Retirement planning should feel empowering—not overwhelming. But what happens when you’re faced with a maze of options, perplexing pension choices, and high-stakes decisions that keep you up at night? In this episode, John and April unravel the complexities of retirement planning for Florida Retirement System (FRS) members—making it clearer, simpler, and surprisingly fun. You’ll discover… The story of two retirement decisions in one family—and how one choice changed everything for decades. Why D...
Jul 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 111
Think you’ll pay less in taxes when you retire? Think again. Discover why tax diversification might be the secret to keeping more of your money in retirement—and why most people get it wrong. In this episode, April Schoen unravels the surprisingly complex world of taxes in retirement and reveals actionable strategies for tax-efficient retirement planning. You’ll discover… A common retirement tax mistake that could cost you thousands Why your retirement income might be higher—and more taxable—tha...
Jun 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 110
Navigating the intricacies of Social Security can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle... But what if you had expert guides to help secure your financial future? In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen explore the vital aspects of Social Security retirement benefits, offering insights on how to maximize them for a secure retirement amidst the backdrop of economic uncertainties. In this episode, you’ll discover… The impact of demographic shifts on the sustainability of Social Security Stra...
May 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 109
Life insurance might not be the most exciting topic, but what if it was the secret ingredient to securing your financial future and living your best life? In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen dive deep into the transformative power of whole life insurance and reveal how it can be an essential financial tool for building and safeguarding wealth. You’ll discover… Why most people, including sellers, misunderstand life insurance. The surprising ways whole life insurance can benefit you while...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min•Ep. 108
Retirement is not without its challenges... What are the key financial risks and how can you safeguard your future? In this episode, hosts April Schoen and John Curry unravel the top five financial risks in retirement, and share insights on how to effectively manage and reduce them for a secure future. You’ll discover: The surprising impact longevity can have on your financial security. Why traditional financial planning may not be enough for your retirement. How market volatility could be a hid...
Apr 09, 2025•58 min•Ep. 107
Retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, but what happens when life's unexpected events disrupt your plans? In this episode, April Schoen guides you through crucial strategies to financially prepare for unexpected retirement events. In this episode, you’ll discover: The real-life impact of health-related surprises and how to plan for them. Why diversifying income sources is essential for retirement stability. How to leverage whole life insurance for financial flexibility. Strategies to...
Feb 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 106
Taxes might be daunting, but mastering them can mean thousands more for your golden years! In this essential episode, April Schoen dives deep into tax strategies specifically designed for Florida Retirement System (FRS) members. Discover how expert tax planning could unlock more wealth and flexibility than you ever imagined for your retirement. You’ll discover: Why tax planning is the key to more after-tax income in your retirement. How different types of accounts—tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-...
Jan 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 105
In this episode, April Schoen dives deep into the secrets of setting meaningful financial goals for the new year to guide you towards a secure and prosperous 2025. In this episode, you’ll discover… The pivotal role of the SMART framework in financial planning Unique strategies for building a robust emergency fund Methods to maximize your retirement contributions effectively Insights into tackling high-interest debt with precision Practical tips for creating a balanced investment portfolio...
Jan 22, 2025•26 min•Ep. 104
How can a simple program supercharge your retirement income strategy? In this episode, April Schoen breaks down the intricacies of DROP, The Deferred Retirement Option Program, and its latest updates impacting your financial future. In this episode, you’ll discover… The enticing benefits that make the DROP program a game-changer. Key eligibility changes in 2023 that could affect your retirement timeline. Various pension options within DROP and how they cater to different retirement goals. The si...
Nov 27, 2024•29 min•Ep. 103
Retirement planning can be confusing and filled with misinformation. How can you ensure you're making the best choices for your future? In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen, tackle the common questions and misconceptions about the Florida Retirement System (FRS) that many employees face. You’ll discover… A surprising truth about why some employees might opt for the Investment Plan over the Pension Plan. The critical differences in vesting periods that could impact your retirement plans. ...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 102
Retirement isn't just about building a nest egg—it's about crafting a balanced, fulfilling life. Dive into a conversation that goes beyond the numbers. In this episode, John and April uncover the holistic approach to retirement planning that goes far beyond financial savings. You’ll discover… Why retirement planning involves much more than just accumulating wealth Four essential areas to focus on for a balanced retirement How to identify your personal retirement needs and goals A unique approach...
Nov 06, 2024•39 min•Ep. 101
Planning your retirement can be a maze, but knowing when to claim your Social Security benefits might just be the key to unlocking a secure future. Ready to make the most pivotal decision of your retirement journey? In this episode, April Schoen, dives into the intricacies of Social Security, outlining strategies to ensure your golden years are actually golden. You’ll discover… How to determine if you and your spouse qualify for Social Security benefits. Various timing strategies for claiming yo...
Oct 23, 2024•27 min•Ep. 100
Retirement planning can be overwhelming, but what if you could uncover strategies to secure a steady income and live stress-free? In this episode, April Schoen dives deep into various strategies to maximize your retirement income and ensure financial stability. You’ll discover… The key factors influencing the timing and strategy of claiming Social Security benefits. Different pension options and the impact of your choices on long-term financial health. Strategies to transform your retirement inv...
Oct 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 99
Drowning in paperwork and unsure how long to keep important documents? Don't let the clutter consume you! Learn the secrets to organizing your financial life and gain peace of mind. In this episode, Erika Bell, owner of Organize with E, shares her expertise on how to effectively manage paperwork, digitize documents, and communicate crucial information to loved ones. In this episode, you'll discover… A surprising tip for conquering the overwhelming feeling of paperwork buildup The key to creating...
Aug 28, 2024•48 min•Ep. 98
Are you truly ready for retirement, or are you headed for a retirement disaster? In this episode, April Schoen and Matthew Wallat share their insights on creating a comprehensive retirement plan to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a worry-free retirement. In this episode, you'll discover… The surprising similarity between an adventurous trip and retirement planning The crucial step that brings relief and excitement to clients nearing retirement How to adjust your investment strategy as you appro...
Aug 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 97
Retirement planning can feel like a daunting jigsaw puzzle—where do you even begin? Discover the secrets to securing your financial future and achieving a lifestyle of freedom and fulfillment! In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen unravel the complexities of retirement planning for FRS members and beyond. Get insights into making informed and strategic decisions that ensure peace and stability in your golden years. In this episode, you’ll discover... How to create a clear vision for your ...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 96
Are you making the right moves to secure your financial future? In this episode, April Schoen delves deep into how to construct a bulletproof retirement framework aimed at ensuring you won't outlive your money. In this episode, you’ll discover… The critical element you might be missing in your retirement spending plan. How to identify potential income gaps before it’s too late. The role of regular reviews and adjustments in a dynamic retirement plan. Why a retirement rehearsal could be the key t...
Jul 31, 2024•33 min•Ep. 95
In this episode, April Schoen and John Curry dive deep into one of the crucial components of retirement planning: Social Security. They explore the significance of timing your Social Security benefits and how it impacts lifelong income, offering expert insights into making the most informed decisions. They’ll cover: Why the decision of when to take Social Security is critical and how it affects your and your spouse's financial security throughout retirement The implications of early or delayed b...
May 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 94
Welcome to another episode of "Ask April" on The Secure Retirement podcast. Today's episode is essential for anyone with questions about life insurance, its benefits beyond death benefits, and its role in ensuring financial security for you and your family. We'll be discussing real-life applications of life insurance at different stages of life, demystifying term and permanent life insurance, and exploring how to tailor life insurance to fit your current life stage. We’ll cover: Understanding th...
May 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 93
In this episode, April and John dive into the critical financial risks that individuals face as they approach or navigate through retirement, and share valuable strategies to avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a secure retirement. Listen to learn: The top five financial risks individuals face in retirement The problem with traditional retirement planning methods Effective strategies to mitigate risks associated with market volatility, inflation, taxes, healthcare costs, and longevity How to build a ...
Apr 17, 2024•48 min•Ep. 92
Navigate through retirement with confidence as April Schoen addresses the silent thief, inflation, revealing strategies to protect your financial future. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into understanding inflation and its impact on your retirement dreams. Unpack the essentials of inflation and its direct impact on your retirement savings. Discover historical perspectives on inflation to better understand its cyclical nature. Explore strategic ways to combat inflation, from guaranteed income st...
Mar 06, 2024•31 min•Ep. 91
Feeling overwhelmed by Social Security decisions for your retirement? Unravel the complexities of this critical component of retirement planning in today's episode. Join me, your guide in the maze of retirement planning, as I illuminate the often puzzling world of Social Security. From timing your benefits to understanding the system's history and strategizing for maximum returns, I offer a wealth of knowledge to help secure your financial future. Discover when to ideally start your Social Secur...
Feb 07, 2024•22 min•Ep. 90
How do you weather the storm during a financial crisis?—and not just weather the storm, but come out stronger? In this podcast, we show you how to prepare for a financial crisis, with actionable steps that allow you to face whatever comes your way. We’ll cover: The essential elements of financial resilience The early warning signs of a financial crisis Creating a comprehensive financial plan Emergency fund essentials Protecting your investments and retirement accounts And more...
Jan 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 89
It’s the New Year Financial Kickoff… In this edition of Ask April, I will help you launch your financial year and set you on a path toward your goals. I’ll cover: Setting your financial aspirations for 2024 Building this year’s spending plan Debt paydown strategies Why your investments should align with your dreams And more
Jan 03, 2024•23 min•Ep. 88
What can you do at the end of the year to set yourself up for financial success in 2024? In this edition of Ask April, I share a year-end checklist to help you start the new year on track toward your financial goals. I’ll cover: Why is an end-of-year financial review important? Setting goals for the next 3 years Assessing your spending plan Evaluating your investments Building a financial safety net And more...
Dec 20, 2023•23 min•Ep. 87
“How much should I save for retirement?” “When should I go into DROP?” “What about inflation?” If you’re preparing for retirement, chances are these questions have been swirling around your head… In this episode, guest host Steve Gordon asks us the most common questions about the Florida Retirement System. With decades of combined expertise, we have helped countless people answer these questions and plan for secure retirements. We cover: Is there a “magic number” to save for retirement? Recent c...
Dec 06, 2023•46 min•Ep. 86
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about what’s going on with the economy… Many people are wondering if we’re headed for a recession—and what they can do to prepare if we are. The good news is that even if we face economic uncertainty, it won’t be anything new… In this episode, we cover what past economic crises can teach us about how to weather difficult economic times.
Nov 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 85
“How much should I be saving for retirement?” We get this question all the time… In this episode, April will cover the basics of saving for retirement, including: Savings goals for different stages of life A helpful rule of thumb Saving in the right places How to make saving systematic And more This episode marks the first edition of “Ask April,” a new segment in which April will answer the most common financial questions from clients, share practical advice, and help listeners become aligned wi...
Nov 08, 2023•20 min•Ep. 84
How can you deal with adversity? In this episode, we feature a recording of John’s inspiring Rotary talk, “Sweetheart, It’s Just Your Leg, Not Your Life.” John tells his incredible story of overcoming adversity after his amputation and shares his wisdom on: How to plan for unplanned life events Building support groups Creating an unbeatable mindset to get through anything And more
Oct 25, 2023•22 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, I interview John about his fifty-year career helping clients and what he’s learned throughout his journey. It turns out that not much has changed in fifty years—people then and now share the desire to build a secure financial future for themselves and their families. John has seen thousands of clients’ stories unfold, and today he’ll share that wealth of experience with you. He’ll cover: What he’s learned about understanding clients’ unique needs and goals The importance of plan...
Oct 11, 2023•50 min•Ep. 82
