The Red Zone Retirement Program

Football is often called a game of inches, and the same can be said for retirement planning. Winning on the field and winning in retirement both come down to the smallest decisions, the fine-tuned plays, and knowing what to look for before it's too late. Yet many people overlook the financial "red zone," where strategy and timing matter most. One wrong move, like a missed RMD or a forgotten beneficiary update, can cost you more than just yards. It can cost you real money and peace of mind.

In this episode, John breaks down the unexpected parallels between football and personal finance, sharing real stories and real stakes. You'll learn how awareness, leverage, timing, and knowing your "personnel" all translate into smarter financial decisions. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking to tighten up your retirement game, you'll leave with a clearer sense of what details really matter. So, what's the one little thing that could be your financial blindside?

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Spot hidden financial blind spots before they hurt you

📋 Learn how small tax timing mistakes can cost thousands

🏥 Decode IRMAA surcharges

📉 Discover the trap play hidden in company stock plans

🪪 Fix the most common (and costly) beneficiary blunder

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Today, John's answering a question from a viewer about hiring a spouse, or children, in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create significant tax advantages and strengthen retirement savings. However, it also carries risks if not handled correctly. We'll break down the real pros, cons, and IRS guidelines around bringing your family onto the payroll.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:06 – Are there tax benefits to hiring your family?

2:43 – What qualifies as "real work"?

6:55 – Roth IRAs and earned income

10:06 – Insurance and education reimbursement plans

11:43 – Avoid these common mistakes

14:27 – Relationship risks

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Retirement can feel a lot like facing a defensive blitz. Just like in football, when six defenders line up and the offense doesn't know who's coming after the quarterback, retirees can feel surrounded. With market volatility, tax changes, media noise, and conflicting advice, it's hard to know where to focus.

If you can't identify what's real and what's just smoke, John breaks down how to approach these decisions with strategy, to make sure your choices don't cost you the game. You'll learn how to recognize financial distractions, avoid costly misreads, and stick to a disciplined playbook that protects your long-term goals. John also covers what belongs in your financial "six-man box" and explains why limiting your financial to-do list might be the best way to stay focused.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Simulated pressure: What it means in football and your finances

🧱 Building a disciplined "six-man box" for your financial defense

🚩 Misdiagnosing financial threats—how to avoid interceptions

🎯 Focus, filter, and execute: Lessons from the QB's perspective

🔁 Why your financial plan needs constant film-room review

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Retirement planning isn't that different from calling plays on game day. When the market's throwing curveballs and the scoreboard doesn't look great, you don't panic…but you should adjust. In this mailbag edition, John answers listener questions about navigating market volatility with a level head. Whether it's rebalancing in a down market, knowing when to "buy the dip," or understanding what diversification actually looks like when everything feels like it's dropping, we will break down how you can call the right plays in volatile markets.

You'll also hear why knowing your portfolio's standard deviation helps you stay cool under pressure, how dollar-cost averaging can ease anxiety when reinvesting cash, and why diversification isn't dead. If you've found yourself checking your accounts too often lately, let's take a step back, zoom out, and re-center your strategy.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Rebalancing during downturns

📊 Standard deviation: know your number

🔁 Dollar-cost averaging into a volatile market

🧠 Why fundamentals still win the game

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

What should you actually do when the market drops? In this episode, John breaks down the recent market volatility and offers a steady voice amid the noise. With headlines warning of global uncertainty and investors feeling the heat, John shares why emotional reactions can lead to long-term regrets and what smart investors should do instead.

Drawing on years of experience, John explains why downturns are expected (one in every four years!), the power of rebalancing, and how diversified portfolios are built for all seasons. He also discusses the importance of written income strategies and risk guardrails to help you ride out the storm with clarity and confidence.

If market swings have you second-guessing your plan, this conversation will bring perspective, peace of mind, and actionable strategies to keep your retirement goals on track.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Why market drops are normal- and expected

💼 How diversification and rebalancing can help you

⚠️ Unhelpful behaviors to avoid during downturns

🧠 The psychology of investing under pressure

🛡️ Why written plans and guardrails matter

Tariffs Episode:

https://redzoneretirement.libsyn.com/what-do-proposed-tariffs-mean-for-your-portfolio

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for 2025—before the year gets away from you. In this episode, we'll break down the key changes and how you can start planning now to make the most of them.

With higher standard deductions, increased retirement contribution limits, and updated HSA rules, there are plenty of opportunities to lower your tax bill and boost your savings. We'll also highlight the risks of DIY tax filing, the hidden costs of getting it wrong, and when it's worth working with a qualified pro.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

📈 Standard deduction changes—why it matters more than you think

💰 401(k) contribution bumps (including the strange 60–63 catch-up)

💸 The mega backdoor Roth strategy for high earners

🧾 HSA hacks—how to reimburse past medical expenses years later

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

We're ready for the return of March Madness and the craziness that will unfold over the next three weeks. We can't give you any tournament picks, but we can take a look at what it teaches us about financial planning. In this episode, we're going to look at the surprising parallels between bracket busting and investing—and why trying to pick stocks can feel a lot like picking the perfect tournament winner.

With a 1 in 120.2 billion chance of filling out a perfect bracket, it's no surprise that stock picking success is just as difficult. We'll discuss why most people chase the wrong investments, why emotions cloud judgment, and how building a balanced, diversified portfolio is the smartest strategy—just like owning the whole bracket instead of betting on a single team.

Plus, we're going to touch on market trends, investment myths, and why sustainable success in retirement requires discipline—not luck. Before you settle in for a long day of basketball, let's have a little fun first.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:45 – Most lost money

4:10 – Sustained success is unrealistic

7:20 – Picking favorites

9:20 – Strategies

11:19 – Final thoughts

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Presidents aren't just leaders of a nation. They're decision-makers who navigate uncertainty, make tough calls, and plan for the future. Today, we're looking at how the leadership lessons of some of America's greatest presidents can help you build a smarter, more secure retirement plan.

In the spirit of President's Day, Join John and his co-host as they discuss presidential quotes and the lessons they can teach us about patience, adaptability, and long-term planning in the face of uncertainty. From George Washington's discipline to Franklin D. Roosevelt's strategic vision, discover how these traits can guide your financial journey.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:20 – George Washington - patience & discipline

6:06 – Lincoln – adaptability & resilience

10:10 – FDR – strategic vision in crisis

15:20 – Eisenhower – preparation & contingency planning

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy?

Today, we'll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs- what they are, why governments impose them, and the historical content of them. We'll also break down these new tariffs that have been introduced, their potential impact on everyday people, and what you can do to navigate this shifting financial landscape.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:26 – Tariffs and their historical context

3:52 – Impact of tariffs on trade and manufacturing

9:13 – Tariffs' effects on consumers

12:57 – Having a diverse and resilient portfolio

Resources for this episode:

Wolf Street Article

https://wolfstreet.com/2025/02/03/what-trumps-tariffs-did-last-time-2018-2019-had-no-impact-on-inflation-doubled-receipts-from-customs-duties-and-hit-stocks/

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.

Discover how small adjustments can lead to successful retirement planning, and learn about the newly passed Social Security Fairness Act. Explore strategies for single and dual-income households, blended families, and special considerations for those with disabilities.

Social Security should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a holistic retirement strategy that includes investments, tax planning, and more. With the recent changes brought by the Social Security Fairness Act, it's more important than ever to stay informed.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:25 – Social Security Fairness Act

5:42 – Single income households

8:11 – Dual income households

12:11 – Special considerations for blended families

15:06 – Why you need a Social Security plan going in

16:55 – SSDI vs. SSI

21:19 – Let your advisor know your life circumstances, it matters

Get in touch:

Phone: 661-775-3704

Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net

Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM