Your Retirement Blueprint with Michael
Episodes
25 - Nearing Retirement? Here's what to prioritize during your delay period
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nearing retirement and delaying social security or your official retirement date? Your delay period is one of the most powerful planning windows you'l...
24 - Not sure when to claim social security?
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding when to take Social Security is one of the most important retirement choices you’ll ever make — and one of the most misunderstood. In thi...
23 - Little unkown things to do when your spouse passes
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Losing your spouse is a life-changing event and during such a difficult time, it's hard to think about other things such as your finances. While filin...
22 - Ultimate Financial Guide for Freelancers: Taxes, Retirement, and Smart Money Systems
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the financial strategies every freelancer and gig worker needs to thrive. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks down the ...
21 - When Should You Claim Social Security? Smart Timing Strategies for Maximizing Retirement Income
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the best time to claim Social Security and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks down how claiming...
20 - What To Do When You Receive an Inheritance: Tax Rules, Smart Strategies, and Expert Guidance
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating an inheritance can feel overwhelming — emotionally and financially. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks down what...
19 - “Retirement Readiness Checklist: Income, Taxes, Healthcare & Lifestyle Planning
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to know if you’re truly ready to retire. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks down the essentials of retirement ...
18 - Smart College Planning: 529 Savings, Tax Credits, Financial Aid & Student Loan Strategies
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover proven strategies to make college more affordable without sacrificing your retirement. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael b...
17 - Why the 50-30-20 Budget Rule No Longer Works in 2025 — And What to Use Instead
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks down why the classic 50-30-20 rule no longer works in today’s world of high housing cost...
16 - Roth Conversion Timing Strategies: Tax Planning and Retirement Windows Explained
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maximize your retirement savings with smart Roth conversion strategies. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Michael explains how to convert p...
15 - Estate Planning Explained: Wills, Trusts, Taxes & Legacy Protection
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to protect your wealth and secure your family’s future in this episode on estate planning. Certified Financial Planner Michael breaks d...
14 - Leaving Your Job? Smart Moves for Your Retirement Savings
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Changing jobs? Wondering what to do with your old 401k, 403b, TSP, or other employer retirement plan? In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Mic...
13 - Beyond the Numbers: Essential Steps for a Fulfilling and Secure Retirement
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the key steps to prepare for retirement—beyond just the financials. Learn how to plan for a fulfilling retirement life...
12 - Why Pre-Tax Contributions Still Matter
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into the powerful benefits of traditional, pre-tax retirement contributions, including IRAs and 401(k)s. While Roth accounts often steal the s...
11 - Tax-Free Retirement? The Truth About Roth Conversions and Contributions
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the power of Roth contributions and Roth conversions, explaining how they can help you build a tax-free retirement. Lea...
10 - Balancing Family Obligations and Financial Boundaries
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the emotional side of financial planning, focusing on the delicate balance between family obligations and financial bounda...
9 - The Caregiver’s Dilemma: Protecting Your Future While Caring for Loved Ones
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the importance of estate planning, caregiver financial strategies, and how to avoid inheritance disputes. We look at a sto...
8 - Roth Accounts Explained: Are you using the powerful retirement planning strategy?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Roth accounts are one of the most powerful tools in retirement planning - but many people don't fully understand how they work. In this episode, I bre...
7 - Social Security Explained: Benefits, Taxes, & Retirement Planning
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Social security is one of the most important pieces of retirement income, yet it's often misunderstood. In this episode, I break down how Social Secur...
6 - Annuities Explained: Types, Benefits, & What You Should Know
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about annuities but not sure where to start? Maybe you heard about them but think they are only bad and not sure why anyone would want one? I...
5 - Understanding Life Insurance: Types, Benefits, & What You Need to Know
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life insurance isn't just about death - it's about protecting your loved ones, building wealth, and planning for the future. In this episode, I break ...
4 - How Financial Advisors Get Paid - and Why It Matters to You
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack the different ways financial advisors are compensated - fee-only, commission-based, and fee-based - and what each means for...
3 - Taxes 101 and what you need to know
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of how taxes really work - without the jargon. I'll walk you through how your tax bill is calculated, ...
2 - Which investment account should I use?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what are the different types of investment accounts out there and which is right for you? Michael breaks down what the different investmen...
1 - What are the common designations?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are all those letters after the advisor or coach's name? What do they mean? Michael breaks down the alphabet soup so you know what to expect. Get...
0 - Welcome
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you interested in learning more about personal finance? Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and will cover all the different topics related...