

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

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!

Dec 6, 2022 • 31min
What Investments Should I Own in My Retirement Portfolio?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what investments you should own in your retirement portfolio?Questions Answered: What are the best investments to provide income throughout retirement?What are the best strategies to maximize income?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 5:05 - Stock Ownership12:15 - Company FAQs19:55 - Just Need S&P 500?26:03 - Safe Investments?29:09 - How Much Do You Need?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!

Nov 29, 2022 • 21min
Are Withdrawal Rate Rules Still Applicable in Today's Markets?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if withdrawal rates are still applicable in today's markets.Questions Answered: Can we still trust withdrawal rate rules?What are the best strategies to maximize income?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out our main channel for all of our podcast episodes and more on YouTube 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!

Nov 22, 2022 • 16min
What Are the Pros and Cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the pros and cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions.Questions Answered: When does it make most sense to implement?What are the best strategies to implement Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out our main channel on YouTube 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!

Nov 15, 2022 • 15min
Should You Get a 15 or 30 Year Mortgage?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you should get a 15 or 30 year mortgage. Questions Answered: What mortgage is best for you?What are the best strategies to view real estate in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube 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!


