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 

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• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your financial strategy and make the most of every opportunity to optimize your tax situation. In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we’re diving into practical, actionable year-end tax planning tips to help you finish the year strong.

You’ll learn how tax-loss harvesting can save you money, when a Roth conversion might be a smart move, and how charitable giving, 529 plans, and IRA contributions could work in your favor. We’ll also cover key considerations for retirees and why taking a close look at where you stand for the year is so important. Take charge of your year-end planning today. 

• [1:30] Submit a question at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com!
• [2:27] Can you take advantage of tax-loss harvesting?
• [4:41] Are you able to make any Roth conversions?
• [9:54] Charitable giving, 529 plans, and IRA contributions
• [12:30] Considerations for someone already retired 
• [13:44] Where do you stand for the year? 

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning

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• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Curious about the changes coming to IRAs and 401Ks in 2025? In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we’re breaking down the latest updates to help you plan your retirement strategy. Learn about the new contribution limits for IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401Ks, including special allowances for those aged 60–63. We’ll also cover updated income limits for Roth IRAs, automatic enrollment in 401Ks, and reduced penalties for missed required minimum distributions (RMDs) on inherited IRAs. Don’t miss this essential guide to staying ahead of the curve and making the most of your retirement savings!

• [2:24] Visit RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com for FREE resources
• [3:00] IRA and Roth IRA contributions for 2025
• [4:32] Contribution limits for 401Ks
• [7:03] Income limits for Roth IRAs
• [8:41] Penalties for missed RMDs of inherited IRAs
• [16:28] More changes to come for 2025

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Visit RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com for FREE resources

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy Podcast, we dive deep into the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security. We break down how the COLA works and what it means for your retirement planning.

With the 2025 COLA coming in at 2.5%, we explore how this adjustment could affect your benefits—whether you’re still working or already collecting Social Security. We also discuss the projected rise in Medicare Part B premiums and why it’s crucial to plan conservatively for future costs.

Tune in to discover how the COLA can be a powerful tool in your retirement strategy, while understanding the importance of not relying too heavily on it. If you’re planning for retirement, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you build a more secure financial future.

• [2:13] Check out our free resources at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• [3:18] How Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment works
• [8:25] What type of COLA should we project for the future? 
• [10:36] Expected future cost of Medicare Part B premiums
• [13:25] The COLA is incredibly powerful
• [17:40] Retirement is a journey—not a finish line
• [20:25] Plan conservatively and err on the side of caution

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Cost-of-Living Adjustment History
• Monthly Part B Premiums and Annual Percentage Increases
• Calculating Medicare Part B costs

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One of the biggest questions people have about retirement planning is: “Will I have enough saved?” This episode of Retirement Made Easy dives into just that—how to determine the “magic number” you’ll need to retire comfortably and securely. 

From evaluating your current expenses to assessing your future goals, we will start to cover all the bases to help you calculate your retirement needs with confidence.

Whether you're thinking about traveling, leaving a legacy for your loved ones, or simply covering the basics, this episode offers practical steps to ensure your money lasts through retirement, no matter how long that might be.

Listen in to find out how to navigate expenses, balance risk, and prepare for a lasting retirement.

• [2:50] Get free resources at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• [4:56] Look at your expenses, budget, and income
• [12:04] What do you like to spend money on?
• [14:42] How much will you need to save?
• [18:35] Do you want to leave an inheritance?

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• I'm 65 With $1 Million - How Much Can I Expect to Spend in Retirement?
• EveryDollar

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When it comes to retirement, healthcare planning isn’t just an afterthought—it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Will your current savings cover future healthcare expenses? How will you bridge the gap if you retire before Medicare kicks in? Without a solid plan, unexpected medical costs could delay your dream retirement.

In Episode #173, we break down the key questions and strategies you need to consider to stay ahead of healthcare challenges in retirement. Whether you’re planning for your own retirement or helping a spouse navigate Medicare options, this episode will arm you with the tools to retire on time and on your terms.

• [1:45] The five pillars of retirement planning
• [2:20] Check out RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com for free resources!
• [3:41] Do you have to wait until you’re 65 to retire and get on Medicare?
• [6:31] Saving in an HSA can cover healthcare expenses
• [10:53] Will healthcare expenses delay your retirement? 
• [13:07] What will Obamacare cost per month?
• [16:18] Does your employer pay out unused vacation days?
• [17:49] Why would you consider transferring money into an HSA?
• [20:44] The basics of Medicare + supplements
• [25:53] Benefits and drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans
• [30:23] Does your plan adequately adjust for inflation?
• [31:09] Check out the Retirement Made Easy YouTube channel 

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Obamacare Federal Poverty Level

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Getting through retirement while being able to pay all of your expenses is the goal. But how do you make it happen? You’ll have to make decisions before and during retirement that will impact whether or not it’s successful. I answer some questions directly related to financially surviving retirement in this episode of Retirement Made Easy. 

• [1:46] Question #1: Should you build an expected inheritance into your plan?
• [5:19] Question #2: How can you calculate costs in retirement? 
• [8:24] Question #3: How does disability work with life insurance? 
• [10:25] Question #4: How does the survivor benefit work when divorced? 
• [13:05] Question #5: Why do you need to find specialists?

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning

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• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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When are the best times for Roth conversions? Should you invest in a target-date fund? Can you avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty? These are just a few of the questions I’ll tackle in this special Listener Questions edition of Retirement Made Easy! 

Preparing for retirement is complicated at best. I want to make sure I’m consistently answering the questions that are top of mind for my listeners. So if you have a question, head on over to RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com and submit one!

• [0:28] Submit questions are RetirementMadeEasyPodacst.com
• [2:57] Question #1: When are the best times for Roth conversions? 
• [8:23] Question #2: Should you invest in a target-date fund? 
• [13:59] Question #3: How do I request a lump sum pension? 
• [16:57] Question #4: Can you avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty?
• [19:55] Question #5: How does 401K matching work?
• [22:28] Question #6: How does the survivor benefit work when divorced? 
• [25:07] Question #7: How do long-term capital gains taxes work? 

• Check out the Retirement Made Easy YouTube channel! 
• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Rule 72T

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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When should you claim your Social Security benefits? What do benefits look like for teachers who contribute to Teacher Retirement Systems? What is the survivor step-up strategy? In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we’ll dive into some of the more complex areas of Social Security that people need to know about but are rarely told. 

• [1:48] Check out our website for some FREE resources
• [2:27] Should you claim sooner or later?
• [6:19] The way Social Security is taxed
• [8:51] The GPO or WEP rules for survivor benefits
• [12:17] The survivor step-up strategy
• [19:34] Cost-of-living adjustments
• [24:03] How the spousal benefit works

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Widows Move Forward on Their Own – But Not Alone
• Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Social Security can be difficult to understand. The rules can be difficult to decipher. Answers are nearly impossible to find. This leaves most people frustrated and confused. 

In this episode, I’m going to separate the truths from the many rumors you often hear and help you build your knowledge about Social Security. My goal is for you to walk away more informed about your future. Don’t miss it. 

• [0:34] Make sure you follow our YouTube channel!
• [4:17] How do you earn a Social Security check?
• [8:27] How does the spousal benefit work with credits? 
• [11:43] How do spousal benefits work with ex-spouses? 
• [13:26] How does the survivor benefit work? 
• [16:04] Understanding your Social Security statement
• [18:03] Collecting your benefits while working 
• [19:40] How benefits are allocated monthly 
• [20:39] What if you want to collect benefits and work? 
• [23:21] Suspending or stopping your Social Security benefits

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• SSA: How You Become Eligible for Benefits
• SSA: Primary Insurance Amount 
• SSA: Form W-4V
• SSA: Form 521

• Email at: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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