Retirement Quick Tips with Ashley

Welcome to a new week here on the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! I'm your host, Ashley Micciche.

Back in March, I came across a 2024 report from Investopedia that looked at all the things that define the American Dream - getting married, buying a house with that white picket fence, having kids, driving a nice, reliable car, owning pets, taking an annual vacation, saving enough for a comfortable retirement,and having a funeral where they don't throw your body in a pine box (unless you're into that minimal aesthetic).

What does it all cost to live the American Dream over your lifetime? $4.4 million. Can you live a fulfilling life with less? Absolutely! But I think exploring these areas together is a helpful exercise to see how your attitudes and beliefs on spending money compare to what the average American says are what they want to achieve in life.

So this week, I'll break down each of these categories of "livin the dream", explain how Investopedia came up with their numbers and see how that compares with your own personal definition of the American dream. Come on back tomorrow…where I'm starting at the beginning and the end. We'll talk about wedding and funeral costs.

It's Sunday and I'm wrapping up the week by summarizing this week's theme: Answering Your Questions

In case you missed any episodes this week, here are the [1-3] most important takeaways from this week…

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm answering your questions.

Today, I'm answering an email question from a listener: I'm in my mid 40s and simply do not feel comfortable with the current political climate and want to safeguard my 401k. I see there is an option to invest in a stable value fund in my 401k, which earns 3% guaranteed. Would it be foolish of me to put a majority of my 401k investments into this fund for the immediate future (4 years)?

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm answering your questions.

Today, I'm answering the question: My life insurance policy is expiring soon. Should I buy more?

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm answering your questions.

Today, I'm answering the question - I'm retiring in 2 years. Should I start social security at retirement or wait longer?

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm answering your questions.

Today, I'm answering the question - I got a big raise, what should I do with the money.

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm answering your questions.

Today, I'm answering the question - are we headed for a recession

Welcome to a new week here on the Retirement Quick Tips podcast! I'm your host, Ashley Micciche.

So this week, I'm answering some of your questions - addressing everything from what to do when you get a big raise to figuring out the ideal age to start social security, to whether or not the ultra-safe stable value fund in your 401k is a good idea right now.

It's Sunday and I'm wrapping up the week by summarizing this week's theme: How to Keep Your Focus (and Your Nerve) Amid Market Chaos

This week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast, I'm talking about how to keep your focus and your nerve amid market chaos.

Today, I'm talking about ways you can build a moat around your finances, so you're not spinning out during market chaos, and tempted to sell when you shouldn't.