Most people who are gearing up for retirement are heads-down focused on building savings. But there’s one important thing they don’t consider: what happens to your money once it’s “locked away” in certain retirement products. In this episode, Gregg Gonzalez digs into annuities - what they are, why they’re sometimes pitched so hard, and how they can quietly trap your savings if you're not careful. If you’re just assuming a big 401(k) or IRA balance will mean total freedom in retirement, it’s time for a closer look.

He breaks down the four types of annuities, the fine print you need to watch for, and the difference between a tool that fits your goals and one that could slow you down. He shares real-world examples of how well-meaning people end up in bad products, and why working with someone who’s truly on your side (not just selling something) can make all the difference.

By the end, you’ll not only be able to spot the traps, you’ll know exactly what questions to ask, what options to consider, and how to move forward with a retirement strategy that matches your life, not just a sales pitch.

• (00:00) Why some retirement products can trap your savings.
• (03:24) Announcement of upcoming Social Security seminars and webinar idea.
• (05:24) Setting up today’s focus: common misconceptions about annuities.
• (6:00) Breakdown of the 4 main types of annuities and when they might fit.
• (19:20) Listener Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits and retirement savings questions.
• (31:30) Closing thoughts on aligning retirement goals with financial behavior.

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Fidelity Retirement Savings Study

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
• Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com
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Retirement doesn’t come with a universal playbook, but you can learn a lot from people who’ve already been through it. Gregg shares stories from real clients that reveal what quietly sets the most successful retirees apart. These aren’t surface-level tips, they’re patterns that show up again and again in the lives of people who’ve built the kind of retirement others only hope for.

The episode highlights three strategies that create a strong foundation: keeping cash accessible for both the unexpected and the inevitable, setting personal goals that matter to you (not just sound impressive), and staying regularly engaged with your financial picture over time. Together, they foster a sense of stability, clarity, and confidence that goes way beyond the numbers.

• (00:00) Why retirement advice needs real stories.
• (05:10) Why your emergency fund isn't enough.
• (10:40) The power of specific retirement goals.
• (15:00) Staying financially engaged without obsessing.
• (16:40) Social Security clawbacks & tax law shifts.

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Social Security Trustees Report

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
• Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com
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You may believe your retirement is all set, with savings secured and timelines mapped out, but then the questions start flooding in, shaking that sense of certainty. This episode reveals the questions people start asking as retirement gets closer, from Roth conversions and Social Security to how inherited money works..

Gregg walks through questions from listeners and clients that reveal the lesser-known stuff, like why turning 73 or 75 matters way more than you’d expect, what changes if you’re still working, or how one checkbox on a beneficiary form can shift who ends up with your money. There’s also a closer look at long-term care insurance and why the math on it surprises most people.

This episode will make you stop and rethink your assumptions so that it doesn’t cost you dearly in the future.

• (0:00) The real retirement questions you should ask sooner rather than later.
• (03:45) Listener question #1 - Roth conversions and the five-year rule.
• (05:04) Listener question #2 - Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k) contribution limits.
• (07:44) Listener question #3 - Beneficiary designations: pro rata vs. per stirpes.
• (10:38) Listener question #4 - Social Security growth after full retirement age.
• (14:37) Listener question #5 - What if Social Security income becomes tax-free?
• (14:41) Listener question #6 - Required minimum distributions and age updates.
• (19:28) Listener question #7 - Why long-term care insurance costs as much as it does.
• (24:18) Listener question #8 - When retirement income and market dips collide.

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Ed Slott - America’s IRA Experts - https://irahelp.com/

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetireStrongFA.com/Podcast
• Website: https://RetireStrongFA.com
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Retirees usually think the tax decisions are done once they stop working. But the truth is, many are sitting on large pre-tax balances that can quietly lead to bigger tax bills later—especially when required minimum distributions kick in or a spouse passes away. It's not just about saving money, it's about how that money is taxed when you actually need to use it.

Roth conversions offer a way to shift those tax liabilities earlier, on your terms. I explain when that tradeoff makes sense and when it doesn’t, using clear, real-world examples. You’ll hear how a couple with zero current tax liability converted money without paying a dime, and why converting in a year with lower income or a temporarily down market might open the door to big savings. I’ll also break down why legacy plans, filing status changes, and Social Security taxation are key pieces of the puzzle.

• (0:00) The ins & outs of Roth conversions
• (1:55) The three tax buckets that shape retirement
• (6:32) When conversions are a no-brainer (and when they’re not)
• (9:54) How your tax bracket—and filing status—change the math
• (17:05) Roths as a better inheritance for your kids
• (24:57) Clearing up common Roth misconceptions

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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Most people don’t think about market swings until their retirement accounts take a hit. If your 401(k) balance is dropping or you’re feeling uneasy, you’re not alone. Recent shifts, fueled by tariff changes and global uncertainty, have left many wondering what to do next. But you don’t have to ride this out blindly.

We break down why this is happening, how it impacts your savings, and what you can do to stay on track. Some investors take on more risk than they realize, and waiting too long to adjust can cost them. Knowing how to match your investments with your comfort level can make all the difference.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s happening, how past downturns compare, and ways to protect your retirement without panic moves. Because the best way forward is always preparation—not fear.

• (0:00) Why retirement savings feel unstable
• (6:40) Listeners’ concerns about retirement savings
• (9:30) The risk of being too aggressive with investments
• (11:40) The danger of over-concentration in a single stock
• (13:30) Social Security misunderstandings and key takeaways

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Visit Yahoo Finance to explore past market trends

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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Most people heading into retirement focus on the numbers—savings, pensions, Social Security, and investments. But the biggest risk isn’t always financial. The way you think about retirement can shape your entire experience, and too often, blind spots get in the way of a smooth transition. Conversations with pre-retirees show just how much mindset influences confidence, decision-making, and even long-term security.

Common concerns like running out of money, healthcare costs, and inflation are valid, but they’re not always the biggest threats. Shifting focus can reveal risks that were never even on the radar. With the right adjustments, retirement can feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like a plan coming together. Plus, some important listener questions get answered, covering pensions, taxes, and financial planning decisions that can make all the difference.

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Information – pbgc.gov

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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Most people assume that if they’ve saved diligently, their retirement is secure. But the reality is that certain financial decisions—ones that seem harmless or even smart in the moment—can quietly erode your long-term security. Whether it’s taking on unexpected debt, mismanaging investments, or making emotional money moves, these mistakes can cost retirees tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars over time.

Today, we uncover some of the most common and costly retirement pitfalls that people don’t see coming. From high-interest home equity loans to over-investing in trendy stocks, we break down why these decisions can backfire and what you can do instead to protect your future. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a sharper eye for potential risks and a game plan to ensure your money lasts as long as you do.

• (0:00) Retirement pitfalls
• (2:15) The biggest retirement mistakes people are making
• (5:12) The hidden cost of home equity loans & big purchases
• (10:30) Overloading on tech stocks & risky investments
• (13:49) The financial risks of helping adult children
• (19:20) Unnecessary life insurance & taking advice from the wrong people
• (25:00) Social Security, behavioral mistakes & staying on track

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Frank Luntz's Research

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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How do you turn your retirement savings into a steady paycheck that lasts? I’ve had a lot of questions about this lately—and for good reason. Without a well-thought-out withdrawal plan, people risk running out of money too soon, paying more in taxes than necessary, or simply feeling uncertain about how to manage their nest egg. Shifting from saving to spending isn’t always easy, and I want to help people feel confident in their approach.

That’s why I like to keep things simple and intentional. In this episode, I’ll walk through a practical way to organize retirement savings into different “buckets” based on when the money will be needed. I also share a real example of how someone ended up paying thousands more in taxes than necessary—just because of the way they withdrew their money. With a little planning, retirees can make their savings last and still have the freedom to enjoy life.

• (0:00) Intro
• (1:10) Sources of Income
• (3:05) Costly Withdrawal Mistakes
• (7:50) The Spending Mindset Shift
• (12:10) The Three-Bucket Method
• (18:40) Which Accounts to Use First
• (24:00) Adjusting Over Time

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Retirement Budgeting Tool
• 2025 Market Outlook from LPL Financial
• Episode 72: The Bucket Strategy

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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Are you or someone you love a teacher, firefighter, or government worker? If so, you might be impacted by two little-known Social Security provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules have reduced or even eliminated Social Security benefits for millions of hardworking Americans.

But change is finally here. The Social Security Fairness Act could make a massive difference for retirees like you. Today, we’re breaking down what this legislation means, who it impacts, and how it could completely transform your retirement.

Plus, I’ll answer your listener questions about:

• How to avoid early withdrawal penalties on retirement funds if you retire before 59 ½
• Contributing to a Roth IRA when you don’t have a paycheck
• Navigating deferred compensation plans without creating a tax headache
• What happens to your HSA funds after retirement

If you’re ready to maximize your retirement benefits and make confident decisions about your future, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!

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• [4:10] What we’re covering in today’s episode
• [5:29] What’s happening with Social Security
• [6:33] Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act
• [11:35] Potential changes to how Social Security is taxed
• [15:57] Listener Question #1: Avoiding an early withdrawal penalty
• [19:27] Listener question #2: Can you contribute to a Roth IRA without a paycheck?
• [23:17] Listener question #3: Deferred compensation plans 
• [27:31] Listener question #4: What happens with HSA plans when you retire?
• [28:57] Listener question #5: How do you get a spousal benefit from an ex?
• [31:17] Listener question #6: How do you help retired family members?

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• The Social Security Fairness Act
• Section 72(t) 

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
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Retirement is one of the biggest milestones in life, and for many, 2025 and 2026 will mark the beginning of this long-awaited chapter. As portfolios have outperformed expectations, more people are realizing their retirement dreams sooner than planned.

In this episode, I’ll share inspiring client stories, practical lessons from 2024, and key insights to help you prepare for your own journey. From understanding why bonuses matter more than you think to exploring the power of legacy planning, we’ll cover the essential strategies to navigate retirement with confidence. 

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, these takeaways will equip you to make the most of your future.

• [0:38] Make sure to check out our YouTube channel
• [2:57] Why you should never turn down a bonus
• [7:45] There will be a lot of people retiring in 2025/2026
• [14:48] Lesson #1 from 2024 
• [16:48] Lesson #2 from 2024
• [19:34] Lesson #3 from 2024

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• 2025 Market Outlook 

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
• Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
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Subscribe to Retirement Made EasyOn Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts