The Retire Happy Podcast

Cybersecurity risks are evolving quickly, and retirees need to think about protecting more than just their investment accounts. John and Thomas are joined by cybersecurity expert Jim O’Connell to discuss AI-powered scams, phishing, identity theft, password security, multifactor authentication, smart devices, and practical ways to make yourself a harder target for criminals. It’s a timely reminder that protecting your retirement also means having a plan to protect your personal information and digital life.

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 935-6210

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

Kicking off the first episode of 2026, John and Tom welcome back their favorite guest and friend, Dean Zayed,  CEO and founder of Brookstone Capital Management. Celebrating Brookstone’s 20th anniversary, Dean joins the show to reflect on the firm’s growth, innovation, and advisor-first culture. The conversation dives into the golden age of wealth management, cutting-edge income strategies like BAMIX, and why strong partnerships, outside-the-box thinking, and shared values matter more than ever in helping clients retire happy.

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 935-6210

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

We're excited to welcome back Joe Casey, CEO and co-founder of Catalyst Wealth Coaching and a mentor to financial advisors nationwide, to wrap up the 2025 season! Joe joins the show to dig into the realities of market manipulation, trend analysis, and why most investors- and even many advisors- misread what the market is actually telling them. He breaks down how algorithms, dark pools, and institutional behavior shape price movements, and explains the disciplined framework he teaches advisors to help them stay on the right side of trends.

Episode Links:

Catalyst Wealth Coaching

https://www.catalystwealthcoaching.com/

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

In this episode, John and Tom sit down with fitness expert and Air Force veteran Nichole Van Cliff to explore why taking care of your health is one of the most important parts of a successful retirement. Nichole shares powerful insights from her work with seniors, veterans, and personal training clients- showing how strength, mobility, and small daily habits can transform your quality of life at any age. From breaking old patterns to building confidence through movement and nutrition, she explains how anyone can start improving their health right now, no matter their limitations.

Learn more about Fit Fin Wellness:

https://fitfinwellness.com/

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

In this episode, John and Tom are joined by Jared Trexler, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at The American College of Financial Services, to discuss why education and specialization matter more than ever in the financial world. They explore how a well-educated advisor can deliver deeper, more personalized planning- especially in areas like tax, estate, and retirement income strategy- and why consumers should understand the difference between generalists and true specialists. Jared also shares insights into The American College’s mission to elevate the profession through lifelong learning, new certifications such as the Tax Planning Certified Professional program, and a growing public campaign to help consumers identify qualified advisors.

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

This episode, John and Tom are joined once again by Mark DiOrio - Chief Investment Officer at Brookstone Capital Management - to unpack the fast-moving markets of 2025. They discuss volatility, tariffs, interest rates, and the role of alternative investments like gold, crypto, and structured notes. Mark also shares insights on inflation, the bond market, and the long-term impact of AI and semiconductors on the economy. Plus, you'll hear his outlook for the markets over the next year!

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

We're joined once again by America's IRA expert, Ed Slott, to unpack the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and the new opportunities it offers for tax-savvy retirees. Ed breaks down how temporary expansions in SALT deductions, strategic use of Roth conversions, and thoughtful estate planning- including tools like permanent life insurance and qualified charitable distributions- can help reduce your tax burden and protect your legacy. We also cover common retirement tax myths and how to prepare for rising tax rates with smart, forward-looking planning.

About Ed Slott & Company

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

In this episode of the Retire Happy Podcast, John and Tom sit down with Matt Burklund, CEO of Vault Insurance & Investments, for a timely conversation about what’s really happening in the world of property and casualty insurance. As rates skyrocket and carriers pull out of key markets like California and Florida, Matt breaks down why the industry is under so much pressure and what that means for everyday homeowners. Matt also shares practical, actionable tips you can use today to reduce your risk, shop smart, and better protect your wealth.

Learn more about Matt:

https://www.choosevault.com/team/MattBurklund

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

It's hard to believe we're celebrating the 100th episode of the Retire Happy Podcast today! As we reflect on the great memories we've made, we also look ahead to the future. Joining us in celebration is a third-time returning guest, Dean Zayed, JD, LLM, CFP®, an expert in retirement planning and the CEO and founder of Brookstone Capital Management himself. We're thrilled to have him on the show today to celebrate Brookstone's journey and discuss the culture that drives its success.

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623

In this special episode of The Retire Happy Podcast, we’re joined by Joe Casey, CEO and co-founder of Catalyst Wealth Coaching and host of the 6-Figure Trader Podcast. Joe is a remarkable investment mentor whose expertise has transformed the lives of countless advisors and their clients. Having studied blockchain and crypto investing at MIT and dedicated years to understanding institutional strategies, we're excited to hear some of his market insights today.

We would also like to dedicate this episode to our mentor and friend, David Gaylor, whose wisdom and impact on the financial planning community will never be forgotten. 

Episode Links:

Catalyst Wealth Coaching

https://www.catalystwealthcoaching.com/

6 Figure Trader Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-figure-trader-podcast/id1778529840

Important Info:

Securus Financial: https://www.gosecurus.com/

International Financial Advisory Group: https://www.internationalfinancial.com/

Call John: (858) 758-9889

Call Thomas: (973) 394-0623