Retirement Reality Podcast

For some people, the idea of retiring and then getting another job is detestable. For others, they can’t sit still and have to go find some other job. In this show, we discuss the benefits of taking on side gigs during retirement and explore five practical ideas that can help retirees stay engaged and financially secure. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:52 – Consulting 2:43 – Teaching 3:48 – Selling Items Online 5:30 – Pet Sitting 7:03 – Retail 8:40 – How it impacts planning Our website: https://principalpreservationservices.com/ Phone: (855) 987-8888 Contact our team: https://principalpreservationservices.com/wisconsin-minnesota-financial-services/ Get your exclusive first chapter of Mike’s books: https://principalpreservationservices.com/books/ Check out our downloadable guides: https://principalpreservationservices.com/useful-financial-guides/ Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6RRiWvkInUm_E3lg38T2g

The five love languages were made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. In the spirit of the month of love, let’s take a look at how you may encounter the love languages when it comes to financial planning. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:22 – Acts of Service 2:55 – Quality Time 4:16 – Words of Affirmation 5:33 – Gifts 7:19 – Physical Touch Our website: https://principalpreservationservices.com/ Phone: (855) 987-8888 Contact our team: https://principalpreservationservices.com/wisconsin-minnesota-financial-services/ Get your exclusive first chapter of Mike’s books: https://principalpreservationservices.com/books/ Check out our downloadable guides: https://principalpreservationservices.com/useful-financial-guides/ Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6RRiWvkInUm_E3lg38T2g

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question Bob, one of our listeners, sent in. He’s got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo. So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they’re probably fine on their own. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:23 – Today’s question 3:01 – How advisors provide value 4:18 – Financial blindspots 6:24 – Help managing a portfolio 8:43 – Why you work with an advisor Our website: https://principalpreservationservices.com/ Phone: (855) 987-8888 Contact our team: https://principalpreservationservices.com/wisconsin-minnesota-financial-services/ Get your exclusive first chapter of Mike’s books: https://principalpreservationservices.com/books/ Check out our downloadable guides: https://principalpreservationservices.com/useful-financial-guides/ Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6RRiWvkInUm_E3lg38T2g

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:26 – Single-income households 3:53 – Coordinating claiming strategies 6:39 – Blended families 9:33 – Disabled family members 11:09 – Mike’s advice for claiming Our website: https://principalpreservationservices.com/ Phone: (855) 987-8888 Contact our team: https://principalpreservationservices.com/wisconsin-minnesota-financial-services/ Get your exclusive first chapter of Mike’s books: https://principalpreservationservices.com/books/ Check out our downloadable guides: https://principalpreservationservices.com/useful-financial-guides/ Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6RRiWvkInUm_E3lg38T2g

Winter has a lot of people thinking about warmer weather. For some, that just means an annual vacation down south. But for certain retirees, they choose to live elsewhere through the brunt of winter, becoming “snowbirds.” Is snowbird life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if it’s worthwhile. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:50 – How common is this? 3:10 – Trying it before retirement 4:30 – What you need to know 6:24 – How a financial advisor helps Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years, and its impact on retirement planning is arguably bigger than ever. As prices for everyday goods and services continue to rise, understanding how to effectively manage these changes is essential for securing a comfortable retirement. Let’s explore strategies for inflation-proofing your retirement and share a look into how we address this in our planning. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:32 – How inflation changes planning 3:04 – Inflation rate average 4:15 – Inflation’s impact over time 6:08 – Investment strategies 7:51 – Client story Our website: https://principalpreservationservices.com/ Phone: (855) 987-8888 Contact our team: https://principalpreservationservices.com/wisconsin-minnesota-financial-services/ Get your exclusive first chapter of Mike’s books: https://principalpreservationservices.com/books/ Check out our downloadable guides: https://principalpreservationservices.com/useful-financial-guides/ Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6RRiWvkInUm_E3lg38T2g

As we kick off 2025, a lot of people consider what they want the year to look like and how to put their best foot forward, especially financially. Think: “new year, new me!” Today, we’ll talk about the financial decisions and habits you’ve maybe had in the past and what changes you can make this year to embrace the new you. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:20 – Overspending 3:29 – Saving to a fault 5:28 – Not knowing what you have 7:30 – Pausing your investing 9:47 – Not having a plan Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

The majority of the investment planning you do for retirement is aimed at long-term success, but what can you do with the money you’ll need in the next few years? You don’t want to put those funds at risk when there’s a major purchase like a wedding or a new car coming in the near future. So what can you do with that money to keep it from being stagnant in the interim? This show will discuss the pros and cons of traditional banking, money markets, fixed annuities, and structured notes. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:10 – Putting money in the market for a short-term investment 3:06 – Are small returns good enough? 4:53 – Annuities and structured notes 6:29 – The decision-making process 7:49 – Another note on structured notes Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

It’s the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 – Why the reservations? 4:20 – Easing spending fears 5:59 – Overconfidence 8:00 – Spending strategies Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Join us as we explore the evolving benchmarks for retirement savings, the importance of proper planning over mere goal-setting, and the role of charitable contributions in financial strategies. We’ll break it all down and explore what these new numbers mean for your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:28 – Is there a universal retirement benchmark? 2:41 – Charitable giving 4:23 – The fear of never being able to retire 5:30 – Average 401k contribution 7:11 – Target date funds 8:44 – Roth 401ks 10:24 – Taking care of yourself in the present Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

🎄 The holiday season is here! As you're busy stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that bring you closer to a secure retirement. 🎁 Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:03 – Maxing out contributions 2:04 – Reviewing your Social Security strategy 3:55 – Consolidating old retirement accounts 5:28 – Bucket strategy 7:07 – Revisit your estate plan 8:40 – Planning for inflation 10:05 – RMDs 11:11 – Risk tolerance 12:54 – Emergency funds 14:39 – Financial checkups Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Did ​you ​know ​that ​most ​Americans ​are ​forced ​to ​retire ​early? ​A ​little ​bit ​more ​than ​you ​might ​actually ​realize. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 60% of Americans are forced to retire earlier than their planned age.​ On this show, ​we're ​going ​to ​talk ​about ​some ​things ​to ​think ​about and the next steps to consider if you find yourself in this situation. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:33 – How we guide clients in that situation 3:18 – Why people retire earlier than planned 4:28 – Social Security and Medicare 7:11 – Preparing for the unexpected 13:19 – The mindset shift For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Phil's Tax Hacks and Other Retirement Facts

Retirees face serious financial temptations that can jeopardize their future, but there are smart ways to avoid them. In this episode, we’ll reveal the most dangerous temptations the average retiree faces and share strategies to help you avoid them, or correct your current course, to keep retirement on track. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 – Debt 3:45 – Missing out on a 401k match 5:09 – Deferring taxes 8:23 – Taking Social Security early 10:28 – Concluding thoughts Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Today it’s part two of our discussion about the crucial insights every investor should know before stepping into a financial advisor's office. This week, learn about the importance of comprehensive planning beyond investments, the emotional side of financial decisions, and the value of diversification. Discover why financial planning isn't just for the wealthy and the significance of working with a fiduciary. Plus, get insights on maintaining regular reviews of your financial plan and why consistent contributions to your 401k matter more than market timing. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:42 – Emotions 3:18 – Diversification 4:33 – Planning not just for the wealthy 6:35 – Reviewing regularly 8:06 – Fiduciary 10:25 – Question on retirement contributions Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:02 – Investment costs 3:40 – Real risk 5:40 – Motivation behind information 8:06 – Setting realistic goals 10:27 – Long term over short term 11:35 – One-size-fits-all planning Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

As we rapidly approach 2025, it's essential to stay informed about the latest changes in retirement contribution limits and tax brackets. In this episode, Mike will update you on what adjustments are being made to key pension and retirement plan limits, providing listeners with the knowledge needed to maximize their retirement savings. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:13 – 401k contributions 2:47 – IRA limits 3:27 – Standard tax deductions 4:17 – Tax bracket income thresholds 5:14 – Social Security COLA increase 6:37 – Impact on planning Text RETIRE to 21000 to Begin Building Your Retirement Reality Roadmap. Learn more about Principal Preservation Services: https://principalpreservationservices.com Schedule an Initial Meeting with Mike: https://calendly.com/ppservices/60-minute-initial-meeting Watch Retirement Reality on Demand: https://bit.ly/40VIByr

Social Security has long been a cornerstone of retirement planning for millions of Americans, providing a crucial safety net in their golden years. However, recent proposals suggest significant changes could be on the horizon, potentially altering the landscape of retirement as we know it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: To get in touch with Mike, visit our website: http://principalpreservationservices.com

Every firm has distinct principles that guide its approach to financial planning. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the core values and unique processes that set Principal Preservation Services apart. We’ll walk you through how we get to know our clients on a deeper level, create personalized financial strategies, and how our approach redefines what it means to have a successful financial planning experience. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: To get in touch with Mike, visit our website: http://principalpreservationservices.com

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire. Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode as Mike answers two questions from the listener mailbag! Here are the regrets we discuss in this episode: To get in touch with Mike, visit our website: http://principalpreservationservices.com

In this episode, we’re exploring some of the world’s most unique and quirky fears—and believe it or not, they have a lot more in common with your financial life than you might think. From the fear of long words to the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth, we’ll navigate through a list of some of the world’s most peculiar fears and draw parallels to financial planning. Mike shares his insights on how these fears can manifest in our financial decisions and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. Here are some of the fears we discuss in this episode: To get in touch with Mike, visit our website: http://principalpreservationservices.com