HOW CONSERVATIVE SHOULD

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Tyler Cunningham,

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Can being too conservative with your investments create risks of its own?

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about balancing stability and growth throughout retirement. Tyler explains why moving too heavily into cash and bonds may reduce market volatility but can also limit long-term growth and purchasing power.

They also discuss how cash, fixed income, and growth-oriented investments can serve different purposes within a retirement portfolio. Ultimately, the right balance depends on your income needs, financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

Explore how BWFA can help you build a financial plan designed around your retirement goals by visiting our Financial Planning page.

A retirement portfolio should balance stability with enough growth to support the investor’s long-term needs. Holding too much in cash and bonds may reduce market volatility, but it can also limit growth and expose retirees to purchasing power risk. Because retirement may last decades, the appropriate balance should reflect longevity, income needs, risk tolerance and the investor’s broader financial plan.

Stocks may continue to play an important role in a retirement portfolio, depending on the investor’s circumstances. BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham notes that even a 75-year-old retiree could have another 20 years to plan for. Maintaining some growth-oriented investments may help a portfolio keep pace with inflation and support financial needs later in retirement.

Retirees may be able to manage volatility by maintaining cash and fixed income investments for near-term expenses while allowing growth-oriented investments time to recover. Tyler discusses keeping different levels of risk within a retirement portfolio. Having more conservative assets available for withdrawals may reduce the need to sell stocks during a market downturn.

Age alone should not determine a retiree’s investment strategy. Income, expenses, pensions, risk tolerance, future needs and the intended purpose of the assets should also be considered. For example, assets intended for future generations may be invested differently from money needed for current living expenses. Ultimately, portfolio decisions should be evaluated within the retiree’s broader retirement plan.

More from the Investing In Your Retirement Series

Episode 1: Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement?.

Episode 2: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement?

Episode 3: How Conservative Should Your Retirement Portfolio Be?

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD YOU

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Tyler Cunningham,

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Many retirees believe holding more cash is the safest way to protect their savings. However, keeping too much money on the sidelines can create a different kind of risk.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about how much cash retirees should keep on hand and why purchasing power matters. Tyler explains how inflation can quietly reduce the value of cash over time, even when account balances appear unchanged. He also discusses how a properly structured portfolio can provide liquidity while allowing long-term investments to continue growing.

To learn more about BWFA’s Financial Planning services, visit our Financial Planning page.

Holding cash can provide peace of mind. However, keeping too much cash in retirement may limit your portfolio’s ability to grow. Over time, inflation can reduce purchasing power, even when your account balance appears unchanged.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about finding the right balance between accessibility and long-term growth. Tyler explains why retirees often need less cash in the bank than they expect. Instead, a well-structured portfolio can provide income while helping investments continue working toward future goals.

The conversation also explores retirement income “buckets,” including cash reserves and fixed income investments. Tyler explains how these strategies may help retirees cover unexpected expenses without selling stocks during periods of market volatility. In addition, he discusses why purchasing power risk deserves as much attention as market risk when planning for retirement.

Topics include:

Whether you’re preparing for retirement or already retired, understanding the role cash plays within your financial plan can help you make more informed decisions about your long-term financial future.

More from the Investing In Your Retirement Series

Episode 1: Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement?.

Episode 2: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement?

MORE THAN A RIDE: HOW NEIGHBOR RIDE HELPS SENIORS STAY CONNECTED

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Sandy Hornor | CEPS

Bruce Fulton

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Transportation is about more than getting from one place to another. For many older adults, it helps maintain independence, build social connections, and support a higher quality of life.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall and Sandy Hornor are joined by Bruce Fulton, Executive Director of Neighbor Ride. They discuss how the Howard County nonprofit connects adults aged 60 and older with volunteer drivers. Together, they explore how the organization helps riders reach medical appointments, grocery stores, social activities, and other important destinations.

The conversation also highlights the value of volunteerism and the importance of staying connected during retirement. In addition, Bruce explains how community partnerships strengthen Neighbor Ride’s mission. BWFA is proud to sponsor Neighbor Ride’s volunteer driver program and support its commitment to neighbors helping neighbors.

Learn more about Neighbor Ride by visiting https://neighborride.org/.

Retirement is about more than financial security. It also means maintaining your independence, staying socially connected, and continuing to enjoy the activities that make life meaningful.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall and Sandy Hornor welcome Bruce Fulton, Executive Director of Neighbor Ride. The Howard County nonprofit connects adults age 60 and older with volunteer drivers who provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, and other important destinations. As a result, older adults can remain active and engaged in their communities.

Bruce explains how Neighbor Ride grew from a small community initiative into one of the region’s leading volunteer transportation programs. Today, hundreds of volunteer drivers provide thousands of rides each year while building meaningful relationships with the people they serve. The conversations that happen during each ride often become just as valuable as the transportation itself.

The discussion also highlights the importance of community, volunteerism, and planning for life beyond finances. Sandy shares why BWFA is proud to sponsor Neighbor Ride’s volunteer driver program and support an organization that helps older adults remain connected, independent, and engaged throughout retirement.

To learn more about Neighbor Ride, request transportation services, or become a volunteer driver, visit https://neighborride.org/.

COULD YOUR WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY

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Tyler Cunningham,

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Could your retirement withdrawal strategy have a greater impact than your investment returns?

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about sequence of returns risk and why the timing of withdrawals can significantly influence retirement outcomes. Although two retirees may earn the same average rate of return, the order in which those returns occur can produce very different long-term results.

Tyler explains why creating cash reserves, strategically structuring retirement income, and understanding distribution options can help reduce unnecessary risk. He also discusses when rolling assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan to an IRA may provide greater flexibility for managing retirement income.

To learn more about BWFA’s Financial Planning services, visit our Financial Planning page.

Two retirees can have nearly identical portfolios and earn the same average rate of return. Yet one may reach a very different financial outcome than the other. One reason is sequence of returns risk, which refers to the order in which investment gains and losses occur after retirement.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about why withdrawal timing matters. Tyler explains how taking retirement distributions during a market decline can permanently reduce a portfolio’s value. He also discusses why preparing before retirement is just as important as selecting the right investments.

The conversation explores practical strategies that may help reduce sequence of returns risk. Tyler explains why maintaining cash reserves or fixed income investments can help retirees avoid selling investments during market downturns. He also discusses how creating separate income “buckets” may improve long-term retirement outcomes.

The episode also examines the differences between employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs. Tyler explains why IRAs often provide greater flexibility when selecting which investments to sell for retirement income. In addition, he discusses common withdrawal mistakes and why distribution planning should consider both investment performance and taxes.

ARE YOU MISSING TAX BENEFITS WHEN YOU GIVE TO CHARITY?

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Sandy Hornor | CEPS

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Giving to charity is about more than choosing the organizations you want to support. The way you give can also affect your taxes and your overall financial plan.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with Sandy Hornor about charitable giving tax strategies, including donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and bunching charitable contributions. They explain how these strategies may help eligible individuals maximize tax benefits while supporting the causes that matter most.

To learn more about tax-efficient financial planning services, visit our Tax Planning page.

Americans donate hundreds of billions of dollars to charity each year. However, many people overlook opportunities to make those gifts more tax-efficient. Understanding how you give can be just as important as deciding where you give.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall sits down with Sandy Hornor to discuss charitable giving tax strategies. Together, they explore ways individuals and families may maximize the impact of their donations while potentially reducing their tax burden.

The conversation examines donor-advised funds and how they work. Sandy explains the flexibility they offer and why they can be an effective tool for long-term charitable giving. He also discusses qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), how they interact with required minimum distributions (RMDs), and why they may be an important strategy for charitably inclined IRA owners.

Next, the episode introduces the concept of bunching charitable contributions. This strategy allows some donors to combine several years of planned giving into a single tax year. As a result, they may increase available tax deductions. Throughout the discussion, Sandy emphasizes the value of thoughtful planning. He also explains how customized investment strategies and professional guidance can help align charitable goals with a broader financial plan.

Whether you’re already giving to charity or looking for more tax-efficient ways to support the causes you care about, this episode provides practical insights into charitable giving strategies that may fit within your overall financial plan.

STIFF AND SORE NO MORE

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Tessa Hall

Emily Telfair, ND

About This Episode

Tessa Hall speaks with naturopathic doctor Dr. Emily Telfair about natural approaches to managing chronic aches and pains. They discuss inflammation, nutrition, herbal therapies, topical remedies, movement, and mindfulness techniques that may help improve mobility and quality of life.

The conversation also explores how chronic pain affects both physical and emotional well-being while highlighting practical, low-risk strategies that may complement traditional medical care.

Chronic aches and pains can affect much more than physical comfort. They can limit mobility, interrupt daily activities, reduce quality of life, and even impact emotional well-being. While medications may provide relief for some people, many individuals are interested in exploring additional ways to manage pain through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with naturopathic doctor Dr. Emily Telfair about a holistic approach to managing chronic pain. Dr. Telfair explains the role inflammation plays in the body and why understanding the underlying cause of pain is often just as important as treating the symptoms themselves. She also discusses the differences between acute and chronic pain, how inflammation develops, and why pain can affect both physical and emotional health.

The conversation discusses various natural methods that may help manage pain, including anti-inflammatory nutrition, herbal therapies, hydrotherapy, topical treatments, and movement. Dr. Telfair shares research on ingredients like turmeric, boswellia, ginger, and bromelain, explaining how these approaches can help reduce inflammation. She also talks about practical remedies such as arnica, castor oil, Epsom salt baths, contrast hydrotherapy, and even the unexpected use of cabbage leaves as a traditional remedy for certain joint discomforts.

In addition to physical treatments, Dr. Telfair explains why stress management, mindfulness, and maintaining regular movement can be important components of long-term wellness. She discusses yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, walking, and other techniques that may help improve flexibility, mobility, and overall quality of life. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes working alongside healthcare professionals before making changes to medications or treatment plans and encourages listeners to view natural therapies as complementary tools that may support overall health and well-being.

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES

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Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about retirement spending and why many people underestimate the income they will need in retirement. They discuss spending habits, budgeting assumptions, and practical planning strategies that can help support long-term financial goals.

This episode is part three of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and strategies to help avoid them.

To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page.

Many retirees assume their expenses will decline once they stop working. In reality, spending often increases during the early years of retirement.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about retirement spending and why accurately estimating expenses is essential to a successful financial plan.

They discuss the “go-go, slow-go, no-go” years of retirement, common budgeting mistakes, and BWFA’s approach to estimating retirement expenses. Thad also explains why reviewing spending assumptions regularly can help retirees stay on track as goals and lifestyles evolve.

This episode is part three of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series.

Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES

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Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Tessa speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about one of the most common retirement planning mistakes: not having an estate plan. They discuss wills, revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, probate, powers of attorney, health care directives, and other documents that can help protect your wishes and make things easier for your loved ones.

This episode is the first in BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and the strategies that can help you avoid them.

To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page.

Estate planning is about more than deciding who receives your assets. It is an important part of protecting your family, communicating your wishes, and preparing for the unexpected.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about why every retirement plan should include estate planning.

They discuss wills, revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, probate, financial powers of attorney, health care directives, and letters of instruction. Thad explains how each document serves a different purpose and why relying on state law alone may not reflect your wishes.

The conversation also explores common misconceptions about probate, how jointly owned assets and beneficiary designations affect estate transfers, and why planning ahead can make things easier for loved ones during difficult times.

Whether you are preparing for retirement or updating existing documents, understanding the fundamentals of estate planning can help provide greater confidence for you and your family.

Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES

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Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about why beneficiary designations are one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. They explain how retirement accounts transfer, why beneficiary forms override a will, and when those designations should be reviewed.

This episode is part two of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and strategies to help avoid them.

To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page.

Beneficiary designations play a significant role in determining who receives your retirement assets. However, many people assume their will controls those accounts.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about beneficiary designations and why keeping them current is so important.

They discuss qualified retirement accounts, common beneficiary mistakes, and how outdated forms can create unintended consequences after major life events. Thad also explains how beneficiary designations interact with wills and trusts and why reviewing them after marriage, divorce, births, or deaths is an important part of retirement planning.

This episode is part two of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series.

Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS

Tessa Hall

About This Episode

Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about why retirement planning is much more than choosing investments. They discuss how a comprehensive financial plan can help identify risks, evaluate opportunities, and adapt as your life changes.

This episode concludes BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, bringing together the key planning concepts discussed throughout the previous five episodes.

To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page.

A retirement plan should do much more than determine how your investments are allocated.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about comprehensive retirement planning and how it brings together every aspect of your financial life.

They discuss investment strategy, insurance, emergency savings, tax planning, long-term care considerations, and how financial plans evolve as life changes. Thad explains why retirement planning is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event and why regular reviews can help keep your plan aligned with your goals.

As the concluding episode in BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, this conversation ties together the key concepts covered throughout the series and highlights the value of proactive financial planning.

Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan