Macon Money Podcast

When to claim Social Security is a question that’s been asked as long as the program has been around. The reason why we’re still answering this question is that the strategy will vary for every individual. No matter what you decide, this crucial piece of income planning will certainly be a big part of retirement so you want to get it right. For certain people, claiming as soon as you’re eligible at age 62 is the best option for retirement while others will want to wait as long as possible to maximize the benefit. Today we’ll try to simplify it all and lay out the considerations we go through to help our clients determine whether to delay Social Security or not.   Here is some of what you’ll learn on this show: How to determine what strategy is appropriate for you. (3:35) What’s the first consideration if you need the money but don’t want to claim benefits immediately? (5:28) How to maximize your benefits to get the largest payout. (6:20) Why Lee feels our future health is a primary factor for making the deci

Finding yourself between jobs can be frustrating—whether you were fired, laid off, or just had to step away of your own choosing. But it can also present some opportunities. Let’s discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that you need to consider if you’re between jobs. Here is some of what you’ll learn on this show: Why this might be a great chance to explore a career that you’ve always had an interest in. (2:07) Why some people use this as an opportunity to become their own boss and turn a hobby into a career. (4:13) Do you have a plan for how you’ll cover your health insurance when your employer is no longer paying for it? (6:55) Why you should be thinking about tax planning items that spring up from changing jobs. (13:00) For more, visit us online: http://myretirementclarity.com

On this episode, we’re going to get tax insights from local professional Steven Brewer, CPA, who specializes in working with business owners but is also very knowledgeable when it comes to individual tax planning. Here is some of what you’ll learn on this show: Lee’s first accounting class and why he immediately changed his major. (1:49) Where does Steven see taxes going in the future and how does that impact investing today? (6:00) The tax planning opportunities that most people look including a few specific to Georgia residents. (8:43) What can you do to prepare for the increasing tax environment that we’re in? (12:10) The things that trigger audits and when they typically happen. (17:15) Advice he would give business owners that want to be more proactive. (19:45)   Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550  

Don’t dread this as much as you hated hearing these words as a kid, but it’s time for a pop quiz! We’re putting retirement planning preparedness under the microscope with 5 critical questions to which you need to know the answers. So sharpen those pencils and let’s see how ready you are for retirement.   Here is some of what you’ll learn on this show: Some exciting news about the future of the show (1:51) How much income will you need in retirement compared to how much you’re making while working. (5:42) What’s the biggest fear for most retirees and how planning accounts for that. (8:24) What does a truly diversified portfolio look like and how can you achieve that within your retirement plan.  (12:30)   Hopefully you’ll pick up on something during the quiz that you didn’t know about before, but if you have questions about anything we discussed on the show, please reach out and we’ll be happy to talk to you about your financial situation.   Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478

The bucket strategy is a commonly used plan when it comes to retirement. This allows you to allocate money for different goals and helps keep you calm when things are looking down. Lee will discuss what each bucket is for, some common investment vehicles for each of them, and how this might benefit you when putting together a plan.   Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550  

The market is down right now and has a lot of people panicking about what to do with their investments. But there are potential opportunities out there if you look closely. On this episode, we give 5 potential strategies you may be able to utilize during this time. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

There are plenty of external factors that often negatively influence our chances of having a successful retirement. But often, failure comes from within. On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the common ways people get in their own way when it comes to financial planning. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

On this episode of the podcast, we chat with Joe and Suzanne Best. Before retirement, Joe worked as a federal probation officer and Suzanne worked in the public education sector. Once retirement was a reality, they decided to move into a retirement community. We will talk with them about what their experience has been like and what their lifestyle looks like now. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

There are certain age milestones where you should really pay attention to your retirement planning progress. On this episode, we’ll look at the most important birthdays as you approach retirement and cover the exact things you should be checking off your to-do list at each age. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

Housing is a really important topic for a lot of retirees because, for many of us, it’s the biggest asset we’ll ever own or manage. We want to get that part of our financial equation correct, so it’s no surprise it takes up a nice slice of the retirement planning conversation. On this episode, we’ll cover some common housing questions from retirees and hopefully hit on an issue that might also be on your mind. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

When it comes to your money, you might have several different voices in your head— maybe the voice of greed, or the voice of fear, and sometimes the voice of wisdom. Let’s look at some things we might hear from the voice of greed so you know how to recognize it when you hear it… Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

After listening to today’s episode, you’ll never attend another baseball game with the family and look at it the same way. We’re going to show you how taking some of baseball’s most basic principles can also lead to financial success in your retirement portfolio. So, grab your peanuts and crackerjacks and let’s take the financial field. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

There are certain things in life we just can’t predict. If we knew the answers to some of these questions, planning for retirement would sure be a lot easier. So let’s see how you go about constructing a plan that addresses the kinds of questions to which you can’t possibly know the answers. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

Some people feel that they’ll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still, others just don’t know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let’s talk about some reasons that you might need an advisor… Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

Time for a little fun on this episode. We’ll use some fill-in-the-blank prompts to spark a good discussion about relationships between advisors and their clients, the stock market, common planning mistakes, and much more! Important Links: Forbes Article: https://bit.ly/3APzSPv Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

Droves of workers are retiring early or taking a break from work as they change career paths. It’s become known as The Great Resignation. On this episode, we’ll highlight some of the key takeaways of a recent Forbes article and explore a lot of the impacts on retirement planning from across different age groups in the wake of this massive workplace shift that’s underway. Important Links: Forbes Article: https://bit.ly/3APzSPv Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

If retirement is on your mind, then listen up to today’s show for a 5-part checklist that’ll help measure if you’re in good financial health and setting yourself up for retirement success. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

You might not be able to follow through on all 22 of these resolutions, but implement even just a few of these and you’ll be well on your way to a more prosperous financial life in the coming year. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

Maybe you’re close to retirement and think you don’t have nearly enough money saved. But let’s talk about some reasons that the news might not be as bad as you think. Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550

To successfully complete a jigsaw puzzle, there are some strategies that you’ll want to keep in mind. And many of those same strategies apply to retirement planning… Important Links: Website: myretirementclarity.com/podcast/ Call: 478-254-3550