Retire Wise

Curious about the ins and outs of retirement living? You're in the right place. Hosted by David Ammons, each episode features insightful discussions with industry experts, residents, and families, providing a comprehensive view of what it means to retire well. Retirement is a personal journey, and no two paths are alike. No matter where you are in your journey, Retire Wise offers the tools and perspectives you need to craft your ideal retirement lifestyle. Brought to you by Retirement Living Associates and Retirement Resource Guide.

Choosing the Right Retirement Community - Interview with Tom Akins

Today on Retire Wise, David Ammons talks with Tom Akins about the journey on choosing the right retirement community that fits you or your parents' specific needs. Retirement communities come in a variety of styles and not all communities may fit all people. Just like visiting a college campus, Tom and David talk about the importance of visiting each community because marketing may not give the whole picture. This is episode 20 of the Retire Wise podcast.https://www.leadingagenc.org/https://rlainc.com⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

12-04
14:34

Giving Safely to Family and Charities During the Holiday Season - Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State

Today on Retire Wise, Elaine Marshall joins us again to talk about safely giving during the holiday season. She speaks on advice for avoiding counterfeit goods when looking for toys, designer bags and other trending items. In addition to physical presents, giving to charity is also popular this time of year but some charities are better than others when it comes to putting your donations to good use. Elaine Marshall uses her 27 years of experience in the Secretary of State office to offer advice on choosing the right charities that use a higher percentage of money for causes and less for administration. https://www.sosnc.govhttps://rlainc.com⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

11-24
18:12

Government Help for Retirees in North Carolina - Interview with Mary Bethel

Today on Retire Wise, David Costner interviews Mary Bethel about some of the government options for saving for retirement. Mary Bethel goes over a variety of current and future plans for helping retirees save more effectively, including reducing property taxes and offering government savings programs. This is episode 18 of the Retire Wise podcasthttps://nccoalitiononaging.org/https://rlainc.com⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

10-27
18:05

The Missing Middle - Affordability Crisis in Senior Living - David Segmiller

Today on Retire Wise, David Costner interviews David Segmiller about his take on how affordability is effecting new residents' choices in where they retire. David Segmiller explains how some retirement communities are innovating to provide the best care possible to residents without expanding costs to the point of pricing middle class families out. This is episode 17 of Retire Wisehttps://jmtarchitecture.com/⁠⁠https://rlainc.com⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/

10-13
17:57

Retirement Planning for the Modern Era - Perry Aycock

Today on Retire Wise, David Ammons talks with Perry Aycock about how the landscape is changing when it comes to retirement planning. As demand increases for retirement services, new programs and opportunities are becoming important for communities like The Cedars. These programs allow for more residents to take advantage of the great services offered at communities like The Cedars without the cost and time commitment of building more occupancy. This is episode 16 of the Retire Wise podcast with David Ammonshttps://www.cedarsofchapelhill.com/⁠⁠⁠https://rlainc.com⁠⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

09-29
15:21

Beneficial Changes Post-Covid for Retirees - Steve Fleming

In this Retire Wise episode, Steve Fleming, Co-CEO of Kintura, reflects on positive changes that can be contributed in part to Covid. Strong demand for retirement communities stems from both changing demographics and consumer appreciation for a healthy lifestyle. Challenges that peaked during Covid, such as staffing availability and costs increases, have since largely stabilized. However, innovative methods intended to navigate those challenges created solutions that still benefit both staff and residents.This is episode 15 of the Retire Wise podcast with David Ammons⁠⁠https://www.kintura.org/⁠⁠https://rlainc.com⁠⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

09-12
18:56

The Importance of People in the Retirement Industry - Andrew Applegate

Today on Retire Wise, we talk with Andrew Applegate, President and CEO of Arbor Acres about the importance of people in the day to day operation of a retirement community. From resident involvement to employee empowerment, Andrew discusses how people have left a continuing legacy of success at Arbor Acres over the last 40+ years. This is episode 14 of the Retire Wise podcast with David Ammonshttps://www.arboracres.org/⁠https://rlainc.com⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com

08-28
25:09

Exploring Kisco's Retirement Travel Programs - Jody Clayton

Today on Retire Wise, we talk with Jody Clayton of Heritage Greens and Kisco about the benefits of travel for retirees. Heritage Greens plans vacations for their residents including the Bahamas and Charleston South Carolina where residents get to fully enjoy traveling with the security of having trained Kisco staff along to meet their day to day needs. This is episode 14 of the Retire Wise podcast with David Ammonshttps://www.kiscoseniorliving.com/senior-living/nc/greensboro/heritage-greens/https://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/

08-18
20:02

Lifelong Learning Opportunities and the Study of Gerontology - Dr. Elise Eifert

Today on the Retire Wise podcast, we talk with Dr. Elise Eifert about continuing education opportunities available to seniors. We also discuss the study of aging, known as gerontology. Dr. Eifert is an Associate Professor at UNC Greensboro, and serves as both the Graduate Gerontology Program Coordinator and the Lifelong Learning Director.A variety of programs and special classes are available through the Emeritus Society and UNCG to seniors and other adult learners. There are also opportunities to audit college classes for free available to NC residents age 65 or older through the Senior Citizen Audit Program.UNC-G has both an undergraduate Minor in Gerontology and a Master of Science in Gerontology. This growing and diverse field is ripe with career opportunities, especially in North Carolina.Episode 12 of Retire Wisehttps://gerontology.uncg.edu/gerontology/lifelong-learning/https://spartanstrategiesinc.org/https://rlainc.comhttps://www.retirementresourceguide.com/

08-04
14:18

How Baby Boomers are Changing Senior Living Design with David Segmiller

Today on Retire Wise, we return to the 2025 Legacy Conference with David Coster to speak with David Segmiller. Baby Boomers are redefining the wants and needs in the retirement industry resulting in big changes to the programs offered at retirement communities. Dealing with the influx of new residents and offering new services is key to providing all levels of care . Episode 11 of Retire Wisehttps://jmtarchitecture.com/https://rlainc.comhttps://www.retirementresourceguide.com/

07-21
13:59

Resident Leadership In CCRCs - Kevin McLeod of Carolina Meadows

Today on Retire Wise, David Ammons interviews the President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina Meadows Kevin McLeod. In this episode Kevin describes how residents play a key role in not just living in the community, but also choosing how active they are in making decisions for the future of Carolina Meadows. Kevin also speaks to options the residents have before moving to the community and how future residents can become active community members during the waitlist process. Episode 10 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://carolinameadows.org/https://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/

06-23
21:45

How In-House Primary Care Works featuring Adrienne Averette of NC Eldercare

Host David Coster interviews Adrienne Averette to discuss how in-house care with NC Eldercare works as an alternative to going to a primary care provider. This service brings healthcare services right to residents' living areas inside CCRCs. This episode was shot at the Leading Age conference in 2025. Episode 9 of Retire Wise with David Coster⁠https://rlainc.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/⁠https://nceldercare.org/

06-09
05:44

How Retirees Preferences are Changing in CCRCs with Steve Fleming

Host David Ammons talks with Steve Fleming, co-CEO of Kintura (formerly CEO of Well•Spring, now part of Kintura), who shares what is changing in CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities) when it comes to services and amenities. Everything from theaters to dining are changing from the previous generation, resulting in brand new opportunities for current and future residents in these communities. Episode 8 of Retire Wise with David Ammons⁠https://rlainc.com/⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://www.kintura.org/

05-21
17:23

Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State - New Tools Combat Counterfeits

Host David Ammons talks again with Elaine Marshall, the North Carolina Secretary of State. In this episode, they discuss notary functions, the importance of having advanced healthcare directives, and the complexities and abuses with trademarks. Join the conversation as they talk about some counterfeit trademark products that affect the retirement community – like prescription medicines and medical devices – and share a convenient government resource retirees can use to protect themselves against fraud.This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 7 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://sosnc.gov

05-05
22:34

Perry Aycock - Exploring Entry Models of Retirement Communities

In this episode, David Ammons speaks with Perry Aycock, President of The Cedars of Chapel Hill, about the variety of entry models available in retirement communities. They explore the benefits of the various models–rental, equity, entrance fee, and hybrid–as well as how they may appeal to different types of retirees. As they stroll the beautiful grounds of The Cedars of Chapel Hill, they discuss how relocation, age of retirement, and healthcare considerations all factor into the changing landscape of retirement.This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 6 of Retire Wise with David Ammons⁠⁠https://rlainc.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.retirementresourceguide.com⁠⁠https://www.cedarsofchapelhill.com/

04-22
17:26

Tom Akins, Championing The Needs of Aging North Carolinians

In this episode, host David Ammons talks with Tom Akins, the President and CEO of LeadingAge North Carolina, an association for retirement communities across the state. North Carolina continues to top the list of states where people choose to move and to retire and LeadingAge North Carolina helps retirement communities plan for future growth. Join Ammons and Akins as they discuss how LeadingAge North Carolina – through innovation, education, and collaboration – advocates for the needs of aging North Carolinians.This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 5 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.comhttps://www.leadingagenc.org

04-07
17:13

Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State - Protect Against Financial Fraud and Scams

In this episode, our host David Ammons talks with Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State. They discuss various types of securities, charity, and investment schemes that retirees need to be aware of, and how to protect against them. Join the conversation as they explore particular areas of vulnerability within the retirement community, point to common signs of a fraud, and offer practical tips to avoid being scammed. This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 4 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://sosnc.gov

03-24
20:48

Mason Williams -- Developing a Beautiful Environment That Maximizes Wellness

In this episode, our host David Ammons speaks with Mason Williams of Springmoor Life Care Community. Join them as they walk throughout the expansive grounds at Springmoor, discussing the beautiful outdoor spaces and amenities that not only create a pleasant environment, but also maximize the wellness of its residents. This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 3 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://springmoor.org/

03-10
14:58

Chaplain Phyllis Mayo -- Creating a Place Where People Love and Care for Each Other

In this episode, our host David Ammons sits down with Chaplain Phyllis Mayo of Springmoor Life Care Community. They talk about her role at Springmoor and the varied services she provides to residents, which go well beyond religious or spiritual needs. Join the conversation as they explore the many facets of creating a place where people love and care for each other. This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates. Episode 2 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://springmoor.org/

02-25
21:44

Kyle Dilday: Building a Strong Retirement Community

Join us as we launch Retire Wise; a brand new podcast focused on retirement planning. Meet our host David Ammons as he interviews one of the executives of Springmoor Life Care Community Kyle Dilday. Listen to what has changed over the last 30+ years in not only how communities are run, but also the residents themselves over the generations.This podcast is a production of Retirement Resource Guide partnered with Retirement Living Associates.Episode 1 of Retire Wise with David Ammonshttps://rlainc.com/https://www.retirementresourceguide.com/https://springmoor.org/

02-10
14:08

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