Ready For Retirement
James Conole, CFP®
Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 14, 2023 • 25min
Where Should I Invest Extra Income After Maxing My 401k?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what you should do with extra income after you max out your 401(k). Questions Answered: What are the best accounts to invest in after your 401(k)?Should you invest in a brokerage/Roth/IRA/etc?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Key Benefit2:23 - Order of Operations4:30 - Where To Save Next6:14 - Example (Person A v. B)9:50 - HSA (Health Savings Accounts)12:33 - Backdoor Roth Contribution15:46 - Brokerage Account Hack18:50 - Paying Down Debt21:08 - ESPP23:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Feb 7, 2023 • 28min
What Should You Do With Your 401k When You Retire?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what you should do with your 401(k) when you retire.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to reduce fees in a 401(k)?Should you move your 401(k) elsewhere?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Listener Question3:23 - 401(k) Hidden Fees7:52 - Gaining More Control9:45 - Investment Options13:40 - Clunky Planning17:03 - After-Tax Contributions21:05 - Net Unrealized Appreciation24:02 - Tax Treatment26:08 - Age Importance29:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Jan 31, 2023 • 28min
5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses with retirement life coach Cyn Meyer how to create the most meaningful retirement.Guest: Cyn Meyer is a Retirement Life Coach and founder of Second Wind Movement. She has free resources here on her website available to all of you. Cyn also offers a free workshop here.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to have a meaningful retirement?What are the best strategies to implement TODAY to start preparing for your dream retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:2:08 - Introduction 4:03 - Fear-based living7:22 - Subtle Isn't SUBTLE!12:27 - Encourage Yourself16:39 - Understanding The NEW You20:46 - Overall Happiness Levels23:29 - Intentional Work26:08 - You Are Unique20:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Jan 24, 2023 • 22min
How to Use Roth Conversions to Protect Your Spouse's Future
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James how to use Roth Conversions to protect your spouse's future.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to implement Roth Conversions?What are the best strategies to implement tax planning for your spouse?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Roth Conversions3:23 - When To Implement6:52 - Income Assumptions9:27 - Taxable Income12:05 - Roth Conversion Planning14:35 - Surviving Spouse Tax Planning16:48 - Life Insurance Protection19:21 - Analysis Assumptions20:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Jan 17, 2023 • 22min
When Should You Start Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stocks For Retirement Income?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when you should start withdrawing cash instead of stocks for retirement income?Questions Answered: What is the best way to optimize withdrawals?What are the best strategies to optimize pulling funds from cash vs. stocks?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 2:27 - Spending Down Cash4:14 - Funding in Retirement5:58 - Sustainable Withdrawal Rates8:54 - Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stock13:25 - Avoid Unnecessary Sales17:25 - Conservative Assets Needed20:35 - Allocation For Life21:45 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Jan 10, 2023 • 34min
8 Important Planning Opportunities From the SECURE Act 2.0
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 8 important planning opportunities from the SECURE Act 2.0Questions Answered: What are the major changes from the SECURE Act 2.0?What are the best strategies to implement from the SECURE Act 2.0?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 3:14 - SECURE Act 2.0 Overview4:22 - RMD Changes6:52 - Tax Planning Window Changes9:04 - Roth Conversions12:05 - 529 Plan to Roth IRAs19:38 - RMD Spouse Changes21:45 - RMD Changes (overall)23:10 - IRA Catch-Up Contributions24:40 - Employer Matching Contributions26:00 - Roth 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions27:05 - Catch-up Contributions28:10 - Qualified Charitable Distributions30:25 - RMD Penalties32:45 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Jan 3, 2023 • 24min
3 Steps to Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 3 steps to make 2023 your best year yet.Questions Answered: What is the best way to get your "money right"?What are the best strategies to optimize your money choices?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 2:46 - Examples of Prudent Financial Decisions5:23 - Future Assumptions6:00 - Mindset Shift With Money9:27 - Important Goals with Money15:30 - What-If Scenario's19:10 - Write Out Your Dream Future20:35 - Implementing Your Vision21:45 - Staying Present With Your MoneyCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Dec 27, 2022 • 22min
5 Wrong Assumptions People Make About Retirement
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 5 assumptions that you shouldn't make in retirement.Questions Answered: What are the best practices when making assumptions in retirement?What are the best strategies to create income in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 4:22 - Example of an Investor6:28 - Short-Term v. Long-Term12:15 - Retirement Income (Reality)16:15 - Aligning Your Financial Goals (Cash Flow)19:30 - Portfolio Income Creation20:45 - Summary of AssumptionsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Dec 20, 2022 • 17min
Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good "Plan B"?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if a reverse mortgage is a good "Plan B".Questions Answered: What are the best practices when using a reverse mortgage?What are the best strategies to create income in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 5:05 - Reverse Mortgage Basics9:35 - Example of Income Creation12:15 - Retirement Income16:15 - Aligning Your Financial GoalsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Dec 13, 2022 • 29min
When Does it Make Sense to Work with a Financial Advisor?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when it does (and doesn't) make sense to work with a financial planner.Questions Answered: When does it make most sense to consider working with a financial advisor?What are the main benefits you can expect from working with a financial advisor?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved by having a financial advisor?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 3:05 - Cost/Benefit Decision6:36 - Cost of an Advisor11:30 - Partnering Throughout Life16:45 - History of 4% Rule23:09 - Sign of a Good Financial Life28:05 - Working With Us Check out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
