Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

1. The Ultimate Retirement Planning Mixtape

Get ready to rock to the rhythms of retirement wisdom in this week’s episode! We've put together the ultimate retirement planning playlist, featuring timeless lyrics that reflect various stages of the planning journey. From setting financial goals to finding purpose in your golden years, this playlist sets the stage for important discussions about crafting your dream retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 21,2023 19:17

2. End of Year Financial Planning For 2023

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-saving opportunities, and even touching on the often-overlooked emotional aspects of this pivotal lif

Nov 09,2023 20:23

3. Money Mistakes You’ll Regret and How to Avoid Them

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt… Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode, explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 19,2023 22:49

4. Retirement Planning’s “Hidden” Questions

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. On this episode, we unearth and tackle these hidden, but essential questions about retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 05,2023 20:28

5. Understanding RMDs: A Guide For Retirees & The Soon-to-Retire

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways to utilize those funds. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 21,2023 21:35

6. Navigating Finances After Losing a Spouse: Strategies & Mistakes to Avoid

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer.We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance and the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation. This is the episode for you if

Sep 07,2023 20:54

7. Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Navigating the Transition to a New Financial Advisor

In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Aug 24,2023 21:50

8. How To Clean Up Your Portfolio

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the gritty side of personal finance. In this episode, we reveal how everyday household tasks can serve as reminders of the principles that lead to financial success. From taking out the trash in your investment portfolio to cleaning out the fridge of outdated financial strategies, we'll explore how to declutter your financial life. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jul 20,2023 12:34

9. Mastering Retirement Cash Flow (Part 1): Understanding Changing Expenses

In this episode, we’ll explore many of the expenses in your life that might drastically change (one way or another) in retirement. We’ll break those expenses down further to see which ones are the top priorities and analyze some of the other factors that impact your cash flow in retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jul 06,2023 22:12

10. Bad Money Habits Could Spoil Your Retirement Party

Picture this: You're at your retirement party, finally ready to enjoy your golden years, but worries caused by some bad money habits have robbed you of fully enjoying the sweetness of the day. It happens to more people than you think, which is unfortunate because with just a little bit of modification, you can rid some of the worst money habits from your life and set yourself up for retirement success. Tune in to this episode and develop healthy financial habits that pave the way for a secure fu

Jun 15,2023 25:48

11. Top Social Security Myths, Part 2

Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about Social Security out there. In this episode, we'll debunk these common myths and answer the Social Security questions you've been curious about. This is part 2 of our Social Security conversation, where we will break down the remaining 5 Social Security myths. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 27,2023 20:55

12. Top Social Security Myths, Part 1

Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this episode, we'll be debunking common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 13,2023 20:18

13. Should An Advisor Tailor A Plan To Fit Your Personality? Part 2

We will continue our discussion from last episode on if an advisor should tailor a plan to fit your personality and exploring the different aspects of this subject. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 23,2023 20:54

14. Should An Advisor Tailor A Plan To Fit Your Personality? Part 1

Are you tired of one-size-fits-all financial advice that doesn't quite fit your unique needs and goals? In this episode, we'll tackle the question of whether an advisor should tailor a plan to fit your personality. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different approaches and explore how understanding your financial personality can help you make more informed decisions. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 09,2023 21:11

15. Top Ten Tax Questions For Retirees In 2023

Retirement can come with a lot of tax questions and concerns. From understanding the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts to minimizing taxes on investment income, it can be overwhelming. On today’s episode, we’ll break down the top ten tax questions retirees are asking in 2023. Before you file your 2022 taxes and plan ahead for the rest of the year, make sure to listen to this episode as we’ll discuss some important tax questions that retirees should ask themselves to e

Feb 16,2023 21:23

16. What’s Your Biggest Financial Fear?

We took an informal poll of listeners to find out what their biggest financial fears are. On this episode, we’ll explore the most common fears and talk about how they should be addressed in a retirement plan. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Feb 02,2023 15:44

17. Back To Basics: Understanding Income Planning

It’s been said that if you don’t have an income plan, you don’t really have a retirement plan. We’ll tackle that mentality on this episode to see if it’s true and further explore why so many retirees and pre-retirees don’t understand the importance of an income plan, nor how to properly construct one. This is a foundational topic for anyone preparing for retirement, so make sure you hear this one. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 19,2023 17:45

18. 2023 Top 10 Checklist For New Year Planning

With the new year here, we thought it would be a good idea to cover our top 10 checklist for New Year planning. Break out the notepad, you won't want to miss out on any of these tips. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 05,2023 17:03

19. Market Volatility in 2023

Market volatility became the norm in 2022. Are we in for more of the same in 2023? We’ll talk about the market outlook for the next 12 months, plus share tips on how you can best prepare for potential future volatility. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Dec 21,2022 22:57

20. Are You Thankful For The Financial Advice You Receive?

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season, have you found yourself expressing thanks for those who provide financial leadership in your life? If not, perhaps it’s time to explore why and whether you’re getting enough value from your relationship with your financial advisor or other advice-givers. On this episode, we’ll explore some of the top reasons you should be thanking your financial advisor. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 22,2022 18:06

21. Is There Greener Grass On The Other Side?

Sometimes you need to find a new financial advisor. Other times, you might think you need a new advisor, but really, you’re just guilty of thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. Let’s discuss some common scenarios and whether they’re legitimate reasons for leaving your advisor. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 10,2022 22:39

22. Most Common Retirement Planning Questions About Taxes

In this episode, we will discuss some of the more common questions about taxes during retirement planning. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 27,2022 23:41

23. How Bonds Work: What Retirees Need To Know

Too many folks misunderstand bonds, how they work, and what role they play in a proper financial plan. We’ll address some of those bond related issues on today’s show. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 13,2022 21:17

24. How Money Ads Catch Your Attention

We’re bombarded with ads each day in all forms of media. But have you ever taken a closer look at these messages? If we unpack some of these headlines and ads a little bit more, we’re able to clearly understand what emotions they’re trying to elicit. More importantly, we can figure out what companies are trying to sell us. For this episode, we just perused the internet for a couple of hours and kept track of various financial planning, investing and retirement ads we came across. Let’s pick apar

Sep 29,2022 20:53

25. Retirement Planning From A Psychologist’s Point Of View

We always talk about the money side of financial and retirement planning. But what about the mental aspect of that big life change? Today we’ll break down an article written by a Licensed Professional Counselor (Kate Schroeder) for Psychology Today, titled The Psychological Investment In Retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 15,2022 19:21

26. Going Against The Grain

Being a good advisor isn’t about winning a popularity contest or just saying the same things that everyone else in the industry says. It’s about giving the best advice that you can for each individual situation. On today’s show, we’re going to peel back the curtain to discuss some areas where a good financial advisor’s opinions might go against the grain with mainstream ideas in the industry. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Aug 25,2022 23:03

27. Should You Follow These Popular Retirement Rules of Thumb?

You’ve most likely heard plenty of “rules” you’re supposed to follow to retire successfully. Some of these rules are stated so confidently, you’d be crazy not to immediately accept them as fact. But we don’t mind the threat of being called crazy, so let’s dive into some of the most popular retirement “rules of thumb” to see if they truly lead us down the path of good financial guidance or run a chance of leading us astray. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-30

Aug 11,2022 24:36

28. What They’re Saying: Analyzing Advice On Surviving A Bear Market

It’s no secret the stock market is in turmoil. We’re in a bear market and the R-word (recession) is getting thrown around daily. So, what can you do to survive bear markets like the one we’re in now? We’ve collected advice from various commentators and “experts” from across the country. You might have even heard some of this advice yourself. But should you follow it or proceed with caution? We’ll breakdown the guidance to provide some important context and perspective. Contact Info:Website: http

Jul 28,2022 25:20

29. Can You Get An A+ On Our Retirement Planning Quiz?

Don’t dread this as much as you hated hearing these words as a kid, but it’s time for a pop quiz! We’re putting retirement planning preparedness under the microscope with 5 critical questions to which you need to know the answers. So sharpen those pencils and let’s see how ready you are for retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jul 14,2022 18:42

30. Are You A Risk Taker? How To See If Your Tolerance For Risk Matches Your Plan

Let’s see if your tolerance for risk matches your financial plan. What should you do if that balance is out of whack? What if you’re a natural risk taker, but you really shouldn’t be when it comes to your finances? We’ll explore all of these angles as we break down the role of risk in your financial and retirement plan. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jun 23,2022 24:06

31. Why Retirement Planning Ain’t What It Used To Be

In some ways, retirement planning was easier for past generations. Let’s explore how a good financial advisor helps people overcome the additional challenges of today. Our parents and grandparents may not have had to face these things, so just relying on the experiences of family members might not be enough to help us achieve our own financial success. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jun 09,2022 18:41

32. Secret To Retirement Success: Get Out Of Your Own Way

There are plenty of external factors that often negatively influence our chances of having a successful retirement. But often, failure comes from within. On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the common ways people get in their own way when it comes to financial planning. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 26,2022 23:35

33. What To Do As You Count Down The Days To Retirement

We’ve assembled a list of priorities to keep in mind as you count down the days to retirement. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 12,2022 21:26

34. Common Housing Questions From Retirees

Housing is a really important topic for a lot of retirees because, for many of us, it’s the biggest asset we’ll ever own or manage. On this episode, we’ll cover some common housing questions from retirees and hopefully hit on an issue that might also be on your mind. Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 21,2022 22:03

35. The Retirement Diet: Fixing Unhealthy Financial Habits

We all know some of the basic secrets of eating healthier to lose weight, limit disease, and live longer. Avoid empty calories, try to limit your added sugar, and lower those pesky trans fats are just some examples. But how can we spot similar unhealthy habits in the financial world? We’ll talk about it on this episode and help you fix some of your unhealthy financial habits. We will also discuss some important birthdays you should pay attention to in your retirement planning.Contact Info:Websit

Apr 07,2022 20:31

36. Guessing In Retirement

Most people, when trying to plan their retirement, have to guess about the answers to some important questions. Let’s talk about some of those questions and why you need to have a better answer than just a guess.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 24,2022 23:00

37. The Voice Of Greed

When it comes to your money, you might have several different voices in your head— maybe the voice of greed, or the voice of fear, and sometimes the voice of wisdom. Let’s look at some things we might hear from the voice of greed so you know how to recognize it when you hear it…Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 10,2022 18:33

38. Who Even Needs A Financial Advisor?

Some people feel that they’ll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still others just don’t know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let’s talk about some reasons that you might need an advisor.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Feb 24,2022 18:07

39. What They’re Saying: What Is The Most Important Part Of Retirement Planning?

We all should realize that planning for retirement is relatively complex. There are a lot of different moving parts and factors to consider. Adjusting any of these variables can impact the end result. But is there one part of the retirement planning process that’s most important? We’ve assembled several opinions on the topic from across the internet. Let’s see if the advice hits the mark or needs further exploration.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Feb 10,2022 15:57

40. Retirement Potpourri: Fill In The Blank

Time for a little fun on this episode. We’ll use some fill in the blank prompts to spark good discussion about relationships between advisors and their clients, the stock market, common planning mistakes, and much more!Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 20,2022 17:43

41. Don’t Fumble Your Retirement In The Financial Red Zone

In football, teams are extra careful not to make a mistake when they get within about 20 yards of scoring points (known as the Red Zone). They’ve typically worked hard to get to that point and don’t want to cost themselves by throwing an interception or fumbling the ball and giving it to the other team. On this episode, we’ll explore the financial equivalent of the Red Zone and discuss how you can really mess things up if you’re not careful during this phase of your life.Contact Info:Website: ht

Jan 06,2022 13:28

42. Where Financial Advisors Drop The Ball

We see a lot of people who aren’t getting the kind of advice and service from their financial advisor that they should be. In a lot of cases, the advisor is only “managing the investments,” but not providing guidance in other areas. Let’s talk about some of the things that your advisor should be doing.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 18,2021 18:07

43. Handling Unreasonable Requests

Certainly, none of our podcast listeners would be guilty of making unreasonable requests, but let’s talk about some of the unreasonable requests we hear from others in the financial world. We’ll explore what makes them unreasonable and what proper expectations look like instead.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 04,2021 16:51

44. Pride Before A Fall: How Overconfidence Can Lead To Financial Ruin

Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Let’s talk about some of the ways that pride might manifest itself in your financial planning in the form of overconfidence.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 21,2021 22:32

45. Risk Averse: Explaining The Buzzword

Have you heard someone say they’re risk averse? Do you know what it really means in the context of the financial world? We’ll explore this important buzzword on today’s show and explain why it’s so important to have a good grip on just how risk averse you are.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 07,2021 16:03

46. How Age & Wisdom Play Into Financial Planning

There’s an old quote that says, “Age is the price of wisdom.” Let’s talk about how that applies to the financial world.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 16,2021 19:34

47. Retirement Plan Customization Is King

Most people understand that a customized retirement plan is much better than a one-size-fits-all approach. And yet, most people don’t have a plan that’s truly customized. Let’s talk about some of the things that need to be considered if you’re going to build a truly customized plan.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 02,2021 17:46

48. What Retirement Are You Living For?

Everyone has a different reason, goal or something they want to accomplish in retirement. Let’s explore some of the various motivations people have in retirement and how your financial advisor can help you accomplish what you set out to do.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Aug 19,2021 17:10

49. 5 Things You Must Know About Decumulation To Retire Successfully

So much focus in the financial world revolves around accumulating money. There’s all sorts of advice, how-to guides and guardrails in place when it comes to saving and investing, but a lot less resources out there to help retirees navigate the period of time after retirement. This is known as decumulation, the spending down and managing of the assets you’ve accumulated through your life. And on this episode, we’ll point at (at least) 5 things you must know about decumulation to retire successful

Aug 05,2021 17:32

50. Not Your Father’s Retirement

If you’re of the age that your mom and dad retired 20, or 30 years ago, the world was a much different place when they walked away from their paychecks. Let’s talk about how things are different now.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jun 17,2021 20:36

51. Learning Through Uncommon Sense

At first glance, each of these statements seem like basic common sense that everyone agrees with. But when we look at the way people actually behave with their money, it seems that common sense is actually a bit uncommon.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jun 03,2021 21:06

52. Listening To The Money Doctor

If we take a look at the world of medicine, we can learn some valuable lessons that can be applied to your financial life.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 20,2021 19:07

53. So What You Really Meant Was...

Some people in the financial world speak in code. It’s important for you to learn how to crack that code. Let’s look at a few examples of what you’ll hear someone say, but breakdown what they really meant.Contact Info:Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 06,2021 18:39

54. Financial Fact Or Fiction

Sometimes the easiest way to learn about something is make it really simple. Like some of the first true/false tests you might have taken in school. Let’s play a round of fact or fiction to test your financial planning acuity.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 15,2021 17:43

55. Are You Flirtin’ With Disaster?

Let’s talk about some of the areas of your financial life where you might be flirtin’ with disaster and don’t even know it.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 01,2021 21:45

56. Money Lessons From The Richest Musicians

Let’s look at some of the richest people in the music industry and see what lessons we can learn from them that we can apply to our own retirement planning…Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 18,2021 19:49

57. This Is Why You Never Assume

We often see people making certain assumptions about retirement that just aren’t correct. Let’s explore some of those on today's show.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 04,2021 20:29

58. Financial Literacy: What Are The Three Qualities Of Money?

If you don’t know the answer to the question, then this episode is for you. On this episode, we’ll explore the three qualities of money, discuss whether you can achieve them in a single investment, and how to put the right emphasis on the different qualities. It’s really quite basic, but understanding these fundamentals can make an enormous difference in your financial life.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 21,2021 22:49

59. Important Retirement Statistics Worth Understanding

Sometimes numbers, figures and stats can go in one ear and out the other. But on this episode, we’ll break down 5 important statistics that are worth taking a moment to understand. They’ll underscore some very real problems people face when prepping for retirement. We’ll explore those problems and talk about possible solutions.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 07,2021 25:08

60. What Drives Your Financial Advisor Crazy?

No industry is without its flaws, and the financial industry is no exception. Let’s explore some times where we’ve encountered annoying or frustrating elements of the financial world.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Dec 17,2020 23:22

61. Understanding The Different Types Of Risk

There are many more risks to guard against in retirement planning than most people realize. Let’s explore some of the planning risks we all face and how to prepare for them.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Dec 03,2020 21:22

62. A 5 Question Retirement Preparedness Quiz

Want to grade your preparedness for retirement? Here are five key questions you need to ask yourself. Your answers will help determine how ready you are for retirement.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 19,2020 24:08

63. How To Pick The Right Advisor

A lot of concern goes into trying to pick the proper investments, build a balanced portfolio, and getting the highest return. But how much time have you really put into finding the right advisor to work together with on all these tasks and more? So, we want to clear some of that up on this episode and clarify some of the ways you can evaluate your current advisor relationship and how to shop for, and find, the right advisor for you.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 05,2020 17:27

64. Following The Financial Commandments

On this episode, we present you with five commandments that are worth of being written on stone tablets in your retirement plan. We will also discuss the Illinois tax debate that is on the docket come this November.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 15,2020 23:55

65. Obsolete Retirement Planning Ideas

Just like your iPhone or your computer can become obsolete and need to be replaced, the way that some people think about retirement is obsolete and needs to be replaced. Let’s talk about some outdated ideas that people still cling to.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 01,2020 17:14

66. Eye Opening Stats Showing How Americans Save

Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2020” report is packed with lots of intriguing stats and findings about Americans and how they save for retirement in the crazy year that is 2020 (most of the recent data is technically from 2019 although some figures are current through the Spring of 2020). Let’s look at some of the top takeaways from the study and how you might compare to the “normal” savings behaviors of Americans.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 17,2020 21:19

67. How To Build Your Financial House

For some people, the idea of putting together a financial plan doesn’t sound like much fun. But the idea of building a home sounds like a lot of fun. So let’s find the similarities in building a strong financial plan and a dream home.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 03,2020 16:02

68. Financial Issues Particularly Challenging For Women

Many financial issues impact us all the same. But, of course, other challenges have varying impacts from person to person because our situations are all unique. Let’s take a look at some of the financial and retirement challenges that are unique to women.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Aug 20,2020 19:34

69. The Difficulty Of Financial Planning After The Death Of A Spouse

It is a life event that can be one of the most difficult things to go through both emotionally and financially. When one spouse dies, the remaining spouse is left to wrestle with a mountain of questions and choices. And although it’s difficult to discuss, proper planning can help make it easier to transition through this major life event. Let’s explore what someone should do in the event of a spouse’s passing, but also some of the pre-planning that can take place.Website: https://crystallaketax.

Aug 06,2020 22:20

70. Are You Making These Classic Pre-Retiree Mistakes?

There are some financial planning blunders that are interesting to talk about but are quite rare in reality. On the other hand, there are some financial planning mistakes that happen far too often. Let’s talk about the mistakes so many people have made in the past it has made them “classic”.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jul 16,2020 19:11

71. What Mark Twain Can Teach Us About Money

Will talk about what is going on in the news, answer an email question and see what can we learn about money by exploring some quotes from the great Mark Twain.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jul 02,2020 20:21

72. You Say One Thing, But You Do Another

We’ve found that—for a lot of people—what they say and what they do don’t necessarily match. Let’s look at some examples in the financial world where you might be saying one thing, but your behavior indicates something different, and you don’t even realize it.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jun 18,2020 23:35

73. Bear Markets

This week we provide a positive spin on bear markets. We discuss the differences in a V and a W recovery type and how the three little bears story can correlate to the various bear markets.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 21,2020 21:32

74. Email Questions

We take a break from the coronavirus conversation to catch up on some email questions sent into the podcast. We also have a brand new name but still with the same great content.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 07,2020 25:52

75. Special Announcement - New Show Name

Just a quick note to let you know we're changing the name of the show. We are now the "Retirement Success Blueprint Podcast". You can still expect the same great information and financial guidance as before, just with a fresh coat of paint in the form of a new name.A new episode is in the works and coming to you later this week!

May 05,2020 00:21

76. 7 Things To Consider During COVID-19

This week, we'll discuss 7 items to think about during these economic times no matter if you are still working or if you've already retired. Since you've got some down time at home while we wait things out, consider re-evaluating these crucial pieces of your financial plan.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 23,2020 19:26

77. April Coronavirus Update

It's time for an update on where we stand with the markets, the economy, and retirement planning as it relates to the Coronavirus pandemic.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Apr 09,2020 22:31

78. Getting Lost In The Financial World

Have you ever gotten lost? Not that much fun is it? Well, getting lost in the car or in the woods is a lot like getting lost in retirement planning. Let’s look at the reasons that people get lost, and then how to get back on track...Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 19,2020 17:50

79. The Important Stages Of Retirement Planning

How far out from retirement are you? 15 years? 10? 5? Is it on the doorstep? No matter which stage you’re in, there are some really important things you should be thinking about as you inch closer to that day you call it quits at work. On this episode, we’ll walk through these different stages to see exactly the kinds of things you should be doing from a planning perspective and how your focus changes as you get closer to the big day.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Mar 05,2020 18:44

80. How To Account For Emotions In Your Financial Plan

Most people like to think that they always make decisions based on logic and facts, but the truth is that emotions usually play a role for all of us in the decision-making process.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Feb 20,2020 18:46

81. Everything You Need To Know About Roth Conversions

The idea of a Roth conversion is intriguing to a lot of people, and for some people it can be a great strategy to enact. Let’s explore the concept.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Feb 06,2020 18:29

82. Lessons From The Retirement Farm

Let’s pretend like building a retirement plan is like running a farm. There are actually some very cool similarities between farming and building a good retirement plan. Let’s explore them on today’s show.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 30,2020 26:42

83. Lies You Learn In Broker School

A lot of financial professionals say things that just aren’t true. And it’s not that they’re intentionally trying to mislead, it’s just that they’ve been trained to use certain talking points, which they might even believe to be true themselves. Let’s talk about the statements you should be cautious of if you hear them from a financial advisor...Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 16,2020 22:27

84. Managing Debt & Retirement Planning

Do you believe you need to be completely debt free to retire successfully? Or are you okay carrying some balances beyond your working years? There are many opinions about the best way to handle debt and retirement planning, so we’ll tackle them all on today’s show.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Jan 02,2020 19:46

85. Which Excuses Keep You From Retiring?

Sometimes people say they don’t want to retire...and sometimes they really mean it. Other times it’s just a defense mechanism to compensate for the fact that they feel like they can’t retire. So let’s explore some of the possible meanings behind the statement, “I don’t want to retire.”Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Dec 19,2019 20:31

86. Finding Silver Linings In Unfortunate Financial Situations

Not everything goes smoothly in your financial life. We’ll look at some negative circumstances that many retirees and pre-retirees face and help you find the silver lining in the midst of tough situations.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Dec 05,2019 22:07

87. Sabotaging Your Own Retirement

With all of the things in the financial world that you can’t control, why would you sabotage your own retirement by messing up the things you can control? Let’s discuss some ways that people sabotage their own financial health...Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 21,2019 24:07

88. It’s Good To Have Awkward Conversations

Sometimes being a good financial advisor means having uncomfortable conversations. We’ll take a look at how advisors should help clients navigate various tricky situations. If you’re going to be working with a financial advisor, make sure they’re pushing you to address these kinds of topics.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Nov 07,2019 27:53

89. The Variables That Shape Your Retirement Plan

If the variables were the same for everybody, retirement planning would be much simpler. But the fact that everybody is different is what makes it fun. On today’s show, we’ll explain why answers to some of retirement’s critical questions vary from person to person.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 17,2019 23:00

90. The Next Market Crash

Some people think we’re on the cusp of the next stock market crash. Others predict that we’re just due for a minor correction. And another camp thinks we’ll continue an upward trend. We don’t know who is right or when any of those options will occur. But let’s talk about what the next market crash might look like, even if we don’t know when it will come.Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Oct 03,2019 22:04

91. The Last Decade Before Retirement

The last decade of your working life is a very important one from a retirement planning perspective. Let’s talk about some of the things you want to be sure you address during that 10-year period...Website: https://crystallaketax.com/Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Sep 19,2019 21:42

92. Busting The Biggest Financial Myths

Today’s episode is simple. We’ll look at some of the most widely believed financial myths and try to bust them wide open. The scary thing is that a lot of people base their financial plans on some of these myths. Don’t be like that.

Sep 05,2019 21:53

93. Market Mayhem

It's been a volatile start to the month of August 2019, so let's take a few moments to consider how to best adapt your investment strategies to handle the ups and downs of the market. When approaching retirement or in retirement, there's no room for heavy losses. Michael will let us know how we can conserve our hard-earned money so we're protected from - and we can make the most of - market mayhem.

Aug 15,2019 18:57

94. You Need To Avoid These Portfolio Disasters

Between wildfires, hurricanes, tornados and floods, there’s always a natural disaster making news headlines. And while life and limb aren’t at stake when it comes to your portfolio, experiencing a financial disaster can still have a catastrophic effect on your life in retirement. Let’s discuss some portfolio disasters that we’ve seen and how to avoid them...

Aug 01,2019 22:13

95. Exposing 401(k) Weaknesses

Your 401k can be your most powerful retirement savings tool. But it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about some of the weaknesses that you should be aware of in your 401k (or 403b, or TSP, or 457 plan).

Jul 18,2019 19:15

96. “Fake News” Impacting Your Finances

The term “fake news” has become synonymous with the political climate of the past few years. But the phenomenon has spread to other parts of our culture as well. What about fake news in the financial space? We’ll look at some recent news headlines to see if they qualify to be labeled as “fake news”.

Jul 03,2019 18:41

97. What Popular Proverbs Teach Us About Money

There are plenty of proverbs and axioms that aren’t meant to be about money, but we can easily learn a financial lesson from them anyway. We’ll show you the hidden money meanings behind some of these popular sayings...

Jun 20,2019 19:33

98. 5 Simple Retirement Questions (That Are Hard To Answer)

Some of retirement planning’s most important questions seem so simple at first. They can be asked in just a few words and give the impression the answers are a simple “yes” or “no”. But it’s tricky because many of these questions can become overwhelming to answer. Let’s cover some of the important retirement questions that are harder to answer than you might think.'

Jun 06,2019 20:02

99. Plan Your Summer Vacation & Your Retirement

If you’re heading out on a road trip this summer, there’s a long checklist of items that you want to be sure you haven’t forgotten. And in retirement planning, some of those exact same items need to be addressed. Let’s look at some of the items that should appear on both your road trip checklist and your retirement planning checklist.

May 16,2019 19:15

100. Defining The Buzzword “Safe Money”

It seems that people have different definitions of “safe money” as it relates to their savings. Let’s discuss some of those varying explanations of the term and why it’s an important conversation for any retiree or pre-retiree to have.

May 02,2019 20:34

101. When Is It “Safe” For You To Retire?

We get a lot of questions from listeners wanting to know how they can determine when it will be “safe” for them to retire. Let’s look at some of the key factors that help a person define what “safe” means and when they can indeed pull that retirement lever.

Apr 18,2019 17:40

102. The 5 Most Common “Pain Points” In Your Financial Life

When it comes to financial planning, everybody has some kind of pain point. Those pain points are different for each person, but everyone has something that bothers them. Michael tells us about some times where he's helped clients through these frustrating areas.

Apr 04,2019 23:01

103. The 6 Things Wasting Away In Your Financial Junk Drawer

Most people have a junk drawer at home. It usually contains things like rubber bands, clothespins, highlighters, glue sticks, a tape measure, a label maker, and a pair of scissors. But most people have a financial junk drawer too. Let’s talk about some of the things that end up there and how they might be put to better use…

Mar 21,2019 21:32

104. Episode #27: Retirement Planning: When DIY Works (And When It Doesn’t)

In many areas of our culture, the do-it-yourself mentality is really popular. There’s even a DIY Network where you can watch shows about home renovation, landscaping, or interior design, and how to do those things without professional help. Let’s talk about what the DIY mentality looks like in retirement planning.

Mar 07,2019 18:01

105. Episode #26: The Pros And Cons Of Being An Informed Consumer

You want to feel informed about your options when it comes to making financial decisions. So, you probably turn to a lot of different sources to gather that information. Let’s look at some of the most popular areas from which you’re getting your financial education and evaluate whether these are wise areas from which to grow your financial knowledge.

Feb 21,2019 19:13

106. Episode #25: Little Missed Details

Let’s talk about some of the details that people often fail to consider when they’re planning their retirement.

Feb 07,2019 20:20

107. Episode #24: 50 Shades Of Gray Area

Not everything in financial planning is black and white. In fact, most things aren’t black and white—there’s usually a lot of gray area. Let’s identify some of the issues that usually require a nuanced discussion…

Jan 17,2019 27:44

108. Episode #23: How To Spot A Bad Advisor

How do you know if your financial advisor is a bad fit for you? What about an advisor that you’re thinking about working with? How can you tell the good ones from the bad ones?

Jan 03,2019 25:13

109. Episode #22: Risk Tolerance

Any advisor worth his or her salt is going to have a conversation with you about risk. But what in the world is “risk tolerance”? It’s a buzzword that gets used a lot in meetings with financial advisors, but we’ve found that a lot of people don’t have a great understanding of how their risk tolerance truly impacts their financial and retirement plans. Let’s fix that and give you the 411 on risk tolerance.

Dec 20,2018 19:56

110. Episode #21: Real Financial Advising Is Solving Problems

Most people think that a financial advisor’s primary job is picking investments. That’s only a small part of it. The reality is that the primary job is solving problems. Let’s look at some situations that have happened over the years where the financial planning became less about picking investments and more about solving problems.

Dec 06,2018 21:44

111. Episode #20: Are You Asking The Wrong Financial Questions?

A lot of people have questions about their retirement plan, but we find that they’re often asking the wrong questions. We’ll cover some of these common questions and learn about the different questions you should be asking instead.

Nov 15,2018 23:09

112. Episode #19: Settle The Debate - Right Or Wrong?

Depending on who you ask, you could get very different answers to some of retirement planning’s most important questions. Let’s see where our opinions all stand on issues like insurance, mutual funds & annuities. And we’ll try to answer why there are so many different opinions on these concepts.

Nov 01,2018 17:12

113. Episode #18: 5 Hidden Expenses You Need To Know About

Just because you can’t plainly see all the expenses you’ll incur during the retirement planning process doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Let’s cover 5 important areas where you’ll want to watch for hidden expenses.

Oct 18,2018 19:04

114. Episode #17: The Complications Of An Early Retirement

An early retirement sounds fantastic to most people. Who wouldn’t want to kick off the extra travel, less stress and more freedom that retirement can often bring a little earlier than planned? However, a lot of people don’t realize the additional complications presented when you retire early. Let’s tackle what early retirement means for most people and how you can best set yourself up to achieve that goal.

Oct 04,2018 17:44

115. Retirement Planning: More Than Just Investments

There’s a lot more to retirement planning than just picking investments. Is your advisor helping you navigateall the other essential areas?

Sep 20,2018 18:05

116. Are You A Victim of Doing Fuzzy Math?

A lot of investors (and quite frankly a lot of advisors) fall victim to fuzzy math when it comes to their retirement planning. Let’s explore some of the areas where someone might be employing fuzzy math.

Sep 06,2018 20:14

117. Sales Pitches vs. True Planning – How To Tell The Difference

It’s important to be able to recognize the difference between an advisor who actually has a planning process and one who just gives sales pitches all day. Let’s go over how you can identify the difference.

Aug 16,2018 18:29

118. What Demographics Can Tell Us

Statistics can sometimes make your head spin. But sometimes they give us some helpful insight into howothers approach financial and retirement planning. Let’s look at some intriguing demographics and see whatthey tell us about retirement these days.

Aug 02,2018 16:18

119. Unique Planning Challenges

Creating a customized retirement plan for any individual can mean addressing some unique challenges. With each of these scenarios, let’s discuss the challenges presented, as well as the solutions you might come up with…

Jul 19,2018 13:23

120. Your Money Mission Statements

Mission statements give our dollars a purpose. They help us to develop a sound strategy in our portfolio. Let’s find out whether you’re effectively putting your money to work for you.

Jul 05,2018 15:08

121. Getting Started: A Financial Plan’s First Steps

For some folks, the idea of putting together a financial plan can be overwhelming. But it’s less threatening if you just focus on a first step to get you started. But depending on your situation, your most logical first step could be one of several things… We'll also answer Samantha in Lake Zurick's question about how she can empower her mother to live a little in retirement. Plus, is carrying debt past age 75 the new normal? We'll ask Michael on this week's edition of Retirement Matters with Mi

Jun 21,2018 26:32

122. Risky, But Popular, Investments

It’s probably common sense when you think about human nature, but some of the riskiest investments are also the most popular. At least the risky ones generate a lot of interest, even if most folks don’t end up actually making an investment. Let’s look at some of these popular and risky investments. We'll also answer Marie's question about having too many life insurance policies. And does Michael agree with Greenspan's assessment of an "out of whack" US economy? We'll find out on this edition of

Jun 07,2018 24:00

123. Five Counterintuitive Pieces Of Financial Guidance

Some advice just makes good sense. But sometimes the guidance we get doesn’t align with our expectations. That’s not necessarily a bad thing - that type of advice can be just as helpful. Let’s talk about some of the counterintuitive financial advice you may, or may not, receive.

May 24,2018 18:54

124. How Do You React To Market Corrections?

Any time the market is moving in a downward direction, or even just wavering, we see people react in variousways. Take a listen to see if you identify with one of these common reactions to market corrections. Do youover-trade as a response? Do you stick your head in the sand or run around like a chicken with your headcut off? We’ll give you ways you can avoid becoming your worst enemy and show you how to keepparticular emotions and reactions in check during times of market turmoil.

May 10,2018 22:08

125. An Important Question: How Do You Know?

One of the most important questions you can ask is, “How do you know _____?” The blank is where we fill in the most crucial elements, the building blocks, of financial planning. On this podcast, we’ll cover what items you need to put in that blank and provide the guidance to help answer the different questions that arise. Michael will also give his opinion on the minimum wage debate. Would raising it be a good or bad thing for the economy? And we'll answer Richard's question about the recent tax

Apr 26,2018 28:53

126. Storytime: Ripped Off

It’s one of the things we’re all afraid of in many aspects of life. Nobody wants to get ripped off. Michael has seen it happen to people. Let’s hear about a time that happened with someone and if they were able to fix the problem. We'll also answer Lynne's question about working with big financial companies vs. smaller offices. And what should we learn from the recent market hiccups? Michael will help us navigate the news landmines that tend to spark market volatility.

Apr 12,2018 19:10

127. His And Hers Retirement Planning

If you’re married, then this will come as no surprise. It takes two to complete a successful retirement plan. On this podcast, we’ll look at how husbands and wives have different financial goals and how that creates conflict. We’ll, of course, also explore how to resolve that conflict to establish a solid financial plan.

Mar 29,2018 20:33

128. Keep It Simple, Stupid

We’re not trying to be mean at all, but it’s a good idea to be blunt when it comes to this topic. You see, retirement planning doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn’t have to be as complicated as some people make it. On this podcast, let’s explore why people make things harder than they need to be and what we can all do to keep the process simpler and easier to understand.

Mar 15,2018 18:23

129. The Financial Grocery Store, Employee Bonuses, And Robots

You probably have a specific routine for how you like to go grocery shopping. Some of us are list-makers, others kind of wing it. Some put everything neatly in the cart while you might be one of those folks who just tosses it all into a big pile. Let’s discuss how retirement is a lot like shopping for groceries. Try not to get too hungry while we do this. We’ll also cover news about big bonuses and robots! Who doesn’t like talking about robots?

Mar 01,2018 23:20

130. Financial Resolutions And Rising Interest Rates

You’ve probably made some resolutions for 2018. You’ve probably already failed at some of those resolutions. So, maybe take a stab at starting some very attainable financial resolutions. Also, the Fed has been raising interest rates a little bit. We'll discuss what it might mean for you.

Feb 16,2018 22:54

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