Most people heading into retirement think they've got it covered: a pension, some savings, maybe Social Security. But what if the things they're counting on are either misunderstood or dangerously overestimated? This episode sheds light on a few hard-hitting truths that most folks never hear until it's too late. Retirement income isn't just about how much you have, it's about how that income behaves over time, and how taxes, inflation, and planning gaps quietly erode the security you thought you had.

As I walk through the mechanics of Social Security, from its inflation adjustments to its unique tax advantages, you'll begin to see why it's not just another income stream. It's one of the only sources designed to rise with the cost of living. Contrast that with private pensions, which often never grow a penny, and you've got a ticking time bomb if you're relying too heavily on the wrong source. And then there's the planning itself: too many households have just one person steering the ship. That "key man risk" can leave the entire plan vulnerable.

Whether you're married, single, or retired, this episode pushes you to ask the uncomfortable but necessary questions: Who's my co-pilot? Am I building a plan around stable, tax-smart income? And have I surrounded myself with people who will actually support the goals I've set? Because retirement isn't just about having a plan, it's about having the right one, built on the right truths.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (00:00 ) The overlooked truths about your retirement.
• (01:30 ) Social Security as the foundation of most people's retirement income.
• (03:00 ) What most people miss about Social Security's inflation adjustments.
• (06:00 ) Why Social Security's tax treatment beats other income sources.
• (08:59 ) The overlooked downside of fixed pensions in a rising-cost world.
• (14:25 ) The real risk of planning retirement without a financial "co-pilot."
• (19:10 ) Why you should only share retirement goals with supportive people.

Resources & People Mentioned

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• https://www.ssa.gov
• https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras 

Connect With Gregg Gonzalez

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
• Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
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• Follow Gregg on YouTube

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