Secure Your Retirement

By Radon Stancil, CFP® & Murs Tariq, CFP®Business Education Self-Improvement Investing How To

Secure Your Retirement episodes

January 11, 2021Andrew Opdyke - The Economic Outlook For 2021
What’s in store for the U.S. economy in 2021?
The economy is still recovering after COVID-19’s drastic impact, but with a new president and a vaccine rollout lined up for this year, what economic changes can we expect to see?
We invited Andrew Opdyke to share his economic forecast on this episode of the Secure Your Retirement podcast. Andrew is a Certified Financial Advisor and Economist at First Trust Advisors, an asset management firm in the Midwest. He previously joined us on the podcast to discuss how the economy impacts retirement, and we’re delighted that he could join us once again. Listen to hear his thoughts on where our economy is heading in 2021.
In this episode find out:
How the economy will move forward after 2020’s crash and recovery
Why the outlook for 2021 looks positive
How stimulus packages will affect the economy long-term
Why the economy cares about policy, not politics
How election results may influence stimulus spending and inflation
Why a slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout is making economists nervous
Why Andrew maintains an optimistic outlook for 2021

Tweetable Quotes:
“The policies we’re likely to see this year are going to be heavily focused on ‘how do we get back to where we were?’” – Andrew Opdyke
“The math says 2021 should be a strong year.” – Andrew Opdyke
Important Links & Mentions:
Andrew Opdyke - Does the Economy Impact Your Retirement?
Andrew’s LinkedIn

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
40 min
January 06, 20212021 Retirement Checklist - What You Need to Know
What are your financial goals for 2021?
As you approach retirement, there can be many moving parts to your finances. From mortgages and 401Ks to Social Security and Medicare, it can become increasingly challenging to keep up.
That’s why we recommend conducting a thorough review of your finances early in the year. Planning ahead can give you peace of mind that your retirement finances are being taken care of, so you can focus on the more important things in life.
But knowing where to start can be a challenge in itself. That’s why this episode of our Retirement In Action series provides you with a retirement and financial planning checklist. We share what you should review to set you up for a prosperous 2021 and some key information to help you plan your finances.
In this episode find out:
The limitations to 401K and IRA contributions for 2021
How to consolidate 401Ks and IRAs tax-free
How to plan for RMDs
How an equity line of credit can provide easy access to emergency cash reserves
Why you should refinance sooner rather than later – if you’ve got a loan on a property
When you should apply for Social Security

Tweetable Quotes:
“For 401Ks, the contribution limit for 2021 is $19,500. If you're above 50 years old, you can add an additional $6,500.” – Murs Tariq
“You can move your money from 401K plans to an IRA, completely tax-free” – Radon Stancil
Important Links & Mentions:
Tammi Rowe – Planning Your Mortgage and Retirement
Roth Conversion - When and How
Navigating Medicare in Retirement
Text us your questions on 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
25 min
January 04, 2021Andrea Groon - How to be Healthy in 2021
Ensuring you have a long and enjoyable retirement starts with looking after yourself. Now, a strong immune system is more vital than ever.
As we age, it becomes more important for us to take care of our health. But it can be difficult to understand what dietary changes you need to make and why.
We wanted to find out some simple ways for improving our health, so we invited Andrea Groon, a Licensed Dietitian and Nutritionist, onto this episode of the podcast. Andrea is an expert in her field with over 25 years’ experience as a dietitian, and she kindly shares her tips and advice for staying fit and healthy as you age.
In this episode, find out:
How to set attainable health targets
What dietary changes can strengthen your immune system
How to keep your brain healthy as you age
What foods can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's and control cholesterol levels
How to achieve realistic exercise goals
Why moderating sugar consumption can reduce inflammation

Tweetable Quotes:
“Working towards our improved wellness is just a path and taking that first step or two sometimes is all it takes to get you into a better place” – Andrea Groon
“A lot of the foods that help with brain health are foods that help control or reduce cholesterol levels.” – Andrea Groon

Important Links & Mentions
Andrea’s website
Text us your retirement questions at 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to [email protected].
39 min
December 30, 2020Annuities - Why Ever Use Them - Part 3
Could a fixed index annuity help to boost your retirement assets?
A lot of people are put off annuities because they’re more complicated than other retirement income products. But if you want to make the most of your assets, we think they’re something you should consider.
In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement podcast, we’re continuing our conversation about annuities to get you thinking about them differently. Sharing advice on fixed index annuities, we’ll show you how they work and what they can offer your retirement plan.
In this episode, find out:
What fixed index annuities are and how they work
The difference between fixed index and other types of annuities
How you earn interest on a fixed index annuity
What an index cap is and how it affects what you can earn
The definition of ‘participation’ and what it means for your annuity

Tweetable Quotes:
“Annuities are what we would consider a bond alternative…a place where we can get very good fixed income streams” – Radon Stancil
“A cap is essentially a ceiling on how much interest you can earn in a reset period” – Murs Tariq
Important Links & Mentions:
Text our hotline: 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
18 min
December 28, 2020Wine Down - Retirement Plan Peer Review
What’s given retirees peace of mind this year?
It’s certainly been a tumultuous year. After facing so many uncertainties, we wanted to take this opportunity to find out what’s given retirees confidence and peace of mind in their retirement plans this year.
We’re delighted to share the final episode of the Wine Down Show for 2020.
The Wine Down Show is where we share perspectives from those living in or phasing into retirement, so we’re delighted to be joined by four special guests, Tom and Lorrain Bowen, and Peter and Julie Kaylid.
We invite you to listen in as we discuss topics from previous podcast episodes, including ‘Emily Smith – Continuous Care Retirement Community – What Are Your Options’, ‘Mark Hulbert – What it Means to Be a Contrarian’, and ‘Denise Appleby – Secure Act – Cares Act and Retirement’.
In this episode find out:
What to consider when looking at CCRCs and how they vary in amenities and cost
The potential benefits of contrarian thinking
What our guests have learned from the events of 2020
Why working with financial planners can give you peace of mind in an unpredictable time

Tweetable Quotes:
“In a nutshell, CCRCs do vary quite a bit. Some have independent care and assisted living care – you have to decide what amenities you want and what’s the cost of it.” – Julie Kaylid
“If we were to invest emotionally, we’d be too close to it.” – Tom Bowen
“There really is a peace of mind in a retirement planning approach.” – Peter Kaylid
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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
43 min
December 23, 2020The Stretch IRA - It's Dead. Now What?
The stretch IRA is dead. But what does that mean for you, your IRA, and your beneficiaries?
When the Secure Act was introduced in January 2020, it killed off the “stretch” IRA, leaving many people wondering how best to manage their inheritance assets. If you’re concerned about what all of this means for you and you have a lot of questions about how the new rules will affect your retirement plan and beneficiaries, you’re in the right place.
In this episode of the Secure Your Retirement podcast, we’re taking a look at what happened to the stretch IRA and how it’s changed inheritance planning. We also cover some of the alternatives to the stretch, including life insurance and Roth conversions.
In this episode, find out:
What happened to the stretch IRA
What the new rules are on using an IRA for inheritance planning
What to consider when withdrawing from an IRA inheritance fund
How to manage your inheritance now that the stretch IRA is gone
How Roth conversions and life insurance can replace the stretch IRA

Tweetable Quotes:
“Because of the Secure Act, your RMD has been pushed to age 72” – Murs Tariq
“For a non-spouse beneficiary…they have to have the money out of the IRA within 10 years” – Radon Stancil

Important Links & Mentions
Text our hotline: 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to [email protected].
19 min
December 21, 2020Phillip Alder - Bridge and Retirement - How They Connect
How do Warren Buffett and Bill Gates stay sharp?
According to an interview, Warren Buffet plays bridge multiple times a week, and sometimes with Bill Gates. Both men are known as some of the greatest minds of the 20th century and, even as they approach (and surpass) retirement age, they show no signs of slowing down. Could playing bridge be why?
In this episode of Secure Your Retirement, Radon and Murs are joined by Phillip Alder, a bridge expert. Phillip was a bridge columnist for the New York Times for over ten years and has spent his life playing, teaching, and writing all about bridge.
Phillip shares some fascinating insights into how bridge can improve your mental and physiological state. He also explains the best way to start playing bridge – even if you’re a beginner – so that you can stay sharp beyond retirement age.
In this episode find out:
How Phillip’s childhood interest became his career
How to play bridge – a brief overview
The surprising physiological effects of bridge
Why bridge clubs are the perfect place to learn how to play
Why younger people should start playing bridge

Tweetable Quotes:
“Bridge is great for keeping the brain busy. The more you use your brain, the better it is.” – Phillip Alder
“At the beginning, you want a teacher and three friends to play with, who can guide you through the absolute basics of the game.” – Phillip Alder
Important Links & Mentions
Bridge For Dummies by Eddie Kantar
Phillip Alder’s website, Bridge for Everyone
American Contract Bridge League
American Bridge Teachers’ Association

If you want to contact Phillip, you can get in touch with him at [email protected].
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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
32 min
December 16, 2020Annuities - Why Ever Use Them - Part 2
Are you thinking of putting money into an annuity for your retirement?
You may have a lot of questions about how annuities work and the options available. With a range of annuities to choose from, you need to understand what they offer and how they can support your retirement plans.
In part two of our ‘Annuities – Why Ever Use Them’ series, we’re taking a closer look at retirement options, focusing specifically on deferred fix annuities. Showing you how they work and the benefits they can offer, we want to shine a light on a subject that’s often seen as overly complicated.
In this episode, find out:
What deferred fixed annuities are
The main types of deferred fixed annuities
How declared rate annuities work
How fixed index annuities work
How interest is credited on a fixed index annuity

Tweetable Quotes:
“You cannot lose money due to market volatility in a fixed index annuity” – Murs Tariq
“Fixed annuities mean that the insurance company guarantees my principal” – Radon Stancil

Important Links & Mentions
Watch Annuities Part 1
Text our hotline: 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to [email protected].
15 min
December 14, 2020Denise Appleby - Secure Act - Cares Act and Retirement
Do you ever feel that retirement plan rules are changing too fast? It can be hard to keep up with the changes to IRAs, 401ks, and RMDs – especially this year.
The Secure Act and the Cares Act present some unique tax benefit opportunities that you may want to take advantage of. However, knowing what they are, if you fit the requirements, and how long they last, can be confusing.
We invited Denise Appleby, CEO of Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc., onto this episode of podcast to share her insights into the ever-changing world of IRAs so you can make the most of any potential tax benefits. Denise is our go-to consultant for IRA questions as she has over 20 years of experience in the retirement plans sector. We were delighted that she could join us, and hope that this episode is useful to you.
In this episode find out:
How the Secure Act is affecting IRAs – including the 10% additional tax on distributions that most people don’t know about
How the Secure Act changed the stretch IRA
What a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) is and why you should consider making one
Why you do not have to take RMDs in 2020 under the Cares Act
The three significant tax benefits from Coronavirus related distributions

Tweetable Quotes:
“It doesn't matter what your age is, you can make a contribution to a traditional IRA as long as you have eligible compensation. This rule applies to contributions that are made for 2020 and after.” – Denise Appleby
“Typically, when you take a distribution from your retirement account, it has to be included in income for the year distribution. But a Coronavirus related distribution is an exception to that.” – Denise Appleby
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that these rules are a moving target. So, if you read an article online, listen to a radio show, or heard some information, don't assume that that information is going to be correct tomorrow.” – Denise Appleby
Important Links & Mentions:
Denise’s LinkedIn
Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc.

If you’ve got any questions that you’d like to ask Radon and Murs, we want you to get in touch! Text us on +1 (984) 207-1753.
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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
29 min
December 09, 2020Roth Conversion - When and How
Is a Roth IRA right for you?
Many people want to know whether they should put their money into a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, and which will serve them better in the long term. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and how your future financial plans can help you decide.
Roth IRAs and conversions are a popular topic for those approaching retirement, so in this episode of our Retirement In Action series, we explain their whys, whens, and hows. Listen in to hear why a Roth IRA might be more beneficial for you, when to do a Roth conversion, and how you can begin the process.
In this episode, find out:
The differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA
What is an RMD, and how it applies to a traditional IRA
Which option suits your future tax bracket
How conversion and contribution differ
When you should do a Roth conversion
The step-by-step Roth conversion process

Tweetable Quotes:
“A Roth conversion makes a lot of sense if you’re in a low tax bracket” – Radon Stancil
“A very quick difference between a traditional IRA and the Roth is that the Roth is tax-free” – Murs Tariq
Important Links & Mentions
Text our hotline: 984-207-1753

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.
To receive our free book, Get Off the Retirement Rollercoaster, leave a 5-star rating review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot to mailto:[email protected].
20 min