Retirement Ready

Beyond Stocks: The Problem-Solving Power of Financial Advisors

Most people think a financial advisor’s primary job is picking investments, but that’s just a small piece of the puzzle. In today’s episode, Eric explains that the real work happens in solving the complex, emotional, and unexpected problems that come with retirement: early job loss, tax challenges, the loss of a spouse, or even recovering from bad advice.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Strategies for forced early retirement after age 55
🧠 How problem-solving is at the core of advising
🧾 What happens to your taxes after your last paycheck
📦 Using inherited accounts the right way
🛠️ Cleaning up bad financial advice from the past
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Mailbag – Roth IRA, Emergency Funds & Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Free

Making more money is great, but what happens when it becomes a roadblock for contributing to a Roth IRA? And how can you make your emergency fund work smarter for you? In today’s episode, we pull from the mailbag and answer a mix of listener questions. Eric addresses concerns that reflect the real-life hurdles many face on the road to retirement.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💰 How to handle income limits and strategies with Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k)
🏦 High-yield savings options vs. CDs – How to make your emergency fund work harder
📊 Understanding the difference and maximizing benefits with tax-deferred vs. tax-free accounts
💡 Non-deductible IRAs – A way to continue saving for retirement even when you exceed Roth income limits
🔄 Emergency fund strategies—Keeping cash liquid without losing growth opportunities
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

How 2025 Tax Updates Can Impact Your Financial Plan

Although tax season has come to a close, the time for smart tax planning has just begun! In this episode, we unpack the upcoming tax updates that could affect your planning for the next few years, including changes to 401(k) contribution limits, tax deductions, and the potential benefits of using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📊 401(k) Contribution Limits increase so you can boost your savings
💡 Catch-up Contributions may maximize your retirement savings
🏥 HSAs are a powerful tool for tax-free retirement healthcare savings
📝 Standard Deduction Updates for 2025
💼 How to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Early Retirement: Dream Come True or Financial Trap?

Ever fantasize about leaving your 9-to-5 before traditional retirement age? You're not alone, but is early retirement even possible? In today’s episode, Eric explores what it really takes to retire early including how to tackle healthcare costs, how to make money last longer, and the importance of shifting your mindset from spender to saver.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💼 Why many retirees return to part-time work (and love it!)
🏦 Retirement account rules—what you can access at age 55
💡 How to know if early retirement is truly realistic for you
📊 Why running the numbers is the first step to freedom
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

What 400+ Advisors Say Really Keeps Retirees Up at Night

​What are Americans really concerned about when it comes to retirement? In this episode, we unpack the results of an insightful survey from Financial Advisor Magazine, which was completed by over 400 financial advisors. We’ll also compare these answers with the real-world concerns we hear every day from the clients in our own practice.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
 💸 Outliving Your Money – Still the #1 concern for retirees
📈 Wealth Building vs. Income Planning
📉 Market Risk in Retirement
🏥 Healthcare Costs – A hidden challenge for early retirees
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Bracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners

March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted.
Many investors can’t resist chasing big wins, even though diversification is a smarter play. One economist, Hendrik Bessembinder, analyzed the returns of nearly a century of stock performance. Let’s compare what he found to March Madness history and uncover what March Madness can teach us about investing!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🏆A perfect bracket has never happened
📉 The odds of sustainable success are slim
🏀The most familiar choice doesn’t mean victory
📊The importance of diversification in investments
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Are Hidden Fees Draining Your Retirement Savings?

Many investors focus on market performance but overlook one of the biggest threats to their long-term wealth: hidden fees. These costs—often buried within mutual funds, annuities, and trading expenses—can quietly erode your retirement savings over time. In this episode, Eric reveals the true cost of investing and how to protect yourself from unnecessary financial drains.
Here’s some of what we discuss:
💰 Mutual Fund Costs – Expense ratios are just the beginning. Learn how trading fees and taxes could be taking an extra 2.5% from your returns.
🏇 The Heavy Jockey Effect – Variable annuities may seem safe, but their high fees can weigh down your investments like a jockey too heavy for his horse.
📉 Market Downturns & Hidden Costs – How volatile markets can amplify the impact of these fees on your portfolio.
🛡️ Smart Strategies – Discover how tax-protected accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s can help mitigate unnecessary expenses.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

What Game Night Can Teach Us About Financial Planning

What do Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Candy Land, and Risk have in common with retirement planning? More than you might think! In this episode, Eric breaks down the surprising financial lessons hidden in classic board games, offering valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement strategy.
From the asset management lessons of Monopoly to the strategic thinking required in Risk, these games mirror real-life financial decisions. Just as in Trivial Pursuit, where players must collect wedges in different categories, a well-rounded retirement plan requires knowledge of investments, Social Security, Medicare, and tax strategies. And if you’re relying on luck—like in Candy Land—rather than a solid financial plan, you might be in for a rude awakening.
Eric also explores how risk management and retirement readiness reviews can give you a clearer financial picture, helping you avoid costly missteps.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎩 Monopoly & Money Management – Avoid financial ruin by understanding asset allocation and risk.
🧠 Trivial Pursuit & Retirement Strategy – Build a well-rounded plan with investments, Social Security, and Medicare.
🎲 Candy Land & Investing Mindset – Luck won’t cut it—why strategic planning beats wishful thinking.
⚔️ Risk & Financial Defense – Balance offense and defense in your investment approach.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Mailbag – Upsizing, Financial Advisors & Business Owner Planning

Join us as we answer questions about the challenges of downsizing, the emotional aspects of planning for family gatherings, and the realities of transitioning into a financial advisory career. Whether you're a grandparent considering a new home or a professional seeking a career change, this episode will hopefully cover something that might impact your retirement.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Is upsizing in retirement to accommodate family gatherings a crazy idea?
What advice would Eric give to someone thinking about becoming a financial advisor?
What should business owners focus on if they haven’t been saving in a 401k or retirement account?
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Planning for Unique Situations in Retirement

On this episode, Eric dives into the complexities of crafting a personalized retirement strategy. While many face the same general retirement concerns, each individual’s situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions.
We’ll explore real-life scenarios like age gaps and separate finances, highlighting the specific challenges people encounter when planning for the future.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What changes with planning when you and your spouse have an age gap?
The things you have to plan for if you want to retire early.
How we help couples who keep their finances separate.
Rebounding from divorce and building your finances back up for retirement.
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/