Ready-Aim-Retire

What happens to your retirement plan when life doesn't go according to plan? We explore several challenging scenarios, including market downturns, the loss of a spouse, rising healthcare costs, and the financial strain of helping adult children. We also discuss strategies for preparing for these unexpected events, protecting your retirement income, and building a financial plan flexible enough to handle life's surprises.

With inflation on the rise and a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on the horizon, retirees may be wondering whether their benefits will actually keep pace with increasing expenses. We discuss how inflation affects purchasing power, how Social Security adjustments work, and why Medicare premiums and taxes could reduce the impact of that anticipated raise. We also explore strategies for protecting retirement income, including thoughtful Social Security claiming decisions, diversified income sources, and tax-efficient withdrawal planning.

In this episode, we break down how choosing the wrong beneficiary designation can accidentally leave your grandchildren with nothing if one of your children passes away before you. We explain the critical difference between per stirpes—which protects your family line by passing a deceased child's portion directly to their kids—and per capita, the common default that redistributes those funds solely among your remaining living children. Finally, we share actionable steps on how to audit your accounts to ensure your assets are distributed exactly according to your intent.

With economic indicators drawing comparisons to the 2007 pre-recession climate, we examine key market similarities—such as 10-year Treasury yields, oil prices, and stock levels—alongside crucial differences in rate hikes, unemployment, and valuations. We explain how current inflation and energy-driven pressures affect everyday consumers differently than the subprime housing crisis did. Listen in as we share practical advice on managing market volatility, mapping income sources, and aligning your portfolio for a secure retirement.

In this episode, we break down the Federal Reserve's unexpected quarter-point interest rate increase and what drove this major shift. We discuss how persistent inflation, surging energy costs, and a surprisingly resilient economy influenced the Fed's decision. Additionally, we share practical strategies for navigating market volatility and leveraging higher rates to grow your safe retirement savings.

In this episode, we break down the hidden tax burdens associated with inherited IRAs and explain why passing them down directly can create unexpected challenges for beneficiaries. We share real-life examples to illustrate the implications of the 10-year distribution rule and the potential tax hikes it can cause. Finally, we explore proactive financial strategies—including strategic Roth conversions and life insurance solutions—that can help mitigate tax liabilities and better protect your legacy.

In this episode Rob digs into the turbulence in the bond market and talks about why, and what strategies you can use to replace bonds in your portfolio and overall financial plan.

In this episode, we dive into why you shouldn't unnecessarily delay your retirement if your numbers already work. We outline the five essential factors to evaluate your readiness—including establishing your monthly income need, accounting for guaranteed income sources, managing healthcare costs, and mitigating tax impacts. Join us as we share practical strategies to help you gain the confidence to stop waiting and start living your retirement today.

In this episode, we open up the mailbag to answer some of the most common financial and retirement questions we receive from listeners like you. We cover the ins and outs of using your annual gift tax exclusion, including how gifting rules work and what to keep in mind regarding state and federal estate exemptions. We also discuss how to protect your portfolio against sudden market drops and tackle the popular headline myth of whether you really need $1.46 million to retire.

In this episode of Ready Aim Retire, host Rob Kirvan returns to unpack the true meaning of financial diversification beyond the classic "don't put all your eggs in one basket" advice. Alongside co-host Tony Shore, Rob breaks down how to align your investment strategies with your personal risk tolerance, time horizon, and total asset picture—including real estate and fixed annuities. He also shares insights from recent industry data showing why emotional investing often leads to underperformance and how working with a fiduciary can keep your retirement goals on track.