In this episode James explores signs that may indicate it's time to move on from a current financial advisor and discusses the professional and respectful ways to handle this transition. There are three core aspects to consider when contemplating the change:Deciding to Leave:The first step involves recognizing signs that it may be time to move on. Telling Your Advisor:James provides two scripts for notifying your financial advisor about your decision.Handling Logistics:After the decision...

How to Break Up with Your Financial Advisor

Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!

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Graham and his wife are in their early 50s and plan to retire in 5 years. He wonders if they should continue maxing out their 401ks, how their investments should change, and what they should do with savings accounts to best prepare for their retirement goals. James addresses these questions, Graham’s biggest risk as he nears retirement, and potential tax strategies for him to employ.Questions answered:Which is a better tax strategy – tax gain harvesting or Roth conversions?Do I need to h...

How to Prepare for Retirement Within 5 Years: 401k, Savings & Investment Changes

Drew, a burnt-out, financially responsible 40-something father of two, hopes he can scale back from his stressful job and still be okay when it’s time to retire. James offers a practical and philosophical take as he tackles Drew’s question. He demonstrates how to determine when Drew and his wife will be in a good position to fully retire. He also challenges listeners to assess their spending and saving habits and to strike a balance between planning for an unknown future while still finding f...

How to Know When You Should Stop Saving for Retirement (and What to Do Next)

How do you know if you can retire? It seems straightforward, but the answer is far from simple. Beyond portfolio balances and age thresholds, there are other things to consider. James explains his three-step test to determine your retirement readiness.By pulling together principles from the 4% Rule, straight-line projection, and a Monte Carlo analysis, you can assess whether your portfolio can sustain your desired lifestyle over decades amid various market conditions. However, these tests alo...

3 Simple Steps to Determine If You Can Retire

Jennifer, 54, plans to retire soon. Her husband, 70, is retired, on Social Security, and dealing with some severe health issues. Jennifer worries about possibly becoming single in retirement, which could result in a higher tax bracket for her. Jennifer is considering whether to convert her traditional accounts to Roth to lower future taxes or to change her contributions to Roth 403b, even if it means paying more taxes now. James walks us through several factors for her to consider and de...

Tax Planning for Widowed Retirees: How to Optimize Your Tax Strategy

Joe is planning for retirement and wants to minimize his tax burden, especially on the interest earned from his three annuities. James explains that non-qualified annuities are purchased with post-tax money and offer tax deferral on growth until withdrawal. When taking out funds, the principal is tax-free, but earnings are taxed at ordinary income rates. He explores strategies for tax-efficient withdrawals. He also touches on annuities, options like a 1035 exchange to transfer an annuity...

How to Break Up with Your Financial Advisor

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