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

CategoriesFinancial QB TV Videos, Retirement, Retirement Income, Risk by

Retirement in a World of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

More Americans than ever are living longer lives. But with longer life comes a higher risk of neurological diseases—especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These conditions not only affect memory and movement, but they also come with long-term care needs that can drain both your finances and your quality of life. 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 QB TV Videos, Retirement, Retirement Income by

Is Retirement Dead? The New Trend That’s Redefining Life After 65

Traditionally, retirement meant stopping work entirely around age 65 and relying on pensions and Social Security. However, as pensions become rarer and life expectancy increases, many are reconsidering their approach. The COVID-19 pandemic also reshaped the workforce, prompting some to retire early while others delayed retirement to navigate economic uncertainty. In 2023, workforce participation among those 65 or older exceeded 20% for the first time in over 50 years, highlighting a shift toward extended employment.

For those not ready to stop working completely, phased retirement offers a smoother transition, providing financial stability and an opportunity to adjust emotionally and socially to post-work life. 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

CategoriesFinancial QB TV Videos, Income Planning, Retirement Income by

Medicare and Income; Be Careful Taking that IRA Distribution

When people retire, they often wonder what to do with the money in their 401(k) from their former employer. Be careful about withdrawing all the money at once just because you can. While there’s no tax penalty for withdrawing after age 59 ½, taking a large amount at once can impact your Medicare costs if you’re over 63. 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.