CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Retirement, Retirement Income by

Structuring Your Retirement Income

Retirement planning is a complex puzzle, and structuring your retirement income is one of its most critical pieces. With life expectancies increasing and economic uncertainties persisting, ensuring a sustainable income stream throughout retirement is more challenging than ever. Numerous strategies and “rules” have emerged to guide retirees in managing their finances, such as the Rule of 240 Paychecks, the ‘Die With Zero’ Rule, the Rule of 1,000 Hours, the Rule of Four Futures, the Rule of $1,000, the Rule of 55, the 80% Rule, the 4% Rule, and the Rule of 25. Each offers a unique perspective on how to approach retirement income, from withdrawal rates to early retirement funding. While these rules provide valuable frameworks, they often overlook critical realities about retirement that can make or break your financial security. This article explores these strategies and emphasizes the importance of a balanced income approach, the unpredictability of life expectancy, and the non-linear nature of retirement. Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Investor Behavior, Risk, The Stock Market by

Economists and Forecasters Know NOTHING

The stock market is a complex beast, often described as unpredictable in the short term. Why? Because it reflects the minute-by-minute decisions of roughly 7 billion people. If individuals struggle to predict their own actions an hour from now, how can anyone claim to forecast the collective behavior of billions with precision? The answer is simple: they can’t. Decades of market history show that no one—regardless of expertise—has consistent insight into short-term market movements. Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Retirement by

Before You Retire: The People You Must Talk to First

Because retirement planning isn’t just about money—it’s about making sure every piece fits.

Retirement isn’t something you just walk into—at least not without a little preparation. If you want to avoid surprises (and stress), you’ll need to talk to the right people first. Retirement affects your income, healthcare, lifestyle, and even your relationship with your spouse. Here’s who should be on your pre-retirement checklist: Read More

CategoriesAsset Allocation, Financial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Investor Behavior, Retirement, Risk, The Stock Market by

Does Diversification Suck?

Imagine the days of old ships powered by sails. The fastest ones, called clipper ships, were built to race across the ocean, carrying tea from China. They were sleek, with tons of sails and a deep keel—think of it like a fin—that helped them use the wind but needed deep water to avoid crashing. Read More

CategoriesAsset Allocation, Financial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Investor Behavior, Risk, The Stock Market by

Young Investors – Embrace the Declines

If you’re a young investor watching the stock market dip in 2025, you might be feeling a little uneasy. Headlines are filled with talk of a slowing economy, recession fears, and market selloffs. But here’s the truth: none of that matters to you in the long run. In fact, downturns are an opportunity—one that you should be taking full advantage of. Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Income Planning, Retirement Income by

Post Election Perspectives for Your Investment Strategy

Political news is everywhere, dominating conversations and stirring emotions. It’s tempting for investors to react to these developments, whether it’s debates over tariffs, inflation concerns, or discussions about immigration policies. But making changes to your portfolio based on political headlines—or what you think might happen—is rarely a wise move. Read More

CategoriesAsset Allocation, Capitalism, Economics, Financial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Retirement, Risk by

3 Government Policies that Destroy Retirement

As a financial advisor, I’m sometimes told to be ‘neutral’ about politics when discussing your money. But when it comes to securing your financial future, there’s no room for gray areas. Let’s talk straight about three policies that, no matter who promotes them, won’t help you retire better.

Higher Taxes: There’s simply no way that paying more taxes will increase your returns or improve your retirement lifestyle. More taxes only mean more of your hard-earned money out the door and less for you to enjoy life.

Regulations in Banking and Investments: The more the government steps into the financial industry, the harder—and more expensive—it becomes for you to grow your wealth. This only distorts markets, raises your costs, and puts your retirement at risk.

Inflation: Inflation isn’t a mysterious force—it’s a result of government policies and printing money. When inflation rises, your dollar buys less, making everyday life, not to mention retirement, more expensive.

You deserve an advisor who’s not just going through the motions but actively working to reduce taxes, boost returns, and protect your freedom to live the life you envision. Retirement should be about what you want, not what gets taken from you.

 

 

 

 

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Retirement, Retirement Income by

Retired and Buying A Car? This Can Help You Decide.

Life still happens in retirement and at some point you will need a newer car. When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each. Let’s break down the key factors:

  1. Depreciation
    • New Car: The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a significant portion of its value—around 20-30% in the first year. While you get the latest technology and features, you’re also paying a premium for that newness.
    • Used Car: A used car has already gone through its biggest depreciation phase, which means you avoid the steep drop in value. Buying a car that’s a few years old can give you nearly the same benefits as a new car at a much lower price.
  2. Reliability & Warranty
    • New Car: Buying new means you get the manufacturer’s full warranty, which can give peace of mind for several years, and you know the car hasn’t been in any accidents or mishaps.
    • Used Car: While older cars may require more maintenance, many come with certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties. With the proper research, a used car can still be highly reliable, and you may even find models with the remainder of the original warranty.
  3. Cost
    • New Car: New cars typically come with higher price tags and higher insurance premiums. You’re also likely to pay higher taxes on a new car.
    • Used Car: Buying used means you’re getting a vehicle at a lower price, which can reduce your overall expenses. In addition to a lower purchase price, insurance is generally less expensive.
  4. Financing Options
    • New Car: Dealers often offer lower interest rates or special financing deals on new cars.
    • Used Car: Interest rates for used cars are usually higher, but since the initial cost is lower, the total amount financed is still smaller.

Should You Pay Cash for a Vehicle?

Paying cash for a car can be a smart financial move if you have the funds available. Here’s why:

  1. Avoiding Interest
    When you pay cash, you don’t have to worry about paying interest on a loan, which can save you thousands of dollars over time. This keeps the true cost of the vehicle lower.
  2. No Monthly Payments
    Paying in cash means you own the car outright, and you won’t have to deal with monthly car payments. This frees up room in your budget for other financial goals or unexpected expenses.

However, paying cash might not always be the best option:

  • Depleting Savings: If paying for a car in full would significantly drain your savings or emergency fund, financing may be the better option. A low-interest loan could allow you to keep cash on hand for other needs.
  • Investment Opportunities: If you can secure a low-interest rate on a car loan, it might be wiser to finance the car and invest the money you would have used. If your investments earn a higher return than the loan’s interest rate, financing is a better choice.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether buying new or used is better or if you should pay cash. It ultimately depends on your financial situation, priorities, and long-term goals. For those looking to minimize costs, a used car and paying in cash often make sense. If you want the latest features and a full warranty, a new car with financing may be the right choice.

Confused on how to make the best decisions towards your retirement and making sure those decisions will allow you to stay retired? Make sure to contact me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Financial QB TV Videos, Retirement, Retirement Income, The Stock Market by

The Declining Financial Security of Retirees in Today’s Economy

In just four years, the financial landscape for retirees has shifted dramatically, placing many in precarious situations. While retirement was once a time to enjoy the fruits of decades of labor, today’s retirees are finding themselves navigating a sea of economic challenges that threaten their financial stability. The rising cost of living, the inflated costs of maintaining home equity, and the volatile stock market are all contributing factors. These challenges make it clear that retirees are worse off today than they were just a few years ago. Read More