Episode Summary:

Melissa explores the emotional and practical realities behind retirement readiness—especially if you don’t have a seven-figure portfolio. With empathy and clarity, she explains how real people can retire with less than a million dollars through thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and maximizing available resources like Social Security.

You’ll hear:

Whether you’re behind on saving, self-employed, or simply wondering how much is really enough, this episode is packed with reassurance, insight, and inspiration.

Resources & Links:

Stay Connected:

Legal Disclosure:

What does it really take to retire confidently—and stay retired? In this episode of The Truly Rich Life Project, Melissa Moss, CFP®, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she helps real clients (names changed!) figure out their “magic number”—the amount they’ll need in investments to step away from work for good.

Meet Ross and Rachel, both 57, who want to retire in 10 years with enough to travel, enjoy life, and leave a legacy for their three adult sons. Melissa walks us through the exact steps she takes to calculate what they’ll need—and why it's not just about hitting a random number.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why Social Security timing matters

✅ How inflation and taxes affect your retirement income

✅ The importance of cash reserves and planning for big life events (like weddings!)

✅ How to estimate your own investment needs for a work-optional life

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this episode offers a practical, approachable framework to help you think about your own “number”—and what it’ll take to get there.

🔗 Resources & Links:

💬 Book a virtual coffee chat with Melissa: https://melissamoss.co/coffee/

📬 Join the newsletter for more intentional money tips: melissamoss.co/newsletter

If this episode sparked a new thought or gave you clarity on your path to financial freedom, please share it with someone who’s building a beautiful life too. ✨

What if learning to play an instrument could teach you more than music?

In this episode of The Truly Rich Life Project, Melissa sits down with John Cunningham, founder of Zuwalla School of Music, to explore the unexpected connections between music education, self-expression, and long-term growth. From joyful toddler singalongs to adult students rediscovering creativity, John shares how music becomes both a personal outlet and a lifelong teacher.

Together, they explore why musical progress—just like financial growth—is rarely instant, but always rewarding. Whether you're learning an instrument, planning your financial future, or trying to tap back into joy, this conversation is a reminder that the richest lives are built through small steps, practiced patience, and a whole lot of presence.

🔑 In This Episode:

• How John’s early love of music shaped his teaching philosophy
• Why singing is often the best place to start—even for adults\
• The impact of judgment on creativity (and how to overcome it)
• Music as an outlet for stress, emotion, and self-discovery
• Why musical structure and emotional expression both matter
• The connection between improvising music, cooking without a recipe, and investing
• What parents should know about introducing music to their children
• How John helps students build confidence to keep learning long after lessons end

🎧 Highlights:

“Music is about connection. If you play it safe, you limit how deeply you connect.”

“Improvisation teaches you how to think musically—not just how to play notes.”

“Great music—and a great life—both take patience, presence, and trust in the process.”

🌐 Learn More About John:

Website: Zuwalla School of Music

Local to North Georgia? Catch John performing Thursdays at Dos Margaritas in Hickory Flat

Virtual and in-person music lessons available for students of all ages

💌 Stay Connected:

Love this conversation? Be sure to:

• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
• Share this episode with someone rediscovering their creative spark
• Join the newsletter for thoughtful money tips and life inspiration: melissamoss.co/newsletter

Hey there — I’m Melissa Moss, your host for The Truly Rich Life Project, where we believe the richest lives are built on more than money.

This show is about the real currency of life: connection, creativity, contribution… and yes, sometimes cash. I started this podcast because the people I admire most aren’t just building wealth — they’re building lives that matter.

Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies strength — not just in the gym, but in life.

Ronnie Kenyatta is a veteran performance coach with over 20 years of experience in the strength and conditioning world, including 12 seasons with the New York Mets organization. He’s trained top-tier athletes, but what sets Ronnie apart is how he shows up with purpose, passion, and the kind of mindset that creates champions — both on and off the field.

In this episode, we dive into the Elite Athlete Mindset — what it really takes to perform at your highest level, how to train both your body and your brain, and how these same principles can help you live a truly rich life, no matter your arena.

Whether you’re raising an athlete, used to be one, or just want to push yourself toward your next level — this conversation is full of inspiration and practical takeaways.

In This Episode, We Cover:

What the Elite Athlete Mindset really means

How mental preparation separates good from great

The role of discipline, routine, and resilience in reaching your goals

How to develop grit — even if you’re not “wired” like an athlete

Why mindset is the ultimate game-changer in life and performance

Connect with Ronnie Kenyatta:

🎧 Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a dose of strength and purpose in their life.

For more, visit The Truly Rich Life Project — and remember:

I've missed you! Let me be real: March had it in for me in my personal life. I'm glad to be back, and I want to share some ideas around planning today, and the importance of having a Plan and a backup plan or two. Because it's not just about my life experience... have you been able to keep the headlines away? Life, politics, and markets have been turbulent this year, but we've got this.

In this episode, I'm announcing a shift in gears for the show (let me know what you think!), and that I'm offering Pro Bono Financial Planning for Federal Employees facing Reduction in Force (aka RIFs) or people in the private sector who are facing job loss. Email me at melissa [at] melissamoss [dot] co with "Pro Bono" in the subject line and tell me a little bit about what you've got going on. I'm doing this because, more than ever, I'm feeling called to contribute, connect, and make a difference for the people in my community. So, whether you're in my local community here in metro Atlanta or you're in my listening community, this is for you.

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Plan the Retirement You Want, Melissa Moss dives into an important topic for anyone navigating their financial future—how to choose the right financial advisor or investment planner. Melissa shares an enlightening conversation with Deborah, a stenographer seeking a new advisor after her long-term advisor’s retirement. They explore Deborah’s journey, her priorities, and the key questions she’s asking to find the perfect fit.

Whether you're switching advisors, working with one for the first time, or considering managing your own investments, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential qualities to look for in a financial advisor.
• Key differences between fee-only, fee-based, and commission-based advisors.
• How to identify a fiduciary and why it matters.
• Questions to ask potential advisors during the interview process.
• Why the relationship and trust with your advisor are as important as their credentials.

Key Moments:

• [2:15] Meet Debra and her quest for a new advisor.
• [6:45] The importance of aligning your financial goals with your advisor’s approach.
• [15:30] Breaking down payment models: fee-only, fee-based, and commission.
• [21:45] How personal connections and communication impact the advisor-client relationship.
• [31:10] Pro tips for interviewing and selecting your next advisor.

Resources Mentioned:

• CFP Board’s advisor search tool: www.cfp.net
• Schedule a virtual coffee with Melissa: plantheretirementyouwant.com/coffee

Join the Conversation:

If you’re ready to start interviewing financial advisors or want to learn more about retirement planning, Melissa would love to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected] or visit plantheretirementyouwant.com.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback not only makes Melissa’s day but also helps others discover valuable retirement planning insights.

What happens when you have your retirement finances sorted but struggle with the identity shift? Retirement coach Monica Premo discusses how to find purpose and excitement in your post-career chapter. Learn why modern retirement isn't about slowing down, but rather an opportunity to reinvent yourself and pursue new passions.

Key Topics:

• Challenging retirement stereotypes
• Finding purpose beyond career identity
• Setting meaningful retirement goals
• Using self-reflection for personal growth
• Creating structure while maintaining freedom

Featured Guest:

Monica Premo - Certified Life Coach specializing in retirement transitions

Resources Mentioned:

Workshop Registration: myencorecoach.com/word

Website: myencorecoach.com

LinkedIn: Monica Premo

Upcoming Event:

Word of the Year Workshop

Date: January 18, 2025

Time: 10:00-11:30 AM EST

Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Cost: Free (VIP option available for $27)

Subscribe:

Newsletter signup: melissamoss.co/newsletter

Disclaimer: Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced are for general information only and not intended as specific advice.

What to Do Now for Quality of Life Later — Interview with Dr. Catherine Toomer, MD

• Website: https://drtoomer.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drtoomer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@drtoomertalks
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtoomer
• Free Consult: https://calendly.com/drtoomer/gift-consult