Americans lost a record $16 billion to scams in 2024—nearly 40% from investment fraud alone.

The trend is moving in the wrong direction.

In this episode, I share the story of a small-town financial advisor who built trust over decades, until that trust unraveled into one of the most devastating scams they’d ever seen.

More importantly, I break down 8 red flags that experts say could indicate you're being conned.

Because here’s the truth: falling for a scam doesn’t mean you’re careless or foolish—it means you’re human.

And understanding the psychology behind deception is the best way to protect yourself.

If you think you’re immune, that confidence might be exactly what scammers are counting on.

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SCHEDULE A (FREE) RETIREMENT STRATEGY MEETING:

My team and I have guided hundreds of families across the U.S. through retirement’s biggest challenges over the last two decades.

The result?

Smarter tax strategies, better investment decisions, and a more confident retirement.

If you’re seeking clarity and a proven retirement planning process, we’d be honored to help.

👉 Schedule a Complimentary Strategy Session

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™

Most experts say the smartest Social Security move is to wait until age 70 to claim.

On paper, the logic seems simple—delay claiming, and you’ll lock in a larger monthly check for life.

But here’s what's interesting: only about 10% of Americans actually wait that long. 🤯

Nearly one-third claim Social Security at 62, and the majority file before full retirement age.

So are millions of retirees making a huge mistake… or is the conventional wisdom missing something?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing findings from a new research paper showing why delaying until 70 isn’t always the clear-cut, no-brainer strategy it’s made out to be.

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SCHEDULE A (FREE) RETIREMENT STRATEGY MEETING:

My team and I have guided hundreds of families across the U.S. through retirement’s biggest challenges over the last two decades.

The result?

Smarter tax strategies, better investment decisions, and a more confident retirement.

If you’re seeking clarity and a proven retirement planning process, we’d be honored to help.

👉 Schedule a Complimentary Strategy Session

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™

We’ve been told our whole lives that retirement happens at 65—maybe 62 if you’re lucky.

But in my experience, that traditional timeline isn’t always the reality. In fact, for many people, retirement may be much closer than they realize.

After nearly 20 years of building retirement plans, I’ve noticed a recurring theme:

Most people overestimate how much they think they need and underestimate how ready they already are.

That’s why in this episode, I’m breaking down 7 signs that could mean you’re closer to early retirement than you realize.

These aren’t about chasing some arbitrary savings target—they're practical, real-world markers that can help you rethink your timeline and gain confidence in your next chapter.

If even a few of these resonate with you, it may change the way you think about retirement and the life you’ve worked so hard to create.

***

SCHEDULE A (FREE) RETIREMENT STRATEGY MEETING:

My team and I have guided hundreds of families across the U.S. through retirement’s biggest challenges over the last two decades.

The result?

Smarter tax strategies, better investment decisions, and a more confident retirement.

If you’re seeking clarity and a proven retirement planning process, we’d be honored to help.

👉 Schedule a Complimentary Strategy Session

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™