How to Retire on Time

“Hey Mike, I’m working with two financial advisors right now. They always seem to contradict each other. Is that normal?” Discover how to navigate the confusing opinions of financial professionals so…

“Hey Mike, I’m concerned the market will crash soon. What do you recommend people do before a market crash?” The answer may surprise you. Discover unconventional ways to prepare for a potential marke…

“Hey Mike, I read your Kiplinger article about Social Security optimization, but am unclear when I should file. I plan to retire at 62 and intend to file for Social Security when I retire. Should I c…

“Hey Mike, I’m 67 years old and am concerned about required minimum distributions. I don’t want to be forced into paying too much in taxes. Most of my assets are in my Traditional IRA, but I don’t ne…

“Hey Mike, you’ve spoken about DSTs, but only at a high level. Can you give a more detailed answer, sharing exactly what they are, how they work, and the process it takes to sell a property, defer th…

“Hey Mike, I am 45 years old and recently decided that I’m done with work and want to retire at 50. Most of my assets are in my 401k, though. What can I do?” Listen to understand the pros and cons of…

"This is a touchy one." In today's episode, Mike describes why he almost never recommends variable annuities but is willing to articulate when one could make sense. Variable annuities are one of the …

In today's episode, Mike shares what it means to "create a retirement plan designed to last longer than you." This is not done through buying an annuity and turning on a guaranteed-for-life income. D…

In today's episode, Mike discusses term life insurance, when it makes sense for the beginning of your retirement, and when it does not make sense for any part of your retirement. Explore other altern…

In today's episode, Mike discusses the various ways in which interest rates going down could affect the market. He also breaks down how interest rates affect younger and older investors differently. …

"Money goes where money can grow" In today's episode, Mike talks value funds. What are they? Do they still provide a lot of value? Listen to Mike identify what made value funds great decades ago, and…

"If you don't know the right questions to ask, you'll never ask them." In today's episode, Mike discusses the Dunning-Kruger effect, false confidence, and potentially missing out on opportunities bec…

In today's episode, Mike discusses strategies you can employ if you have an inherited or beneficiary IRA. Discover various strategies, some of which you probably didn't know existed, that may be able…

In today's episode, Mike addresses the fear of running out of money in retirement. The answer is not always buying a bunch of annuities for lifetime income. Discover counterintuitive portfolio manage…

In today's episode, Mike explains why he believes fixed-indexed annuities have more growth potential than CDs or Treasuries in the long term.  Mike explains how they work from a cash accumulation sta…

In today's episode, Mike talks to people who are wanting to retire around 60 years of age, but have concerns with how to cover healthcare while waiting for Medicare. How does Mike suggest you bridge …

In today's episode, Mike explains why managing a portfolio without a relationship with a licensed financial professional may be more limiting than you realize. Discover when it may make sense to be 1…

In today's episode, Mike tells us how to create a retirement plan out of a 401(k). Is accumulating assets in your 401(k) during your working years a set-and-forget guarantee for retirement bliss? Wha…

In today's episode, Mike talks about employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans. How can you be proactive with a 401(k)? Should you keep all of your retirement savings in the 401(k) or roll it over t…

In today's episode, Mike discusses all the intricacies associated with managing a portfolio while trying to beat the market. Discover why the statistic that claims no one can beat the market may not …