Planning Matters Radio

A new study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that nearly 1 in 5 married couples aren't coordinating their retirement savings, and it could be costing them about $760 every year. 😳

So how does this happen… even when both spouses are contributing?

In this interview, Peter Richon with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down: ✔️ What it really means to coordinate retirement savings as a couple ✔️ How employer matches can slip through the cracks ✔️ Smart strategies when one spouse has better benefits ✔️ The key conversations every couple should be having

📊 Bottom line: Retirement planning isn't just personal... it's a team sport. To ensure you're not leaving money on the table, give Peter a call at 919-300-5886 or visit www.401kdistributions.com

What worked for your retirement plan years ago… might not be the best fit today. And making the wrong move could cost you. ⚠️ In this interview, Peter Richon with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down: ✔️ The difference between surrendering vs. replacing an annuity ✔️ When it actually makes sense to consider a change ✔️ Common (and costly) mistakes to avoid ✔️ Tips to make the process smooth and efficient ✔️ Where to start if you're feeling unsure 💡 The key? Don't make a move without understanding the full picture. If you'd like to talk through whether surrendering or replacing an annuity makes sense, or if you'd like a second opinion, please give Peter a call at 919-300-5886 or visit www.TopAnnuityIncome.com

When it comes to Medicare, most people focus on coverage… but not enough attention is paid to what you'll actually pay. As Peter with Richon Planning explains to Erin Kennedy, if you're considered a "high-income beneficiary" by the Social Security Administration, you could be hit with an extra charge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)… and it can significantly increase your Medicare Part B premiums. Here's what you need to know 👇 ✔️ How high is "high-income"? Even a modest increase in income can push you into a higher bracket. ✔️ It's a cliff, not a slope Go just $1 over the threshold, and you could pay hundreds more per year in premiums. ✔️ One-time events can trigger it Selling a home, taking an RMD, Roth conversions, or realizing large capital gains can unexpectedly spike your income. ✔️ Planning is everything Strategies like Roth conversions, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce or even avoid IRMAA. The bottom line: Without careful planning, you could end up paying more for Medicare than necessary. 📞 Want to make sure IRMAA doesn't catch you off guard? Call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com to put a plan together that could save you thousands in health insurance.

🚨 Social Security is facing a major deadline. A new report projects the trust fund could be depleted by 2032… which may mean benefit cuts of up to 22%. 📉 So what does that actually mean for you? In this conversation, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down: 👉 Is Social Security really "going away"? 👉 Should you claim early at 62? 👉 What changes could be coming from Washington 👉 How to plan now so you're not caught off guard The bottom line: Social Security isn't disappearing, but relying on it alone could leave a gap in your retirement income. To understand what's ahead, and how to prepare, give Peter a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Divorce isn't just emotionally difficult... it can be financially overwhelming if you're not prepared. If you're considering a divorce, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down three major costs people often underestimate: ⚖️ Legal Fees The average divorce costs $15,000–$20,000, but contested cases can exceed $100,000. Planning ahead can make a big difference. 🏠 Cost of Living Going from one household to two can significantly increase expenses, often requiring tough lifestyle adjustments. 📈 Professional Development After divorce, many women see their income drop by around 20%, making it critical to reassess earning potential and career opportunities. The bottom line: Preparation is power. Understanding these costs now can help you protect your financial future later. To learn how to navigate this transition with confidence, call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Everyone's talking about SpaceX... and for good reason. The innovation is real. The technology is groundbreaking. And under Elon Musk, it's become one of the most talked-about companies in the world. But is it a great investment? In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy offer this reality check: • Nearly 60% of IPOs since 1980 delivered zero or negative returns over 3 years • Hype doesn't eliminate valuation risk • And even the most innovative companies can be overpriced If you'd like to talk through the hype and the opportunity with Peter, please call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Retirement readiness isn't just about how much you've saved... it's about how you want to live. In this conversation, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin kennedy break down a simple, 5-step checklist to help you prepare for your next chapter: ✔️ Define what retirement actually looks like for you ✔️ Take stock of your financial and personal assets ✔️ Prioritize your health (it affects more than you think) ✔️ Build a realistic retirement budget ✔️ Decide when to claim Social Security The earlier you start planning, the more freedom you have to actually achieve your goals. If you'd like to talk with Peter to start building a retirement plan that aligns with your life, not just your balance sheet, feel free to give him a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com