Retirement Your Way

April is National Financial Literacy Month. It started back in the early 2000s when Congress realized too many Americans were leaving school without the first clue about how to manage a paycheck, a credit card, or a financial future.  Fast-forward to 2026, and the problem hasn’t gone away. Nearly half of U.S. adults still give themselves a C-minus or worse on money knowledge…
Key Points Covered:

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

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About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Spring has arrived, and while your home gets its annual refresh, your finances might be collecting their own quiet clutter…

First, clean up your accounts - If your money is scattered across multiple banks, and brokerage firms, it can feel chaotic.

Next, declutter your debt - Multiple credit cards, loans with varying interest rates, and different due dates can create unnecessary pressure.

Organize your income and expenses - Take a hard look at where your money actually goes each month

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

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About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Have you ever looked at your annuity statement and felt completely confused? You're not alone—and that's a problem that needs solving.

In this essential episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin with AmeriLife of Central Florida tackles one of the most misunderstood retirement planning tools: annuities. Despite being widely used and highly effective for the right purposes, annuities are often surrounded by confusion, misconceptions, and even fear-mongering from people who don't understand them (or who want to sell you something else).

Bradley's goal is simple: create clarity through education. He breaks down exactly what annuities are, how they work, and where they belong in a well-structured retirement plan.

Whether you already own an annuity and don't understand it, or you're considering adding one to your plan, this episode delivers the education you need to move forward with confidence.

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

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About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than ever — and for older workers, that shift can feel both exciting and intimidating. Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Carly Roszkowski, VP of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP, to unpack how AI is reshaping the job market and what it means for workers over 50.

They explore new research showing that many older workers are worried about job security and finding new employment — and why AI is becoming both a challenge and a powerful opportunity. Carly shares practical ways job seekers can use AI tools to research companies, tailor resumes, prepare for interviews, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

The conversation also highlights the growing value of multigenerational workplaces and why experience still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, Carly points listeners to AARP’s free resources designed to help older adults navigate career transitions with confidence.If you’re thinking about career longevity, job security, or how technology is reshaping the future of work, this episode offers timely insights and practical guidance you can use right now.

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

--

About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Most retirees spend 30 to 40 years accumulating wealth—but only 30 minutes deciding how to convert that nest egg into reliable income. That backwards approach can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and leave your retirement vulnerable to market volatility.

In this essential episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin with AmeriLife of Central Florida breaks down the three pillars that determine whether your retirement income plan will stand the test of time:

Social Security Optimization: When should you file? Bradley, a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA), explains why the timing of your claim affects not just your benefit, but your surviving spouse's financial security for life. He reveals the permanent cost of filing at 62, the advantages of waiting until age 70, and why up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable depending on how you structure your withdrawals.

Income Gap Planning: Retirement isn't about having a large account balance—it's about replacing your paycheck with predictable income. Bradley introduces the three-bucket approach: the Growth Bucket for long-term investments that outpace inflation, the Protection Bucket for short-term emergencies, and the Income Bucket for generating reliable monthly cash flow. He demonstrates how to calculate your personal income gap and eliminate the dangerous "sequence of returns risk" that can derail your retirement if the market crashes early on.

Portfolio Balance: Your portfolio should let you sleep at night. Bradley explains why money designed for income shouldn't behave like money designed for growth, and how purpose-based allocation protects you from both market volatility and inflation erosion. He offers a portfolio stress test to model exactly how a 20% market correction would impact your lifestyle.

If you're asking yourself whether your Social Security is optimized, whether you know your income gap, or whether your portfolio could withstand a major downturn—this episode provides the clarity you need.

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

--

About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Recession talk is back for 2026—it may not be in every headline, but the odds aren’t at zero percent. You need to be prepared for the scenario of a possible recession.Key Points Covered:

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

--

About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

In episode 18 of the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line – Retirement Planning Specialist David Pipes discusses the hidden fees and charges on 401(k)s and other retirement accounts that could actually be threatening those very savings…Plus, how to never let your savings run out, and the dangers of taking distributions at the wrong time…

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star rating and review - it helps more people find the show!

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to further secure your financial future. Make sure to subscribe to the Retirement Planning Pipe-Line Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with David and Steve and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

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Listen to the radio show every Saturday morning at 8am CST --- WCOA News Talk 104.9 FM and 1370 AM

Listen to Previous Episodes:

https://retirementpipeline.com/podcast

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningpipeline

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Connect with Charles “David” Pipes:

Phone --- 850-565-1705

Email --- [email protected]

Website --- https://retirementplanningpipeline.com/

LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-pipes

Connect with Steve Zareck:

Phone --- 850-565-1705

Email --- [email protected]

Website --- https://retirementplanningpipeline.com/

LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-zareck-53b443b1

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Charles “David” Pipes is a highly respected retirement planning specialist based in South Alabama, known for his analytical precision and client-focused approach. With dual degrees in Actuarial Science and Statistics, David brings a strong mathematical foundation to every financial strategy he designs. His deep understanding of risk, probability, and long-term forecasting has made him a trusted professional for individuals planning for retirement security and strategizing income. David combines technical expertise with a personal commitment to helping clients achieve financial peace of mind in their retirement years.

Steven Zareck is a trusted independent retirement specialist and Market Leader for AmeriLife, serving clients across the Florida Panhandle, Southern Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. With over 30 years of experience in the retirement planning space, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the financial needs of retirees. Backed by a degree in Economics, Steve applies a strong foundation in economic principles to help clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His deep economic insight allows him to craft retirement strategies that are both practical and resilient in the face of changing market conditions.

In this Social Security–focused episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin and co-host Matt McClure take a deep dive into one of the most critical pieces of retirement planning. They explain how Social Security can serve as a stable income foundation and why choosing the right claiming strategy can make a lasting impact on long-term financial security.

The conversation highlights the importance of personalized planning, from evaluating when to claim to understanding how benefits change based on age, health, and household dynamics. Bradley also shares how comprehensive planning — including personal pensions and income coordination — can help fill the gap Social Security doesn’t cover, creating more confidence and clarity for the retirement journey ahead.

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

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About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

Retirement.Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, for a practical and timely conversation about emergency savings. With rising living costs, recent holiday spending, and ongoing debt repayment putting pressure on household budgets, many Americans struggle to set money aside for unexpected expenses.

Matt and Rod break down common emergency fund guidelines—ranging from three to six months of expenses or more—while emphasizing that the most important step is simply getting started. Rather than focusing on intimidating savings targets, the discussion highlights the value of small, consistent contributions that build momentum over time.

The conversation also explores actionable strategies for freeing up cash flow, including tracking expenses, reducing recurring bills, and using available tools to identify unused subscriptions or high-cost credit options. Matt and Rod wrap up by connecting emergency savings to long-term financial stability, stressing the importance of automation, protecting credit health, and taking full advantage of employer-matched retirement contributions.

Host: Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure
Guest: Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

--

About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information. 

On this episode of Retirement Your Way with AmeriLife of Central Florida, host Bradley Hardin is joined by co-host Matt McClure for an in-depth conversation about three of the most important forces shaping retirement today: healthcare costs, longevity, and Social Security planning. 

The episode begins with a discussion on why retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—and why confidence comes from having a clear, personalized strategy.

From there, the conversation dives into healthcare planning, including Medicare decisions, common enrollment mistakes, and the often-underestimated cost of medical care in retirement. The episode also explores longevity planning, highlighting the reality that retirements are lasting longer than ever.

Finally, Bradley and Matt address Social Security planning, clarifying what Social Security was designed to do, what it was not designed to do, and how retirees can coordinate benefits with pensions, personal savings, and guaranteed income strategies. The episode wraps up with a practical list of common retirement mistakes to avoid in 2026, including overestimating Social Security increases, under-planning for healthcare, delaying key decisions, and failing to regularly review a retirement plan.

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Schedule your complimentary consultation today:
386-320-6406
PlanRetirementYourWay.com

--

About the Hosts:
Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst.

Tune in each week:
️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am
️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.