

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

Aug 12, 2025 • 17min
Here's How Early Retirement Will Impact Your Social Security Benefit
Worried about how early retirement might affect your Social Security? Turns out, it likely won’t hurt your benefits! They discuss how benefits are calculated based on your 35 highest earning years, not your retirement age. Even part-time work can boost your income during semi-retirement. Monthly benefits range significantly based on when you claim them, with a striking difference between starting at 62 versus 70. Curious about your personal benefits? You can easily check your estimate on the SSA website!

Aug 7, 2025 • 17min
Does Your Spouse Really Know the Financial Plan? Why That Matters │ Root Talks
Engaging both partners in financial planning is essential for success. Discover how open communication can unveil hidden dreams and values that drive shared goals. Uncomfortable questions, like spending versus political donations, spark honest conversations that deepen relationships. This connection transforms financial planning into a collaborative journey, where both voices matter and decisions align with family aspirations. Learn why true financial conversation is about more than numbers; it’s about understanding each other’s hopes for the future.

Aug 5, 2025 • 17min
Can You Retire Without $1 Million? The Truth Might Surprise You
Toss aside the myth that you need a million dollars to retire happily. It's all about sustainable cash flow and understanding your expenses. With real examples, like a couple thriving on $300K, you'll see that small lifestyle tweaks can drastically lower your savings goals. The key is measuring what 'comfortable' means for you and calculating your real income gap. Guaranteed income streams, such as Social Security, play a crucial role in retirement planning, making personalized strategies more important than ever.

Jul 29, 2025 • 7min
The #1 Way to Ruin Your Retirement (Most People Do This)
Discover how a children’s poem can reshape your retirement perspective. The discussion reveals the mistake of prioritizing wealth over well-being. It highlights the difficulty of breaking free from the accumulation mindset, even with financial independence. Instead of fearing poverty, the real risk is not recognizing when you have enough. Learn how a tailored financial plan can transform your focus from merely growing wealth to truly enjoying life.

Jul 24, 2025 • 17min
How to Know If You’re Ready to Retire (Hint: It’s Not Just About Money)
Retirement isn't just about having the right finances; it involves a complex emotional journey. The discussion highlights how severance offers can serve as valuable trial runs for life beyond work. Golden handcuffs often trap high-achievers in jobs they wish to leave, overshadowing what truly matters: time and connections. Fear-setting emerges as a clever tool for tackling anxieties surrounding retirement. Ultimately, community support and shared experiences are emphasized as vital for navigating this significant life transition.

Jul 22, 2025 • 12min
This Is Why Financially Ready People Struggle to Retire
Many financially secure professionals hesitate to retire, caught in the cycle of 'just one more year.' This discussion highlights the five dimensions of wealth: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. Time wealth, often overlooked, emphasizes the importance of living healthily and vibrantly. Physical health influences the enjoyment of retirement, while social connections enhance longevity and happiness. Lastly, mental wealth focuses on purpose and clarity, suggesting that true readiness may involve more than just financial security.

10 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 16min
What Should You Do With Your 401k When You Retire?
Deciding what to do with your 401(k) at retirement can shape your financial future. Discover the pros and cons of keeping your 401(k) versus rolling it into an IRA. Uncover special IRS rules for penalty-free withdrawals for those aged 55 to 59½. Explore six key factors influencing your decision: cost, control, investment options, and more. Delve into advanced strategies like in-plan Roth conversions and Net Unrealized Appreciation for company stock. Tailoring your approach to fit your retirement timeline and tax strategies is essential!

Jul 10, 2025 • 20min
DIY vs. Financial Advisor: How to Know When It’s Time to Get Help │ Root Talks
Wondering if you need a financial advisor? Discover why seeking guidance goes beyond just numbers. Learn how professional advice can save you time and reduce stress. A DIY enthusiast shares transformative benefits they experienced after hiring an advisor. Delve into the emotional value of having a trusted partner for major financial decisions. This discussion emphasizes reclaiming time for personal interests and aligning your finances with your passions.

4 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 10min
5 Signs It’s Time to Retire - Right Now
At 90 years old, will you remember that final bonus or the time you didn’t spend with the people you love? This powerful question reframes how we think about retirement timing beyond the numbers.Yes, financial readiness matters. But delaying retirement for "just one more cycle" or "just one more raise" often leads to a dangerous pattern—constantly moving the goalpost while trading away your most vibrant, healthy years.In this episode, we explore the critical difference between lifespan and healthspan. While many Americans live into their 80s or 90s, our healthiest years typically decline around age 66. Waiting too long to retire may leave you with more money, but fewer active years to travel, hike, or be present with grandchildren.We also unpack the emotional side of retirement: the identity loss many face when stepping away from their career, and how this psychological barrier—paired with strained relationships from decades of overwork—can keep people stuck longer than they should be.Retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about having enough life left to enjoy it._ Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
Watch Me Stress Test a $1 Million Retirement Plan
A seven-figure portfolio can feel like a green light for retirement—but the numbers don’t always tell the full story. In one case study, a couple with over $1 million saved faced a withdrawal rate close to 14% based on their desired lifestyle. That’s nearly three times higher than what’s typically considered sustainable.This story is a reminder that retirement success isn’t just about hitting a number, it’s about how your money is structured to support your life.A solid plan makes the difference between retiring with confidence and retiring with uncertainty.Let’s help you build the kind of plan that lasts.- Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!


