Want to build a million-dollar balance in your 401(k)? It all starts with the power of compound interest—why starting early and getting the full employer match is crucial. Learn to put contribution increases on autopilot, save aggressively (the millionaires' average is over 17% of pay) , and why maintaining a separate emergency fund prevents costly 401(k) loans and penalties. We also cover how to take advantage of new, higher "catch-up" contribution limits for those over age 50 , and why staying the course and ignoring short-term market swings is the key to long-term success.

References: https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/401k-millionaire-saving-tips/

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

You've budgeted for travel and groceries, but are you prepared for the sneaky, rising costs that can derail a well-laid retirement plan? Learn why healthcare and wellness could be the "big tamale" of your retirement spending, with costs rising faster than general inflation. We also explore the hidden costs of home maintenance and modifications , rising insurance premiums , the expense of multi-generational travel , and why your taxes might not drop as much as you expect. Tune in to put these potentially significant budget items on your radar, ensuring you're fully aware and prepared for a thriving retirement.

References: https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/most-common-underestimated-expenses/

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

You've spent years building your 401(k), but what happens to that money when you're no longer here? Most people don't realize that their beneficiary designation on their 401(k) or Roth 401(k) overrides their will, making it critical to keep it updated! In this episode, we explore how your retirement savings pass to your designated heirs outside of probate, and why it's essential to name both primary and contingent beneficiaries to prevent your assets from getting tied up in a lengthy, public legal process. Learn why an up-to-date beneficiary list is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and ease the burden on your loved ones.

Reference: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-happens-to-401k-when-you-die

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

"What do I do with my 401(k)?" You've worked hard and saved diligently into your 401(k), but now that retirement is here, what comes next for that nest egg? Don't make a costly mistake by defaulting to a choice that could trigger a huge tax bill! In this episode, we break down the three most common options for your 401(k) when you leave an employer—from leaving it in place to a tax-free rollover—and reveal the two "magic ages" that determine when you can access your money penalty-free and when the government requires you to start taking distributions. Find out which option gives you the most control and the widest range of investment choices for a thriving retirement.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

Many people start collecting Social Security benefits before their full retirement age, often out of fear the program will change, but this can lead to penalties if they later return to work and exceed a certain income limit. This episode, Trevor outlines two ways to exercise a "do-over" on your Social Security claim. The first is Withdrawal of Benefits, which allows you to cancel your application within 12 months of approval and repay any benefits received, making it as if you never filed, allowing your benefit to continue growing. The second is Suspending Your Benefit, available if you've reached full retirement age but are not yet 70; this allows you to pause payments and earn delayed retirement credits, increasing your benefit by 8% annually (or 0.666% per month) until age 70. This is particularly useful for those who no longer need the income and want to maximize their benefit growth.

References: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/finance/social-security-do-over-2-ways-you-can-change-your-benefit-claim/#:~:text=Then%20there%20are%20those%20who,until%20you%20reach%20age%2070.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

Continuing the series on frequently asked retirement questions, Trevor Lawson explores the common query, "Where should I retire?" He reveals the top five U.S. destinations—Florida (ranked number one for low taxes and funding for seniors), Minnesota (for its healthcare and low crime rate), Colorado (for its active lifestyle and tax-friendly conditions), Wyoming (for low crime, sunshine, and low tax burden), and South Dakota (for its low cost of living and no state income tax). Trevor also gives a nod to North Carolina, specifically the Triangle area, for its excellent healthcare, and, as a bonus, names Panama, Portugal, and Malaysia as popular international choices.

Reference:
https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/best-places-to-retire-in-the-us

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

In this episode, Trevor Lawson tackles one of the most frequently searched retirement questions: "How much do I need to retire?" Inspired by a framework provided by ChatGPT, he outlines a seven-step process to calculate your retirement savings goal. The steps include estimating your annual spending in retirement, estimating the length of your retirement, factoring in inflation, considering guaranteed income sources (like Social Security and pensions), calculating the gap between spending needs and guaranteed income, and finally, using the 4% safe withdrawal rule to calculate the total savings needed. Trevor notes that a common rule of thumb is to have 25 times your annual expenses saved. While he finds the AI-generated framework a helpful starting point, he also stresses that a financial planner can provide a deeper layer of security by running more complex scenarios, such as stress-testing the plan for longevity, tax rate increases, or long-term care needs, to help pre-retirees achieve a "rock solid plan" with maximum confidence.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

In the second part of the series on annuities, Trevor Lawson uses a framework from a Morningstar article by Christine Benz to help listeners determine if an annuity is a suitable tool for their retirement plan. Trevor discusses key questions to consider, such as whether you need guaranteed lifetime income to hedge against longevity risk, especially since pensions are becoming less common. He also examines the appeal of annuities for their ability to provide protection against market losses, but notes that this often comes with a cap on potential growth. The episode also explores the tax benefits of annuities, which offer tax deferral similar to a 401k or IRA, but highlights the distinction that withdrawals are typically taxed as ordinary income rather than capital gains. Lastly, Trevor emphasizes that a key consideration is the lack of liquidity, as annuities often have surrender periods during which accessing funds incurs a penalty. He concludes by stating that annuities are great tools for income and protection, but not for those seeking maximum growth or frequent access to their money.

Reference: https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/is-an-annuity-right-you

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

In the first part of a series on annuities, host Trevor Lawson aims to demystify this often misunderstood financial instrument. Drawing on insights from a Morningstar article, he defines a basic annuity as a contract with an insurance company where a lump sum of money is given in exchange for a stream of income over a lifetime. Trevor explains that annuities are gaining favor as a replacement for pensions, which are becoming a thing of the past, because they provide a guaranteed income that can help cover basic living expenses, regardless of market fluctuations. He also differentiates between various types of annuities, including deferred annuities, variable annuities, fixed-indexed annuities, and registered index-linked annuities, and discusses their tax implications, noting that gains are tax-deferred but taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal. He concludes by advising listeners to consult a fiduciary and check the financial strength ratings of the insurance company before investing.

Reference: https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/what-you-need-know-about-annuities

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.

In this episode, Trevor Lawson reflects on the first half of the year by providing a mid-year outlook for the market and economy, based on a publication from the Capital Group. He notes that the global landscape is undergoing a fundamental restructuring, leading to increased volatility and a lack of clear direction for investors and companies. The Capital Group has revised its 2025 GDP growth projections downward for both the global economy and the US, due to uncertainty caused by trade wars and geopolitical events. Trevor discusses four potential scenarios for this shifting global landscape and highlights how different sectors might perform in each. He also points out that historically, markets have recovered from similar trade uncertainties, and that strategies like investing in dividend growers and maintaining a diversified portfolio can help cushion against volatility. Trevor concludes by emphasizing the importance of diversification in a changing world, particularly as international markets and corporate bonds show renewed strength.

Reference:
https://www.capitalgroup.com/advisor/insights/webinars/2025-midyear-outlook.html

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Branch phone: 919-546-0400.