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:

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→ 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:

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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

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Even if you’re not on Medicare right now, chances are someone you love is—and sooner or later, you’ll face those decisions yourself.

That’s why it’s worth paying attention to an important letter that arrives every September: the Annual Notice of Change.

Most people glance at it, toss it aside, and never think twice.

But with big shifts coming in 2026, ignoring it could be a costly mistake.

And that letter is just the beginning.

There are three other Medicare traps that cost people thousands each year and, in some cases, wreck entire retirement plans.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 2026 changes you (and your loved ones!) need to prepare for, plus the three mistakes to avoid no matter what year it is.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to watch for and how to feel confident about Medicare—whether you’re enrolled now, preparing for it soon, or helping someone you care about.

***

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:

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Despite making insurance decisions almost daily, many retirement savers don't truly understand what they’re buying or why they need it.

In today's episode, I'm breaking down life insurance into simple, actionable terms.

Specifically, I’m sharing:

‣ The 3 essential steps to managing insurable risks

‣ The key differences between term and permanent life insurance

‣ The exact questions to ask yourself before buying (or hanging onto) any policy

I’m also sharing a few little-known facts and tips to help you properly evaluate options you may be considering.

Even if you think you know everything about life insurance as it relates to your retirement plan, today’s episode will provide valuable and important reminders as you continue managing your ongoing insurance needs.

***

SCHEDULE A 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:

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Retirement is about so much more than money—it's a complete life transition.

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent conversation with Adam Cmejla, where we explore the often-overlooked aspects of retirement planning.

We discuss:

‣ Why retirement can feel like a grieving process—and how to navigate it

‣ The surprising role responsibility and community play in long-term happiness

‣ Smarter ways to approach Monte Carlo simulations, taxes, and cash management

We also share our favorite retirement and investing charts that reinforce the principles essential to keeping financial plans grounded.

Whether you’re 10 years out from retirement or already there, this conversation challenges common assumptions and offers a helpful perspective on this stage of life.

***

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY 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 Discovery Meeting

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) could force you to withdraw as much as 15% of your retirement account balance in a single year.

But do RMDs really put you at risk of outliving your money?

Why does the IRS expect you to live so much longer than the Social Security Administration does?

And what proactive steps can you take before age 73 to avoid giving the IRS more than its fair share?

In this episode, I'm unpacking:

‣ How RMDs are actually calculated

‣ Why the IRS tables are more conservative than most people realize

‣ The pros and cons of using RMDs to build a dynamic withdrawal strategy

I'm also sharing tax planning tips and strategies for navigating your RMDs.

If you're concerned about how RMDs might impact your retirement plan—or you're looking to optimize your tax situation before they kick in—this episode is for you.

***

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY 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 Discovery Meeting

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Is retiring in your 50s actually realistic for everyday Americans?

According to a recent NerdWallet survey, the average target retirement age for households earning $100,000+ isn't 65—it's 58.

And these aren't tech moguls or lottery winners.

They're teachers, small business owners, and dual-income couples who’ve steadily built their nest eggs and now want to enjoy their healthy, active years while they can.

But retiring in your 50s requires a very different kind of plan.

One that accounts for early withdrawal penalties, health insurance gaps, and delayed Social Security.

These obstacles are the "triple threats" of early retirement.

In today’s episode, I’ll share how to combat them and provide a simple 5-step process for turning your retirement vision into a reality.

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SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL:

Looking to hire a retirement and tax planning expert?

We help 100+ families across the country navigate retirement, optimize investments, and reduce taxes.

🗓️ Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Meeting to Learn More.

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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