We hear this all the time—'I just want to feel comfortable in retirement.' But what does that actually mean? Is it a number? A lifestyle? Just peace of mind?

That idea of 'comfort' comes up in so many planning conversations, and today we're unpacking what it really looks like—because it's probably not what most people expect.

Mike and Julie were in their early 60s—and they were ready to retire. The only problem? They didn't feel READY, the market felt SHAKY, and they weren't sure if leaving work now would jeopardize their future.

They wanted freedom, but they also wanted peace of mind.

Today, Certified Financial Planner Tori Ten Hagen will be walking us through the case study of how we helped them decide if NOW was the right time—and what gave them the clarity to move forward.

You may have seen the headlines—Warren Buffett just boosted Berkshire Hathaway's cash pile to a record $347 billion. And naturally, people are asking: Is he expecting something big? Is he pulling back from the market?

We've had some of those same questions come up in client conversations—especially during market dips earlier this year. So today, we're going to break it down and talk about what this move actually means for people nearing or already in retirement.

"Have you ever had that thought: What if my advisor is wrong? It's a fair question—especially when the future feels uncertain.

Today, we're going to talk openly about that doubt—and explain what advisors are actually meant to do.

In this episode of the podcast, Nick, Tori, and Connie explore a provocative idea: what if the key to happiness in retirement isn't saving more, but spending differently? Drawing on new research and real client experiences, the team discusses how money can be used intentionally to boost well-being, connection, and meaning in retirement.

Tune in to hear how retirees can shift their mindset — and their spending habits — to find more joy and purpose in the years ahead.

Some topics covered:

• Why "more money" isn't always the answer

• The surprising results of the global $10,000 study

• Which spending categories actually boost happiness

• How retirees can align their money with their values

• Four powerful reflection questions to guide more joyful spending

In this Q&A session, Tori and Nick sit down with Connie to answer real questions about how our firm approaches retirement withdrawals using a risk-based guardrail strategy. Watch this podcast to gain a fuller understanding of how our dynamic withdrawal approach works, how it adapts to market conditions, and why it gives retirees more clarity and confidence without relying on rigid rules of thumb.

Some topics covered:

What are guardrails and how do they work?

How do we adjust withdrawals during market ups and downs?

Why flexibility matters more than precision.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already in it, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of how we help clients enjoy their money—without the fear of running out.

How will I handle market drawdowns in retirement? This is a question we hear often. People want to know what their retirement plan will do when the market takes a downturn. They want to know what their plan will be. Will they have a bucket of money sitting somewhere? Will they make adjustments to their portfolio?

One question we hear often is "Will my SS be taxed?" When you retire and begin taking your SS benefits, will the government want to tax that? After all, haven't you already paid taxes on this money?

Add to that—there's been some talk about NOT taxing SS benefits at all! How might that impact your retirement? And is it as good as it sounds?

Today, we're tackling a big question: Should I gift money now or wait until later? You want to give gifts to loved ones or to charities--- but you're questioning when the right time would be for that. When could they best use that money? Will I need that money someday?