RETIREMENT MADE EASY Podcast Por Gregg Gonzalez arte de portada

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
  • Do you need Life Insurance in Retirement?, Ep 195

    Do you need Life Insurance in Retirement?, Ep 195
    Sep 15 2025
    Over the past few weeks, I’ve had several clients and prospective clients ask me the same question: “Should I keep my life insurance in retirement?” Life insurance is something we all tend to think of as essential when we’re younger (when we’ve got a mortgage, kids at home, maybe only one working spouse). But once you’re nearing or in retirement, things change. So, the question becomes: Does it still make sense to pay for life insurance? In many cases, the answer depends on your goals and financial picture. I’ve seen cases where people are paying big premiums for small death benefits that won’t make a meaningful impact in their overall financial plan. Life insurance is a tool. If you no longer need the tool, why keep paying for it? That said, there are still some great reasons to have life insurance in retirement. I’ve worked with clients who maintain policies to fulfill charitable goals. That’s their retirement vision. Others use life insurance for legacy planning, making sure a tax-free benefit goes to their children, a trust, or someone they care deeply about. Life insurance can also be part of pension planning, especially for folks using pension maximization strategies to leave something behind for a surviving spouse. Now, if you’ve got permanent life insurance with a cash value, then you need to understand how it works. I always recommend talking to a fiduciary advisor first. These policies can be complicated, so it’s worth reviewing them carefully to make sure they’re still serving your needs. One thing I’ve seen time and again is that people misunderstand their policies. So be cautious because life insurance contracts can have all kinds of fine print. If you don’t truly understand how it works, get some help reviewing it. And finally, don’t lose sight of your why. Your goals should drive all your financial decisions. So ask yourself, what do you want to protect? Who do you want to help? Whether it’s your spouse, your kids, your church, or your community, life insurance can be a powerful tool when used intentionally. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (00:00) Intro.(03:20) Do you need life insurance in retirement?(07:38) Does it make sense to pay for life insurance? What's the cost to benefit?(09:43) Problems with life insurance.(15:03) Benefits of having a life insurance policy in retirement? Life Insurance in Retirement is Not for Everyone When people ask me whether they still need life insurance in retirement, I tell them: it depends on your goals, your financial situation, and who you're trying to protect. If you’re debt-free, your house is paid off, the kids are grown and financially independent, and your retirement accounts are in good shape, then you might not need it anymore. I had a client recently ask, “Are we wasting money keeping this policy?” And for them, the answer was yes. But for others, the story’s different. If you’ve got a mortgage, a spouse who would struggle financially without you, or anyone who relies on your income, then life insurance might still play a vital role even after you retire. Is Permanent Life Insurance Serving You? Another big topic I often see is confusion around permanent life insurance policies, whole life, universal life, variable universal life, you name it. These policies often have cash value, and many people don’t fully understand how they work or what they’re really worth. I’ve reviewed policies where the death benefit is only $10,000–$25,000, and the person is still paying high premiums. In many cases, if you’re over 59½ and you want to cash out, you can access the cash value with minimal tax impact, depending on your cost basis. For example, if you’ve paid $30,000 into the policy and the cash value is $45,000, that $15,000 gain would be taxable as ordinary income. I always recommend speaking with a CPA or fiduciary before making a move, but the key is understanding the numbers and whether that policy is still serving you. How Your Financial Goals Direct Life Insurance Needs Lastly, don’t forget your goals, your why. Life insurance isn’t just about replacing income; it can be a powerful tool to help you leave a legacy. I’ve worked with a couple who each carry a $1 million policy with their church as the beneficiary because that was part of their retirement vision. Another client is using her policy to fund a college scholarship because a scholarship changed the course of her own life. These stories are reminders that your financial decisions should reflect your values and what matters most to you. Life insurance can still have purpose in retirement, but only if it's tied to something meaningful. As I always say: dream big, and make your money work for the life you want to live and the legacy you want to leave behind. Resources & People Mentioned 3 Steps to Retirement PlanningRetireStrong Financial Advisors | Financial Planner St Louis Connect With Gregg ...
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    34 m
  • Why You May Not Retire on Time, Ep 194

    Why You May Not Retire on Time, Ep 194
    Aug 29 2025

    Do you know if you’ll retire on time? In this episode, I explore a question I often hear: Why do some people retire on time, confidently, and on track, while others keep pushing it off or feel like it will never happen?

    Additionally, I examine the differences in retirement experiences between men and women. Along the way, I share personal insights, stories from clients, research findings, and practical planning tips that can help you prepare for a retirement you truly enjoy.

    I share a powerful study from Harvard Business School that really stuck with me. This study shows how important it is to not only think about your goals but to write them down and make a plan to achieve them.

    When it comes to retirement, I always ask people to be as specific as possible, right down to the exact month or even day they want to retire. The more detailed you are, the more likely you are to hit those targets.

    I also talk about how retirement often looks different for men and women. Women frequently take on caregiving roles and are more likely to need long-term care themselves, making healthcare planning especially important.

    Men typically pay more for Medicare supplements, while life insurance tends to be cheaper for women. I’ve also noticed that women often prioritize legacy goals, while men usually have pricier hobbies. Understanding these patterns can help couples build a more balanced retirement plan.

    Another important topic I cover is the common belief that expenses and taxes drop significantly in retirement. I don’t buy it. Healthcare costs, insurance premiums, and daily expenses like trash service, postage, and groceries keep going up.

    Plus, inflation varies by location, so where you live matters a lot in your retirement plan. It’s important to factor in local cost-of-living differences because they can impact your budget quite a bit.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (00:00) Intro.
    • (03:30) How a specific retirement plan shows if you’re on track.
    • (06:30) Insights from a Harvard study on goal setting.
    • (09:40) Differences in retirement planning for men and women.
    • (17:20) Will expenses be cheaper in retirement?
    • (24:00) our free resources to help your planning.
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Value of 2013 dollars today | Inflation Calculator
    • 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
    • Why Some Retirement Products Can Trap Your Savings (and What to Watch For), Ep 187
    • RetireStrong Financial Advisors | Financial Planner St Louis
    Connect With Gregg Gonzalez
    • Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
    • Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
    • Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/
    • Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
    • Follow Gregg on Facebook
    • Follow Gregg on YouTube


    Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy
    On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
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    29 m
  • Don’t Ignore These Dangers to Your Retirement, Ep 193

    Don’t Ignore These Dangers to Your Retirement, Ep 193
    Aug 15 2025

    Are you confident your retirement plan is built to last-or could there be a trap door waiting to open beneath your feet?

    In this episode, I shine a light on the hidden dangers that can derail your retirement.

    Have you ever considered what would happen if your pension were suddenly cut in half? It has happened to retirees from major companies before, and it could happen again. I delve into real-life stories of people who thought they were financially secure, only to be blindsided by risks they hadn’t seen coming.

    From unexpected inflation spikes (like a 27% jump in homeowners insurance) to concentrated investment risk in company stock, I explore about a dozen real threats that could jeopardize your financial future.

    And let’s not forget the myth of “guaranteed” part-time work or inheritance that didn't happen; these are shaky assumptions that can crumble when life takes an unexpected turn. Too many people are flying solo, handling their retirement plans without a “copilot”, only to find themselves overwhelmed when tragedy strikes or a spouse becomes ill.

    I also caution listeners about locking up most of their savings in complex products like annuities or whole life insurance without fully understanding the rules, restrictions, or penalties. But you don't have to manage your planning alone.

    We offer free resources and a company willing to help you navigate these pitfalls. So, what’s your plan if the unexpected happens? Are you prepared, or are you just hoping for the best? It’s time to step back, assess your risks, and patch the cracks in your retirement foundation before it’s too late.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (00:00) Intro.
    • (05:11) How a pension is a threat to your retirement.
    • (07:34) How the cost of living and inflation affect retirement.
    • (09:15) Concentrated investments like company stocks threat to your planning.
    • (12:15) What assumed incomes could be a threat to your future funds?
    • (15:34) Should life insurance policies and annuities be avoided?
    • (17:44) Are you vulnerable to key-person risk? How we can help.
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
    • Why Some Retirement Products Can Trap Your Savings (and What to Watch For), Ep 187
    • RetireStrong Financial Advisors | Financial Planner St Louis
    Connect With Gregg Gonzalez
    • Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
    • Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
    • Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com/
    • Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
    • Follow Gregg on Facebook
    • Follow Gregg on YouTube


    Subscribe to Retirement Made Easy
    On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
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    26 m
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