Scott and James discuss what people do for health insurance if they retire early. Listener Question I'm a 48 year old single woman who wants to retire in my mid 50's (or sooner) I have about $400,000 in investments of which only about 12% is in after tax savings I just started a new job making with bonus about $105,000 a year previously only made 55,000 my plan is to live on half my new income. I now max out my 401k, hsa, & Roth IRa and put the rest in my after tax brokerage (which was unable to do in the past). My FIRE # is 1.5 million my question is do you feel I have good plan and what do people do for health insurance if they retire in there mid 50's? Planning Points Discussed  Retirement Planning Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.)  Timestamps: 3:57 - FIRE # 6:02 - Financial Planning Expenses 8:04 - Balancing Goals 10:25 - Early Retirement 16:54 - Time & Freedom 19:28 - Health Subsidies 22:05 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S CONNECT! James Facebook LinkedIn Website Scott Facebook Twitter Website ENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google Play. Leave us a review on iTunes. Have a money question you want us to answer? Submit one here

137 - What Do People Do For Health Insurance If They Retire Early?

Your REAL personal finance questions answered by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, Scott Frank and&nbsp; Meg Bartelt. With all of the misinformation and jargon in the financial industry, it's no wonder most people are confused about how to best manage their money. James and Meg are here to give clear answers to the important questions they hear most often. If you're ready to use your finances to create a more secure financial future, this show is for you.

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Deciding what to do with your stocks can prove to be a problem, challenge, and opportunity all at once. With a huge portfolio in front of you, what can you do to slim it down? This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, provide insights on how to cut down on your stocks to achieve the life you’ve dreamed of.  We have emotional ties to our investments—but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a more financially sound future. Scott and Meg swap tales of market highs and lows, illustrating why, sometimes, letting go of stock can safeguard your portfolio and your future security. This episode is more than just a discussion—it’s a blueprint for aligning your stocks with your broader financial aspirations. Ready to learn more? Scott Frank on LinkedIn Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn Stone Steps Financial Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Are you ready to align your money with your ideal life? Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.

What Should You Do With Your Stock Portfolio?

Is your cash currently sitting under your mattress, withering away with inflation? While stashing your cash seems like a safe bet, it limits your access to investment opportunities. With inflation rising, the value of your cash may not have the longevity you hoped for. If you currently have a pile of cash and are asking yourself, “Well…what now?” this week’s episode of “Real Personal Finance” guides you through aligning your resources with the life you want to lead. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, share strategies that steer you clear of the hoarding trap and onto the road to smart investment. The conversation covers the “Have-To’s,” “What-To’s,” and “Need-To’s” of personal finance, giving listeners insights on how to make your cash work for you. The journey doesn't stop there; Scott and Meg address the pressing need for retirement savings, even if you're coming late to the party, and how to employ tax location strategies to invest more in your future. Don’t let your cash waste away; use it to make your ideal life possible.  Ready to learn more? Scott Frank on LinkedIn Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn Stone Steps Financial Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Are you ready to align your money with your ideal life? Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial. 

What Should You Do With Your Pile of Cash?

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Is It Possible To Actually Reach FIRE?

Does your anxiety spike every time tax season rolls around? The possibility of receiving an unexpected tax bill can bring a sense of dread to the entire month of April. We all have to pay taxes, but we don’t have to stress about them. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, is joined by Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, to simplify conversations around money and tax planning.  Conquer your tax season anxiety and avoid the shock of unexpected tax bills through Scott and Meg’s insight and tips. Accurate reporting, strategic planning, and increasing your withholding rates are all steps to place you in a proactive financial mindset. The conversation explores optimizing your retirement contributions and the ins and outs of estimated tax payments, particularly after life-changing financial events.  Don’t worry—you don’t have to take on next tax season alone. Scott and Meg share the importance of adding a tax professional to your team. Join the conversation as we turn the stress of taxes into a streamlined process.  Ready to learn more? Scott Frank on LinkedIn Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn Stone Steps Financial Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Are you ready to align your money with your ideal life? Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial. 

How Can You Avoid Surprises Next Tax Season?

Scott and James thank all of the fans for years of support for listening to the podcast and review where you can find them if you're looking for customized advice when it comes to maximizing your finances. 

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137 - What Do People Do For Health Insurance If They Retire Early?

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