As we approach the halfway point of the year, what are things people can do to make sure their plan is still where it needs to be? Pat takes a look at what a proper check-up entails and how to be sure your plan is working for you. He also revisits the topic of behavioral finance and how people can act when it comes to their money.

You have your nest egg for retirement, but how can you be sure it can last as long as you do? Pat discusses some of the ways to help make this happen.

Big headlines and big market gains! Pat will share how events like the recent trade truce between the U.S. and China can directly affect the market – and potentially your retirement savings.

Retirement planning involves more than just the person or persons retiring. Pat takes a look at how to plan so that everything gets taken care of as years go by and life changes and, eventually, things pass on to kids, charities or other beneficiaries.

Taxes have not always been like they are today in the U.S. Pat takes a look at how our nation was funded over the years, leading to today’s much more complex system of taxing and spending. He also revisits the subject of what to do if your spouse passes away early and how to plan for it, just in case.

Optimizing Social Security by Patrick Strubbe

People get dependable, regular paychecks during their working career. But when retirement comes, those regular paychecks need to come from other sources. Pat takes a look at what these are, and how to create a foundational piece of income that covers regular expenses as part of a solid retirement plan.

Could we be headed toward a recession? Some economists say that we have a 40% chance of an economic downturn. Pat is here to share simple steps that could help preserve your money if the market takes a dive.

Pat looks at the rising national debt and its recent history, and why many economists feel rising taxes are the only way to try and dig out of it. Later he looks at how to preserve the money you have saved in IRAs and 401Ks, especially as it involves tax planning to try and avoid future tax increases.

Many people think they will be paying less in taxes in retirement because they aren’t working. Pat takes a deep dive into the system and finds that may not be the case, that many folks may pay more taxes, especially if rates go up to help lower the mounting national debt.