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It's never too early to start planning for retirement. On this episode of *McNamara on Money*, Mike McNamara sits down with millennial guest Paul to discuss practical strategies for building financial security while balancing the demands of everyday life. From creating a realistic family budget and building emergency savings to managing investment risk, rebalancing portfolios, and consolidating old retirement accounts, Mike explores the financial decisions that can make a lasting difference. The conversation also covers saving for college with 529 plans without sacrificing retirement goals. Plus, Mike identifies common retirement planning mistakes, including investing too conservatively and underestimating how much money you'll actually need. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or approaching retirement, this episode offers valuable insights into making smarter decisions today for a more secure tomorrow. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

How do you turn retirement savings into dependable income when markets are unpredictable? In this episode of McNamara on Money, Alyssa and Mike McNamara discuss managing withdrawals, planning for taxes, and making your money last. They explain how cash reserves and disciplined rebalancing can help reduce the need to sell investments during a downturn. They also cover required minimum distributions (RMDs), choosing which accounts to draw from, and why a realistic budget and coordinated tax planning are essential parts of a retirement income plan. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

Are bonds still a safe investment in today's economy? On this episode of McNamara on Money, Justin and Michael McNamara take a closer look at the bond market and what rising interest rates mean for investors, particularly those approaching or already enjoying retirement. With U.S. Treasury yields reaching surprising levels compared to countries like Greece, the McNamaras explain what's happening in the bond market and why it matters. They break down the relationship between interest rates and bond prices, the hidden risks of inflation and long-term bonds, and why even traditionally conservative investments can experience significant losses. Justin and Michael also share their approach to managing bond portfolios, including the advantages of shorter-term maturities and carefully balancing credit risk against interest rate exposure. Most importantly, they explain why bonds still have an essential role in retirement planning, providing income, helping stabilize portfolios, and reducing the need to sell stocks during market downturns. Whether you're building your retirement portfolio or simply trying to make sense of today's bond market, this episode offers practical insights to help you invest with greater confidence. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

Medicare can be confusing, and with rising premiums and changing coverage options, making the right decisions is more important than ever. This week on McNamara on Money, Mike McNamara welcomes Medicare specialist Peter Stoner for a practical conversation about navigating Medicare and understanding what recent changes could mean for your healthcare costs. Together, they break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explain why prescription drug plan premiums are climbing, and answer listener questions about dental coverage, GoodRx discounts, and retirement benefits. Plus, learn about McNamara Financial Services' upcoming Medicare seminar on October 29 via Zoom, where you can get additional information to help you make informed decisions about your coverage. Whether you're approaching Medicare eligibility or reviewing your current plan, this episode offers valuable insights to help you understand your options and avoid costly surprises. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

Alyssa McNamara Reed takes a closer look at one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: does long-term care insurance still make financial sense? Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Alyssa compares traditional long-term care policies, newer hybrid options, and the alternative of setting aside your own assets to cover future care. She examines how rising premiums, tighter benefits, monthly coverage limits, and reduced inflation protection have changed the value of these policies over time. Long-term care insurance can still provide important protection, particularly when someone faces an unexpected illness or needs care for many years. But today’s policies require careful scrutiny. Alyssa walks through the numbers and tradeoffs to help listeners think more clearly about whether buying insurance or self-funding is the better fit for their retirement plan. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

In this episode of McNamara on Money, Justin McNamara and Mike McNamara take a closer look at what’s happening in the bond market and why it matters to investors, especially those approaching or living in retirement. They break down the basics of how bonds work, why bond prices tend to fall when interest rates rise, and what today’s Treasury yields may be telling us about the broader economy and the nation’s fiscal outlook. The conversation also explores inflation, credit risk, government deficits, and why shorter-term bonds may play an important role in managing uncertainty. Most importantly, Justin and Mike discuss the role bonds are actually meant to play in a diversified portfolio: generating income, reducing volatility, and providing greater stability when the stock market gets rough. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact

Insurance is about more than policies and premiums. It’s about protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. In this episode of *McNamara on Money*, private risk consultant Dylan Flaherity joins the conversation to explore the role insurance plays in a comprehensive financial plan. They discuss why standard coverage may not always be enough, particularly for people with significant assets, high-value homes, collectibles, or multiple vehicles. Dylan explains the importance of excess liability coverage and how everyday situations, from an auto accident to an injury on your property, can create unexpected financial exposure. The conversation also looks at why insurance needs change over time. Home renovations, rising construction costs, teenage drivers, and other life changes can all leave once-adequate coverage out of date. The takeaway is simple: insurance shouldn’t be something you buy and forget. Regularly reviewing your coverage can help ensure that the assets you’ve built are properly protected as your life and financial circumstances change. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

What does a Roth conversion actually look like when you run the numbers? In this episode of McNamara on Money, financial advisor Alyssa McNamara Reed works through a real-life Roth conversion analysis with volunteer Jerry. Using financial planning and tax software, Alyssa looks at Jerry’s retirement income, spending, mortgage, taxes, and long-term goals to see whether converting traditional retirement funds to a Roth makes financial sense. Along the way, Alyssa explains why the years between retirement and required minimum distributions can present an opportunity for Roth conversions, and why the answer is rarely as simple as “pay the taxes now and save later.” Changes in spending, mortgage payments, tax rates, and life expectancy can all affect whether a conversion ultimately pays off. It’s a practical look at Roth conversions using real numbers, real trade-offs, and the kind of analysis that can help determine whether the strategy fits an individual retirement plan. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

Choosing a college is a major decision, and understanding how to pay for it can be just as important as deciding where to go. On this episode of **McNamara on Money**, Justin McNamara talks with Julie Shields-Rutina of the **Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)** about navigating the college financial planning process. With National College Decision Day approaching, they discuss how families can compare financial aid offers, understand the difference between need-based grants and merit scholarships, and evaluate federal and private student loan options. Julie also explains how tools such as MEFA’s College Cost Calculator can help families make true apples-to-apples comparisons of what different schools will actually cost. The conversation explores the long-term impact of student debt, the value of planning ahead with 529 savings accounts, and important considerations when borrowing for college. Whether your family is reviewing acceptance letters now or preparing for college years down the road, this episode offers practical guidance for making informed decisions about education and its cost. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

In this episode of McNamara on Money, Mike McNamara continues the series “Real People, Real Lives, Real Financial Situations” with Susie, a recent widow facing some important decisions about the next chapter of her life. Together, they look at the real financial and emotional questions that can come with losing a spouse, from whether to remain in a longtime family home or consider downsizing, to managing investments, planning for taxes, and preparing for the possibility of future long-term care. Mike also discusses the role of cash reserves in retirement and how having enough money set aside for several years of expenses can provide the confidence to stay invested for the long term, even when markets become uncertain. It’s a practical conversation about much more than numbers. It’s about independence, security, family, and making thoughtful financial decisions during one of life’s biggest transitions. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

In this episode, Alyssa McNamara Reed talks with Mark Friedman, owner of Senior Helpers Boston, about what it really takes to help an aging parent remain safely and independently at home. They explore the challenges facing the “sandwich generation,” as adult children balance careers, families, finances, and the increasing care needs of their parents. Mark explains why planning early matters, from evaluating whether a home is suitable for aging in place to understanding the difference between skilled medical care, personal assistance, and companionship. The conversation also addresses the financial realities families can face, including home modifications, professional caregivers, and the difficult decisions that arise as care needs increase. Most importantly, Alyssa and Mark discuss why families should have these conversations before a crisis occurs. Aging in place is about more than staying in a familiar home. It’s about creating a realistic plan that supports safety, independence, dignity, and quality of life for the years ahead. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

In this episode of *McNamara on Money*, Joan McGrath, CEO of Plan of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, joins the program for a practical conversation about financial planning for individuals with disabilities and the families who support them. Joan explains the important differences between SSI and SSDI and why eligibility rules can make financial planning particularly complicated. The discussion explores how first-party and third-party special needs trusts can help preserve access to certain government benefits while allowing additional resources to be used to improve a beneficiary’s quality of life. The conversation also covers ABLE accounts, pooled trusts, and options available to families who may not have a large estate. Joan explains how her organization combines trust administration with the involvement of licensed social workers who provide advocacy, guidance, and ongoing life care planning. It’s an accessible introduction to a complicated area of planning, with useful information for families thinking about how to provide financial support, preserve benefits, and create greater long-term security for a loved one with special needs. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

In this episode of *McNamara on Money*, Mike McNamara talks with listener Dave about a question many successful savers eventually face: How do you shift from building wealth to using it confidently in retirement? Dave has accumulated more than $2 million in his 401(k), but approaching retirement brings a new set of decisions. Mike walks through how a portfolio might be repositioned from an emphasis on growth toward a more balanced approach designed to provide income, manage market risk, and keep pace with inflation. Their conversation covers the role of stocks and bonds in retirement, the importance of keeping enough cash available to avoid selling investments during a market downturn, and how everyday spending needs should influence investment decisions. They also discuss when to claim Social Security, covering healthcare expenses before Medicare eligibility, and making sure estate plans are in order. It’s a practical look at what happens after decades of disciplined saving, and how thoughtful planning can turn a substantial nest egg into a retirement built for both security and flexibility. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

In this episode of *McNamara on Money*, Alyssa McNamara Reed and Mike McNamara take a practical look at managing your finances in an uncertain economy. Mike discusses the growing national debt, government spending, and what those larger economic pressures could mean for individual investors and retirees. The conversation then turns to the financial decisions people can actually control: living within their means, reducing unnecessary debt, maintaining adequate emergency savings, and preparing for periods of market volatility. Alyssa and Mike also discuss Roth IRAs and Roth conversions, including when it may make sense to pay taxes today in exchange for tax-free income later and why age, income, tax brackets, and individual circumstances all matter. It’s a straightforward conversation about separating the economic headlines you can’t control from the financial decisions you can, and building a plan designed to hold up through changing markets and uncertain times. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com

What happens to your financial plan when life changes overnight? In this episode, Mike McNamara introduces “Real People, Real Lives, Real Financial Situations,” a new segment featuring conversations with people navigating real-world financial decisions. Mike sits down with Susie, a recent widow facing important questions about her financial future, investments, and whether it still makes sense to remain in her 140-year-old home. Together, they explore the financial and emotional considerations involved in downsizing, managing expenses, investing for the years ahead, and preserving independence. The conversation also examines the risks of holding too much cash, the long-term effects of inflation, portfolio allocation, and whether long-term care insurance should be part of the plan. It’s a practical look at one of retirement’s most difficult transitions: making sound financial decisions after the loss of a spouse while building a plan for the next chapter of life. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com