Ready For Retirement

5 Things You'll Wish You Knew Before You Retired

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you retire, there are surprising things you’ll wish you knew beforehand. Unlike social security, IRAs, or Medicare, most people don’t often p...

What's the Best Way to Sell Out of a Concentrated Stock Position?

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James discusses a listener’s question about what to do with stock positions and single stock positions, explaining the pros and cons of holding a co...

6 Financial Rules of Thumb to Avoid

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James debunks six popular rules of thumb that can actually do more harm than good when it comes to retirement planning. From the 100-minus-your-age s...

How Should I Invest Proceeds from Selling My Home?

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, James tackles a listener’s question about investing a lump sum for his upcoming retirement. James analyzes one's situation an...

Plan Better: Financial Strategies vs Tactics

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Oftentimes we make decisions about our portfolios based on what we think is the smartest move. Yet when we do that, we can lose sight of the bigger pi...

Avoid This Major Pitfall of Standard Withdrawal Strategies

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You might be missing something if you're focusing only on your initial withdrawal rate......on today's episode, we'll cover what you mi...

4 Reasons You SHOULDN'T do a Roth Conversion

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how 4 reasons to NOT do a Roth Conversion.Questions Answered: How to think through whether a...

5 Reasons You Should Retire Now

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to protect your most important financial assets.Questions Answered: How should you think...

How to Protect Your Most Important Financial Asset

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to protect your most important financial assets.Questions Answered: How should you think...

How Much Umbrella Insurance Coverage Do You Need?

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses umbrella insurance coverage and how much you need.Questions Answered: How should I think abo...

How to Supercharge Your Retirement with Deferred Comp Plans

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses Deferred Compensation Plans and how to consider them within your overall retirement strategy....

Where To Pull Income From First When You Retire Early? (Part 3 - Early Retirement)

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, Ari Taublieb, MBA guest hosts the Ready for Retirement podcast to discuss where you should pull income from f...

3 Ways To Create Tax-Free Income in Retirement - (Part 2 - Early Retirement)

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, Ari Taublieb, MBA guest hosts the Ready for Retirement podcast to discuss the 5 mistakes to make sure you avo...

5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Retiring Early (Part 1 - Early Retirement)

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, Ari Taublieb, MBA guest hosts the Ready for Retirement podcast to discuss the 5 mistakes to make sure you avo...

How Much Do You Need to Retire?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how much you need to retire.Questions Answered: How much do I need (financially)?How do I pr...

Where Should I Invest Extra Income After Maxing My 401k?

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what you should do with extra income after you max out your 401(k). Questions Answered: Wha...

What Should You Do With Your 401k When You Retire?

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what you should do with your 401(k) when you retire.Questions Answered: What are the best wa...

5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses with retirement life coach Cyn Meyer how to create the most meaningful retirement.Guest: Cyn ...

How to Use Roth Conversions to Protect Your Spouse's Future

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James how to use Roth Conversions to protect your spouse's future.Questions Answered: What are the best...

When Should You Start Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stocks For Retirement Income?

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when you should start withdrawing cash instead of stocks for retirement income?Questions Answ...

8 Important Planning Opportunities From the SECURE Act 2.0

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 8 important planning opportunities from the SECURE Act 2.0Questions Answered: What are the m...

3 Steps to Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 3 steps to make 2023 your best year yet.Questions Answered: What is the best way to get your...

5 Wrong Assumptions People Make About Retirement

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 5 assumptions that you shouldn't make in retirement.Questions Answered: What are the be...

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good "Plan B"?

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if a reverse mortgage is a good "Plan B".Questions Answered: What are the best pra...

When Does it Make Sense to Work with a Financial Advisor?

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when it does (and doesn't) make sense to work with a financial planner.Questions Answere...

What Investments Should I Own in My Retirement Portfolio?

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what investments you should own in your retirement portfolio?Questions Answered: What are th...

Are Withdrawal Rate Rules Still Applicable in Today's Markets?

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if withdrawal rates are still applicable in today's markets.Questions Answered: Can we ...

What Are the Pros and Cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the pros and cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions.Questions Answered: When does it make mo...

Should You Get a 15 or 30 Year Mortgage?

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you should get a 15 or 30 year mortgage. Questions Answered: What mortgage is best for y...

How Should You Invest Your Bridge Account?

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to invest your bridge account.Questions Answered: How should you invest your brokerage a...

How to Plan Differently When Spouses Retire at Different Times

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to plan for retirement when you and your spouse will be retiring at different times.Quest...

Why Are Bond Prices Falling & What to Do About It

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses why bond prices are falling and what you can do to protect your portfolio.Questions Answered:...

5 Steps To Prepare For Retirement Today with Ari Taublieb

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James Conole discusses with guest, Ari Taublieb, the 5 steps so you can begin preparing for retirement today!...

How Do You Know if You Have Enough to Retire?

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you how to know if you have enough to retire.Questions Answered: How do you know if you h...

Should You Use Roth or Pre-Tax if You're in the 24% Tax Bracket?

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you should use Roth or Pre-Tax if you're in a 24% tax bracket.Questions Answered: Ho...

A Story of What You Are Actually Investing In

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses a story to better understand what you're actually invested in.Questions Answered: How c...

What's the Best Way to Help My Kid Buy a Home?

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the best way to help your children buy a home.Questions Answered: How can I best help my chi...

How to Best Align Your Portfolio with Other Income Sources

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to best align your portfolio with other income sources.Questions Answered: How can I ali...

Should Gold Be Part of Your Investment Portfolio?

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if gold should be part of your investment portfolio.Questions Answered: Should gold play a r...

What Are the Best Strategies for Reducing Required Minimum Distributions?

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the best strategies for reducing RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions).Questions Answered: H...

Avoid These Pitfalls of Asset Location

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how you can avoid the pitfalls of asset location.Questions Answered: How can you effectively...

What's the Best Way to Teach Kids About Money and Investing?

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the best way to teach kids about money and investing.Questions Answered: How can you effecti...

What Return Should You Expect for a 60/40 Portfolio Going Forward?

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what return you should expect from a 60/40 portfolio going forward.Questions Answered: Is th...

How do State Taxes Impact Roth v. Traditional Considerations?

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how state taxes impact Roth v. Traditional Contributions.Questions Answered: How should you ...

How to Use 72t Distributions to Access Retirement Funds Early and Penalty-Free

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses Rule 72t distributions to access retirement funds early and penalty-free.Questions Answered: ...

How to Use Individual Stocks for Better Tax-Planning

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to use individual stocks for better tax-planning.Questions Answered: How can you use ind...

How to Most Effectively Pull Funds Out of Your College Savings Account

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to most effectively pull funds out of your college savings account.Questions Answered: W...

How to Turn Real Estate Equity Into Income in Retirement?

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to turn real estate equity into income in retirement.Questions Answered: How can I best ...

Is Rental Real Estate a Good Idea in Retirement?

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if rental real estate is a good idea in retirement.Questions Answered: Is it worth investing...

4 Steps to an Early Retirement with Ari Taublieb

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses with guest, Ari Taublieb, the four most important steps when considering an early retirement ...

How to Implement (And Do Better Than) the 4% Rule

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to implement (and do better than) the 4% rule.Questions Answered: How can you maximize y...

How to Invest Different Portfolio "Buckets"

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to invest in different portfolio "buckets".Questions Answered: How can you bes...

How to Become a Better Investor with Chad Hufford

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to be a better investor with guest, Chad Hufford, owner of Veritas Wealth Management in A...

How Should Withdrawal Rates Change if You Don't Have Any Legacy Goals?

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how withdrawal rates should change if you don't have any legacy goals.Questions Answered...

How to Get Financially Organized

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to get financially organized.Questions Answered: How can you be most organized financial...

How to Enjoy Life Today While Also Preparing for the Future

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to enjoy life today while also preparing for the future.Questions Answered: What can you...

The Complete Guide to Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the complete guide to Health Savings Accounts (HSA).Questions Answered: How can you use an H...

The 3 Most Important Mindset Shifts to Make Going Into Retirement

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the 3 most important mindset shifts to make going into retirement.Questions Answered: What a...

How Likely is it That You'll Run Out of Money in Retirement?

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how likely it is that you'll run out of money in retirement?Questions Answered: Is it l...

Investing for Longevity When There's a Spousal Age Gap

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to invest for longevity when there's a spousal age gap.Questions Answered: What wou...

How Do Roth Conversions Impact Inheritance/Legacy?

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how Roth Conversions impact inheritance, specifically legacy planning.Questions Answered: Ho...

Where Should You Pull Income in the First Year of Retirement?

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses where you should pull income from in the first year of retirement.Questions Answered: What i...

4 Steps to Navigating Down Markets

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 4 ways to navigate market downturns.Questions Answered: How should investors approach down m...

What's the Best Way to Rebalance Your Portfolio?

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, we’re talking about the best way to rebalance your portfolio.Questions Answered: How do I know if I need t...

How to Prioritize Roth Conversions Vs. Tax Gain Harvesting

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, we’re talking about how to prioritize Roth Conversions v. Tax Gain Harvesting.Questions Answered: How do I...

The 5 Most Important Parts of a Successful Financial Strategy

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, we’re talking about the 5 most important parts of a successful financial strategy. Questions Answered: Wh...

Should I Take My Pension as an Annuity or Lump Sum Rollover?

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, we’re talking about pensions and how you should take your pension when you retire.Questions Answered: Shou...

Should I Prioritize Health Insurance Subsidies or Roth Conversions?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Ready for Retirement, we’re talking about how to know whether you should prioritize health insurance subsidies or Roth conversion...

How to Manage Roth Conversions Before Taxes Increase

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how to manage Roth Conversions before taxes increase.Questions answered: How ca...

How Do I Know if I Should Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance?

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding if you should buy long-term care insurance.Questions answered: Sh...

Why a Monte Carlo Analysis Is Not a Financial Plan

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about why a Monte Carlo analysis is not a financial planQuestions answered: What is a...

Should I Invest In a Tax-Deferred Annuity Instead of a Brokerage Account?

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the differences between investing in a tax-deferred annuity and a brokerage acc...

Should I Invest in iBonds Paying 7.12%?

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the recent iBonds paying 7.12%.Questions answered: Should you invest in iBonds ...

Key Planning Points to Consider When Retiring Before 65

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the key planning points to consider when retiring before age 65.Questions answe...

How to Plan For Varying Withdrawal Needs In Retirement

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about planning for varying withdrawal needs in retirementQuestions answered: Where sh...

How to Avoid the Risk of Working Too Long

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how you can avoid the risk of working too long.Questions answered: How can I ma...

Everything You Need to Know About The Roth IRA 5-Year Rule

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about everything you need to know about the Roth IRA 5-year rule.Questions answered: ...

How To Best Plan for Retirement Income Gap Years

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how to best plan for the retirement income gap years.Questions answered: What i...

How to Prioritize "Competing" Retirement Strategies

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how to prioritize competing retirement strategies.Questions answered: What are ...

How Do I Invest My Own Personal Money?

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the framework behind how I invest my own money.Questions answered: How do I inv...

Top 5 Avoidable Retirement Mistakes

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the top 5 avoidable retirement mistakes (and how you can avoid them).Questions ...

Should I Collect Social Security Early and Invest It?

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding if you should collect Social Security early and invest it.Questio...

How to Choose Between Multiple Pension and Annuity Options

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how you can best choose what’s best for you when provided with ...

How Should You Invest to Take Advantage of The 4% Rule?

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how you should invest to take advantage of the 4% Rule.Questions ...

How to Prepare for a Career Change Before Retirement

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how to prepare for a career change (or lifestyle change) before r...

Is it Time to Give Up on International Investments?

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about international investments.Questions answered: Should I be investing internation...

Roth Conversions in Non-Traditional Scenarios & Investing in Muni Bonds

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about Roth Conversions in non-traditional scenarios & investing in municipal bond...

When Should I Stop Saving For Retirement?

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about when you should stop saving for retirement.Questions answered: How do I know wh...

How to Combine Retirement Planning with Legacy Planning

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about combining retirement planning with legacy planning.Questions answered: How do I...

How to Manage Asset Allocation and Asset Location Leading Up to Retirement

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about managing asset allocation and asset location leading up to retirement.Questions...

Your Questions Answered; RMDs, Social Security Taxes, Income Annuities, and Dividend Reinvestment

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about answering multiple questions that have been recently submitted surrounding RMDs...

Inflation Concerns: How Do We Protect Against Looming Inflation?

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about protecting against inflation.Questions answered: How can we position our portfo...

What Makes ETFs More Tax-Efficient Than Mutual Funds (Plus a Hidden Benefit of Tax Efficiency)?

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding what makes ETFs more tax-efficient than Mutual Funds.Questions an...

How Do I Plan for Longevity Without Sacrificing the "Good Years"?

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how to plan for longevity without sacrificing the “Good Years”...

When Does it Make Sense to Work with a Financial Planner?

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding when it makes sense to work with a financial planner.Questions an...

How to Consolidate Accounts Without "Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket"

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how to consolidate your accounts without putting all of your eggs...

Should I Switch From Pre-tax to Roth 401(k)?

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about 401(k)s and specifically whether or not you should switch from pre-tax 401(k) t...

How Much Do People Actually Spend in Retirement?

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding how much people actually spend in retirement.Questions answered: ...

Lessons Learned From History's Greatest Investors

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the lessons learned from history’s greatest investors.Questions answered: Wha...

5 Things You'll Wish You Knew Before You Retired

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about 5 things you will have wished you knew before you retire.Questions answered: Wh...