Are you aware of what you truly owe, and more importantly, own in your financial portfolio? 

Join us in this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, where Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the nitty-gritty of financial awareness and planning. 

Do you really understand how balancing debts and assets can pave a way for a secure retirement?

They explore the significance of knowing your financial landscape, including debts like car loans and mortgages, and how they weigh against your assets.

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Are you making the most of your year-end tax planning? 

In this episode, Josh Leonard dives into effective year-end tax planning strategies to maximize your savings. Prepare for an insightful discussion on Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and charitable giving. 

Learn how to navigate potential tax pitfalls and make informed financial decisions before the calendar flips to a new year.

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Are you protecting yourself from the growing threat of identity theft, especially as you near retirement?

This week on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard sits down with Angela Ferrante, Leonard Advisory Group’s in-house expert on identity theft, to shed light on this pressing issue. They delve into the methods used by scammers to target older Americans and discuss practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information.

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About our Guest:

Angela Ferrante is a 1987 graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Economics and Finance. She started with Equitable Life as an insurance representative 2 weeks after graduation selling life and disability insurance to the medical community. By 2005 she was supervising 165 representatives in 4 states and running the brokerage side of the office which included the opening of accounts, research, trade placement, cashiering of upwards of $2 million per month, as well as her own client base. Angela became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015. Angela and Mark live in Somerset County where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.

What happens when an unexpected job loss disrupts your retirement plans? 

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into strategies for navigating the economic and emotional turbulence of being laid off near retirement. 

They offer essential tips on managing finances, addressing healthcare needs, and maintaining a positive outlook during this challenging transition. Additionally, they bring insightful stories from their experience.

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Feeling empowered in retirement requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs and maximize enjoyment. 

Are you prepared to handle debt, taxes, and big life changes in retirement? 

Learn how financial strategies can help you manage taxes, pay down debt, and even enjoy your golden years worry-free.

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the world of financial empowerment through careful planning and smart tax strategies. They explore real-world scenarios, including helping clients navigate unexpected credit card debt and embrace the freedom of spending wisely in retirement. Learn how tailored planning can lead to a worry-free retirement, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.

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Charitable giving can be a powerful part of your retirement, and it’s about more than just donations—it’s about making a lasting impact with your finances.

How do you ensure your giving is intentional and efficient? What strategies can help you make the most of your contributions without incurring unnecessary taxes?

Join Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro as they dive into the fulfilling world of charitable giving and how it can play a critical role in your financial planning. 

Learn about the impact of charitable contributions, the importance of a personalized giving strategy, and efficient ways to manage generosity through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and stock gifting. 

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When was the last time your reviewed your Medicare plans?

In this episode of *Relax It’s Retirement*, host Josh Leonard sits down to discuss the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and ensure you’re prepared for the year ahead. With open enrollment running from October 15th to December 7th, this discussion is essential listening for anyone looking to navigate Medicare.

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Join us as we dive into these topics and more on ensuring your healthcare needs are met without unexpected costs in retirement. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions for your health and wallet. Subscribe and get ready to retire with intent!

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As inflation cools, new questions arise about the market’s direction and future economic trends.

How will the Fed’s decisions on interest rates affect your investments? Can the economy withstand reduced inflation without entering a recession?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the significant shift of investor concerns from inflation to other economic factors, highlighting vital strategies to navigate these changes. 

Join them as they discuss how these trends influence your retirement planning, the potential for future rate adjustments, and strategies to protect your investments during market volatility. 

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Election seasons often bring a wave of anxiety, especially for those nearing retirement.

How do you prepare for potential economic shifts without succumbing to fear? How can you ensure your retirement plan remains robust regardless of political outcomes?

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard explores how the election results could potentially affect your financial future, and why most fears may be overblown. 

Discover practical strategies for setting yourself up to navigate market uncertainties, just in time for the upcoming elections.

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Are you maximizing the potential of capital gains and losses in your retirement planning?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the often-overlooked strategies of capital gain and loss harvesting. You’ll learn the essential differences between capital loss and capital gain harvesting, why timing and tax brackets play a crucial role in your financial planning, and how these strategies can help minimize your tax liability, particularly in retirement. 

Join us for an informative discussion that could significantly influence how you manage your investments for a more secure financial future.

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