Intro to RetireMentorship
Episode 0 | RetireMentorship will Guide You to and Through Retirement. In this intro, we explore why we exist, what you can expect from each episode, and who can benefit from listening to the podcast.
Investor vs Investment Returns
Episode 1 | The Average Investor receives half the lifetime returns of the investments the investor invests in. Focus on Investor Returns, which you can control, instead of Investment Returns, which you cannot.
The Principal Problem
Episode 2 | The goal of retirement planning is NOT to PROTECT our Retirement PRINCIPAL.
The goal of retirement planning IS to CREATE a Retirement INCOME. This is THE key distinction.
Belief Over Knowledge
Episode 3 | People act on what the Believe, not on what they Know. Belief in your Financial Plan is more important that knowledge about your financial plan. We explore where knowledge leaves off, where belief picks up, and why it is so critical.
The Four Horsemen
Episode 4 | The Four Horsemen, Chasing Returns, Poor Diversification, Market Timing, and Panic, are to blame for our abysmal investor returns.
Five Questions to Ask A Financial Advisor
Episode 5 | There are Five Questions that you should ask your Financial Advisor. Whether you are looking for a new advisor, or already have one, these questions should be asked by you to two-three advisors to ensure you have the right one for you.
Six Benefits of Financial Planning
Episode 6 | Whether completing your own plan,
Or working with a pro,
There are Six Benefits to planning
That you should know.
Seven Pillars of Victory
Episode 7 | Trying to build a successful financial life? There are Seven Pillars to build it upon. Good news! Timing and luck are not among them.
How to be Above Average
Episode 8 | No one wants to be average, let alone below it. Let’s explore how you can be above the pack. First, though, we need to understand “average.”
Is Dave Ramsey Wrong?!
Episodes 9-10 | Many people follow Dave Ramsey’s principles. But many others, including professionals, think he’s mistaken. So who’s wrong, Dave or his Detractors?
Breaking News!
Episode 11 | “Do you live under a rock?” Nothing is more ubiquitous, or dangerous, the the infatuation with news. You would be better off ignoring it all together.
Smoking is Hazardous to Your Wealth
Episode 12 | Think smoking is costing you $4.50? Try $4,500,000.
What About the Risk?
Episode 13 | Investing in the stock market is risky! Or is it? Investing risk is NOT what you think it is.
Life Insurance Lies!
Episodes 14-17 | Life Insurance Agents and “advisors” will use many tactics to sell you permanent life insurance. But you don’t need it! We over 10 myths here.
Term Limits
Episode 19 |
Insurance you Do/n’t Need
Episode 20 |
Risk Tolerance is Stupid!
Episode 21 |
The Trouble with Target Date Funds
Episode 23 |
Creating a Financial Plan 0: 5Cs
Episode 24 |
Creating a Financial Plan 1 – GO, Net, Flow
Episode 25 | The first steps in creating financial plan are GO, Net, Flow: Get Organized, Determine Net Worth, and Control Cash Flow
In Creating a Financial Plan, Start Here.
Creating a Financial Plan 2 – Investment Planning
Episode 26 | Investing funds our financial planning goals. Investing with a plan helps ensure we succeed. How do we create an investing plan, and not just a portfolio?
Creating a Financial Plan 3 – Insurance Planning
Episode 27 | Insurance Planning protects our financial plan for the best value, letting us apply savings to other aspects of the plan.
Creating a Financial Plan 4 – Tax Planning
Episode 28 | Be sure to tip your servers, not the IRS. Tax Planning is less about saving taxes this year than saving taxes over your LIFETIME.
Creating a Financial Plan 5 – Pre-Retirement Planning
Episode 29 | Before you retire, you must know that you CAN retire, and STAY retired. Pre-planning your retirement before you get there is essential for a successful retirement.
Creating a Financial Plan 6 – In-Retirement Planning
Episode 30 | Before you retire, you must know that you CAN retire, and STAY retired. Pre-planning your retirement before you get there is essential for a successful retirement.
Creating a Financial Plan 7 – Estate Planning
Episode 31 |
Creating a Financial Plan 8 – One-Page Financial Plan
Episode 32 | Your calculations are complete. Let’s put the results On Paper, On Purpose, all on One Page.
Creating a Financial Plan 9 – Finding a Planner
Episode 33 |
The True Cost of Free Advice
Episode 34 |
Aligning Capital & Values
Episode 36 |
Timing the Market
Episode 37 |
Time Horizon
Episode 38 |
Health Super Accounts
Episode 39 | Health Super Accounts, technically known as Health Savings Accounts, are the best account to fund. Learn about these amazing accounts as we enter into Open Enrollment for many people.
Life-Time Capital Gains
Episode 40 |
The Fourth Dimension
Episode 41 |
Investing, Speculating, & Trading, Oh My!
Episode 42 |
Gratitude is the Way
Episode 43 |
To Roth or Not to Roth
Episode 44 |
Victorious Cycle – Life Domains
Episode 45 |
Victorious Cycle – Vision, Targets, & Goals
Episode 46 |
Victorious Cycle – Plan & Execute
Episode 47 |
Save Money – Avoid Ads
Episode 48 |
Save Money – Spend Money
Episode 49 |
3D Retirement Income Book
Episode 50 | 3D Retirement Income: Creating a Retirement Income that Outpaces Inflation, Outlives You, and Outperforms Others will teach you how to Retire Successfully and stay Successfully Retired.
Why do I Need Tax Planning?
Episode 51 | There is a difference between tax preparation and tax planning. Tax preparation asks, “How can we save the most taxes last year?” Tax planning asks, “How can we save the most taxes over a lifetime?”
Embrace Volatility
Episode 52 | Don’t be afraid of market volatility. It is how we earn superior returns for the long term. Embrace volatility, and ensure your advisor does the same.
Should I Buy Bitcoin?
Episode 53-54 | Before you buy Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, here are some things you should know.
The Four Horsemen – Redux
Episode 55-56 | The Behavioral Mistakes that Destroy Us as Investors.
Don’t Measure the Moment
Episode 57 |
3 Questions for Better Decisions
Episode 58 | When you’ve made a decision, ask yourself these three questions. It’ll either confirm your decision is wise, or it could prevent you from making a horrible mistake.
Debt – Less Sooner vs. More Later
Episode 59 | Using debt is choosing less sooner over more later. You will have less over your lifetime if you spend more on interest and save less into investments. The opposite is also true. Life satisfaction is usually found in an intentional balance.
Should I Buy a New or Used Car? Pt 1
Episode 61 | Whether or not you should buy a new car depends on the total cost of the car. What is that new car truly costing you? Let’s find out.
Should I Buy a New or Used Car? Pt 2
Episode 62 | Buying a new car is FAR more expensive. What do we need to have achieved financially to buy new? What about emotionally? Learn the principles you need before buying a new car over a used car.
Should I Buy or Lease a Car?
Episode 63 | Many people claim leasing a car is cheaper. Others assert it’s more expensive. When should you buy, and when should you lease?
Should I Finance a Car or Pay Cash?
Episode 64 | Should you pay cash for a vehicle or take out a car loan? Which is smarter?
Bonds Bomb
Episode 65 | People in or approaching retirement tend to half a lot of money in bonds for their income and their stability. But what if both benefits bomb?
Should I Buy Series I Bonds?
Episode 66 | Series I Bond Interest Rates have exploded! 🤯 What are I Bonds? When should l buy them? When should I NOT Buy them?
Bear Markets Aren’t Bad
Episode 67 | The media is howling that the current financial bear market is a crisis. 📉 Is it? Or is it an opportunity of a lifetime?
Facing the Bear
Episode 68 | When you stare into the eyes of the beast threatening everything you’ve worked for, what do you do? How do you face the bear?
Buyer Beware
Episode 69 | Financial products are sold with ferocious passion at all times, but especially during down markets. Are these products good? Buyer Beware.
Your Mortal Enemy: Inflation
Episode 70 | Your mortal enemy is not a temporary drop in the stock market over the next few years. Your mortal enemy is the permanently rising cost of everything you need and want to buy over your lifetime. Inflation must be killed. Whatever it takes.
The Problem with Healthcare
Episode 71 | We have a problem. Healthcare costs are through the roof. Why do we focus on Health Insurance instead of Health? Time to adjust our aim.
Incentivized Health Care
Episode 72 | We must incentivize health, not insurance, to fix healthcare. The American Incentivized Medical plan addresses this core issue.
Health – Invest in Your Greatest Asset
Episode 73 | Your greatest asset is not your 401(k), your Roth IRA, or your house. It is your health. Invest in it, starting at $30 and 30 minutes.
Your Financial Identity
Episode 74 | 🎯 Goals are outcomes. 🏃Actions are inputs. But the core is your identity. 👤 Want to change your finances or life? Change your identity.
How Are Financial Habits Made?
Episode 75 | Financial habits rule our financial results. 💵 Financial excellence is not an act, but a habit. How are they made?
How to Build Good Financial Habits
Episode 76 | How do we build good financial habits? 🤷♂️ Follow the four laws of behavior change: Make it Obvious, Attractive, Easy, and Satisfying.
How to Break Bad Financial Habits
Episode 77 | How do we break bad financial habits? 🤷♂️ Do one or more of the following: Make it Invisible, Unattractive, Difficult, or Unsatisfying.
Is it Too Late to Invest?
Episode 78 | As people age and approach retirement or the end of life, they often wonder, “Is it too late to invest?” Not if it is according to a plan. ✅
It’s Too Late!
Episode 79 | Don’t do it! 🛑 That hot stock, that rumor, that investing trend you want to try… Stop. By the time you hear about it, it’s too late.
The New RetireMembership
Episode 80 | We have new membership benefits that are 100% free! Join RetireMembership to receive exclusive content and resources.
Stop Using the C-Word!
Episode 81 | Insurance companies love to use the C-Word. They sell certainty. But while it can be sold, it cannot be delivered. Stop it! 🛑
Get Notified? Nope!
Episode 82 | Do you get notified about the news? 🚨 Do you surrender control of your attention, mood, or investment outlook? Or do you stay focused?
Should I Get Out of the Stock Market
Episode 83 | Recession, Inflation, and a Frantic Bear Market. 📉 Is now the time to cut my losses and get out of the stock market?
Maximizing Social Security
Choosing when to take Social Security may be the single biggest decision of your retirement! Ensure you are Maximizing Social Security.
Will Social Security Exist When I Retire?
Episode 84 | Social Security is going broke! Will Social Security Exist? Let’s explore the problems with Social Security and options for fixing it.
Investing Before And After Retirement
Investing Before & After Retirement Learn the Strategies for Investing for and Transitioning into Retirement Watch the Workshop View Other Workshops Maximizing Social Security October Workshop You’ll learn how Social Security works and how to optimize this critical retirement income. Premiered October 20th Reducing Taxes in Retirement November Workshop You’ll learn how to keep more…
Reducing Taxes in Retirement
Reducing Taxes in Retirement Keep More of Your Money and Leave the IRS Weeping Reducing Taxes in Retirement Taxes are the largest expense most people will pay. If you do nothing, you may end up paying tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra taxes in retirement. In this workshop you will learn:…
Estate Planning Essentials
Estate Planning Essentials Command Your Assets and Keep Them from Lawyers and the Government Estate Planning Essentials Estate planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy. If you don’t decide what happens to your assets, the government will. Take control of your life, even in death. (P.S. A Will is not enough.) In this workshop…
Stop Talking About Tactics!
Episode 85 | Choosing when to take Social Security may be the single biggest decision of your retirement! Ensure you are Maximizing Social Security.
Investment or Expense?
Episode 86 | We all spend money on many things, but are these an investment or expense? Challenge how you think about both, and you may invest more.
Should I Convert My IRA to a Roth?
Episode 87 | Roth Conversions could save you, or cost you, tens of thousands in extra taxes. Should I convert my IRA to a Roth?
What is a Fiduciary?
Episode 88 | “Fiduciary” is the new buzzword. But what is a Fiduciary? And why does it matter? Understanding this is critically important to your success.
When Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Episode 90 | My estate plan is complete. My Will, Trust, and Beneficiaries are done. But when should I update my estate plan?
Should I Buy Dividend Stocks for Income?
Episode 91 | Should I buy Dividend Stocks for Income? Or should I buy bonds? How do they compare to inflation? Tune in and you’ll appreciate dividends.
We Haven’t Lost Anything
Episode 92 | The values in your accounts may have declined by 20%. But we haven’t lost anything. Not if we view it correctly. Language matters!
A Successful Retirement
Episode 93 | What is a successful retirement? Our mission is to help you retire successfully and stay successfully retired. What are the key components?
Life Goals Shouldn’t Take a Lifetime
Episode 94 | You should create, save for, and work toward life goals. But Life Goals shouldn’t take a Lifetime to achieve. Don’t just save. Invest!
2023: The Best Year Ever
Episode 95 | Let’s make 2023 the Best Year Ever! We’re going back to basics. By year-end, let’s turn “I wish I had known” into “I am glad I did.”
The Power of Net Worth & Cash Flow
Episode 96 | You must know where you are to get where you want to go. There is great power in knowing your Net Worth and Cash Flow.
How to Make a Net Worth & Cash Flow Statement
Episode 97 | When and how do I make a net worth and cash flow statement? Grab a free template, schedule an hour, and invest in understanding your money.
You Need a Budget
Episode 98 | Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances. You Need a Budget.
Budget Blunders & Best Practices
Episode 99 | Budget Blunders will keep us failing. But Budget Best Practices make the method a breeze! We have nine of each in the ninety-ninth episode.
Go Fund Yourself
Episode 100 | No one else is going to fund your goals. Go Fund Yourself. How? Know where you are and where you want to be, and budget to get there.
Financial Planning 101
Episode 101 | What is Financial Planning? In Financial Planning 101, we define and share the monetary and mental benefits of the process.
Ask Freeman 1
Episode 102 | Ask Freeman about tracking Net Worth in YNAB, getting a spouse to work less, and Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche.
Ask Freeman 2
Episode 103 | Ask Freeman about Estate Planning without kids, where to save “extra” money, and contributing to Roth vs Traditional 401(k).
Beware of the Money You Love
Episode 104 | Money is the root of all evil! Or is it? What does the Bible say about money? First, it tells us to Beware of the Money We Love.
Be Generous with the Money You Have
Episode 105 | Does God only want to have our money? No, he wants to ensure our money doesn’t have us. Do this by being generous with the money you have.
Be Prosperous With the Money You Make
Episode 106 | The Bible teaches us to be poor, right? Wrong! The Bible teaches us to be Prosperous With the Money You Make.
Be Wise with the Money You Manage
Episode 107 | The Bible commands us to be wise with the money we manage. If we see ourselves as managers, not owners, we’ll be wiser with our decisions.
How to Be Above Average Redux
Episode 108 | A replay of the original post in Episode 8: How to Be Above Average.
Ask Freeman 3 – ESG Investing?
Episode 109 | In this episode of Ask Freeman, we discuss, “Does ESG Investing Support Good Causes?” The answer might surprise you.
Ask Freeman 4 – Extended Warranties?
Episode 110 | Dealerships always seem to be pushing extended warranties and service plans when you buy a vehicle. But are these a good deal?
Investing Order of Operations
Episode 111 | We cannot simply choose investments at random. We must follow the process: the investing order of operations.
The Immense Stupidity of Investment Selection
Episode 112 | The media’s overemphasis on investment selection leads to a lot of bad ways to select your investments. What’s the right way?
Bear Brothers Financial Advisors
Episode 113 | What really happens behind closed doors? One firm is here to show you. Meet Bear Brothers Financial Advisors.
What Really Goes on in Financial Advisor Firms
Episode 114 | What Really Goes on in Financial “Advisor” Firms? Freeman shares behind-the-scenes looks at the unethical sales practices of some firms.
Prove Them Wrong
Episode 115 |Most Financial Services Representatives think you won’t be able to reach your financial goals without the insurance products they sell. Prove them wrong.
Introducing RetireMentorship Magazine
Episode 116 | Become a member! Join for FREE to get loads of extra content and education, including our all-new RetireMentorship Magazine!
Ask Freeman – Credit Score
Welcome to Ask Freeman, where we take a few of your questions and answer them in short form. Today we answer: Do I Need a Credit Score? ~Chelsea What’s your opinion of Credit Scores? On one end of the spectrum, people are obsessed with it. On the other, people say it’s dumb and that you…
Financial Elder Abuse Prevention
Episode 118 | June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. What is Financial Elder Abuse? How can we spot and prevent it?
I Made a Mistake
Episode 119 | I Made a Mistake. We all do it; the difference is what we do about it. Make a mistake. Own it. Make it right. Move on.
Finding Purpose and Values with Joe Curry
Episode 121 | Joe Curry, host of the Retirement Planning Simplified podcast, joins to discuss Finding Purpose and Values for a Fulfilling Retirement.
Ten Optimistic Trends
Episode 121 | Do you think the world is getting better, worse, or staying the same? Here are Ten Optimistic Trends that point to progress.
Ten Optimistic Trends – Part 2
Episode 122 | We continue with our Ten Optimistic Trends, with trends four through eight. See Episode 121 for the complete list.
Ten Optimistic Trends – Part 3
Episode 123 | In this last installment of Optimistic Trends, we cover numbers 9-10, as well as touch on sixty-eight additional trends.
Should I Join Northwestern Mutual?
Episode 124 | Should I Join Northwestern Mutual? Or Thrivent? Or MassMutual? Or an Insurance-based company? NO! Not one should.
We Are Business Owners
Episode 125 | Who are we? Are we retirees? Working professionals? Pre-retirees? Employees or team members? No. We are Business Owners.
Money Monster
Episode 126 | Hollywood can push out Stock Market thrillers, and 2016’s Money Monster is no different. What lessons can we learn from the big screen?
Health Investing For Seniors
Episode 127 | Investing means more than simply funding accounts. And active competition isn’t reserved for your first three decades.
Money Moves: Four Healthy Investments to Make
Episode 128 | For better or worse, physical and financial health go hand in hand. Here are four moves you can make to improve both.
The Active Life Podcast
Episode 129 | The weekly Active Life Podcast is designed to help listeners get the most out of their life. I guest to share how to invest in their health.
Die With Zero
Episode 130 | Some people die with millions of dollars. Others try to spend it down. Which is better? Should we die with zero or millions?
Being Mortal
Episode 131 | End-of-life medical practices often harm more than help. The best-seller Being Mortal illuminates the problems and offers tactful solutions.
We Are Wealthy
Episode 132 | Everyone is rich but me! Wrong. The truth is we are wealthy. Instead of keeping up with the Jones, let’s expand our perspective.
When Should I Change My Investments?
Episode 133 | When should I change my investments? When your goals change. We begin with the end in mind. If the end changes, the beginning may as well.
The Fear of Missing Out in Investing
Episode 134 | Many of us fall into a trap: the common fear of missing out in investing. Avoid it. However, successful investing requires a specific FOMO.
Retiring From & Retiring To
Episode 135 | It’s time to refocus retirement from focusing on what we’re retiring from to what we’re retiring to. Here are some ideas.
Family Financial Summit
Episode 136 | Should you keep your finances secret from your family? Maybe that’s a mistake. Produce great results with the Family Financial Summit.
Retirement: An Age-Old Game with Brand New Rules
Episode 137 | Your retirement may seem far away, or that it has been around forever. But it has brand new rules to play by.
Net Worth is Not Enough
Episode 138 | No matter how hard we try or how much we want it to be, net worth is not enough. Grow your net worth! But do not depend on it.
Retiring, Retire, and Retirement
Episode 139 | When defined, and in context, retiring, retire, and retirement need to be renewed to reflect their modern identity. To star the discussion, we’ll look at the existing definitions and contexts that surround retirement, then we’ll reframe and define the words for their modern form.
The Siren Song of Short-Term Guarantees
Episode 140 | Do not listen to the Siren Song of short-term guarantees. In the realm of investments and financial decisions, the age-old debate between short-term guaranteed returns and long-term potential returns is perennial.
Gratitude is Still the Way
Episode 141 | Nothing you accomplish or achieve in life will matter without gratitude. This is a reminder of the article from the past two years that gratitude is important, not only during Thanksgiving, but year-round.
Defining Happiness in Retirement
Episode 142 | There are a few ways to define and describe happiness. And understanding is one of the foundational elements to success. Let’s take a quick peek down the rabbit hole of happiness to help you find what you are looking for in life… and in retirement.
Don’t Invest on Feelings
Episode 143 | Despite our best efforts, we usually invest based on feelings. But good investing often involves doing the opposite of what we feel.
Happy Birthday!
Episode 144 | Don’t let another year slip by without celebrating your birthday. It’s a built-in excuse to celebrate you! Have a Happy Birthday!
You May Need Tax Planning
Episode 145 | If you have over 1 million dollars in your 401(k), you may need tax planning to avoid overpaying in taxes during your lifetime.
Take Action!
Episode 146 | Everyone likes to dream and talk, but far too few turn those into goals, plans, and reality. It’s time to stop talking and take action!
The Two Shortest Days of Your Life
Episode 147 | When’s the last time you thought about your estate plan? Do you have one in place to ensure everything you’ve earned is accounted for?
Tax Prep by Tax Planners
Tax season is upon us. When you’re working with a preparer or doing it yourself with software, there are several mistakes and missed opportunities that you can make.
Five Questions to Ask A Financial Advisor
Episode 149 | There are Five Questions that you should ask your Financial Advisor. Whether you are looking for a new advisor, or already have one, these questions should be asked by you to two-three advisors to ensure you have the right one for you.
Three Lessons from Three Bear Markets
Episode 150 | This latest bear market is the third in five and a half years. Three! In only five years. Each one was unique and yet the same.
Should I Buy an Index Annuity?
Episode 151 | “Should I buy an index annuity?” I get asked this often enough that I thought it was time to address it thoroughly and directly. Should you buy an index annuity?
Why You Should NOT Buy Index Annuities
Episode 152 | Should you buy an index annuity? Considering all your options is important to understanding why you should.. or should not buy an index annuity.
The S&P 500 Cracks 5,000
Episode 153 | The S&P 500 cracked 5,000 on February 9th, 2024. Over time, the S&P 500 has produced remarkable wealth. Will you be in when it cracks 10,000?
Spring Update 2024
Episode 154 | Here are some updates for my Clients for 2024. We run our Spring Reviews to correspond with Tax Season. We need to update them on a lot of topics, so rather than repeating the same information in every meeting, we’re making this video to share with them.
Optimize Your Credit Cards
Optimize Your Banking with Credit Cards I use credit cards wisely. We haven’t discussed them on this show, except in Episode 117 on Credit Scores. Let me give some caveats. Here are some truths about credit cards. Credit Card Caveats People who carry a balance shouldn’t use them. Period. If you carry a balance from…
Optimize Your Banking
Do you want to optimize your banking? Have you ever thought about how to squeeze the most out of your everyday transactions and every-month income? If so, this is the episode for you. We will dive into how I optimize my banking so that you can borrow and steal my ideas for your own implementation….
Why Is My Performance Less Than the S&P 500?
Trent asked me recently, “Why is my investment performance worse than the S&P 500?” Specifically, he had heard that the S&P 500 returned 25%+ in 2024. His annual performance in his 401(k) was 18%. Why the discrepancy? (Remember that you can submit your questions to the show by emailing us at Questions@RetireMentorship.com or by visiting…
Can You Beat the S&P 500?
Cyrus asks, “Can you beat the S&P 500?” Specifically, he references how Dave Ramsey has said on his show that it is “easy to find funds that outperform the S&P 500.” Is this true? And if it is so easy, why doesn’t everyone do it? I did provide an answer to this three years ago…
What if Experts Disagree?
What if the Experts disagree? I’ve got a number of questions lately from different clients and other people I’ve met about, hey, what about this, or this or this person says the opposite of what you’re saying, or I heard on the news, this, or I read this book that claim that and it’s different…
When to DIY
Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become more than just a weekend hobby; they’ve evolved into a lifestyle choice for many individuals seeking financial independence and personal satisfaction. Today we will learn when you should DIY your finances. We will also dive into the significant financial benefits that come with DIY finances. You should DIY when: You…
The Trouble with Target Date Funds Redux
Listen to this week’s episode, a redux of Episode 21: The Trouble with Target Date Funds. “Be sure you positively identify your target before you pull the trigger.” ~Tom Flynn Insert Tex Target Date Funds are the default options for many investors in their 401(k)s. Not because they are great options, but because they cover…
Timin’ the Market Redux
Listen to this week’s episode, a redux of Episode 37: Timin’ the Market. “The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.” ~John Kenneth Galbraith, Harvard economist When the market is moving, people begin to wonder whether they should try and time its cycles. Let’s look at timing the market, specifically:
NEW Book: 3D Financial Planning
New Book: 3D Financial Planning I have a New Book coming out this year called 3D Financial Planning, Organize, Prioritize, and Maximize Your Money and Your Life. It’s going to focus on a younger audience, cover a wide range of topics, begin with the end in mind, and provide inspirational and behavioral education and encouragement…
Investments (Still) Outperform Investors
Investments (Still) Outperform Investors In 2001, I broke the news to many of you in the very first episode of this podcast that the average equity investor performs worse than the investments the investors invest in. It will shock none of you that investments still outperform investors. Episode 1: Investor Vs. Investment Return The first…
Rolling Returns
The annualized total return of the S&P 500 for the decade ending 2023 was 12.2%. From January 2014 through December 2023, if you reinvested dividends and paid no fees or taxes, your total return over that time would have been 216% (turning $100 invested into $316). That is an annualized total return (with dividends reinvested)…
Fixed Income = Fixed Losses
When the “stock market” gets scary, folks flee to the “safety” of fixed income. But is there any real safety there? Or does switching to fixed income = fixed losses? Fixed Income Isn’t Safe The most common reason people don’t invest in equities is because they are “risky.” You could lose your money. So they…
RetireMentorship 4.0
I launched the RetireMentorship Podcast in January 2021. Since then, I’ve published episodes nearly every week and expanded the platform to other mediums. But after three and a half years, it’s time to make a change. Introducing RetireMentorship 4.0. The Mission of RetireMentorship I started RetireMentorship to communicate important principles and reminders to my clients…
Should I Buy Whole Life Insurance?
Should I Buy Whole Life Insurance? I get asked this frequently. Maybe your financial “advisor” recommended it. So, should you buy whole life insurance? No. Introduction I work specifically with folks over fifty, and annuities are the primary poorly performing products pushed on my people. (I did a couple of episodes on these, starting with…
How Do Elections Affect Investing?
Election years are exciting, but for many, there are fears and concerns about election outcomes. Should we change our investing based on these elections? What if this party wins or the other? How do elections affect investing? Today, we want to talk about a few different things. We Invest in Companies, Not Governments First, here’s…
5 Strategies to LOWER Taxes (Over Your Lifetime)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for the IRS. It’s tax season! While it may be joyous for the government, it’s groan-inducing for most people. We all have one thing on our minds: “How do I pay less taxes!” We’re going to cover five strategies to lower taxes over your lifetime. Last Year’s…
The 7 PRINCIPLES of Financial SUCCESS
RetireMentorship Episode 179 | The 7 PRINCIPLES of Financial SUCCESS | No one sets out to fail with finances. We seek success.
Success Through BELIEF
Knowing is not enough; acting is all that matters. You must know before you can act. But what is the missing link between knowing and acting? It is belief.
The FINAL Pillars of Financial SUCCESS
Incorporate these into all the areas of your financial life, and you will find greater success. Ignore them at your extreme peril.
The Economy is RUINED?!
Is Trump going to ruin the economy? There are a lot of people who seem to think so, and they think that everything that we’ve built over the last decades and centuries will be undone by one person. Is this true? Is Trump going to ruin the economy? A number of clients and other people…
Top 3 Ways We SHIFTED Our Investing Strategy
We changed our strategy?!? See how we are taking advantage of the current market environment to maximize growth.
Ten Changes of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a landmark tax bill signed into law on July 4th that impacts every single American. While we won’t know the exact implementation details of all these provisions until later, here are ten tenets of the OBBBA that may impact you. I’ll bulletize the changes and add some “What…
SAVE on Taxes in 2026
Saving on taxes isn’t just about knowing what to do — it’s also about knowing what not to do.
Should I Contribute to ROTH or TRADITIONAL in 2026?
One of the most common retirement planning questions we hear is: “Should I contribute to a Roth or a Traditional retirement account in 2026?”
Should I Do a ROTH CONVERSION in 2026?
If you’re over 50 and thinking about retirement, one question is becoming more common in 2026: “Should I do a Roth conversion this year?”
3 TERRIBLE Tax Strategies in 2026
As we head into 2026, tax planning is more important than ever—especially for adults over 50 preparing for retirement. Yet every year, we see the same costly mistakes repeated.
3 Tax Efficient Charitable Gifting Strategies for 2026
If you’re charitably inclined and looking for smarter ways to give in 2026, you may be missing powerful tax-saving opportunities.
Supercharging the 4% Rule!
The 4% rule is one of the most widely discussed retirement income strategies. Many retirees and financial planners use it as a starting point to estimate how much income a portfolio can safely generate.
Should I PAY OFF My Mortgage BEFORE I Retire?
Retirement planning involves dozens of financial decisions, but one of the most common questions people ask is: “Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?”
TAX Saving BROKERAGE Strategies for 2026
Learn tax-efficient brokerage strategies for 2026 from a Certified Financial Planner. Discover how retirees can reduce taxes, manage investments, and optimize income.
Tax EXPERT Reveals 6 Tax SAVING Strategies
When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on building wealth. But once retirement gets closer, the conversation needs to shift from how much you have to how efficiently you can use it.
Certified Financial Planner VS Artificial Intelligence
Compare a Certified Financial Planner vs artificial intelligence. Learn the key differences, benefits, and which is better for your financial future.
Stop Investing in Target Date Funds (Here’s Why)
Stop investing in target date funds—at least until you understand this. In this video, we reveal the hidden issues with target date funds. Discover better strategies to maximize your retirement investments.
Don’t Buy an Indexed Annuity Until You Watch This
Don’t buy an indexed annuity until you understand this. We reveal the hidden downsides, fees, and risks most advisors won’t tell you, plus better alternatives to protect and grow your retirement savings.
The Hidden Danger of Crypto Investing (No One Talks About This)
Is crypto a smart investment, or a risky speculation? In this video, we break down the real dangers of crypto investing, including volatility, uncertainty, and common mistakes investors make before adding it to their portfolio.
What Investments Should You Choose? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Not sure what investments to choose? In this step-by-step guide, we break down how to select the right investments based on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon—so you can build a smarter, more confident portfolio.
You’ve Probably Been Told This About Life Insurance…
Thinking about buying life insurance? Watch this first. We reveal common sales tactics, hidden costs, and what you should know before committing to a life insurance policy.
