Ready, Set, Retire!

Is the stock market trying to second-guess the Federal Reserve?  Analyst Stephanie Pomboy thinks it is.  What are you telling clients who say they wish they could just take a break from the market? You’ve told us many times about the benefits of annuities.  They offer a guaranteed stream of income in retirement.  But they can come with a lot of fine print.  Do you explain all that to clients?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial headlines have been talking about a recession for months. Market analyst Eddie Ghabour tells Fox Business we are already there. Hear Steve give his opinion and if he see's a significant market pull back this year and should people look for a more protective stance with their retirement money!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At what age do you think you’ll retire? Comedian Wanda Sykes says she probably never will retire!  I bet a lot of people can relate – they don’t want to retire and maybe are already thinking of future opportunities.  Do you work with clients like this? We’re seeing higher CD rates thanks to higher interest rates.  But annuities are also based on interest rates.  So, the higher the rate, the higher the annuity payments will be.  Yet there are skeptics...are you seeing more interest in annuities right now? If you near or in retirement, call Steve today for your customized income plan! Steve will show you how long your money will last, what you need to do to fill the gaps and share strategies to grow and protect your money in retirement! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank is becoming a textbook case of poor risk management.  It didn’t have enough ‘safe’ assets versus risky ones.  So, let’s apply that to our 401(k).  What’s considered a good safe asset?  Call Steve today for your market protection plan and 401K analysis!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each month the financial brainiacs at Barron’s financial news gather for a roundtable discussion about the markets and economy.  Last month there was a lot of disagreement.  One said, “I see bubbles and champagne.”  Another said, “I see the need for Alka-Seltzer.” We know you have to sift through all that and more importantly, the opinions of your clients.  How do you find that “happy place” to satisfy your clients, so they are taking the right amount of risk and receiving the right amount of reward? Massive layoffs in the tech world have been grabbing headlines lately.  Companies like Google, Meta and Amazon are letting workers go by the thousands.  Just a few years ago, many were looking at finishing their careers with these jobs.  If someone is close to retirement – and that ‘forever job’ is becoming less stable – what can they do now to prepare for an unplanned retirement and still get guaranteed income?  Call Steve today for a Complimentary Portfolio Review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform

If there is a recession, when will it hit? If someone is going to retire this year, would you tell them to wait or forget about the market and move forward? Then, the cost of Long-Term Care can be $10,000 or more a month!  No wonder so many say it’s one of the huge “gotcha” expenses in retirement.  And now, a dozen states are considering implementing a mandatory tax on people who don’t carry long-term care insurance.  Steve weighs in and discusses the best approach to covering these costs.     Call Steve today for your complimentary Portfolio Review with a healthcare plan analysis!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Reserve just raised interest rates.  And it will likely not be the last time - what does that mean for you, your money and your retirement? How concerned should be about the Fed? Hear Steve explain how he can help you grow and protect your income despite the Fed, record high inflation and big tax changes coming our way. We can't control inflation, the market or the Fed but you CAN control your financial future!  Call Steve and ask about his customized Income Plan!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know that when you draw up a retirement plan, you certainly include Social Security in the income picture.  For those who are on the verge of taking it, what steps can they take to maximize their benefits? Then, annuities are insurance contracts that are designed to help protect you from outliving your retirement income.  And there are different types and products to choose from.  But the one of the first questions usually asked is, “What’s going to be my rate of return?” Hear Steve explain the pros and cons of different income tools and his process on creating a customized income plan just for you.   Call Steve today for your customized income plan!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street is famous for saying, “The market always comes back.”  And it usually does.  The question is how long it will take?  Amid the ups and downs, hear how Steve can you help limit the losses and cut down on recovery time!  Call Steve today for your complimentary Portfolio Review!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Security Administration has announced its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023.  It’s 8.7% - the highest in 40 years.  Is that something you warn clients about? Then, there’s a guy in Brazil who can count all the companies he’s worked for on one finger.  Walter Orthmann is 100 years old and recently set a new world record for longest career at the same company – 84 years!  He has no plans to retire.  Can you tell us about any clients who’ve put off retirement because they’re so devoted to their job even in their 70s, 80s or even 90s?   Call Steve today for a SS Analysis!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s pretend that time travel was possible.  What decade of your life would you choose to experience all over again?  A new survey of seniors found their number one answer was their 30s.  Many described that decade as their best and happiest.  So, what financial advice would you tell your younger self?    Call Steve today for that Comprehensive Retirement Plan, its never too late to start financial planning! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest chains for breakfast in America is Waffle House (located in 25 states).  But what customers don’t realize is the cooks use an elaborate “marking system” that helps them get the order right.  So, they’re using something they see, but we don’t.  Isn’t that the same when it comes to a portfolio or 401(k)? When you review them, what do you often see that we don’t?  Then, he’s been the voice of Darth Vader for nearly 50 years and at 91-years-old, James Earl Jones wants to retire.  So, he’s signed away the rights to his voice so that the franchise can re-create it using artificial intelligence.  Jones is probably making a nice residual from it all.  Isn’t that another example of an income stream that can supplement a retirement plan?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes a rocky economy is like a football game.  Market volatility, high inflation and the threat of recession can tackle even a good retirement plan and throw it for a huge loss.  So, is there a tool that can withstand these threats? Then, a recent survey (by GOBanking Rates) shows that many Americans are in desperate need of retirement information.  More than half wish they had more education on how to invest.  But only 7% said they got their answers from a financial advisor.  How would you help someone in this situation?  What are their most common questions?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A website called TheBalance.com warns that a big mistake too many married couples make is they think about their retirement future based on “my money, your money.”  But if they look at the picture jointly, their money may last longer.  What problems have you seen couples encounter?  Do you insist on involving both spouses in their retirement planning?  Call Steve today for your customized retirement plan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is an annuity? They provide a steady stream of guaranteed income in retirement.  Annuity advocate Sheryl Moore with WinkIntel.com recommends looking into annuities but be careful if you start to feel pressure. Hear Steve explain the different types of annuities, how to know if it's a fit for you and the red flags to avoid! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation remains high, and things are still more expensive.  So, people need more guaranteed income in retirement because bonds aren’t getting it done.  That’s where annuities can help fill the need.  But many still hesitate.  Steve explains the benefits of an annuity and how he can help you achieve income for LIFE!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airline staffing issues have led to a shortage of baggage handlers.  The result?  The number of unclaimed bags has soared.  After 90 days, much of this luggage heads to the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, Alabama. The same thing applies to ‘lost’ retirement funds.  People forget about 401(k)s and pensions when they change jobs or leave their retirement account in an old employer’s plan.  So, is there a ‘store’ where we can check to see if we left any money behind?  And if we did, what should we do with it?  Call Steve today for a Customized Income Review!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning for retirement doesn't have to be stressful - Steve make's it easy, simple and FUN! Here's something most retired couples don’t think about:  When one of you passes, one of your monthly Social Security checks will go away.  That can mean a substantial drop in income for the surviving spouse.  Steve explains how how he helps his clients decide on a social security claiming strategy and more!  Call Steve today for a SS Analysis! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, new research (by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies) says millions of workers have made a dangerous mistake with their retirement savings.  More than a third say they’ve taken a loan from a retirement plan – or even worse – took an early withdrawal.  Steve explains how to avoid financial mistakes and creating income for life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.