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RETIREMENT MADE EASY

RETIREMENT MADE EASY

De: Gregg Gonzalez
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Finally, a retirement podcast in a language YOU can understand. Your host, Gregg Gonzalez, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CFP® is a Dave Ramsey Smartvestor Pro with the heart of a teacher. Listen as Gregg shares financial & retirement tips that are sure to keep you tuned in every episode. Check out our podcast website http://RetirestrongFA.com for FREE resources and to see how the RetireStrong team can help you plan for a successful retirement.Gregg Gonzalez Economía Finanzas Personales
Episodios
  • Making Your Money Last: A Smarter Approach to Retirement Income, Ep #201

    Making Your Money Last: A Smarter Approach to Retirement Income, Ep #201
    Dec 31 2025
    How do you take the savings you've built over a lifetime and turn it into reliable income you can count on year after year? That's a question I've been hearing more and more, and it makes sense, without a clear withdrawal strategy, retirees can unintentionally drain their accounts too quickly, trigger unnecessary taxes, or simply feel unsure about whether they're doing things the right way. Making the shift from accumulating money to actually using it can feel uncomfortable, and my goal is to help people approach that transition with clarity and confidence. In this episode, I break the process down into a straightforward framework that organizes your retirement savings into distinct buckets, each with its own purpose and timeline. I also reveal the too common situation where someone has paid far more in taxes than they needed to, all because of the order in which they pulled money from their accounts. With a little structure and thoughtful planning, you can create an income stream that supports your lifestyle, protects your long-term security, and still leaves room to enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Intro.(0:20) Sources of Income in Retirement.(4:22) Costly Withdrawal Mistakes.(10:10) The Spending Mindset Shift.(13:23) The Three-Bucket Method.(28:00) Adjusting Over Time. A Smarter Approach to Using Your Retirement Income Understanding how you'll draw income in retirement is every bit as important as building the savings itself. Social Security, pensions, part‑time earnings, and withdrawals from your investments all contribute to the picture, but the sequence and timing of those withdrawals can dramatically impact your long‑term results. Pulling too much from tax‑deferred accounts early on can trigger avoidable taxes, while leaning too heavily on a single source can limit your options later. I've met plenty of people who ended up paying far more in taxes than they needed to simply because they didn't have a coordinated withdrawal strategy. With a thoughtful plan, retirees can design their income in a way that reduces taxes, stretches their savings, and helps ensure their money lasts as long as they do. Retirement isn't just about accumulating enough, it's about managing it intentionally once you get there. Learning to Use Your Retirement A Shift from Saving to Spending For years, often decades, we're taught to save diligently, invest consistently, and grow our retirement nest egg. But when the moment finally arrives to start using that money, flipping from saver to spender isn't always as simple as it sounds. I've worked with plenty of retirees who hesitate to touch their accounts, even when they're in a strong financial position. Watching balances decline can feel unsettling, even though that's the very purpose of those savings. Some people even take Social Security earlier than ideal just to avoid withdrawing from their investments, a choice that can cost them significantly over time. Recognizing that spending down your savings is a normal, healthy part of retirement can make a world of difference. When people understand this shift, they're better equipped to make confident decisions, and to actually enjoy the retirement they spent a lifetime preparing for. Structure Retirement Withdrawals to create a Predictable Paycheck When it comes to turning savings into reliable income, I've found that simplicity is often the key. The three‑bucket approach helps retirees organize their money into short‑term cash, steady income‑producing investments, and long‑term growth assets. With this structure, you always know which bucket your income is coming from and when you'll need it. A dedicated income bucket makes withdrawals feel more like a predictable paycheck, while the growth bucket keeps your future needs covered. This setup helps prevent selling investments at the wrong time, keeps taxes in check, and gives retirees the confidence that their financial plan can support them for the long haul. Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement PlanningRetirement Budgeting Tool2025 Market Outlook from LPL Financial Episode 72: The Bucket StrategyBEST Withdrawal Strategy | Where Should You Pull Funds from First?I'm 60 Years Old with $1.8million saved. How long will my money last? Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.comPodcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.comWebsite: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.comFollow Gregg on LinkedInFollow Gregg on FacebookFollow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
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    34 m
  • Retirement Realities: Tackling the Pain Points That Matter Most, Ep #200

    Retirement Realities: Tackling the Pain Points That Matter Most, Ep #200
    Dec 16 2025
    In this 200th episode, I focus on the real pain points retirees face and the importance of planning ahead. Drawing from years of conversations with clients and listeners, today's discussion highlights how assumptions about retirement often don't match reality, especially when it comes to taxes, lifestyle choices, and healthcare. Taxes remain one of the biggest surprises, as many retirees discover they're not in a lower bracket after all. Withdrawals from 401ks, IRAs, and pensions are taxed as ordinary income, and Social Security can also be partially taxable. At the same time, couples must navigate differing views on lifestyle and legacy, whether to enjoy their savings fully or prioritize leaving an inheritance, making estate planning documents and open conversations essential. Healthcare and cash management round out the episode's themes. Medicare rules change frequently, and waiting until the last minute can lead to costly mistakes, while keeping too much money in low‑interest accounts or idle cash can erode value against inflation. The takeaway is clear: thoughtful, proactive planning across taxes, legacy, healthcare, and investments is the key to building a secure and successful retirement. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (00:00) Intro.(04:34) Cost of Relocating in Retirement.(12:57) Retirement Saving Loan Strategies.(16:16) Taxes in Retirement.(24:04) Market Expectations and Strategies.(24:04) Cash management.(29:35) Healthcare Planning After Retirement. Planning Ahead for Taxes in Retirement Retirement planning often surprises people when it comes to taxes. Many assume they'll be in a lower bracket once they stop working, but withdrawals from 401ks, IRAs, and pensions are taxed as ordinary income, and Social Security can also be partially taxable. That's why it's so important to build a tax‑efficient withdrawal strategy ahead of time, rather than relying on assumptions that may not hold true. Lifestyle and Legacy: Defining Your Retirement Goals Another key theme is lifestyle and legacy. When planning for your retirement it is important to recognize what your goals are. Your goals drive your decisions for how you want to set up your retirement. Will you be relocating? Will you be giving away your money? Some retirees want to enjoy their savings fully, while others prioritize leaving an inheritance, even if it means sacrificing their own comfort. Couples often have different views on this, which makes open conversations and proper estate planning documents essential. Without wills, trusts, or powers of attorney, families can face costly probate battles and emotional strain, so addressing legacy goals early helps prevent conflict later. From Cash Reserves to Medicare: Proactive Steps for Peace of Mind Emergencies and healthcare planning is another area where retirees need to be proactive. It may be unreasonable to have large amounts of money in cash or low interest yielding accounts. Having a liquid emergency fund is essential but you may benefit from having your money growing for you. Additionally, Medicare rules change frequently, and waiting until the last minute can lead to expensive mistakes. The podcast highlights how comparing options, even for something as simple as prescriptions, can save thousands of dollars. Preparing ahead for coverage, understanding what's included, and exploring alternatives ensure retirees aren't blindsided by unexpected expenses and can maintain peace of mind in this new stage of life. Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement Planning Connect With Gregg Gonzalez Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.comPodcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/PodcastWebsite: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Follow Gregg on LinkedInFollow Gregg on FacebookFollow Gregg on YouTube Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
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    37 m
  • How Close Are You to Retirement? Listener Questions Answered, Ep #199

    How Close Are You to Retirement? Listener Questions Answered, Ep #199
    Nov 15 2025
    Today, in our 199th episode, I dive into some timely updates on Social Security and answered a batch of long-overdue listener questions. We kick things off with the newly announced 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits starting January 2026. While that sounds like good news, I cautioned listeners not to celebrate too quickly. Medicare Part B premiums are expected to rise by 11.6%, or about $21.50 per month, which will eat into that COLA, leaving most recipients with a net increase of only around $34.50. I argue that announcing the Social Security COLA a month before Medicare premiums is misleading and suggested both should be released simultaneously to give retirees a clearer picture of their actual income changes. I also highlight the increase in the Social Security earnings limit, which will rise from $176,100 in 2025 to $184,500 in 2026 (a 4.77% jump). This means higher earners will contribute more to Social Security before hitting the cap. On a brighter note, the stock market has been performing exceptionally well in 2025, with major indices like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and international markets all posting double-digit gains. At Retire Strong Financial Advisors, we're seeing more people seeking second opinions on their retirement plans, especially as their 401(k)s and 403(b)s hit all-time highs. I wrap up the episode by tackling some fantastic listener questions and reminding everyone to check out our free resources and YouTube channel for more retirement planning insights. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (00:00) Intro.(00:27) Social Security Updates.(11:28) Roth Conversions Explained.(19:53) 401k Management Fees.(21:14) Retirement Planning for Couples.(27:19) Annuity Product Warnings.(31:07) Retirement Withdrawal Strategies. Breaking Down Roth Conversions and 401(k) Management Options One listener, JB, asked a great question about Roth conversions, so I took the opportunity to break it down from the basics. A Roth conversion involves moving money from a pre-tax account like a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth account, paying taxes on the converted amount now so it can grow tax-free in the future. This strategy can be especially powerful for those whose retirement savings are heavily concentrated in pre-tax accounts. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Roth conversions can trigger higher taxes on Social Security benefits, push you into a higher tax bracket, or increase your Medicare premiums. There's also the five-year rule to consider, which can limit when you can access the converted funds. That's why I always recommend working with a fiduciary financial planner or tax advisor to determine if it's the right move. Another listener, Kelly, asked about paying Financial Engines to manage her 401(k). I explained that these services are optional and you can opt out and manage your own portfolio if you're comfortable. But if you're receiving personalized advice and planning, the fee might be worth it. Big Savings, Bigger Risks: Why Planning Matters Then we heard from Gary, who's 60 and married to Linda, who's 52. He's saved over $2 million mostly in a pre-tax 401(k) and has a pension that won't begin until age 65. Linda works part-time, and with their eight-year age gap and no clear Social Security strategy, there are several risks they need to address. If something were to happen to Gary, Linda wouldn't be eligible for survivor Social Security benefits until she turns 60, and the tax burden on their pre-tax savings could be significant for the surviving spouse. Other unknowns like their debt, health insurance plans before Medicare, and pension survivorship options will add more complexity. Life insurance and relocation plans are also critical factors that could impact their long-term financial security. I emphasized the need for a comprehensive retirement plan to help them navigate these issues. On a related note, I addressed a listener's question about annuity sales pitches at steak dinner seminars. While annuities can have a place in a portfolio, they're often sold with high fees, surrender penalties, and limited liquidity. I've seen too many people regret these decisions, so I always urge caution that if someone's buying you dinner, they're probably trying to sell you something. Retirement Education Without the Sales Pitch That's why we do retirement education differently. Our seminars are held at local libraries, no fancy dinners, no alcohol, and absolutely no product pitches. We're there to educate, not sell. This approach ties into Cindy's excellent question about which retirement account to withdraw from first. She has a mix of accounts, 401(k), Roth, and a stock account she hopes to leave to her kids, and she's unsure how to begin her decumulation strategy. This is a crucial decision, and unfortunately, many people get it wrong. The old "conventional wisdom" of spending taxable accounts first, then pre-tax, ...
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    41 m
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