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

___________________________________________

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/

You might think your 401k is your retirement plan, but what if that mindset is setting you up for financial frustration later? In this eye-opening episode, Victor unpacks a common misunderstanding that could cost retirees thousands: confusing retirement accounts with actual retirement planning.

Victor explains why treating your pre-tax retirement account as your catch-all fund- for cars, emergencies, vacations, and more- can come with hefty tax consequences. If you've ever considered pulling from your retirement to pay cash for a big purchase, this conversation is a must-hear. You'll learn the difference between saving and planning, why timing and tax strategy matter, and how a smarter withdrawal approach can protect both your lifestyle and your legacy.

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

🧠 Why a 401k isn't a full retirement plan

🚗 The $40,000 car that really costs $53,000

💸 How taxes quietly sabotage big withdrawals

📊 Planning vs. saving (what's the difference?)

🛠️ How to build financial flexibility into your retirement

___________________________________________

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/

If you’re approaching retirement, it’s critical to make sure your 401k is working as efficiently as possible, not holding you back. In this episode, Colin and Victor tackle a common question: should you leave your 401k where it is when you retire? They walk through why leaving your account behind might limit your investment choices, expose you to higher hidden fees, and make accessing your money more complicated.

You’ll also hear how rolling over to an IRA can give you greater flexibility, lower costs, and more control over your retirement dollars- and why taking advantage of an in-service distribution at 59½ could be a smart move even before you retire. With relatable analogies (like comparing your plan to a restaurant menu), this episode makes it clear why your old 401k might be doing less for you than you think.

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

🔄 Pros and cons of leaving a 401k behind

💡 Why IRAs offer more control and flexibility

🧾 Hidden fees and limited investment options in a 401k

📅 What to know about in-service distributions at 59½

📈 Keeping every retirement dollar working for you

___________________________________________

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/

The thing about assassins in the real world is that they’re sneaky and you don’t see them coming. The same is true for the silent killers of your retirement plan. In this episode, Colin and Victor reveal the most dangerous “retirement assassins” that can quietly derail decades of planning if you’re not on guard.

From reacting emotionally during a market crash to ignoring inflation, higher taxes, long-term care, and even procrastination, each of these threats can undermine your peace of mind and financial security. Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already there, this episode will help you recognize the red flags, shift your mindset, and build a plan that keeps your retirement safe, sustainable, and truly happy.

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

💥 Market reactions that destroy long-term returns

📈 Inflation’s slow and silent attack on your income

🧾 Why taxes in retirement may be higher than you think

🏥 The devastating cost of long-term care without a plan

⏳ Procrastination: the assassin you control

___________________________________________

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/

For many retirees, a little extra income can go a long way, and it doesn’t have to feel like “work.” In this episode, Colin shares fun, flexible side gigs that allow retirees to earn extra money while doing what they already enjoy. From working a few hours at the golf course to get free rounds, to pet-sitting for neighbors or selling handmade cards at local markets, these ideas aren’t just income generators—they’re lifestyle enhancers.

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

🐾 Pet-sitting and dog walking for extra cash

🎨 Turning hobbies into craft show income

🏌️‍♂️ Working at golf courses for perks

🛍️ Selling handmade goods at local markets

💡 Why your hobbies might be your next paycheck

___________________________________________

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/

"Should I own gold or silver?" It's a question that comes up often in financial planning conversations. But the real issue goes deeper- it's about portfolio diversification and ensuring every asset you own serves a clear, strategic purpose.

Whether you’re holding metals, stocks, or any other asset class, this episode is a timely reminder that investment decisions should be rooted in knowledge, not assumptions.

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

🪙 Gold and silver can be useful, but know why you own them

🧠 Don’t rely on statements—do your due diligence

🚨 Know what you own and how to access it when you need it

___________________________________________

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/