Financially Fit Radio

In this episode, we break down one of the most common and costly retirement mistakes: underestimating future healthcare expenses. We explore what Medicare does and does not cover, how retirement income can trigger higher premiums, and strategies to address the steep costs of long-term care. Finally, we share actionable steps you can take to build a comprehensive, personalized healthcare budget into your overall retirement plan.

When to claim Social Security is one of the most critical retirement decisions you'll ever make. In this episode, we break down why claiming at age 62 results in a permanent 30% reduction in your benefits, compare how waiting impacts your long-term monthly income, and explore the hidden pitfalls of working while collecting benefits early. We also share actionable strategies—including how to run a Social Security Optimization Report—to help you build a personalized strategy that maximizes your guaranteed retirement income.

Today we break down one of the biggest misconceptions in retirement planning: saving a lump sum versus creating a reliable income stream. Cory addresses how market volatility, inflation, and uncoordinated withdrawals can jeopardize your financial future even if you have reached a target savings number. Plus, learn actionable steps to identify potential income gaps and build a written plan designed to deliver dependable paychecks throughout your retirement.

Many retirees are surprised to learn that taxes can remain one of their largest expenses in retirement, making proactive planning just as important as growing their savings. This episode explores how retirement account withdrawals, Social Security, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and Medicare premiums can all impact your lifetime tax bill, while highlighting strategies that may help improve tax efficiency. Learn why a thoughtful withdrawal plan and long-term tax strategy can help you keep more of your retirement income and reduce costly surprises along the way.

Claiming Social Security at age 62 gives you early access to your hard-earned funds, but it also comes with a permanent reduction of up to 30% in your monthly check. This episode breaks down the critical factors—from your health and break-even age to ongoing income rules—to help you decide if claiming early makes sense for your lifestyle. Tune in to weigh the immediate cash flow against the long-term benefits of holding out.

Preparing for retirement starts long before your last day of work, and the decade leading up to retirement can have a significant impact on your financial future. In this episode, we discuss key planning strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and the important decisions that can help you build confidence as retirement approaches. Whether you're on track or just getting started, you'll come away with practical insights to help make the most of your final working years.

Managing your wealth doesn't have to be complicated when you organize your wealth into three distinct buckets: spending, saving, and investing. This episode breaks down how to strategically allocate your income so you can comfortably cover today's bills, secure an emergency fund for tomorrow, and grow your long-term retirement nest egg. Tune in to discover how this simple framework can eliminate financial stress and bring total clarity to your money.

With half the year already behind us, now is the perfect time to evaluate your portfolio and ensure your long-term retirement plans stay on track. This episode breaks down seven critical mid-year financial moves, from optimizing your tax strategies to maximizing retirement account contributions before the year-end deadline. Tune in to learn how a few proactive adjustments today can protect your nest egg and set you up for a successful, stress-free finish to the year.

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most consequential choices you will make for your retirement, as filing at 62 versus waiting until 70 can mean a 76% difference in your monthly payout. This episode breaks down how to evaluate your health, life expectancy, and alternative income sources to find your personal "break-even" age. Tune in to learn how to perfectly time your benefits and maximize your lifetime retirement income.

The single biggest fear for most retirees is outliving their nest egg, making it crucial to know exactly how much you can safely withdraw each year. This episode dives into exploring how market volatility and inflation can impact your retirement timeline. Tune in to discover how to build a dynamic spending strategy that protects your principal while allowing you to fully enjoy your hard-earned wealth.