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Roughly 77% of Americans surveyed say debt is preventing them from saving adequately for retirement. That's a staggering number, and it shows why preparing for retirement isn't always as simple as contributing more to a 401(k). In this episode, Nick and Eric explore how debt can affect retirement savings and financial confidence. The conversation covers thoughtful ways to manage debt while continuing to plan for the future. Is debt standing between you and the retirement you want?   Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💳 Debt Pressure: Understand its impact on savings 🏠 Debt Priorities: Separate manageable from costly debt 📉 Payoff Strategy: Choose an approach you'll follow 💰 Saving Balance: Keep progress moving both directions 🧭 Retirement Plan: Create clarity around next steps   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Could your charitable giving make a bigger impact while supporting a smarter retirement plan? Year-end charitable giving can be about more than simply writing a check. In this episode, Nick walks through three strategies that may help charitably inclined retirees give more intentionally while also thinking about the tax impact of those gifts. Tune in for thoughtful guidance to help make your generosity go further. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Appreciated Stock: Give shares instead of cash 🎁 Donor-Advised Funds: Create flexibility for future giving ❤️ QCDs: Give directly from eligible IRAs 🧾 Tax Efficiency: Coordinate gifts with retirement taxes 📅 RMD Planning: Use distributions more strategically 💰 Retirement Income: Preserve flexibility around withdrawals   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

When should you claim Social Security and how long might it take for a later start to pay off? Nick explores Social Security break-even points and the personal factors that can shape when to claim. He also answers listener questions about claiming sooner and how capital gains affect benefits. Tune in to consider which approach may fit your retirement, and whether waiting could be worth it for you. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⏰ Claiming Age: Understand how timing changes income 💵 Opportunity Cost: Measure income sacrificed while waiting 🏖️ Lifestyle: Consider spending needs in retirement 🧾 Taxes: Coordinate benefits with other income 💼 Working: Understand earnings before full retirement   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Healthcare can become one of the biggest expenses in retirement, and the challenge only grows when longevity and long-term care enter the picture. In this episode, Nick and Eric explain why preparing for those costs requires more than simply enrolling in Medicare. They look at ways to build flexibility into the plan while protecting against expenses that can be difficult to predict. Tune in to make sure those costs don't catch your retirement plan unprepared. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🩺 Medicare: Understanding what it covers, and where important gaps can remain 💰 HSA Strategy: Using health savings accounts as a tax-advantaged tool for future medical expenses 📈 Longevity Risk: Why living longer means some retirement assets still need growth potential 🛡️ Asset Protection: Exploring different ways to reduce the financial impact of future care needs ⏳ Plan Early: How waiting can reduce the number of options available later   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

As more people approach retirement, they're looking for ways to reduce risk while still maintaining some opportunity for growth. That often leads to questions about annuities and whether they're a good investment. The answer, of course, depends on your specific situation, goals, income needs, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📝 What Is an Annuity? 🧾 Fixed Annuities 🗂️ Variable Annuities 💬 And more!   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

A massive amount of wealth is moving from one generation to the next, but transferring assets is only part of the equation. Today, Nick and Eric look at why families need to start thinking about the transition long before an inheritance actually changes hands. The goal is to make sure the wealth you've built ultimately reaches the people and purposes you intended and to give you a simple playbook for starting those tough conversations before it's too late. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📝 Proactive Planning: Don't wait for a crisis 👨‍👩‍👧 Generational Shifts: Families approach money differently 🧾 Tax Planning: Consider the after-tax impact 🗂️ Estate Documents: Keeping your plans current 💬 Family Conversations: Communication can prevent confusion   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Retirement planning comes with a surprising number of age-based rules and opportunities. Nick and Eric walk through the milestones that can shape when and how you make important financial decisions. Knowing what changes at each stage can help you avoid missed opportunities and costly surprises. Think of this episode as your age-by-age cheat sheet so you know exactly what to do before the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare force your hand. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⏳ Full Retirement: Earnings rules change 📤 RMD Ages: Required withdrawals eventually begin 🎂 Age 50: Catch-up contributions begin 💵 Age 62: Social Security becomes available 🏥 Age 65: Medicare eligibility begins 📈 Age 70: Delayed benefits stop growing   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Long-term care can be one of the biggest financial blind spots in retirement planning. Today, Nick and Eric discuss when long-term care insurance may make sense, when self-insuring could be reasonable, and why the decision needs to fit within the broader retirement plan. You'll also hear the differences between traditional and hybrid policies and why timing can affect the options available. The most important step is not necessarily buying insurance, it's making sure the risk has been addressed. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Care Risks: Long-term care can create significant financial exposure 👥 Who Needs It: Coverage may be most valuable for those with assets to protect 📑 Policy Types: Traditional and hybrid policies offer different trade-offs 🤝 Fiduciary Advice: Understand both the product and the incentives behind the recommendation 🏥 Medicare & Costs: Medicare should not be assumed to cover long-term care   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Teachers often have retirement benefits that look very different from those of private-sector employees. In this episode, Nick and Eric explain why understanding the options available through your school system is so important before making irreversible decisions. They also discuss how teachers can build more flexibility around the income provided by a pension. Make sure your decades of hard work translate into a retirement plan that fits your life. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Pension Benefits: Service, salary, and survivor options can affect lifetime income 📚 403(b) & 457 Plans: Supplemental accounts can provide additional retirement flexibility 🧾 Tax Benefits: Contributions may offer tax advantages while building future savings 🏦 IRA Options: Traditional and Roth IRAs can supplement employer-sponsored plans 🤝 Professional Guidance: Pension and retirement decisions should fit the entire financial picture 💵 Income Planning: Multiple income sources can create greater flexibility in retirement   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Retirement changes the purpose of your investments. Instead of simply accumulating money, your portfolio now has to support your lifestyle, keep pace with inflation, manage risk, and provide income for an unknown number of years. In this episode, Nick and Eric tackle the questions that help determine whether you are truly ready to retire and how your investment strategy may need to evolve. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ❓ Key Questions: Lifestyle and longevity shape every decision 🌅 Retirement Phases: Spending often changes throughout retirement ✅ Retirement Readiness: Age alone does not determine preparedness 📈 Investment Strategy: Risk should reflect goals and needs   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai 💵 Income and Taxes: Withdrawal choices can affect long-term results

Retiring before age 65 can create a major gap between employer coverage and Medicare eligibility. Today, Nick and Eric explain four potential health insurance options and answer listener questions about Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming, and long-term care planning. Before leaving work, make sure healthcare is part of the retirement plan, not an afterthought. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🌉 COBRA Coverage: Familiar benefits can bridge short gaps 💑 Spousal Coverage: Employer plans may offer better value 🏛️ Public Marketplace: Income can significantly affect premium costs 🩺 Private Insurance: Robust coverage may justify higher premiums 📬 Mailbag Minute: Medicare and Social Security require planning   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

What scares Americans more than death? For nearly two out of three people, it's the possibility of running out of money in retirement. Costs continue to rise, paychecks eventually stop, and the money you've accumulated may need to support you for decades. In this episode, Nicholas J. Colantuono, CFP® and Eric Hogarth, CFP® explain why retirement confidence doesn't come from an account balance alone and share strategies to help you avoid spending retirement constantly worrying that the next expense could knock your plan off course. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 😟 Retirement Fear: Many fear outliving their savings 📈 Rising Costs: Inflation can steadily weaken purchasing power ⏳ Generational Shift: Today's retirees face different financial pressures 🧾 Tax Planning: Withdrawal choices affect what retirees keep 📬 Mailbag Questions: Social Security and RMD timing matter   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Health Savings Accounts can be one of the most tax-advantaged tools available for retirement, but they can also create an unexpected tax burden when passed to the next generation. In this episode, Nick and Eric break down how health-focused accounts fit into retirement income, legacy planning, and smart tax strategy in plain English. Don't miss these simple shifts that can turn a hidden tax trap into a long-term advantage. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💳 HSA Benefits: Contributions and withdrawals offer tax advantages ⚠️ Inheritance Risk: Non-spouse beneficiaries may face taxable distributions 📋 Spending Strategy: Use HSA funds for eligible expenses 🏥 Healthcare Planning: Compare coverage before Medicare begins 📍 Retirement Location: Consider the community beyond taxes alone 📘 Get Your Free Guide: Simplify future retirement tax decisions   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

Can you collect Social Security at 62 and continue working? The answer is yes, but whether you should is a much bigger question. Nick and Eric explain how working while collecting benefits can impact your retirement income, when earnings limits come into play, and why claiming Social Security is only one piece of a much larger retirement strategy. Learn how income planning, tax planning, and understanding your long-term financial picture can help you make a more confident claiming decision. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💵 What Happens When You Turn 62: Can you work while you collect? 📈 Lifetime Income: Think beyond today's paycheck 💰 Tax Planning: Coordinating benefits and withdrawals 🧩 Retirement Strategy: One decision may impact everything   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai

What really happens to your money after you're gone? For many families, the answer is probate, a legal process that can be time-consuming, emotional, public, and complicated. Nick and Eric break down the difference between a will and a trust, and how to handle more complex situations like multiple properties or special needs planning. Ultimately, estate planning isn't just about money, it's about giving your family clarity and reducing stress during an already difficult time. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Probate Basics: Why it matters for families 📜 Attorney-Drafted Will: Avoid DIY estate mistakes 🏛️ Trust Planning: More control and privacy 🧩 Complex Situations: When advanced planning helps 💬 Greatest Gift: Have hard conversations now   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/ Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/ Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai