The Secure Retirement Method Podcast

Retirement can feel like a confusing maze—especially when the stakes are high, and the choices are permanent…

What if you could transform your retirement planning from overwhelming to effortless?

In this episode, April Schoen walks FRS members through the most important decisions and strategies for making retirement planning easy, secure, and tailored to your life.

You’ll discover…

• The 4 freedoms you must consider before choosing your retirement date
• A shocking pension option detail most retirees miss
• How timing your DROP payout could save you thousands in taxes
• The Social Security strategy that may boost your lifetime income
• Two costly pitfalls that can trip up even the most prepared retirees

Most retirees are shocked by how much of their hard-earned savings goes straight to taxes—are you prepared?

Discover the strategies that can help you keep more of your money in retirement and avoid the most common tax pitfalls.

In this episode, April Schoen reveals how smart tax planning can dramatically impact your future income and financial freedom after you stop working.

You’ll discover…

• Why many retirees end up in higher tax brackets than they ever expected
• The “three buckets” framework for easily understanding your tax exposure
• How your mix of assets can make or break your income in retirement
• The hidden risk of required minimum distributions—and how to prepare for them
• A simple shift that could save you thousands in taxes and Medicare premiums

Navigating Social Security can feel like running through an airport for a connecting flight—one wrong move could cost you thousands. Ready to make sure you don’t miss out on the benefits you’ve worked for all your life?

In this episode, April Schoen breaks down the crucial Social Security decisions every retiree faces—and reveals the game-changing strategies to maximize your benefits.

You’ll discover…

• Why your Social Security “full retirement age” is more important than you think
• The surprising trade-offs between claiming benefits at 62, 67, and 70
• How working in retirement could shrink—or boost—your Social Security checks
• Overlooked spousal and survivor benefits that could change your income story
• What looming Social Security changes in 2034 could mean for your retirement

You’ve worked hard and checked every financial box—so why doesn’t it feel like enough? If you ever find yourself celebrating one moment and stressing over your bank account the next, you’re not alone. Discover the subtle signs that it’s finally time for your financial glow-up.

In this episode, April Schoen, financial advisor at Curry Schoen Financial, unpacks the five signs that you’re ready for the next step in your financial journey—and reveals how mindset shifts, clear strategies, and intentional planning can help you enjoy the wealth you’re building.

You’ll discover…

• The one habit that quietly erodes your financial progress even as your income rises
• Why saving more doesn’t always mean moving closer to your goals
• The surprising reason you still feel financially “behind” despite doing everything right
• How to banish decision fatigue in a world overflowing with financial advice
• The single question that changes everything about your money strategy

Storm clouds can form on your financial horizon at any time—are you truly prepared to weather the next crisis?

Discover the secrets to resilience, clarity, and action when financial uncertainty strikes—without feeling overwhelmed or lost.

In this episode, April Schoen walks you through the essential steps to weather any financial storm, blending real-world advice, proven frameworks, and a calming approach—even when life throws unexpected curveballs.

You’ll discover…

• Why “financial storms” aren’t just market crashes—and how to spot their earliest warning signs
• The real reason most people struggle financially (it’s not bad decisions)
• How to build an emergency fund that works for your unique situation—not just a generic rule of thumb
• When sticking to your investment strategy is the right move—and when it’s time to make tweaks
• The step-by-step financial “hurricane prep kit” you need before a crisis ever hits

What if your retirement feels more like a question mark than a dream come true? Most people think they’re prepared—until the freedom finally arrives, and with it, uncertainty. Have you forgotten to plan for what really matters after the alarm clock stops?

In this episode, April Schoen helps you design a roadmap for the life you want—with clarity, confidence, and purpose—so your retirement isn’t just financially sound, but genuinely fulfilling.

You’ll discover…

• Why financial security alone won’t guarantee a happy retirement
• The one mistake that leaves many retirees feeling lost, even with a solid nest egg
• How to uncover your hidden vision for life after work (and why it might surprise you)
• What most people get wrong about post-retirement spending—and the three phases you must consider
• The proven framework to align your money with your dream lifestyle (and avoid regret)

Retirement planning should feel empowering—not overwhelming.

But what happens when you’re faced with a maze of options, perplexing pension choices, and high-stakes decisions that keep you up at night?

In this episode, John and April unravel the complexities of retirement planning for Florida Retirement System (FRS) members—making it clearer, simpler, and surprisingly fun.

You’ll discover…

• The story of two retirement decisions in one family—and how one choice changed everything for decades.
• Why DROP and pension options aren’t as “set and forget” as most people think.
• The shockingly common mistake that could cost retirees thousands in unnecessary taxes.
• How timing your Social Security and coordinating benefits could radically increase your income for life.
• The overlooked risk of forced withdrawals and how to keep your retirement savings working for you.

Think you’ll pay less in taxes when you retire? Think again. Discover why tax diversification might be the secret to keeping more of your money in retirement—and why most people get it wrong.

In this episode, April Schoen unravels the surprisingly complex world of taxes in retirement and reveals actionable strategies for tax-efficient retirement planning.

You’ll discover…

• A common retirement tax mistake that could cost you thousands
• Why your retirement income might be higher—and more taxable—than you expect
• Three critical types of investment accounts and how they each impact your future tax bill
• The power of Roth IRAs and cash value life insurance as overlooked tax planning tools
• What one simple analogy can teach you about planning for a tax-smart retirement

Navigating the intricacies of Social Security can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle...

But what if you had expert guides to help secure your financial future?

In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen explore the vital aspects of Social Security retirement benefits, offering insights on how to maximize them for a secure retirement amidst the backdrop of economic uncertainties.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• The impact of demographic shifts on the sustainability of Social Security
• Strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits based on timing and work history
• How to navigate spousal and survivor benefits effectively
• The realistic concerns around the future of Social Security funding
• Essential factors to consider when planning your retirement income strategy

Life insurance might not be the most exciting topic, but what if it was the secret ingredient to securing your financial future and living your best life?

In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen dive deep into the transformative power of whole life insurance and reveal how it can be an essential financial tool for building and safeguarding wealth.

You’ll discover…

• Why most people, including sellers, misunderstand life insurance.
• The surprising ways whole life insurance can benefit you while you're living.
• How life insurance can provide a “permission slip” to spend your savings.
• Insights on leveraging whole life insurance for asset protection and financial planning.
• Real-life examples of life insurance transforming retirement strategies.