My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday… until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner or cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime. How do you pick the right strategy? Let’s break down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🕒 Why many retirees choose to claim Social Security at 62 📊 The trade-offs between early filing and full retirement age 💼 How working impacts Social Security through the earnings test 💍 Spousal and survivor benefit considerations 💡 Using Social Security strategically to enhance your retirement lifestyle Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Nothing will mess with your financial confidence faster than comparing your savings to your brother, your coworkers, or that guy on YouTube who claims he retired at 35. Your retirement number isn’t a competition. Today, Lee talks about what really matters when you’re trying to figure out if you’re behind on your savings goals…and what to do if you actually are. Everyone’s financial story is different. Once you stop comparing and start planning, you’ll know exactly what steps to take next. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🔍 Comparison steals joy and creates unnecessary retirement stress 💰 Your retirement number is personal, not a competition 📉 Expenses, not savings, determine how much you truly need 📈 Comparing investment returns is misleading and unhelpful 🛠️ Focus on controllable actions like saving and budgeting Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com We've all heard the saying there is no such thing as a bad question, but in retirement planning, some questions are definitely better than others. In this episode, Lee explains the five questions smart investors ask and explains how reframing each one leads to better decisions, stronger strategies, and more confident planning. The smartest investors don’t just look for answers. They learn to ask better questions. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📰 Office News: team update and new advisor announcement 💰 How Much Do I Need? Reframing savings into income needs 🏥 Long-Term Care: exploring all coverage options instead of rolling the dice 💸 Fees vs. Value: understanding what you truly get for the price 🧾 Taxes: shifting the conversation from “this year” to lifetime tax savings 📉 Market Fear: building a portfolio that works in every market—not timing the chaos Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Considering marriage in your 50s or 60s? While it's a time for new beginnings and happiness, it can also introduce unique financial challenges. In this episode, Lee shares expert insights on navigating retirement planning when two lives- and two sets of finances- come together. Discover how honest conversations today can strengthen your relationship and ensure your legacy for the future. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💍 Remarriage & Retirement: blending lives without merging finances 💬 Financial Transparency: why honesty builds long-term stability 💵 Cash Flow Planning: aligning income and spending in retirement 📊 Separate Accounts: managing assets while planning together 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Balance: protecting children and shared goals ⚖️ Ground Rules: setting expectations before you tie the knot Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com The mail’s here! Today, Lee answers listener questions about life, money, and retirement planning. Each scenario highlights the unique challenges people face as they approach or live through retirement, and the importance of making confident, well-coordinated decisions along the way. Most times, the best advice doesn’t come from Google, it comes from experience, wisdom, and planning. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💰 Income Boost: how to handle a sudden increase in earnings 👵 Parents’ Financial Health: addressing concerns and planning for their future 📆 Social Security Choices: deciding when and how to claim benefits 🏡 Vacation Home Dilemma: the pros and cons of buying property with family Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Think having two financial advisors gives you an edge? Think again. It might sound smart, but splitting your investments often leads to mixed messages, conflicting strategies, and costly mistakes. Today, Lee exposes the hidden dangers of a “too many cooks in the kitchen” approach to money, and why one clear, trusted voice can make all the difference in your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💸 Why People Split Money: common reasons investors divide their assets between firms 🗣️ Coordinating Advice: the challenge of getting everyone on the same page 📊 Returns Race: why chasing short-term performance hurts long-term goals 📉 Investment Overlap: certain strategies can double your risk instead of spreading it Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com The mailbag is open! In this episode, Lee tackles real-world listener questions that hit on some of the most common dilemmas retirees face. First up: should you buy that RV with debt, or withdraw from your IRA and take the tax hit? Then, how do you know if a life insurance “investment” pitch is a smart opportunity or just a sales tactic to avoid? Next, Lee addresses a common concern: what should you do with a large 401(k) balance when you don’t fully understand investing? He explains why saving is great, but strategy is essential. He also breaks down when it makes sense to use a Roth 401(k) option at work. From there, the focus shifts to retirement psychology: what if you’re afraid of running out of money? Do you need to cut back or go back to work? Lee explains why neither is ideal and what to do instead. Finally, we hear from a listener who received a surprise inheritance and wants to know how to navigate IRAs, stocks, and property the right way. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🚐 RV dilemmas – buy with debt or tap your IRA? 🛡️ Life insurance sales – smart questions to ask before saying yes 📊 401(k) reality check – saving isn’t enough without a strategy 🔄 Roth 401(k) choices – when shifting contributions makes sense 💸 Running out of money – how to calm the fear of going back to work 🏡 Getting a surprise inheritance – how to manage it wisely Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people follow the “first year rule,” believing the majority of your best retirement months will happen in those first twelve. But if you don’t approach this season with intentionality, you could set the wrong tone emotionally and financially. In this episode, Lee shares the five essential steps every new retiree should take during year one. You’ll hear real stories and practical advice, like how to stay healthy, find purpose, and even test-drive big lifestyle changes before making them permanent. The habits, routines, and choices you make early in retirement will echo through the years ahead. Be intentional now, and you’ll set yourself up for a retirement that’s not only financially sustainable but also deeply fulfilling. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💸 Adjusting to spending when “every day is Saturday” 📊 Building a tax-smart withdrawal strategy 🎯 Establishing routines and finding purpose beyond hobbies 🏃‍♂️ Prioritizing health and preventative habits early 🚗 Testing driving your long-term plans Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com If your parents or grandparents passed away young, it’s natural to wonder: Should I grab Social Security as early as possible? It sounds simple, but the truth is far more nuanced. In this episode, Lee unpacks why longevity isn’t just about family history. Advances in medicine, modern lifestyles, and the kind of retirement you envision all play a huge role in when (and how) you should claim benefits. Lee explains what early filing actually does to your benefits, why spousal considerations matter, and how delaying benefits can increase overall lifetime income for you and potentially for a surviving spouse. Instead of making this decision in a vacuum, Lee shows how Social Security fits into your broader financial plan alongside pensions, savings, and other income sources. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🧬 Family history vs. actual longevity factors 💵 How delayed credits can boost your benefit ❤️ ‍What happens to Social Security if a spouse passes away first 🔄 Trade-offs of using your own assets vs. claiming early 📊 Using Social Security in a comprehensive plan Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com You’ve probably said it before. ‘I ran the numbers, and I should be fine.’ But what if the math you're relying on isn’t telling the whole story? Today, we’re unpacking some of the most common examples of fuzzy retirement math- rules of thumb and assumptions that sound good on paper but can derail your plan if you take them at face value. Lee breaks down why average returns don’t tell the full story, why the 4% withdrawal rule isn’t a guarantee, and why relying only on dividends or assuming you’ll spend less in retirement can backfire. He also explains how taxes and Social Security decisions are often misunderstood, and why flexibility- not formulas- is the real key to retirement success. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 Average returns don’t guarantee consistent growth 💸 The 4% rule isn’t always reliable for withdrawals 📊 Dividends and interest alone can create unstable income 🛍️ Retirees often spend more, not less 💰 Many people stay in the same tax bracket in retirement ⏳ Waiting until 70 for Social Security isn’t always best Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Today, Lee dives into an important topic for federal employees: the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). While the TSP is a powerful accumulation tool, it may lack the flexibility needed in retirement. Lee explains why reaching age 59½ is a critical turning point and how rolling over TSP funds into an IRA can provide greater control, investment options, and tax planning strategies. He highlights both the strengths of the TSP- like low fees, simplicity, and automatic payroll deductions- and its limitations in terms of withdrawal rules and lack of integration with broader financial planning. Lee also shares a client story to illustrate how a personalized plan can make a big difference. If you’re approaching retirement and want to make smart, strategic decisions with your TSP, this episode is a must-listen. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💼 TSP has ultra-low fees, but few options 🎯 Age 59½ opens rollover opportunities 🔄 How rolling over to an IRA offers flexibility and options 🧾The benefits of a personalized tax strategy Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

When it comes to planning for retirement, we often obsess over dollars and cents. But what if the most valuable resource isn’t money at all, but your time? In this episode, Lee shares two compelling client stories that illustrate just how differently people approach time and wealth. One couple clung tightly to their growing nest egg, postponing their dreams until it was too late. Another took a leap of faith, prioritized experiences, and now lives a life full of travel, generosity, and joy. Are you stuck in the mindset of saving for someday, or are you prepared to start living now? Today, Lee challenges what you might think it means to be “ready” for retirement. He unpacks the emotional weight of financial decision-making and offers a clear call to action: use your resources while you still have time to enjoy them. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🏔️ The sad story of a dream mountain house that never got built 💸 How over-saving can rob you of the joy you already earned 🎉 A couple with less money, but more memories, thanks to confident planning 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why giving money to grandkids now might be more rewarding than leaving an inheritance Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

In a world filled with so much uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you can’t control. Volatile markets, shifting tax laws, and political noise don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. But when it comes to retirement planning, there are things you can control, and they’re far more powerful than most people realize. In this episode, Lee walks through the four key areas retirees should focus on to build clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. He shares how his “financial house” model helps retirees decide how much risk they’re comfortable with, and why flexibility is the key to effective income planning. You’ll also hear why it’s worth paying attention to future tax exposure and how to plan around Social Security instead of depending on it. Rather than obsessing over political gridlock or looming program changes, Lee shows how to reduce reliance on government promises and build a retirement plan that stands strong regardless of what’s happening in Washington or on Wall Street. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 Managing how much risk you take 💰 Designing income streams in retirement 💼 Avoid future tax-time surprises 🚫 Not letting Social Security be your only plan 🧠 Why obsessing over headlines can undermine your retirement confidence Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? In this episode, Lee explores the deeper reality behind this rule change and why your withdrawal rate should depend on more than just a headline number. While a higher number might feel like a green light to spend more, Lee emphasizes that real retirement planning requires a personalized approach, not just a rule of thumb. From sequence-of-returns risk to changing needs over time, this conversation helps unpack why no single rule fits everyone. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📢 What the new 4.7% rule actually means 🧩 How your spending needs shift across retirement phases 💬 What to consider before adjusting your retirement income 🛠️ How Lee’s team stress-tests your plan for long-term success Resources for this episode: Read the full Investor’s Business Daily article here: https://www.investors.com/etfs-and-funds/retirement/four-percent-rule-for-retirement-new-withdrawal-rate/ Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

You’ve always been told to save for retirement, but can you go too far? Is it actually possible to over-save for the future? In this insightful episode, Lee answers a compelling listener question about what happens when saving becomes so aggressive that it starts to limit your lifestyle today. He dives into the emotional and practical downsides of over-saving, the dangers of comparing yourself to others, and how to strike a balance for long-term fulfillment. If you’re maxing out your retirement accounts and feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck, this conversation is for you. Lee offers practical insights for building a financial plan that includes your bucket list, not just your retirement date. Financial security isn’t just about having enough money later, it’s also about making the most of your life now. Life is short. Let’s make sure your plan reflects that truth. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💸 Why “saving more” isn’t always the right answer 📅 The emotional cost of deferring joy until retirement 📉 Warning signs you might be sacrificing too much today 🏖️ How to build a plan that supports both now and later 📊 Why financial planning should include your bucket list Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Graduation season isn’t just a time for caps, gowns, and celebrations, it’s a pivotal financial crossroads for many young adults stepping into independence. As they leave the classroom behind and enter the workforce, the financial decisions they make now can quietly shape the next 40 years of their lives. Today, Lee talks about why it’s so important for parents, grandparents, and mentors to help them lay a solid foundation, not just with money, but with mindset. Listen in as Lee shares practical ways to equip recent graduates for long-term success. From starting an emergency fund to making early Roth IRA contributions, he outlines the key conversations and habits that matter most. He also reflects on real stories, including his own, and offers creative gift ideas for families who want to offer more than just a check. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🧠 Life lessons for financial independence at 22, not 52 💳 The sunglasses that taught Lee a credit card lesson 📈 Why your first paycheck is your best investment weapon 🔥 The two-fund strategy: emergency vs. “fun” money 🎁 Gift ideas for graduates that build wealth Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. If recent volatility has you feeling uneasy, you're not alone, but reacting the wrong way can cost you far more than a bumpy month in the markets. In this episode, Lee breaks down how tariffs and trade tensions are fueling market swings and what that really means for your retirement plans. He also shares practical steps to stay calm, stay invested, and keep your financial house in order. You'll learn why short-term chaos often clouds long-term fundamentals, why diversification is more critical now than ever, and how emotional decisions derail otherwise solid strategies. Plus, you'll hear how past crises hold key lessons for investors today. Tune in to learn more about how to navigate times of market volatility and hold onto peace even when the headlines are telling you it’s time to panic. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🌍 How tariffs and trade wars impact your portfolio 📉 Why volatility spikes and why it’s normal 🏠 Building a strong financial "house" to weather storms 📊 The real power of diversification during chaos 🔮 Why patience beats prediction every time Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Reinvention can be exciting, but is it risky when retirement is on the horizon? In this episode, Lee answers a question from a listener who wants to shift from corporate life to a new career in real estate at age 53, using IRA withdrawals to stay afloat during the transition. He also breaks down why early withdrawals can be financially dangerous and how commission-based careers may not offer the stability needed in this phase of life. Beyond the technical advice, Lee explores the emotional side of starting over, how to balance passion with practicality, and what questions to ask before making a leap. He shares a practical framework for pursuing your passion without jeopardizing your long-term goals: get clarity, know your value, and make sure someone is willing to pay for the problems you solve. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🚫 The penalty trap of early IRA withdrawals 🏦 Why 401(k) rules after age 55 offer more flexibility 📉 The income risks of commission-based careers 🧠 How to turn passion into a paid skillset 💼 Why a salaried job may offer better financial stability Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Many people approach retirement age asking the question, “Have I done enough?” It’s a common worry, but are they really focusing on the right things? Based on a survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors, Lee explores the gap between what clients fear and what he believes truly deserves their focus when planning for retirement. He unpacks why concerns like outliving your money and market crashes dominate our minds and the two key factors he believes matter more. Retirement is often seen as a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can also be fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. Understanding the common worries can help individuals better prepare for this important phase of life, even in the wake of rising costs and increasing life expectancies. Tune in for tips on how to feel more confident about your financial future! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 Outliving your money is a top fear but solvable with the right plan 📬 Reliable income = confidence in retirement 🧾 Healthcare is a concern, but not the only thing worth planning for 👫 The financial impact of losing a spouse is often underestimated 💸 Don't just save money- learn how to spend it purposefully Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted. Many investors can’t resist chasing big wins, even though diversification is a smarter play. One economist, Hendrik Bessembinder, analyzed the returns of nearly a century of stock performance. Let’s compare what he found to March Madness history and uncover what March Madness can teach us about investing! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🏆 Many people guess winners, the majority lose money 📉The odds of sustainable success are slim ❌ The most familiar choice doesn’t mean victory 📚 Lee’s financial lessons and takeaways Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com