What if your retirement starts sooner than you anticipated? Many Americans think they'll retire at 65 or later, but studies show the average retirement age is actually 62. From layoffs to health issues to caregiving responsibilities, unexpected events can shift your retirement timeline. And with people living longer than ever, your retirement could last 30+ years. This episode, Liz and Marc break down insights from J.P. Morgan’s Guide to Retirement- including two critical charts that might resha...
Jul 10, 2025•21 min
Almost everyone has made financial mistakes, whether it was listening to bad advice, panicking in a downturn, or investing in products that weren’t fully understood. These setbacks can feel overwhelming, but more than likely, you made the best decision you could at the time with the information you had. In this episode, Liz offers a practical, judgment-free guide for how to overcome financial setbacks and move toward retirement with confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: How...
Jun 26, 2025•15 min
For decades, the 4% rule has been a popular rule of thumb for retirement income planning- withdraw 4% annually from your portfolio, and your money should last 30 years. But now, the original creator of the rule is updating it. What’s changed? And should you change your retirement plan too? Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: The 4% rule is now 4.7%... should you celebrate? Having flexibility and guardrails for your income plan Market cycles, inflation, and risk tolerance: it all matt...
Jun 12, 2025•18 min
How do you decide where to save your next dollar? Are you overlooking the most tax-efficient account available to you? With so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about what makes the most sense. Not every savings option offers the same benefits, and using the right account at the right time may lead to serious tax advantages and long-term flexibility. In today’s episode, Liz breaks down where to consider putting your next dollar—and the dollar after that—based on tax benefits, your ...
May 22, 2025•20 min
Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance, the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation, and how Roth conversions can offe...
May 08, 2025•17 min
Can you really retire when the market is down? Do you have enough stability in your portfolio to weather the storm? In this episode, Liz answers that exact question by walking through the practical steps and mindset shifts that make a confident retirement possible- even in uncertain times. With volatility on the rise and recession concerns growing, more soon-to-be retirees are wondering if their timing is off. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Proactive vs. reactive retirement stra...
Apr 24, 2025•16 min
Since the day he took office, President Trump planned to implement tariffs, and he carried that out last week. The immediate market reaction was very negative. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy over the long term? Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What tariffs are and their historical context How tariffs can raise prices and affect markets The psychology behind panic-selling Smart strategies for managing market uncertainty Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Chann...
Apr 10, 2025•19 min
We’re in the middle of tax season, and you may have heard that annuities can provide tax benefits. Who is that true for, and are there any side effects? Today, we’re going to clear up some of the confusion around the advantages and disadvantages of annuities. Liz will also provide some tips on what you need to know before considering an annuity. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What is an annuity? The different “flavors” of annuities available The advantages and disadvantages of a...
Mar 27, 2025•15 min
Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025- before the year gets away from you. With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. In this episode, we’ll break down the key changes and how you can start planning now to make the most of them. Here’s some of what...
Mar 13, 2025•17 min
Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car (like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. In today’s episode, Liz is going to cover 5 areas that you should review. Here are the warning signs we discuss in today’s show: You have no idea what it costs to fund your lifestyle You’re focused on attaining a certain net worth or account balance Your...
Feb 27, 2025•19 min
If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question Bob, one of our listeners, sent in. He’s got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo. So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they’re probably fine on their own. Here’s...
Feb 13, 2025•18 min
You face risks every day and in every stage of life. But retirees face some unique challenges that are important to talk about and plan for. In today’s episode, Liz and Marc explore the 4 risks unique to retirees, their potential impact on your financial future, and what steps you can take to prepare. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Accumulation vs. decumulation Why the timing of market returns can impact your nest egg in retirement The risk of outliving your savings How tax stra...
Jan 23, 2025•20 min
Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What you’re truly paying for your investments The motivations behind the information you hear on TV The importance of setting realistic financial goals and checking in on them That “one-size-...
Jan 09, 2025•22 min
We all know that rebalancing our portfolio is important, but when should we do it? Is it a December tradition- a January jumpstart? Or should it be triggered by your life changes or a change in the economy? In this episode, Liz dives into the art of rebalancing. From calendar-based strategies to threshold triggers, life events, and market shifts, Liz breaks down the when, why, and how of keeping your portfolio aligned with your goals. Tune in to learn how rebalancing can optimize your investment...
Dec 12, 2024•15 min
Studies show that 70% of families lose their wealth in two generations, and 90% lose it in three. The reasons behind this are varied, but one thing that can help keep a family’s legacy intact is open communication and solid planning. And what better time to start those important conversations than during the holidays? In today’s episode, Liz and Marc will share some key questions to help you have deeper money discussions with your loved ones. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What ...
Nov 21, 2024•17 min
Retirement planning raises a lot of important questions. Have you saved enough? When should you begin collecting Social Security? Is long-term care insurance a wise choice? While these are all essential considerations, it’s not uncommon for other important questions to go unasked. Liz recently came across a blog post that addresses seven crucial questions frequently missed in retirement planning. Join us for today’s discussion as we explore these questions and their potential impact on your reti...
Nov 07, 2024•18 min
Did you know this week is National Retirement Security Week? This is a great time to have a conversation about financial wellness. Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about areas you should pay attention to at every stage, whether you’re far away from retirement, approaching retirement soon, or already retired. L...
Oct 24, 2024•20 min
Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, future, and financial security. Stay tuned as Liz breaks down the history of Social Security, the reasons behind these proposal changes, and the potential long-term effects on individuals born after 1965. Discover how these changes might reshape your retireme...
Oct 10, 2024•19 min
There’s an old saying that goes, “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Yet the only thing certain about taxes is that we’re going to have them and not how much they’re going to be. In today’s episode, we’ll explore a thought-provoking blog post that discusses where to save your money if you’re concerned about future tax rates. Many people believe that deferring taxes now and paying them later- by maxing out your 401(k)- is the best strategy. But is that really the optimal choice g...
Sep 26, 2024•19 min
A retired YouTuber recently created a video that went viral, sharing the top 5 regrets from retirees in their 70s. The video has garnered nearly half a million views, and for good reason. In it, retirees express regrets such as not retiring earlier or missing out on travel opportunities while they were still able. In this video, Liz will talk about these common regrets and discuss how having a comprehensive retirement plan can help you avoid making the same mistakes. Tune in to learn proactive s...
Sep 12, 2024•20 min
In today's episode, we're going to dive into some famous words by the one and only Yogi Berra, inspired by Liz’s recent trip to Fenway Park. You might know him for his legendary baseball career, but Yogi was also a gold mine of wisdom. When we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning. Take Yogi’s quote, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.” It serves as a great reminder that a comprehensive fin...
Aug 29, 2024•18 min
The first week of August might be National Simplify Your Life Week, but one thing that remains complex is managing your IRA and other tax-deferred accounts. These accounts are subject to the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules, which can be confusing to navigate. Fortunately, the IRS recently issued final regulations to help clarify these rules, and in the episode, Liz will cover the main rules you need to know. Listen in as we dive into the important changes brought by the SECURE Act and ...
Aug 08, 2024•20 min
Age is just a number- except for when it comes to retirement planning. In fact, the financial planning process is filled with key milestones that you need to be aware of as you plan for a secure future. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the birthdays you need to pay close attention to. From catch-up contributions at 50 to Medicare at 65, tune in as Liz shares some helpful insights and tips to help you make the most of each milestone. We thought this would be the perfect conversation to have a...
Jul 25, 2024•22 min
As you approach retirement, the complexities surrounding your 401(k) can become overwhelming. Liz gets a lot of questions about 401(k)s and understands how tricky they can be to navigate. That’s why in today’s episode, she’s going to cover some of the biggest 401(k) questions for someone getting ready to retire soon. From understanding catch-up contributions to tax implications, Liz covers numerous factors to ensure a smooth transition into your golden years. With insights on the importance of d...
Jul 11, 2024•20 min
Target date funds were introduced in the mid-1990s as a way to simplify retirement investing. These funds are essentially mutual funds that invest in a mix of other mutual funds, tailored to fit a specific time horizon. While these funds are convenient and offer a “set it and forget it” approach, are they an effective way to get the diversification and growth you need for retirement? In this episode, Liz breaks down the findings of a recent study titled The Unintended Consequences of Investing f...
Jun 20, 2024•19 min
Have you ever wondered what it means to "rebalance" your investment portfolio and why it's important? If so, today's episode is just for you. Liz will explain the ins and outs of rebalancing, including when to do it and how often. Tune in as Liz and Marc discuss why rebalancing is essential for managing portfolio volatility and staying on track with your financial goals. They'll cover everything from how frequently to rebalance to the tax implications and specific considerations for retirees. Pl...
Jun 06, 2024•18 min
Have you heard of the “safe withdrawal rate?” This is a rule of thumb that helps retirees know how much they can safely take from their retirement portfolio. One of the most famous safe withdrawal rates is known as the 4% rule. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about where this rule came from and whether it’s still relevant in today’s environment. During this conversation, we’ll bring in perspectives from well-known financial figures such as Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, and David Blanchett. St...
May 23, 2024•21 min
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress women have achieved in the financial realm over the past century. Despite this, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges for women, and it’s important to recognize the financial hurdles they continue to face. In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender pay gap to the impact of care...
May 09, 2024•20 min
Ever wondered how much you need to retire comfortably in America? According to a recent survey by Northwestern Mutual, the average American believes it's nearly $1.5 million. But where did this figure come from, and is it a reliable benchmark? Join us in today’s episode as we unpack the survey’s findings and share insights into how different generations view retirement savings. We’ll discuss how age, income, and lifestyle shape individual retirement goals and share how you can determine your “ma...
Apr 18, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we’re covering an important aspect of financial planning: preparing your heirs to inherit your wealth. Even if your children have developed solid financial habits, they might not be fully prepared for their role in your legacy plan. Tune in as Liz shares some insightful tips for navigating tricky conversations about money and legacy. Let’s face it – discussing your legacy can feel daunting. But starting to have these conversations sooner rather than later can equip your children...
Apr 04, 2024•17 min
