Investing isn’t just about spotting good opportunities; it’s about choosing the right ones for you. In this episode, Colin and Victor share a real-life story of a client who nearly put money into what he believed was a safe utility bond, but it turned out to be a high-risk oil and gas venture. Fortunately, he reached out for a second opinion and avoided a costly mistake.

This story highlights a powerful truth: even a solid investment on paper can be a poor match for your personal goals. Understanding what you own, why you own it, and how it fits into your broader financial plan is critical. Let’s talk about why, before you commit to any investment, it’s important to make sure it supports where you are and where you're headed.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧭 Matching investment choices to your goals and life

🚩 The danger of buying something you don’t fully understand

⚠️ Why "one-size-fits-all" investment solutions can be dangerous

🎯 Assessing risk vs. reward in retirement planning

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Connect with Gray Hurst Wealth Advisors

📌 Our website: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/

📞Phone: (513) 984-5999

🗓 Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/contact-us/

📚 Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/#

🎥Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCpq47Qa73uQZyYu4fcCAw

📌 Follow Us on Social Media

📍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamVictorGray

📍LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinjhurst/

A little hope is good for the soul, but when it comes to retirement planning, wishful thinking can lead to serious financial mistakes. In this episode, Colin and Victor walk through five common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly damage your retirement and how you can build a plan that protects your future instead of relying on luck.

Beliefs like “I’ll just work forever” or “the market always goes up” may feel comforting, but they often stem from a desire to avoid hard truths, and that mindset can be dangerous when the unexpected strikes. This episode isn’t just a warning, it’s a wake-up call. Because if your retirement plan hinges on your health holding up, politicians playing fair, or your adult kids stepping in with money, you might be more exposed than you think. So, are you really prepared for what could go wrong?

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧾 The tax bracket myth that could shrink your savings

🛏️ The caregiving fantasy that rarely plays out

📉 The danger of counting too much on Social Security

💸 Why relying on your kids financially almost never ends well

___________________________________________

Connect with Gray Hurst Wealth Advisors

📌 Our website: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/

📞Phone: (513) 984-5999

🗓 Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/contact-us/

📚 Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/#

🎥Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCpq47Qa73uQZyYu4fcCAw

📌 Follow Us on Social Media

📍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamVictorGray

📍LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinjhurst/

Thinking about retiring in 2025 but feeling uneasy about market volatility, layoffs, or rising taxes? You’re not alone. That’s why Colin dives into one of the most common (and important) questions he’s hearing right now: Is this a bad time to retire? Whether you’re on the brink of retirement or still a few years out, this episode offers calm, practical options for how you can navigate retirement planning during uncertain times.

You’ll learn why the “red zone” of retirement planning—10 years before and after—is the most important window for making smart financial moves. Colin breaks down how to prepare for short-term volatility, manage your risk, and take advantage of current tax laws before they change. Tune in to hear Colin’s practical take on retiring in 2025 and how to have peace of mind no matter what the markets are doing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏈 The “red zone” rule of retirement and why it matters

🪙 “Bucketing” your money for short-term and long-term needs

⚖️ Managing risk appropriately in both good and bad markets

📆 Why 2025 may be a good year to act on tax strategies

___________________________________________

Connect with Gray Hurst Wealth Advisors

📌 Our website: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/

📞Phone: (513) 984-5999

🗓 Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/contact-us/

📚 Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://ghwealthadvisors.com/#

🎥Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCpq47Qa73uQZyYu4fcCAw

📌 Follow Us on Social Media

📍Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamVictorGray

📍LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinjhurst/