Planning Matters Radio

Social media platforms like TikTok are changing how people learn about money, but not always for the better. According to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 25% of adults now turn to social media for investing advice, and that number jumps to 61% for people age 35 and under. In this interview, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down why short, viral money tips can oversimplify risk and blur the line between education and advertising. Keep in mind, building wealth and disciplined investing rarely isn't all that exciting; it's built on discipline, diversification, and time. 🎯 If you (or your kids) are getting financial advice from social feeds, and you'd like to talk to a real human who understands your unique goals and risk tolerance, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Global tensions can rattle markets, but history shows the impact is often temporary. In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy take a closer look at decades of data to put current headlines into context. Even though the conflict in Iran has pushed oil prices higher and caused short-term volatility, historically, the market has shown remarkable resilience after geopolitical shocks. In this interview, we break down: ✔️ Why stocks often drop first when global tensions rise ✔️ What past geopolitical events can teach us about market recoveries ✔️ Why emotional investing can lead to costly mistakes ✔️ The perspective long-term investors should keep during uncertain times 📊 When working with an experienced financial advisor, you should feel confident knowing that volatility has already been built into your portfolio, not only to weather these geopolitical events, but to capitalize on them. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Trusts can feel complicated, and for many families, unnecessary. But in the right situation, a trust can be a powerful tool to protect your assets, avoid probate, and keep control in the right hands. In this conversation, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down when a trust makes sense, when it doesn't, and why beneficiary designations can be just as important as the estate plan itself. If you'd like to sit down with Peter to talk through whether a trust makes sense for you and your family, please call (919) 300 - 5886 or schedule a complimentary appointment by visiting www.RichonPlanning.com

A recent case involving a Georgia advisor who pleaded guilty to a $380 million Ponzi scheme is a scary reminder: trust matters... and so does transparency. ⚠️ In this interview, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy walk through how investors can evaluate whether their advisor is truly acting in their best interest, what red flags to watch for 🚩, and what questions every client should feel comfortable asking. Because protecting your financial future starts with choosing the right advisor. 🔐If you'd like a second opinion, or if you'd simply like to work with an advisor who values transparency and making sure clients feel educated and empowered, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

There are a few birthdays that matter a lot more than the candles on the cake 🎂

Certain ages can unlock benefits, or create costly mistakes, if you don't plan ahead. In this interview, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down the key ages every investor and retiree should know, including:

• 62 – When Social Security becomes available… but should you claim?

• 59½ – Penalty-free withdrawals and in-service rollovers

• 65 – Medicare eligibility (and why missing this can be expensive)

• 70½ – A powerful opportunity for charitable giving with QCDs

• 73 – When Required Minimum Distributions begin

Whether retirement is right around the corner or still on the horizon, understanding these milestones can make a meaningful difference in your long-term plan. To talk to Peter to learn what to do, and what to avoid, at every stage, call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

Improving your investment performance doesn't always mean taking more risk... or chasing the latest trend.

In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down 4 simple, fundamentals-based ways to improve results without adding complexity:

✔️ Automate and get out of your own way

✔️ Consolidate old accounts

✔️ Define your time horizon before investing

✔️ Save a little more each year

Sometimes the biggest gains come from doing the basics consistently, and avoiding the mistakes that could derail long-term plans. If you'd like to make sure your fundamentals are in place, or if you'd like to talk more advanced planning, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

You've heard a lot about the stress of taking on too much risk in retirement. But as Peter with Richon Planning talks through with Erin Kennedy, playing it too safe can create just as much financial pressure.

In this interview, we walk through three warning signs your portfolio may be holding you back:

🔹 You constantly worry about running out of money Being overly conservative can limit growth—especially during a long retirement.

🔹 Your money isn't working for you If your portfolio barely moves while inflation keeps rising, your purchasing power may be shrinking.

🔹 You avoid financial decisions out of fear

Hesitating to make adjustments—even when they make sense—can be a sign fear is driving strategy. We also explain why investing too conservatively can be just as dangerous as taking on too much risk—and how finding the right balance matters more than ever. If you'd like to sit down with Peter to determine if your retirement plan may be playing defense when it should be playing offense, give him a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com

A new provision in President Trump's tax bill is getting a lot of attention: a government-funded $1,000 savings account for children, now known as "Trump Accounts."

But as with most things in tax policy, the details matter. In this interview, Peter with Richonplanning and Erin Kennedy break down:

Who's eligible — and how families actually receive the money

Who can contribute and how much

How these accounts are invested

How tax-deferred growth and capital-gains treatment compare to other options

When it makes sense to fund a Trump Account vs. a 529 plan or custodial account

If you're a parent, grandparent, or loved one who wants to learn more about setting your child up for success, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com