Just like building a snowman in the crisp winter air, creating a structurally sound retirement strategy requires careful consideration and planning. From establishing a solid base to adding protective layers, we’re here to ensure your financial landscape remains cool and collected. 

Tune in and learn how to build a financial snowman that stands the test of time. So, bundle up and let’s get rolling!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Just like a solid base supports the entire snowman, a foundation of savings forms the basis of your retirement plan.

Regular contributions enhance the core of your retirement savings over time.

The importance of setting clear, achievable goals. 

Your retirement plan should be flexible to adapt to changing life circumstances, market conditions, and financial goals.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards. As we go through these eight situations, a few of them might seem pretty straightforward while others might not be as obvious.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Why you never want to pass up on a 401k match.
• The power of using a Roth rather than deferring taxes into retirement.  
• Tapping into an emergency fund or early 401k withdrawals can be costly. 
• Why claiming Social Security at age 62 might not be your best strategy.
• Why you shouldn’t skip regular health check-ups and preventative care.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From overlooked savings tricks to smarter insurance choices, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life.

Here are the small steps we’ll explain today: 

Keeping the right amount in cash and keeping it in the right place.

Consolidate your old 401Ks.

Think about replacing high-expense mutual funds.

Check your beneficiary designations to make sure they’re all updated.

Rebalancing your portfolio.

Automate your savings to make sure you’re doing it regularly.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What rebalancing means and why you want to make sure you have money split into the right buckets.
• The tax planning strategies to consider before the year ends. 
• What should you review when it comes to insurance and your health options. 
• Evaluating your expenses, income, and your spending plan. 
• Why cybersecurity needs your attention right now.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you. We’ll cover some important planning areas so whether you’re near retirement or already enjoying the next phase of life, this show will provide valuable financial insight. 

Here’s some of what you’ll learn today: 

• Why you need to have a plan for your IRA withdrawals because taking money out early can be costly.
• Don’t chase a lifestyle as your income increases instead of building your savings.
• How to evaluate college tuition costs and figure out the best return on investment. 
• How costly it can be to retire early if you haven’t planned it out. 
• Have you looked into the Roth investment options?

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

On this episode, we’re going to tackle these questions that might not get much attention ahead of retirement but are essential to success in that next chapter of life. Much of what we’ll take you through will affect the key areas of planning so make sure you’re asking these questions well ahead of the day you want to retire. 

Here’s are the questions we want to address today: 

• How much are my tax-deferred savings going to cost me in taxes?
• How much can I withdraw from my savings each year?
• Should I still have life insurance when I’m retired?
• What kind of medical coverage will I need over and above Medicare?
• How much am I really paying in fees and commissions?

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. 

Here are a few of the things you’ll learn in this episode:

• What are RMDs and why are we required to take this money out?
• Is there any way to avoid taking RMDs?
• What are the biggest risks you face by not planning in advance?
• If you don’t need the money for income, what else can you do with your withdrawals?

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? 

Dive deep in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across the board.

So don't miss out on this episode as we equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently plan for another day in retirement paradise.

Here are the retirement truths we’ll break down in this episode:

• Why everybody needs an income plan.
• Everybody needs a plan to address long-term care issues.
• Nobody can consistently time the stock market successfully.
• Nobody knows how long they’re going to live.
• Emotions can be an investor’s worst enemy.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

Working with a financial advisor should allow you to build a plan you understand well and feel comfortable with moving forward towards retirement. But not every client-advisor relationship is perfect and there are reasons why people aren’t always happy with their plan.

In this episode, we tackle the common complaints and fears about financial situations during retirement. We'll discuss which concerns are well-founded, which are based on misconceptions, and offer insight on how retirees can best navigate their financial future.

So don't miss out on this episode as we equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently plan for another day in retirement paradise.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why people feel like their advisor is taking too much risk. 
• The importance of understanding the fees you’re paying. 
• How we help someone that feels like Social Security won’t be enough to cover their expenses in retirement. 
• The importance of communication and building a relationship for our business.

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy

In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner.
 

Here are some of the things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why we often make the analogy to dating for what we do. 
• Why someone that focuses on accumulation won’t fit you well in retirement and a transition to a specialist might be necessary.
• The financial implications to consider if you want to change advisors.
• Why we prefer to judge someone based on subjective metrics rather than performance-based ones.
• What qualifications should you look for in a new advisor and what questions should you ask?
• What can you expect from the transition process from one advisor to another. 

Connect with Eric Judy online at https://www.judyfg.com/ or by calling 217-303-1711. You can also book a complimentary review at https://calendly.com/ericjudy