One surprise expense can throw a retirement budget into chaos—and it’s rarely the one you expect. Michigan’s Retirement Coach Mike Douglas breaks down why unplanned costs are so common in retirement and how they quietly disrupt even well‑built plans. From home repairs and medical issues to liquidity gaps and “variable” expenses that never feel predictable, this episode focuses on planning for what can’t be forecasted. It’s a practical conversation about cash reserves, flexibility, and why preparing for the unexpected is just as important as planning for monthly income.

 

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If 2026 is your retirement year, the clock just got louder. From this past weekend’s radio show, Michigan’s Retirement Coach Mike Douglas walks through the decisions that matter most when retirement is close enough to touch. The conversation covers shifting from investing to income, building a financial “war chest,” navigating rising healthcare and tax pressures, and avoiding outdated rules that no longer fit today’s environment. Along the way, real-life stories highlight how retirement planning is as much about lifestyle, timing, and family alignment as it is about the numbers.

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Should buying a home come at the expense of your retirement future? In this episode of Michigan’s Retirement Coach, Mike Douglas tackles the growing idea of tapping a 401(k) to purchase a house and why it’s more complicated than it sounds. The conversation explores rising home prices, shrinking starter‑home inventory, proposed policy changes, and the long‑term impact of pulling retirement dollars early. Mike breaks down loans vs. withdrawals, tax consequences, and how housing decisions today can ripple through decades of retirement planning.

 

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Retirement can sneak up like a downhill skier with no brakes. In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Michigan’s Retirement Coach Mike Douglas uses sports analogies, real client stories, and market history to explain what happens when retirees enter the “red zone” without a plan. The conversation explores sequence‑of‑returns risk, overreliance on rules of thumb, and why having money isn’t the same as having control. From budgeting surprises to market downturns, the episode breaks down how preparation—not hope—shapes the retirement experience.

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Having more money doesn’t automatically bring more certainty. Mike Douglas explores why financial confidence often has less to do with account balances and more to do with understanding how money works in retirement. Using high-profile examples and everyday scenarios, this episode focuses on education, income planning, and mindset shifts that help retirees move from uncertainty to clarity.

 

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What if a single rule change could reshape your entire retirement strategy? In this past weekend’s radio show, Michigan’s Retirement Coach, Mike Douglas, breaks down how new tax provisions, Social Security concerns, and overlooked estate‑planning gaps impact retirees more than they realize. Through real client stories and clear explanations, he highlights how understanding today’s rules can help listeners avoid unnecessary taxes, navigate benefit changes, and protect family harmony. This episode delivers practical, eye‑opening insights for anyone aiming to make smarter retirement decisions.

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What if your retirement success depends less on the economy and more on the choices you make before leaving work? Michigan’s Retirement Coach, Mike Douglas, breaks down five proactive steps for those nearing retirement — from understanding your true risk tolerance to maximizing contributions, preparing for inflation, planning healthcare costs, and tightening your estate plan. With clear explanations and relatable examples, this episode helps listeners see how thoughtful preparation can reduce stress as 2026 brings ongoing economic challenges.

 

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What if the biggest threat to your retirement confidence isn’t the market — but the uncertainty you carry into it? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Michigan’s Retirement Coach Mike Douglas unpacks why savers and advisors view 2026 so differently, how market headlines distort expectations, and what a real retirement plan should protect against. From risk awareness to catch‑up contributions, inflation planning, healthcare costs, and legacy decisions, Mike explains how thoughtful strategy can help retirees navigate economic unknowns with clarity.

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Is all debt created equal when you’re heading into retirement? In this episode, Michigan’s Retirement Coach Mike Douglas breaks down where debt can be strategic and where it can quietly drain your future. From low‑interest mortgages to high‑cost car loans, he explains how to weigh interest rates, taxes, and long‑term goals when deciding what to pay off and what to keep. With practical examples and relatable scenarios, this conversation helps listeners think clearly about debt decisions as they approach retirement.

 

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A wave of economic predictions has retirees on edge—but this past weekend’s radio show cut through the noise with a clear takeaway: focus on your personal plan, not the headlines. Michigan’s Retirement Coach, Mike Douglas, breaks down how shifting inflation, interest rates, and tax law changes may influence your retirement strategy. From stress‑testing income plans to navigating new deductions and proactive tax moves, Mike explains how thoughtful preparation can help retirees stay grounded amid uncertainty. A grounded, practical discussion built around real concerns and real‑life examples.

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