Retirement Ready

Unasked Retirement Questions You Shouldn’t Ignore

There are plenty of obvious questions about retirement planning that everybody knows they should be asking. Then, there are other questions that aren't exactly enjoyable to think about.
For example, it’s not easy to consider how taxes and income might shift after losing a spouse, how losing the ability to drive could lead to new financial and social challenges, or whether relying on your children for care in old age is realistic. Yet, these are necessary things to ask yourself as you build a plan.
Tune in to this episode with Eric, as he breaks down some frequently unasked retirement questions that are very important to consider.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Downsizing in retirement
How taxes change when you must file as single
The financial impacts of losing the ability to drive
Not just assuming that your kids are on board with taking care of you in old age
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

The Diverse Definitions Of Diversification

Diversification is one of those buzzwords you hear often in financial planning. While many people know it's important, few are clear on what it actually means when applied to various aspects of their financial strategy. In today’s episode, Eric and Marc will bring you the diverse definitions of diversification.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Diversification in terms of stocks.
Diversification of asset classes.
Global diversification.
Diversification of strategies.
Diversification around taxes.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

The Use Of Technology In Financial Planning

As technology keeps advancing, it’s made our lives easier in so many ways. Tasks that used to need outside help can now be done on our own with just a few clicks. This shift has also brought more accessible online financial tools, but how accurate and helpful are they really?
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The risks that come with sponsored ads on Google.
How robo-advisors take the emotion out of investing.
How useful are online “retirement calculators?”
Different uses for technology in the accumulation phase vs. the distribution phase.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Retirement Planning Conversations With Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker is one of the great writers of the 20th century. Her wit and prose have been appreciated by readers for generations. But are there any lessons we can learn when it comes to finance with some of Parker’s most well-known quotes?
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
Putting your financial resources to work for you.
Having a plan for what you want to do with your wealth when you die.
The relief you’ll feel after financial planning.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Mailbag: Moving To A State With Income Tax And More

In this episode, Eric is answering your questions! We’ll cover a range of topics today, including key considerations for income taxes when moving to a new state, how to initiate financial conversations with parents or grandparents, and whether using a life insurance policy to save for a college fund is a wise choice.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The financial impacts of moving to a state with a higher income tax.
Getting the conversation started with older parents when it comes to their finances.
Is it better to use a life insurance policy for college savings?
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

What Is Lazy Money?

What is lazy money and why do you want to not have too much of it in your retirement portfolio? Simply put, lazy money is money that isn’t growing as much as it could be. Having your money grow and work for you is a key part of building a solid portfolio, so Eric breaks down some strategies to help get the most out of your money in this episode.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Defining the term “lazy money.”
Making sure that you are getting the most out of your money.
The concept of investing with your conscience or “moral investing.”
How lazy money can be dangerous.
Getting your money to make more money for you.
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Retirement Planning Today Is Harder Than It Used To Be

Retirement planning simply isn’t the same as it used to be. From changes in life expectancy, the lack of pensions, and getting caught in the sandwich generation, there’s a lot to keep in mind when putting together your financial plan. Instead of taking advice from others who may have retired in a different era, it’s important to understand what strategy is right for you.  
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Pensions are no longer the norm.
Life expectancy is longer, so we need to financially prepare for longer lives.
Some get stuck in the sandwich generation and caring for others.
You should be strategic about your Social Security income.
Taxes are an area where you can take control in retirement.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Social Security Variables That Impact Your Claiming Strategy

After so many years of paying into Social Security, you might feel ready to reap the benefits. But before you get too eager, it’s best to have a thorough understanding of the different variables and how to best leverage them.
On today’s podcast, Eric emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy and personalized plan.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The different buckets in retirement.  
How Social Security benefits apply with a spouse.
Maximizing your financial outcome.
Potential changes to Social Security.
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Retirement Real Estate Decisions: Downsizing, Snowbirding, and More

One of the key discussions you may have in retirement is what to do about the house. Should you downsize your home? Pay it off early? Buy a vacation home and become a snow bird? Eric emphasizes the importance of considering not just the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes each of these decisions entail. Weighing out the pros and cons of each decision can highlight what is right for you (which isn’t always the same as what your neighbor is doing). 
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Whether or not to downsize.
Considering the interest rates.
Wondering about paying off the house.
Springing for a vacation home. 
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/

Healthcare in Retirement

One major (yet often overlooked!) expense in retirement is healthcare. Especially if you are retiring early, healthcare can be a huge expense as you bridge the gap between your working years and when eligible for Medicare. Not only will you have an increased monthly cost, but you may need to budget for additional medical costs as time goes on or even long-term care needs.
In today’s episode, Eric will give us an inside look at the healthcare-related items you need to think about as you approach your retirement years.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Medicare fits in your retirement plan.
What happens if you retire early?
Dealing with unexpected medical expenses.
Planning for long-term care needs.
 
Get in touch with the Peterson Financial team: https://petersonfg.com/