security’s lump-sum option  [17:36] Listener Question #1: Should I roll a 403B into an IRA? [21:25] Listener Question #2: Should I roll over my 401k at 57? [24:50] Listener Question #3: How does disability work with life insurance?  Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning The Case for Using Subsidies for Retirement Plans to Fix Social Security Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Most “Top 10 Mistakes You’re Making in Retirement” articles are vague, mostly common sense, and of little use to their readers. And when you read these articles, you have to consider the source. A bank is never going to tell you that having debt in your retirement is a mistake because they want to sell you loans! I wanted to share mistakes that I see every single day working in my firm—mistakes that you won’t find in most articles. 90% of our clients are 55 and older working toward their dream retirement. I’ve seen it all. So in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy Podcast, I’ll cover 10 retirement planning mistakes you need to think about.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:41] Ask me questions at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! [2:45] Mistakes to avoid making in retirement [6:08] Mistake #1: Not accounting for an early retirement [8:39] Mistake #2: Neglecting planning for healthcare [9:30] Mistake #3: Not understanding the impact of inflation [10:40] Mistake #4: Neglecting tax planning  [12:02] Mistake #5: Not understanding Social Security  [13:30] Mistake #6: Failing to address long-term care expenses [15:06] Mistake #7: Forgetting about the big ticket items in retirement [18:40] Mistake #8: Not understanding how your money helps you reach goals [20:43] Mistake #9: Not having your goals written down [22:25] Mistake #10: Not understanding sequence of return risk Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning 16 Retirement Mistakes You Will Regret Forever J.P. Morgan 2023 Guide to Retirement Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube   Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What are required minimum distributions (RMDs)? How will they impact you? How do we account for them? Too many financial advisors neglect to help their clients plan for RMDs. I am not one of them. I cover the basics that you need to know in this episode of Retirement Made Easy.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:54] Carefully choose the people you take advice from [5:29] Something you need to know about 401ks [9:47] The basics of required minimum distributions [13:28] Why you want to work with a professional [15:22] The various ways you can take distributions  [19:07] Know that the time is coming and plan for it [20:46] RMDs for inherited accounts are different Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning 2024 Tax Guide RMD Calculator Qualified Charitable Distribution Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Let’s wrap up 2023—and kick off 2024—with another round of your questions, answered! In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’ll answer six listener questions, covering everything from how severance pay is taxed to how the pop-up feature on pensions work. I’ll also share my thoughts on what 2024 has in store. Give it a listen! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:07] Question #1: What happens to unvested 401k money? [5:31] Question #2: How is severance pay taxed? [7:38] Question #3: What is the outlook for 2024? [12:22] Question #4: What is the pop-up feature on pensions? [16:06] Question #5: How do you convert a beneficiary IRA? [19:48] Question #6: How does tax mapping work for my clients? Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning LPL Financial 2024 Outlook Report Fidelity 2024 Stock Market Outlook Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube   Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What are 5 ways you can prepare for retirement? Why can actively managed funds be risky in retirement? How does a divorce impact your social security? In the last two episodes of 2023, I plan on answering some amazing listener questions, including these. Listen to this episode of Retirement Made Easy for some rapid-fire answers to your questions.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:40] Question #1: 5 Ways to prepare for retirement [7:02] Question #2: The risks of actively managed funds  [10:56] Question #3: Customer service should be top priority [12:44] Question #4: How does a divorce impact social security? [15:41] Question #5: Should I work with Fisher Investments? [16:13] Question #6: How to pay for long-term care Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

I’ve received numerous questions all running along the same theme: Are we heading into a recession? What would it mean for the stock market moving forward? How will it impact your retirement? Many of you are concerned that we’ll be entering a recession in 2024. In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’ll cover what a recession is, the trends we’re seeing, and what the stock market teaches us about investing. Don’t miss it! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [0:43] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! [3:02] Are we on the verge of a recession?  [6:36] What the stock market teaches us about investing [11:34] Contributions toward Roth IRAs and 401ks in 2024 Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning ERISA Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube   Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Are you on the same page as your spouse when it comes to retirement planning? Do you both understand your retirement plan? Even if one of you handles the finances, both of you need to understand the ins and outs of your retirement plan. It’s inherently important. How do we develop a plan that everyone understands that makes sense? That’s what I’ll cover in this episode of Retirement Made Easy.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [4:21] Why your spouse needs to be involved in retirement planning [6:36] Why you need to understand your retirement plan [8:10] How to keep your uninterested spouse engaged  [15:06] Question #1: Should you build an expected inheritance into your plan? [19:25] Question #2: How can you calculate costs in retirement?  Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What could go wrong in retirement? What if the “what-ifs” become realities? How will it impact your 30-year retirement? We don’t know what the future holds which is why it’s important to think about the variables. There will be things outside your control but you can reduce risks by taking retirement planning seriously.  No one plans on “failing” at retirement but many people fail to plan ahead of time. But the choices you make will have long-lasting implications. You need a game plan in place. In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, I talk about some of the “what-ifs” and what you can do about them.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [4:59] My biggest recommendation [5:53] Why a nonchalant mindset makes me anxious  [8:10] What if you’re overly concentrated in a single stock? [10:51] What if you overspend during retirement? [15:22] What if you waste money on something you “want?” [18:13] What if you accidentally trap your money?  [20:26] The importance of identifying the what-ifs Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Social Security isn’t likely intentionally misleading us but they are leaving out some details that every person contemplating retirement needs to know. Social Security announced the cost of living adjustment for 2024: 3.2%. This will go into effect 1/1/2024. However, your benefit won’t likely go up the full 3.2%. Why? I’ll share the answer in this episode of Retirement Made Easy.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:48] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! [2:47] The cost of living adjustment and Medicare Part B [10:03] Social Security benefits will be cut [15:04] Social Security benefits won’t likely cover monthly expenses Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning The Consumer Price Index Voluntary Withholding Request Social Security’s COLA for 2024 is 3.2% SSA.gov Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube   Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What is the assumed life expectancy for retirement? What accounts can you open for your grandchildren? Should everyone follow the 60/40 rule? The questions have been rolling in! So in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’ll answer some questions and give you a starting place for a conversation with your retirement planner.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [3:09] Question #1: What is the assumed life expectancy for retirement? [6:22] Question #2: Why not follow the 60/40 rule for investments? [12:01] Question #3: Should you use numerous professionals—or one? [15:38] Question #4: What accounts can you open for grandchildren? Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Where do you want your assets to go when you’re no longer here? I know it may seem morbid, but this is an important part of retirement planning that most people neglect. But the heart of the matter is your family. What do you want to leave behind? Or do you want to leave money to your favorite charities?  Doing what I do for a living, I have these tough conversations every day. It’s my job to make recommendations to make sure your wishes are carried out seamlessly and tax-efficiently. In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I share the story of a couple who thought they had a great plan—until I started asking questions.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [3:07] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com! [3:51] Setting the stage: An 18-year-old plan [8:43] Splitting the retirement accounts  [12:10] Splitting a home equally [14:44] Beneficiary planning for four children Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

In 2019, there were 61.5 million people on Medicare. By 2027, it’s estimated that 75 million Americans will be on Medicare. That’s just four years from now. The #1 reason that people push off retirement is because health insurance is too expensive. Do you know what you’ll be paying for health insurance when you retire and get on Medicare? Medicare is multi-faceted. It can be complicated to understand. So in this episode of Retirement Made Easy, I’ll break down the very basics of Medicare planning to help you make a more informed decision about your retirement.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [3:47] Submit a question at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com [6:05] Understanding the basics of Medicare Part A & B [8:28] Calculating your Medicare Part B premium  [11:59] Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement [14:48] Medicare Part D: Prescription drugs  [15:44] How do you choose the right plan? [18:01] Make Medicare planning part of retirement planning Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

How will things change for those saving for retirement in 2024? What is the estimated cost of living adjustment going to be? Do you think you’re on track for a comfortable retirement? These are the questions I discuss in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast. If you’re planning for your dream retirement, these are things you need to know. Don’t miss it!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [1:37] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com [2:20] Changes to the catch-up contribution in 2024 [8:50] How much should you save for retirement? [12:45] The estimated cost of living adjustment for 2023 [14:06] Are you on track for retirement?  Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Ed Slott High-income retirement savers may have to pay tax now on catch-up contributions. Eventually. T. Rowe Price Says You Need This Much Saved For Retirement Based on Your Income Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2024 Could Be 3.1% Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

What will make or break your retirement plan? What makes a plan weak or unrealistic? What needs to be factored into the overall strategy? How do we build a great retirement plan? A retirement plan isn’t just reviewing your investment statements. A far greater level of detail is required to make sure your dream retirement isn’t just a dream—but a reality. So in this episode of Retirement Made Easy, I share a high-level overview of what we do to build a great retirement plan.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [2:16] Why it’s time to build/update your retirement plan [7:47] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com [10:06] Addressing health insurance in retirement [13:48] Do you want to earmark funds for travel?  [14:27] What are your goals and objectives? [16:22] Factoring inflation into your retirement plan [18:08] Your retirement plan needs to be customized to you [19:56] Do your investments align with your goals? [21:00] Where is your income coming from? [22:14] Making your retirement plan tax-efficient [23:25] Legacy, estate, and beneficiary planning Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning The Retirement Story Everyone NEEDS to Hear, Ep #6  Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Can you convert a beneficiary IRA to a Roth IRA? Can you roll a 401k into a 403B? What about alternative investments—are they worth the risk? The questions have been rolling in, so in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’m tackling some of the most asked questions I’ve received. Don’t miss it!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [4:19] Question #1: Can you convert an inherited IRA to a Roth IRA? [7:44] Question #2: Can you roll a 401k into a 403B? [12:45] Question #3: Are alternative investments risky? [15:49] Question #4: When do survivor benefits begin? [18:51] Question #5: Can a non-working spouse contribute to a Roth IRA? [20:38] Question #6: How does the gift tax exclusion work? Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Atomic Habits by James Clear Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg@RetireSTL.com  Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com Follow Gregg on LinkedIn Follow Gregg on Facebook Follow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts