When it comes to building a retirement plan, one of the biggest items that people overlook, or even avoid, is designating their beneficiaries. But taking the time to do this is key to ensuring that your assets are handed down in the way you intend, and that your estate does not go through probate. Matt gives us some tips on how to prepare these essential legal documents.

Matt recently received an email question from a knowledgeable DIY investor who is considering handing over the reins to a financial advisor, but is skeptical about the value an advisor could provide. So this week, we'll discuss what type of benefits a true holistic financial advisor should bring to both you and your investments.

The featured guest this week is Matt's current client Julie, who is in the process of planning for retirement and has been working with Matt for several years now. Julie provides some valuable insight into the planning process from a client perspective, and even offers up some great travel tips from her experience in the hospitality industry.

We've received a lot of listener questions following our interview with Harlan Accola. Jane wants to know about the preferred interest rate for a savings/money market account. Hector asks about the differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. Finally, Jim wonders about how to properly save for his kids' college plans. Matt will answer all those smart money questions and more.

If you're like most people, you've probably steered clear of reverse mortgages for one reason or another, but there's quite a bit more to them that isn't generally discussed. Matt brings in Harlan Accola to demystify the subject. Who should consider one, and who should not? What kind of options are available and what are the costs associated? And why do reverse mortgages have such a bad reputation?

This week, let's look into some basic steps that you can take towards building and protecting wealth, as well as finding peace of mind in your investment plan.

We love to feature your questions on the podcast. Join us as we answer your email questions on Social Security, market recessions, and inherited stocks.

For detailed show notes, a corresponding blog post, and access to mentioned resources, click this link: http://smartmoneyquestions.com/podcastposts/episode-91-mailbag-social-security-inherited-stocks-market-recessions/

Many couples look to relocate or downsize in retirement. Relocating can be beneficial, but it presents questions you'll need to answer before you move.

For detailed show notes, a corresponding blog post, and access to mentioned resources, click this link: http://smartmoneyquestions.com/podcastposts/episode-90-relocating-retirement/

Risk tolerance is a buzzword you often hear in the financial industry. It's important to understand what it is and how it applies to you as an investor.

For detailed show notes, a corresponding blog post, and access to mentioned resources, click this link: http://www.smartmoneyquestions.com/podcastposts/episode-89-understanding-risk-tolerance/

There's a conversation Matt has with clients all the time. It's about market volatility. It's one of the most important things to grasp and understand as you prepare for retirement. On this episode, Matt will recount one of those recent conversations with a couple that came into his office, some of the questions they asked and how ultimately they were able to achieve more comfort with their financial plan.

Show notes for this episode: http://www.smartmoneyquestions.com/podcastposts/episode-88-market-volatility-risk/