In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the key themes shaping the 2025 economic outlook — from the Federal Reserve outlook and potential Fed rate cuts in 2025 to ongoing tariffs, inflation, and the evolving role of AI and the economy. Joined by returning guest Tom Siomades, they break down what retirees and investors need to know as we head toward the end of the year. This conversation goes beyond headlines, providing real perspective on what’s happening with the economy, stock market outlook, and how global events—like China trade tariffs and the race for rare earth metals—could influence your retirement investing in 2025.

the trends behind money market rates, the S&P 500 outlook, and how market volatility in 2025 could shape retirement planning strategies. You’ll also hear how shifts in AI, international trade, and interest rates may impact your ability to plan for retirement, stay on your retirement checklist, and continue retiring comfortably with confidence.

·     Why ongoing China trade tariffs and access to rare earth metals are creating ripple effects across global markets.

·     How the Federal Reserve outlook and potential Fed rate cuts in 2025 could affect money market rates and long-term investing strategies.

·     Why Inflation in 2025 still lingers above target and how it’s influencing both spending and retirement portfolios.

·     The growing connection between AI and the economy, and whether the market might be in an “AI bubble.”

·     What retirees can do now to balance safety and growth in a world of market volatility and changing stock market outlooks.

“The most important thing you can do is have a plan—and have people you trust to help you stick with it, especially in turbulent times.”

 — Radon Stancil

“If rates come down, that’s good for the economy, but it also means retirees need to rethink how they generate income.”

 — Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the power of annuities as part of a holistic retirement income planning strategy. Joined by their guest, Sam Wimpy, an insurance and annuity specialist, they break down the evolving world of fixed indexed annuities and how these vehicles can provide principal protection, guaranteed lifetime income, and a meaningful role in risk management. This conversation challenges traditional ideas about annuities in retirement and highlights how they can act as a bond alternative while helping retirees plan for retirement and retire comfortably.

Listen in to learn about the practical and emotional aspects of building a solid financial foundation. The hosts and Sam dive into how annuities have evolved beyond the stereotypes of decades past and now serve as reliable, tax-deferred annuity options that align with today’s retirement planning strategies. From creating predictable income streams to securing a financial legacy, this episode provides insights for anyone seeking to secure your retirement with confidence and clarity.

·     What makes a fixed indexed annuity different from traditional annuities and pensions.

·     How annuities serve as a bond alternative to help manage market volatility.

·     The role of income riders and guaranteed lifetime income in creating predictable cash flow.

·     How to use the Three Bucket Strategy for balanced retirement planning and risk management.

·     Why annuities in retirement can help you enjoy stability, flexibility, and peace of mind.

“When you understand how an annuity fits into your overall plan, it stops being confusing—and starts being a tool for confidence and security.” — Radon Stancil

“When we view annuities as a pension alternative or a bond alternative, we open the door to better retirement planning strategies that focus on safety, growth, and flexibility.” — Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss how modern life insurance can be more than a death benefit—it can be an all-in-one tool for retirement planning strategies, tax advantages of life insurance, and long-term care insurance. With guest expert Jim Bowman, they explain how well-structured cash value policies—especially Indexed Universal Life—can provide tax free retirement income, flexible access to cash, and an efficient way to leave a legacy to family or charity.

Listen in to learn about the practical differences between term and cash value policies, how to design funding to avoid MEC rules, why many retirees use unneeded RMDs to create tax-efficient benefits, and how hybrid life insurance can accelerate a portion of the death benefit for qualifying long-term care needs. If you want a clear path to secure your retirement, plan for retirement, and keep a simple retirement checklist for retiring comfortably, this conversation is for you.

·     How to think about life insurance benefits beyond debt protection—legacy, liquidity, and LTC.

·     The mechanics of life insurance cash value and using policy loans for tax free retirement income.

·     Why life insurance and taxes can work in your favor when policies are designed to minimize insurance cost and maximize accumulation.

·     When to consider life insurance for retirement (including for business owners) and how to fund over 5–7 years to avoid MECs.

·     Using unwanted RMDs to fund life insurance for seniors or a hybrid life insurance policy with long term care insurance riders.

·     “Life insurance can be the Swiss Army knife of retirement—growth, tax efficiency, legacy, and long-term care in one plan.” — Radon Stancil

·     “Design the policy to minimize insurance cost and maximize cash value—then let it do the heavy lifting for tax-free income.” — Murs Tariq

Throughout the episode, we cover: Retirement Planning, retirement planning strategies, planning retirement with Indexed Universal Life, coordinating with a broader financial plan, and using a straightforward retirement checklist to align cash flow, taxes, and legacy goals—so you can secure your retirement.

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the latest provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill and how these updates directly affect retirees and pre-retirees. Joined by tax expert Taylor Wolverton, CFP® and EA, they dive into key areas of the 2025 tax changes that could significantly impact your retirement planning strategies. From estate tax exemption levels to the nuances of the QBI deduction, these insights help you better understand how to navigate Taxes in Retirement while maximizing opportunities for long-term tax savings.

Listen in to learn about how provisions such as the new auto loan interest deduction, expanded charitable deduction, and the innovative Trump accounts for newborns can play a role in your personal retirement tax planning. With practical explanations and forward-looking strategies, this episode provides essential knowledge for anyone seeking to secure your retirement and prepare a thoughtful retirement checklist.

·     Why the current tax rates are considered “permanent” and what that really means for your tax strategy for retirees.

·     How the estate tax exemption impacts your legacy and protects families from unnecessary gift and estate taxes.

·     What the Qualified Business Income (QBI deduction) means for self-employed individuals and small business owners.

·     The new charitable deduction opportunities even for those who take the standard deduction.

·     How auto loan interest deduction and Trump accounts for newborns could change the way families plan for the future.

·     “There’s significant opportunity ahead of us to take advantage of today’s lower tax rates before changes come in the future.” – Radon Stancil

·     “Even small provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill can create big opportunities for retirees who want to plan smartly.” – Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the recent Fed rate cuts and what they mean for your retirement. After years of historically high Federal Reserve interest rates, the first rate cut of 2025 signals an important turning point for retirees and those planning retirement. With retirement interest rates shifting, CDs, bonds, and even savings accounts are no longer producing the same returns as just a year ago. This episode breaks down how the Fed interest rate changes impact your retirement investment strategy, from cash and CDs to fixed index annuities, bonds, and equities.

Listen in to learn about how to navigate this new environment. Radon and Murs share insights on how to rethink your retirement income planning, balance safety and growth, and use smart retirement planning strategies to secure your retirement. They also explain why now may be a critical moment to evaluate your options and protect your retirement nest egg so you can focus on retiring comfortably with peace of mind.

·     Why the latest Fed rate cut immediately affects cash accounts and CD rates.

·     How bonds and interest rates respond differently for new buyers versus existing holders.

·     Why blindly chasing higher returns in equities can add more risk to your portfolio.

·     The role of fixed index annuities as a bond alternative in your retirement financial planning.

·     Practical retirement planning strategies to balance growth, safety, and predictable income.

·     “When the Fed cuts rates, cash becomes less effective—so you need to think carefully about where your money works best in retirement.” – Radon Stancil

·     “Retirement planning today is less about chasing the highest return and more about finding the right return that provides predictability and peace of mind.” – Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss what it really takes to retire before 65 and the key strategies you need to make early retirement not only possible but sustainable. Many people assume that leaving work before Medicare at 65 is too expensive or too risky, especially when it comes to health insurance before Medicare, tax planning, and long-term income strategies. But with the right process, tools, and guidance, you can build a retirement plan that helps you retire early and retire comfortably.

Listen in to learn about the essential areas you must think through: ACA health plans, Medicare at 65, the 59 and a half rule, the 401k rule of 55, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, and more. Radon and Nick Hymanson, CFP®, break down the critical details around investment strategy, retirement withdrawal strategy, sequence of returns risk, and bucket strategy investing. This conversation highlights not just the numbers, but also the emotional side of retirement—building confidence and clarity to truly secure your retirement.

·     Why health insurance before Medicare is the #1 concern for early retirees, and how ACA health plans and subsidies fit into your strategy.

·     How to navigate tax rules like the 59 and a half rule, the 401k rule of 55, and smart Roth conversions.

·     The importance of a retirement withdrawal strategy that considers taxes, cash flow, and long-term goals.

·     How to protect yourself from sequence of returns risk with bucket strategy investing.

·     Why budgeting for retirement and addressing the emotional side of leaving work is just as important as the numbers.

Radon Stancil: “Retirement planning is like turning knobs—when you adjust one, it impacts the others. The key is making sure they all move in the right direction.”

Murs Tariq: “The confidence to retire doesn’t come from guessing—it comes from having a written plan that helps you make decisions with clarity.”

Resources:

 If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the latest developments around the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it may impact your ability to claim a SALT deduction in 2025. From understanding the SALT cap to weighing the benefits of standard vs itemized deduction, they break down what these tax changes could mean for your retirement planning strategy. Taxes are complex, but this conversation aims to simplify what you need to know so you can plan for retirement with confidence.

Listen in to learn about how state and local taxes, the property tax deduction, and the mortgage interest deduction might shift under new legislation. You’ll also hear strategies that combine charitable giving strategy, donor advised funds, HSA contributions, and 401k contributions to optimize your plan. Whether you’re exploring high income tax strategies or building your personal retirement checklist, this episode helps you position yourself to retire comfortably and secure your retirement.

·     What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could mean for the SALT deduction 2025.

·     The differences between standard vs itemized deduction in today’s environment.

·     How the SALT cap impacts state and local taxes, and why it matters for retirees.

·     Ways to leverage a charitable giving strategy or donor advised fund for tax efficiency.

·     How retirement tax planning integrates with 401k contributions, HSA contributions, and other tools to help you plan for retirement.

·     “When it comes to taxes, the goal isn’t just to reduce today’s bill—it’s to create a strategy that works for your entire retirement.” – Radon Stancil

·     “Understanding the SALT cap and knowing when to use itemized deductions versus the standard deduction can make a huge difference in your long-term retirement planning.” – Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq sit down with Medicare specialist Shawn Southard to unpack the recent developments around Medicare Advantage brokers, broker compensation, and the impact of a federal court ruling on CMS Medicare rules. With Medicare open enrollment and aggressive Medicare marketing campaigns happening every year, understanding how brokers get paid and how it may influence the advice you receive has never been more important. 

Shawn explains how the recent court decision effects Medicare plan comparison, Medicare star ratings, and the role of brokers in guiding retirees. If you're planning retirement or reviewing your options during Medicare open enrollment, this episode provides practical insights and unbiased Medicare advice to help you make informed choices. 

Listen in to learn about: 

How Medicare broker compensation structures may impact your coverage decisions and what questions you need to ask to protect yourself from Medicare scams. Whether you're seeking SHIP counseling, comparing plans, or building your retirement checklist, this discussion will help you confidently navigate your Medicare options and secure your retirement. 

In this episode, find out: 

• The details behind the CMS rule, the court ruling, and what it means for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. 
• How broker compensation can influence recommendations and why questions to ask brokers are critical. 
• Why aggressive Medicare marketing and commercials may increase — and how to stay vigilant. 
• How to leverage Medicare plan comparison tools and SHIP counseling for unbiased Medicare advice. 
• Steps you can take today to make smart, confident decisions for retiring comfortably. 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Understanding how Medicare brokers are compensated empowers you to make better decisions and avoid being swayed by marketing tactics.” 

— Radon Stancil 

“Medicare open enrollment is your opportunity to make informed choices — but only if you ask the right questions and focus on what’s best for you, not the broker.” 

— Murs Tariq 

Resources: 

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement! 

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast. 

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the “One More Year Trap” and why so many people struggle with knowing when it’s time to retire. For many, the decision to retire is not just about money—it’s about mindset, emotions, and confidence. They explore the common reasons people delay retirement, from financial incentives like bonuses and stock vesting schedules to the emotional ties that come from decades spent in a career. If you’ve ever wondered how to know when to retire or felt uncertain about stepping away from work, this conversation provides valuable insights and strategies to help you make an informed and confident decision.

Listen in to learn about retirement readiness, the importance of a personalized financial plan, and how to prepare both financially and emotionally for this life-changing transition. Radon and Murs break down the role of retirement strategies, retirement income planning, and the retirement mindset needed to confidently step into your next chapter. By focusing on your retirement goals and creating a clear roadmap, you can avoid the trap of delaying retirement year after year and instead secure your financial future.

In this episode, find out:

• How the “one more year trap” keeps people delaying retirement without realizing it.
• Why creating a personalized retirement plan builds retirement confidence and clarity.
• The emotional challenges of leaving a career and redefining your retirement mindset.
• How retirement income planning and Social Security strategies affect your decision.
• The value of the Peace of Mind Pathway in helping you plan for retirement and retire comfortably.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you have a plan in place, the nervousness around retirement fades, and the one more year trap starts to disappear.” — Murs Tariq

“The trap isn’t about money; it’s about clarity. Once you see your retirement roadmap, you gain the confidence to step into the next phase of life.” — Radon Stancil

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the newly passed tax legislation known as the Big, Beautiful Bill and its significant impact on retirement tax planning. They are joined by Taylor Wolverton, a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent, who breaks down how the standard deduction 2025 increase and new senior tax deductions can help retirees save thousands in taxes. If you’ve been wondering how the new tax bill 2025 affects your retirement income strategy, this episode delivers clarity, practical examples, and actionable tax planning strategies to help you make informed decisions.

Listen in to learn about how these 2025 tax law changes may influence your retirement planning. Taylor walks through a real client case study showing how the standard deduction increase and a special $12,000 senior deduction can dramatically reduce taxable income and create more retirement tax savings. Whether you want to plan for retirement, update your retirement checklist, or make adjustments to secure a better financial future, this episode will help you optimize your income tax planning and avoid leaving money on the table.

·     How the Big Beautiful Bill changes the IRS standard deduction 2025 and what it means for retirees.

·     Details about the new $12,000 senior tax deduction and who qualifies for it.

·     How these federal tax deductions can reduce your taxable income and save thousands.

·     Why your tax strategy for retirement must consider these 2025 tax law changes.

·     Practical steps for using these updates to maximize retirement tax savings and plan for retiring comfortably.

“An increase in the standard deduction is an increase in tax-free income — meaning less taxes paid for the year.”

 — Taylor Wolverton

“Good tax planning is all about control. The more you understand the rules, the better your chances of securing your retirement.”

 — Murs Tariq

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!

To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.