Planning for retirement is about more than just finances—it’s about protecting your future, your health, and your peace of mind. In this episode of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, host Paul Brock welcomes Aaron Love, Elder Care Attorney at Love Law Group, to discuss what it truly means to age well and prepare for life’s uncertainties.

Together, they break down the critical difference between legacy planning (death planning) and incapacity planning (living planning), while highlighting the essential legal and financial steps you should take today to avoid crisis tomorrow.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

Whether you’re approaching retirement yourself or helping aging parents, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to simplify your planning.

Contact Love Law Group:

Contact Wise Wealth:

Are you prepared for the “Silver Tsunami”? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Christina Wilkins, Chief Operating Officer of Advocates for Seniors, who reveals how their unique paralegal firm helps seniors navigate the complex challenges of aging.

From managing finances when a spouse passes away to coordinating medical care during life transitions, Christina shares how their team provides critical “boots on the ground” assistance for seniors who either don’t have children nearby or need specialized legal, health, and financial support.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Beyond Financial Planning: Discover why retirement planning must extend beyond finances to include preparation for the “go-go years,” “slow-go years,” and “no-go years” of retirement.

• Advocates for Seniors: Learn about this unique paralegal firm that provides comprehensive support in three critical areas: legal, health, and financial matters for aging adults.

• Crisis Prevention: Understand why establishing a relationship with advocates before a crisis occurs can make all the difference in your retirement journey.

• Real Support Services: Christina explains how her team provides hands-on assistance – from paying bills and attending doctor’s appointments to helping with transitions to assisted living.

Christina and her team serve as trusted advocates for seniors who may not have family nearby or whose spouse handled finances before passing. Whether you’re planning for your own retirement or caring for aging parents, this episode provides valuable insights on preparing for the later stages of life.

www.advocates4seniors.com

913.200.4008

To learn more about Wise Wealth, visit our website at www.wisewealth.com. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our team and we will schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our qualified financial advisors.

If you’re like many Americans, the bulk of your retirement savings likely sits in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. But when tax rates rise—as many experts predict they will—how much of your hard-earned money will you actually get to keep?

With the national debt growing at an unsustainable pace and entitlement programs placing increasing pressure on the federal budget, significant tax increases appear inevitable.

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome David McKnight—nationally renowned tax expert and bestselling author of The Power of Zero, Tax-Free Income for Life, and The Guru Gap. David draws from years of experience and collaboration with leading tax authorities, including insights from his documentary film The Power of Zero: The Tax Train Is Coming.

America has made financial promises it simply can’t keep. With the national debt projected to hit $62 trillion by 2034, no combination of tax hikes or spending cuts appears capable of reversing the course. The “tax train” is coming—and retirement savers must prepare.

One of the most powerful tools for protecting your retirement income is converting tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRAs. Doing so—particularly within favorable brackets like the 24%—can dramatically reduce your long-term tax exposure. But it must be done strategically to avoid unnecessary tax consequences.

In this episode, we explore:

As an independent & full-service financial planning firm, Wise Wealth gives truly objective advice. If you want a retirement plan tailored to your goals and your future, we’re here to help.

📞 816.246.WISE (9473)

Stephen Stricklin, Founder and President of Wise Wealth, LLC is joined by COO, Paul Brock to answer frequently asked questions from clients and podcast listeners.

They cover common concerns such as:

Stephen and Paul discuss the importance of rebalancing portfolios, which they typically do once a year to maintain the desired asset allocation and capitalize on buying low and selling high. While portfolio managers adjust for short-term market trends, clients should stay disciplined and stick with their long-term plan, as short-term volatility shouldn’t dictate investment decisions. Trusting the plan and remaining invested is key to achieving the desired rate of return over time.

They also explain how investor behavior, such as trying to time the market, often hinders success more than market fluctuations themselves, as missing just a few of the best market days can drastically affect returns. The key is sticking with a long-term plan, trusting portfolio manager, and remaining disciplined regardless of short-term market volatility.

The key is understanding your time frame and risk tolerance—investing in the market should align with your long-term goals.

The episode also addresses the idea of “comparing” your savings and retirement plan to others. The truth is, your plan should be tailored to your unique goals, income needs, and lifestyle choices. Everyone has their own “number,” which represents what they need to achieve their goals in retirement, and the only way to determine this is through a personalized plan.

Ultimately, your retirement plan’s success isn’t about comparing it to others but ensuring it meets your individual needs and goals. True success is measured by the peace of mind and financial freedom it provides, allowing you to fully enjoy life in retirement.

Ready to take the next step?

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

[email protected]

816.246.WISE (9473)

In this episode, Stephen Stricklin, Founder & President of Wise Wealth, is joined by Paul Brock, Vice President. They discuss the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan, focusing on key components such as a liquid plan, an income plan, and a growth plan.

One major risk for retirees is long-term care, which should always be addressed in any financial plan. Additionally, the concept of short-term care is becoming increasingly relevant in retirement planning.

Paul Brock, an insurance expert with over 21 years of experience, explains the differences between short-term and long-term care. Short-term care typically lasts up to a year, while long-term care extends beyond that, with each serving different healthcare needs. Despite Medicare covering a range of healthcare services, it does not cover either long-term or short-term care, making it crucial to understand these distinctions when planning for retirement.

Tune in to the full episode and learn more about:

For more information on this topic or to explore any other questions you may have, contact the Wise Wealth team at 816.246.WISE (9473) or by email at [email protected].

Visit us at www.wisewealth.com.

“Every client deserves the right to invest according to their values.” This is a quote from one of our guests, Mark Reifer. He’s a financial advisor, and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), with a long history of managing portfolios and experience in biblically responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, strategy, and moral screening in portfolio management.

Along with Mark, we are joined by Ben Malick: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), Ben focuses on building biblically responsible portfolios under Bright Portfolios, which balance good returns with ethical investments.

In this episode, we dive into what kind of companies we are looking to include and which ones we want to exclude and why., The main focus is on finding companies that are “doing good” by treating employees, customers, and communities well, while also delivering positive products and services.

The goal is to invest in businesses that are ethically responsible, avoid exploiting people or profiting from harmful practices like addiction, and align with values like loving your neighbor. The process for selecting companies to invest in focuses on three key criteria: products, processes, and priorities.

1. We assess whether the products or services a company offers are morally sound. For example, they avoid companies involved in pornography, even if it’s just a small part of their business.

2. Then, we evaluate how the company treats its employees and suppliers, considering ethical business practices.

3. Finally, we examine the company’s charitable activities and overall stance in the marketplace.

A scoring system is used to evaluate companies based on these factors, aiming to find businesses that align with ethical standards. While the process is selective, it still results in a diversified portfolio, providing ample diversification while ensuring that investors can feel confident about the companies they own.

The conversation also highlights the importance of “good returns”, not only in terms of financial performance but also in the peace of mind investors get from knowing their investments align with their values. Contrary to common misconceptions, values-based investing does not sacrifice returns. Third-party studies on faith-driven and socially responsible investing show that applying a values overlay can enhance performance, rather than detract from it. Ethical investing can be both financially rewarding and aligned with personal values.

Have questions about Biblically Responsible Investing? Or, would you like to speak to one of our financial advisors about ethical investing?

Contact Us: [email protected]

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

816.246.WISE (9473)

In this special edition of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, Stephen Stricklin, CFP® President of Wise Wealth, and Vice President Paul Brock discuss the recent 2024 U.S. election and its immediate impact on the stock market.

The episode focuses on three key questions people have about investing during election years and the broader economic outlook.

1. Why did the stock market respond favorably to Donald Trump’s second-term win?

2. Why didn’t the advisors change investment strategies before the election?

3. What can people expect economically from a Trump presidency?

The episode wraps up with the idea that time and discipline are crucial for successful investing. The focus should always be on having a solid financial plan, which should drive investment decisions, rather than chasing short-term trends or reacting to political events. The hosts encourage viewers to understand their own financial goals and stay disciplined in their approach.

In this episode, Stephen Stricklin and Paul Brock discuss the importance of providing clients with a balanced approach to investing, focusing on portfolio construction that aligns with both financial goals and values.

Guests Ben Malik and Mark Riefer offer their experience and expertise.

Ben Malik: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), Ben focuses on buildingbiblically responsible portfolios under Bright Portfolios, which balance good returns with ethical investments.

Mark Riefer: A financial advisor, and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), with a long history of managing portfolios and experience in biblically responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, strategy, and moral screening in portfolio management.

Philosophy of Investing:

Wise Wealth emphasizes long-term investing and discipline, advising clients to stay committed to their growth portfolios despite short-term market fluctuations.

Modern Portfolio Theory: While both Mark and Ben appreciate the theory’s focus on risk-adjusted returns, they recognize inefficiencies in the market that provide opportunities for active management.

Diversification and Asset Allocation: They advocate a forward-looking approach in portfolio construction, taking into account market cycles, risk levels, and opportunities for adjusting asset allocations. 

Importance of Values-Based Investing:

A key element of the episode is the integration of biblically responsible investing (BRI), ensuring the companies they invest in align with ethical and moral values.

Their portfolios are regularly reviewed and adjusted, focusing on long-term growth without losing sight of the clients’ values.

Investor Behavior:

The hosts discuss the importance of investor discipline and how managing emotions during market fluctuations is critical to long-term success.

Wise Wealth builds investment portfolios that not only meet financial objectives but also adhere to clients’ moral and ethical standards, blending portfolio management with biblically responsible investing principles.

Interested in learning more about our portfolios?

Schedule a 15-minute Conversation with one of our experienced financial advisors.

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

816.246.WISE (9473)

[email protected]

People often research financial products after hearing about them through various channels, but they may be swayed by either overly positive or negative information. This can lead to risky decisions, as news often highlights sensational or negative stories to attract readers and sell ads.

Algorithms amplify confirmation bias by continuously showing users articles that align with their previous clicks, which is why we advocate for principles-based financial planning—principles remain constant even as products and industry trends evolve.

While products and industry trends may change, principles remain constant, and we’ve emphasized these principles throughout our previous podcast episodes.

For clients of Wise Wealth, we provide continued education, and we were thrilled to host our Summer Education Series. This year’s theme, “Non-Traditional Investment, Income, and Inheritance Options,” which sparked many engaging discussions.

We’re focusing on non-traditional financial methods this season, including reverse mortgages, beneficiary liquidity planning, and digital assets, and we’ll be discussing these topics in upcoming podcast episodes. Understanding your options can help you find the best fit for your individual needs.

Having a plan is crucial because it allows for a thoughtful evaluation of various financial options, ensuring that each choice aligns with individual goals and needs. As fiduciaries, we are committed to presenting unbiased, well-researched information on diverse financial topics to help clients make informed decisions within the context of a comprehensive plan.

If you’re not a client of Weiss Wealth and lack a personalized financial plan, we offer a clarity conversation to help you get started. You can reach out via email, phone, or by taking our online quiz for a free copy of our updated book, “Simplify Your Retirement.” Our goal is to simplify your retirement planning so you can fully enjoy life. Thank you for joining us as we kick off the sixth season of our podcast!

816.246.WISE (9473)

[email protected]

www.wisewealth.com/book

www.wisewealth.com/contact-us

It’s often said that people spend more time planning vacations than they do for retirement. But just as you wouldn’t wing a vacation, retirement planning requires careful consideration.

With potential decades ahead, the time invested in planning is relatively short. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach retirement seriously, laying out all your desires to ensure they align with your vision.

A common mistake is solely focusing on the day you can stop working. While reaching this milestone is significant, the ultimate goal is not just retirement but retirement freedom.

Our goal is to guide individuals towards this state of financial freedom, not just reaching retirement but thriving through it. We aim to alleviate the fears and frustrations that often accompany retirement, enabling people to enjoy their golden years with peace of mind. And at the core of achieving this peace is having a well-thought-out plan.

Whether it’s the cost of healthcare, rising taxes, stock market volatility, or inflation, our personalized Retirement Freedom Plan™ covers all potential risks eliminating those fears and what-ifs.

In retirement, you want the freedom to pursue your desires without worrying about uncertainties or risks. Working with someone who understands this is crucial. Going it alone might work, but you could still face fear and frustration along the way.

Robo-advisors lack the human touch needed to address your unique concerns. While they can provide numbers and estimates, they can’t offer the empathy and experience of a human advisor. Trusting solely in automated assessments, like those from 401k providers, may not give you the full picture. What you really need is a financial planner who can guide you not just to retirement but through it, providing both expertise and empathy tailored to your needs.

Let’s create your Retirement Freedom Plan™, starting with the “Clarity Conversation”. Reach out to us at 816-246-WISE or email [email protected] to start the journey toward freedom.

www.wisewealth.com