Macon Money Podcast

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 what we discuss in today’s show: Beyond just investments, where do financial advisors typically provide value that DIY investors might not consider? What are some common financial blind spots or mistakes that smart DIY investors tend to overlook? How should experienced investors plan for a future where they may not want (or be able) to actively manage their portfolio? What Lee would say to investors who are skeptical that an advisor could improve their financial situation Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us h

This week, Lee and Keith dive into Carl Richard’s timeless article, Pretending To Be An Investor Is Dangerous, and discuss how to avoid the common mistakes many people make when managing their investments, particularly as they approach retirement. They explore what it means to be a "pretend investor" and break down the six key behaviors that can derail your financial security- from obsessing over short-time market fluctuations to chasing the latest hot stock. Tune in for a great discussion on how to focus on what truly matters- your financial health- while avoiding the distractions and fears created by the news cycle and peer pressure. You’ll learn why sometimes, ignoring the chatter is the smartest move you can make with your retirement funds. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Staying committed to your long-term investment strategy instead of reacting to headlines Not letting daily market fluctuations sway your decisions Focusing on your personal financial goals rather than global economic events Avoi

A recent article on Fortune highlights a growing trend among baby boomers: continuing to work well into their 60s and 70s. Surprisingly, this is not out of necessity, but for the mental stimulation, social connections, and fulfillment that work provides. With nearly 20% of Americans over 65 still employed, this shift is challenging traditional views of retirement and sparking important conversations about what it means to truly retire. Join us as we explore this growing trend on today’s show. Lee has witnessed firsthand how retirement goals have shifted in recent years and is having more frequent conversations with clients about the evolving landscape of retirement. Is staying in the workforce the right choice for you? Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: How Lee is seeing this trend in his own practice Lee's advice for those struggling with a loss of purpose or loneliness after leaving the workforce Financial considerations for those thinking about part-time or contracting work How working longer impacts

As we step into 2025, many of us set New Year’s resolutions—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or cutting back on a vice. But what if we also focused on improving our attitude toward money? The New Year is a great time for a reset and to adjust our attitudes when it comes to finances, and in this episode, Lee will break down what some of those financial attitude shifts could be. From being more mindful of the long-term financial impact of today's decisions to taking that first step toward building a retirement plan, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to managing money. Let’s kick off 2025 on the right financial foot! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Consider your future when making financial decisions Finding the balance between saving and spending Knowing what you have and where it is Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

In this episode of My Retirement Clarity, Lee sits down with a long-time client and friend, Joey Kinard, to discuss how he and his wife are making the most of their retirement years. From traveling to new places to embracing an active lifestyle, Joey shares what’s been working for them as they enjoy this exciting chapter of life. Joey’s early retirement was filled with memorable RV adventures. These days, he and his wife enjoy exploring state parks, visiting local farmers markets and festivals, and spending time at their favorite getaway- Alligator Point, Florida. Joey offers great insights on checking off bucket list items, staying active and maintaining a sense of community in retirement. Along the way, we’ll talk about financial freedom, the importance of knowing your spending habits, and why time is your most valuable resource in retirement. Tune in as we explore what it means to retire with intention and enjoy the journey!   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Renting a house in Alligator Point and

At JL Perkins Wealth Management, we receive all sorts of questions about financial and retirement planning, but some themes come up more often than others. In today's mailbag edition of the show, we'll tackle some of the most common questions we answer on a daily basis. Lori wonders whether it’s advisable to help her aging parents financially, especially with potential long-term care needs. Matt asks if he should resume his 401(k) contributions after pausing them due to the election. If you’re listening to this episode, you’ve likely had questions about one or two of these items, so stick with us! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: "Since I've had my annuity long enough to withdraw without penalty, should I take it all out now?" "My husband is nine years older than me, and we have a large life insurance policy on him. What happens if the insurance company goes bankrupt and can't pay the death benefit?" "My parents didn’t save much for retirement, so I’m worried about covering long-term care costs. Is it

When it comes to retirement planning, it’s critical that you and your spouse are on the same page. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll agree on every little detail, but it does mean that compromise and honest conversations are a big part of navigating the process together. Join Lee as he dives into why aligning with your spouse is so important, where disagreements tend to arise, and the key topics you should be discussing. Plus, he’ll share how financial advisors can help couples find financial common ground.  Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Getting on the same page financially with your spouse What Lee often sees the first time he meets with a couple The most important things to discuss with your spouse when it comes to retirement What areas cause the most disagreement How Lee helps folks find a financial common ground   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Remember the thrill of shaking a Magic 8 Ball to get answers to your childhood questions? Would we ace that math test? Would we be famous someday? Well, today, we're bringing a bit of that magic back. But instead of asking about pop quizzes and playground crushes, we’re turning to the Magic 8 Ball for advice on something much more important: your retirement planning! What would the Magic 8 Ball have to say about these common retirement questions if it had the wisdom of a financial advisor? Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Is a million dollars enough to retire? Can I rely on Social Security for retirement? Should I be reviewing my retirement plan annually? Will my retirement plan be affected by future changes in tax laws? Should I focus on paying off debt before increasing my retirement contributions?   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

National Financial Planning Month is here! In this episode, we’ll do a little bit of celebrating as we look at what financial planning truly means, as well as what drew Lee into the field! We’ll break down what it means to be a fiduciary, how JL Perkins is different from other wealth advisory firms, and what the standard process looks like with us. Lee also shares a key tip to help you avoid starting your financial plan on the wrong foot, along with insights into the work he did before becoming a financial planner. You don’t want to miss what we have coming today, so pull up a chair and listen in! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: How Lee got into financial planning, and what he was doing before he started How Lee defines financial planning What you should have ready when you meet with an advisor for the first time What’s different about JL Perkins? Not relying on the internet for your retirement advice Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire. Planning and working with an advisor can make all the difference in addressing these regrets. A financial advisor can help you create a personalized retirement plan that balances your financial goals with your desire for a fulfilling lifestyle. Tune in for some valuable insights to ensure your retirement is everything you hope for!   Here are the regrets we discuss in today’s show: They wish they had retired earlier They wish they had spent more when they first retired They wish they took better care of their health They wish they had taken up a hobby They wish they had traveled more   Retiree regrets video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNUSJ3juAbA   Want to set up a meetin

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. Today, we’re digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning. How do you know how much income you’re going to need when you retire? How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient? Stay tuned as Lee sheds light on these questions and more! Here’s some of the how-do-you-knows we discuss in today’s show: How do you know how much income you’re going to need when you retire? How do you know how much money you should have in your savings account? How do you know when you're financially ready to retire? How do you know if an advisor is a good fit for you or not? How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient?   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at

We get a lot of questions about 401(k)s because they can be tricky to navigate. So, in today’s episode, we’re tackling some of the most frequently asked questions about 401(k)s. Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of what they are, how they work, and how you can make the most of them! We’ll cover everything from understanding company matches and target date funds to the pros and cons of 401(k) loans and rollovers into IRAs. This is a super informative conversation that you don’t want to miss! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Should I use company-provided 401(k) guidance? Should I use target date funds? When should I take money out of my 401(k) and roll it over into an IRA? How should I adjust my 401(k) investments as I get closer to retirement? Can I make catch-up contributions to the 401(k)? If so, when?   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com  

We’re thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Macon, Lester Miller, to the My Retirement Clarity podcast today! If you’re from the area, you’re familiar with who he is and some of the incredible things that have happened under his leadership. With the reputation of Macon on the rise, we thought it would be fun to discuss some of the key projects that have made the city a must-visit destination. From the world's largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm & Rally, to a vibrant new amphitheater and a revitalized downtown, there's so much happening in Macon- and even more on the horizon. If you want to learn more about the exciting developments in Macon and hear directly from Mayor Lester Miller, this episode is for you!   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Macon’s recent National recognition and affordability The origin story of the Rhythm & Rally Pickleball Facility The process of developing the amphitheater + the importance of music in Macon Revitalizing downtown and future plans for the mall and more At

With tax rates set to change soon and national debt on the rise, tax planning might be the most critical piece of retirement planning right now. That’s why we wanted to catch up with David Brooks, a renowned tax expert from Omaha, Nebraska. David, who we consider a tax guru, shared invaluable insights into the world of tax strategies, proactive planning, and the future of tax policies. If you’re looking to optimize your tax planning, this conversation should give you   For those that aren’t as familiar with our current tax landscape, we’ll spend some time on the details of today’s taxes and how to prepare for future changes. With the national debt crossing $35 trillion and interest expenses skyrocketing, it's crucial to anticipate how tax policies might shift post-election. Regardless of political affiliations, we should all be focusing on policy implications and be planning accordingly.   Join us as we get into the tax strategies we’re utilizing in 2024 and why this proactive tax planning can really help mit

We all make excuses from time to time for decisions we know might not be the best. Whether it's about our health, relationships, or finances, excuses can hold us back from achieving our long-term goals. Very often, Lee sees people who know that the financial decisions that they’re making aren’t the best decisions, but they try to create excuses or explanations for why they’re doing what they’re doing. From making Social Security decisions based on fear to taking on too much risk to make up for lost time, he’ll address some common areas where he sees this happening. Let’s talk about why these excuses usually don’t hold water… Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Claiming Social Security at age 62 due to fears of it running out of money Taking too much risk to make up for lost time Holding onto too much cash to keep your money safe Investing in things you don’t understand Sticking with a financial advisor out of loyalty, even when you should switch   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://t

In this episode, host Lee Perkins sits down with Keith Dykes, the newest member of the JL Perkins Wealth Management team. Originally a Zoom call, this engaging interview explores Keith's background, family life, and journey to becoming a financial advisor. Learn about Keith's transition from agronomy to finance, his dedication to client service, and the values that align him perfectly with the team. Keith joined the JL Perkins Wealth Management team in 2023 as a financial advisor. His background includes being a successful entrepreneur & business owner with additional experience in Tax and Insurance. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a BSA in Crop Science. When not at work, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and his two daughters Ashlyn and Avery. He spends his spare time golfing, watching UGA football, hiking, traveling, and experiencing different cultures around the world.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 0:49 - We've added another member to our wealth manageme

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. These check-ins help catch potential issues early and allow you to adjust your plans as needed. By regularly reviewing your budget, goals, and progress, you can make informed decisions to stay on track financially. Although financial wellness will look different for everyone, we’ll share some areas you should be paying attention to in today’s episode. Don't miss these valuable insights to ensure your financial health is in top shape! And if you have any questions about your financial health, be sure to reach out to Lee and his team for personalized guidance.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Monitoring budgeting and spending habits + keeping up with your credit score Maintaining an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses and emergencies The importance of diversification + being aligned with your risk tolerance Proacti

Many people have preconceived notions about what retirement should look like. Oftentimes, TV commercials and retirement shows paint this as a time of life full of endless beach days and exciting vacations. The reality of retirement, however, can be quite different from our expectations. Listen in as we explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial. After all, life is full of surprises, and this phase of life is no exception. Luckily, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) plan for the “what ifs” alone.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Retirement is different for everyone, so it’s important to manage your expectations Many people underestimate how much they will spend once they retire You need to be ready to adjust your plans when unexpected changes occur Retirement planning is difficult, and it’s okay to ask for help   Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial educatio

Sometimes, the lessons we learn the hard way stick with us the longest. This is especially true when it comes to financial decisions. In today’s episode, Lee shares a personal story that serves as a stark reminder of how being cheap can end up being very expensive. In this conversation, Lee recounts how his reluctance to invest in a security system for his new Dodge Ram 1500 TRX led to an expensive loss when the vehicle was stolen. Unfortunately, this led to weeks of stress and logistical nightmares like changing the locks to his house and dealing with insurance. Listen in as Lee talks about the financial and emotional implications of being penny-wise and pound foolish, and discusses the importance of seeing value in investments, whether it's for vehicle security or financial advisory services.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: The story of Lee’s truck being stolen at the Atlanta airport Dealing with the aftermath of theft, including insurance claims, changing locks, and replacing stolen items How inv

Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult event that can leave one feeling lost and overwhelmed emotionally and financially. In today’s episode, Lee is going to take us behind the scenes and share the stories of two clients who faced the sudden loss of their husbands. He’ll offer insight into how each of them coped differently with their loss, and how the J.L. Perkins team helped them navigate this difficult transition. Listen in as Lee shares why it is so critical to have a plan in place and a financial advisor in your corner in the wake of tragic circumstances. He also stresses the importance of couples being actively engaged in their finances with a clear understanding of their financial situation. While this is not a scenario anyone wants to face or think about, sharing these stories can help you prepare should you or someone you know ever find themselves in a similar situation.   Here are the questions we answer in today’s show: The stories of two women who lost their spouses + how they handled loss dif