Retirement Ready

Answering The 401(k) FAQs

Most likely, at some point or another, you’ve had the option of contributing to a 401(k). But do you know how to really leverage it? This episode will tackle some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to your 401(k).
 
Show Notes: http://petersonfg.com/answering-the-401k-faqs/ 
 
Today's Rundown: 
1:51 - Should I use the company-provided advice on my 401(k) plan for a low fee?
3:21 - Should I contribute as much to my 401(k) as I can or just up to the match?
6:01 - Should you use target date funds?
8:29 - Is it a bad idea to take out a loan against your 401(k)?
9:53 - When should I take money out of my 401(k) and roll it over to an IRA?

Understanding How Your Feelings Impact Your Financial Decisions

When you make a financial decision, does it start with looking at the numbers or asking the question, “How do you feel about that?” When should your feelings overrule the numbers, and what areas of your plan are most likely swayed by feelings and emotions?
 
Show Notes: http://petersonfg.com/understanding-how-your-feelings-impact-your-financial-decisions/
 
Today's Rundown: 
1:06 - Feelings get tied up in the family home.
3:36 - Make sure you can age in place and have the proper support around you.
4:06 - How important is it to you to leave a financial legacy? 
6:25 - Do you want to know the fine details of your financial plan?
8:41 - How you feel about the market volatility can impact your decisions.

Planning Your Road Trip Towards Retirement

Think back to your last road trip--what did you do to prepare? Chances are you didn’t suddenly jump in the car and then a few hours (or days) later simply arrive. Yet this is what some people think retirement looks like. Instead, you’ve got to plan ahead and know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
On this episode: 
1:18 - Planning a road trip is like planning for retirement.
1:37 - Decide where you’re going.
3:57 - Determine the route.  
7:16 - Consider who you’re listening to.
9:55 - Know when to use cruise control.
Show notes and additional resources: http://petersonfg.com/planning-your-road-trip-towards-retirement/

Let's Talk About The “A” Word: Annuities

We’ve all heard about annuities, but there’s still tons of confusion about them. What are the different types of annuities? And are any of them worth having?
On this episode:
1:20 - There are four types of annuities.
2:58 - Immediate annuities are like a pension--payment for the rest of your life.
4:04 - The downside of immediate annuities.
5:05 - A fixed annuity is like a CD.
6:10 - The variable annuity has the worst connotation of the four types of annuities.
9:51 - Finally, the fixed index annuity interest rate is dependent on the movement of an external market index.
Show notes and additional resources: http://petersonfg.com/lets-talk-about-the-a-word-annuities/

Should You Adhere To Conventional Financial Wisdom?

What common financial advice have you heard that is actually worth following? Do these concepts provide a better financial future for you and your family? Or are these ideas more damaging in the long-run?
On this episode:
1:03- Real estate is said to appreciate in value. But is it a good investment?
4:22- There’s good debt and bad debt, and mortgage is considered good debt. Is it though? 5:42 - You can’t finance your retirement.
6:50- Should you pay off the house at an accelerated rate?
8:50- If your investments aren’t doing well, should you try something else?
Get the full show notes and additional resources by clicking here: http://petersonfg.com/should-you-adher…financial-wisdom/

How To Create A Retirement Plan Without Compromises, Part 2

We all want a certain sense of safety and security, but we also need the growth and potential that comes with risk. So how do you weigh out the two and create a plan without compromise? What tools can be used to achieve the right combination of both safety and growth?
Today's rundown: 
1:16 - One of the compromises in retirement is deciding between growth vs. safety.
1:56 - How can the power of indexing work to your advantage?
6:55 - What are some areas to be aware of with life insurance?
10:45 - What happens when the tax rate changes
Get the full show notes and additional resources by clicking here: http://petersonfg.com/how-to-create-a-retirement-plan-without-compromises-part-2/

How To Create A Retirement Plan Without Compromises, Part 1

When making any decisions, you may get to a point when you have to make some compromises. How about when it comes to your retirement plans, are you making too many compromises?
On this episode: 
1:26 - What does it mean to have no compromises in retirement?
2:29 - What compromise is often overlooked in retirement?
3:45 - What strategies are there to save and prepare for taxes?
8:34 - How can you predict your tax liability in retirement?
 
Get the full show notes and additional resources here: http://petersonfg.com/how-to-create-a-retirement-plan-without-compromises-part-1/

How To Handle Financial Pain Points in Retirement

When planning for retirement, there are a number of pain points that can come up to cause stress and fear for the future. What are some ways you can address these pain points now?
On this episode: 
0:48 - What are some of the main financial pain points?
1:11 - Many people worry about running out of money before they die.
3:21 - How will taxes go in retirement?
6:55 - People are terribly afraid of living in (and paying for) a nursing home.
9:12 - Anxiety over a potential market crash can feel overwhelming.
Get the full show notes and additional resources here: http://petersonfg.com/how-to-handle-financial-pain-points-in-retirement/

Can Financial Planning Be A DIY Job?

Wondering whether or not you really need a financial advisor or if you could just figure it out on your own? Why do people choose to approach financial planning like a DIY project, and why do some of those DIYers later change their mind?
On this episode: 
1:04 - Why don’t some people choose to work with a financial advisor?
2:49 - What triggers someone to go from DIY to working with a financial advisor?
4:38 - What is a big mistake that happens with those who decide to DIY their financial plans?
6:34 - Is risk factored into a DIY financial plan?
Get the full show notes and additional resources by clicking here. 

What’s In Your Financial Junk Drawer?

We all have that drawer in the house with random odds and ends--some of it valuable and some of it you have no idea what to do with. What about in your financial files or folders? Do you know what’s what and what needs to go? 
Click here to see the full show notes.