Retirement Answer Man

Retirement Planning is what thisshow is about, and I’m glad you’re here to be a part of theconversation. I’m Roger Whitney, The Retirement Answer Man and thisis the show where I seek to guide you through my years ofexperience as a retirement planner into not only planning for theretirement of your dreams but toward living the life of your dreamsnow. On today’s episode I want to chat a bit about the #1 regretpeople have when they are coming to the end of their lives - and Iwant to do it so that you can think about the kind of life you’reliving and make course corrections now so that you can be true toyourself.What does it mean to live a life that is true toyourself?Many people have dreams anddesires when they are young about what they want to do and bethrough the course of their lives. But things come up -expectations, responsibilities, needs, tragedies, and the course oflife gets reshaped over time. On this episode we’re going to lookinto the question of what it would mean to live a life true to whoyou are and discover some ways that you could be living to pleaseothers instead of living out the purpose for which you are on theplanet. Sounds a bit deep, but trust me - it is a conversation thatcould reshape the way you think about retirementplanning.Life is meant to be lived, not tiptoedthrough.It is vitally important in lifeto care about people. You might even say it’s the reason we’re onthe planet in the first place. But sometimes caring out what peoplethink of us and the things we are doing in life can lead us down apath of “people pleasing” instead of doing what we are meant to do.On this episode I’m going to dig into some of the expectations thatare placed on us during the seasons of our lives and how each ofthem could prevent us from living out our true calling, if we’renot careful. I think you’ll have some great food for thought fromthis episode.Retirement Planning is all about positioning yourselfto truly live.Many people approach retirementplanning as a sort of exercise in fear-avoidance. They plan aheadto avoid the pitfalls and fears that could happen during theretirement years. That’s great, and well worth doing - but you’rebeing underserved if all you’re being advised to do is stockpilethings so that you can be comfortable during your retirement years.I think it’s wise to approach retirement planning with a view towhat you want to be doing in the later years of your life that willallow you to continue being a blessing and contributor to theworld. When you have that kind of larger view, a world ofpossibilities open up. Do what you can to make some time to listento this episode. You’ll be glad you did.Maybe, just maybe the economy is on therise.Many companies are beginning topost their earnings right here after the first quarter of 2016, and74% of them are posting gains. That’s good news for the Americaneconomy overall, but there are some very interesting things withinthose numbers that give a bit of concern. For example, for thefirst time in 9 years, Apple computer posted a loss for the firstquarter with iPhone sales being down significantly. What does itmean for the economy? I’ve got some thoughts about it (as you mighthave guessed) and I’m going to share them with you on this episodeof the podcast.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWERMAN[0:24] Roger’s introduction to this episode andwhat you can get from “Six Shot Saturday.”THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT[2:43] The biggest regrets of those about todie: a summary.[4:35] Many people say, “I wish I’d lived trueto myself, not what others expected.”[9:34] What are the expectations YOU are tryingto live up to?[12:32] How retirement planning enables you tobe true to yourself and the life you are meant to live.[14:50] The courage to let others bedisappointed in us.TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT[15:41] What are you doing based on others’expectations?[16:32] How can you extract yourself from thosethings?HOT TOPIC SEGMENT[16:54] 74% of companies are showing earningshigher than expectations.[18:00] Apple Computer is down for the firsttime in 9 years.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT[19:14] What is a benchmark?[21:00] Why benchmarks can be misleading and abad source for good decisions.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT[23:28] John asks about creditor protectionwhen rolling over funds.[24:47] A recent Supreme Court ruling regardingIRA protection against creditors.[25:23] How do widower benefits for SocialSecurity work?[26:45] A young listener asks about hisinvestment strategy.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEContact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learningcenter: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer ManFacebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerManHappy Lab link: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying Hot topic Link: http://www.factset.com/websitefiles/PDFs/earningsinsight/earningsinsight_4.29.16What’s That Mean link:http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/benchmark.aspwww.SocialSecurityIntellegence.com 

Are you ready to make the most of the life you have? I’m Roger Whitney and I’m here to help you do exactly that - not just for your retirement years, but for your entire life. On today’s show you’ll have the opportunity to dive into all kinds of good stuff, including my weekly happy lab, hot topics, practical planning tips, and the top 6 mistakes I’ve seen retirees make during their retirement years. You’ll get a lot of great tips from this episode so I hope you take time to listen. Why are you working so hard? I’m the last person to say that you shouldn’t work hard. Hard work is one of the hallmarks of living a responsible life. But it’s interesting to note that we often get out of balance when it comes to work. We invest too much of our identity and worth in what we do, to the exclusion of more important things. On this week’s Happy Lab I’m going to give you a couple of suggestions about balancing that for the sake of your happiness - both now and in your retirement years. Being “present” is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. If you’re going to make the most of your life now and in the future, you need to realize that one of the biggest components of the happy kind of life you want is the quality relationships that you develop over the course of your life. Naturally, that includes your family and the friends you meet along the way. It’s important, for the sake of those relationships, that you learn how to put down your smart phone, disconnect from work, and be present for the people who are closest to you. It’s a decision you have to make and stick to and on today’s episode of The Retirement Answer Man I’m going to give you some thoughts to ponder along that line. Why you need to learn from the mistakes of others - before you retire. We all make mistakes, and we should be learning from them when we do. But as you near retirement a lot more is riding on you making the right choices simply because you have less time to make up for the mistakes and adjust your course. On this episode I outline the top 6 mistakes that I’ve seen retirees make over the course of my retirement planning career, in hopes that I can give you a heads-up about the pitfalls ahead so that you can adjust your mindset, prepare for what’s coming, and make wise decisions now, before you retire. Should you be maximizing your wealth? That may sound like a an odd question. Don’t we always want to maximize wealth? Prior to retirement, yes. But once you hit retirement your mindset needs to adjust. Retirement is the time of life that all your wealth maximization effort were aimed toward. It’s the time for you to benefit from all those years. But it’s not an easy transition to make and the adjustment can be more than a little uncomfortable. On this episodes Practical Planning segment I’m going to walk you through this one and help you make some mental notes that will help you enter retirement with the right mindset and approach so that your retirement years can be some of your happiest yet. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:45] Welcome to this episode!THE HAPPY LAB [2:31] People about to die often wish they hadn’t worked so hard. Really?TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [6:16] The task of being “present” with those you are with (kids, spouse, etc.)HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [7:58] Jobless claims and the participation rate are improving.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [9:42] What are “Fund Flows?”[11:40] Understanding Fund Flows is important to understand for long term investors.[15:01] The Fund Flows of U.S. equity strategies over a 5 year period.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [16:54] Learning from the mistakes of others.[19:48] Why learning from others’ mistakes during retirement is so important.[20:14] Don’t neglect your spending plan (budget).[22:47] Is wealth maximization the right focus for a retiree?[27:38] Do you really need to support those adult children?[29:55] Is that big home still necessary?[32:10] The ostrich is the only one who should have his head in the sand.[34:34] You’ve got to learn not to run for the exits so quickly. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Contact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerManHot Topic link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/jobless-claims-fall-to-42-year-Low-2016-04-21 What Does That Mean Link: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fund-flow.asp

Should I rollover my 401(k) to an IRA? Most advisors say yes, but It’s not always the best idea. In this episode we share what you should consider to make the choice that’s right for you.Listen to the Audio  Happy Lab Over the last few weeks we’ve been reviewing the top 5 regrets people have at the end of their life.Here's the list so far; #5: I wish I had allowed myself to be happier#4: I wish I had stayed in touch with my friendsAnd this week, #3: I wish I had shared my feelings more.S.M.A.R.T. Sprint Stay connected with people you care about. In the next 7 days, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile.What’s That Mean?? Style Drift.Why do you buy an investment strategy? The obvious question is to make us money. But one investment strategy is typically part of an overall portfolio is designed to work together. Each piece of the portfolio (or asset allocation) has a role to play. Much like each contractor used to build a house does. The plumber, put in the plumbing. The landscaper, puts in the landscape. And so forth.  As long as they execute their roles, you can get a great house (or portfolio). If, however, the plumber starts to putting flowers in your pipes you may not notice right away, but you’ll have a problem. Likewise, if that small cap strategy starts buying large caps, you won’t notice at first but eventually you’ll have a different experience than you bargained for. That’s style drift.It’s the same with your portfolio. Each investment strategy has a role to play. Hot Topic This WeekLast week major world oil producers met in Qatar to discuss a production free. News of the upcoming discussions helped stabilize oil markets in recent weeks. Unfortunately, as expected, they were  unable to come to an agreement.  We'll discuss the possible implications it could have global equity markets.Practical PlanningOn this week's show we answer listener questions including:•Does it matter when I rollover my 401(k) to an IRA? What should I consider when making this decisions?•When designing a balanced portfolio, should I count my company pension plan (which gives me $100,000 a year) as part of my bond portfolio?•In retirement, is retail income considered earned income? Would rental income factor into whether my Social Security would be taxed?Have a retirement question you’d like answered? Ask it here!

If you're investing for a great retirement, the state of the world economy can have a big impact on your success. This week, we go around the world updating you on Asia, Europe and the Americas. Listen to the Audio  In This Episode We Cover Happy Lab “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends” is #4 on the top 5 list of regrets people have at their death. Make sure you invest in your relationships. Close friends will make your retirement more fulfilling. Don't lose touch with them. [bctt tweet="Let's face it. #Friends make life a lot more fun. Keep yours as you grow old." username="@roger_whitney"]S.M.A.R.T. Sprint  Stay connected with people you care about. In the next 7 days, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile. I'll admit, I'm not the best at this. It's something I'm working on. What’s That Mean??  Fiduciary is a term we’ve seen in the press a lot lately. If your advisor is a fiduciary it means they are legally required to give advice in the client’s best interest and disclose any conflicts of interest. You may not realize that when you work with an advisor on a commission basis, they don't have a legal duty to recommend investments in your best interest. Here's a great definition from Investopia.[bctt tweet="Learn why you want your advisor to be a #fiduciary http://bit.ly/1VgLSkH" username="@roger_whitney"]Hot Topic This WeekMarketwatch.com reported last week that the Department of Labor’s released new rules for Financial Advisors who serve retirement accounts.  The new rules could change the way you work with advisors to create a great retirement.Practical Planning Briana Giuliano, CFA, Senior Strategist Brandywine Global Investment Management and I go around the world to explore current economic conditions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of investing internationally in bonds and stocks. Ask a Question Have a retirement question you need answered? Ask your retirement question below and I'll respond personally.[ninja_forms id=1]

Thank you for joining me on The Retirement Answer Man show today. I am Roger Whitney and I am truly blessed to know that you are interested enough in this podcast to track down this show notes page. On this episode of the show we are going to focus in on happiness, the things that keep us from it, the things we can do to maximize it in our retirement years, and how personality assessments can help us to be a happier person. That’s a lot to promise but I’m certain you won’t be disappointed, so take the time to listen. The top 5 regrets people have in old age. I recently read an article that was written by a woman who has worked with aging and elderly people for many years. In her experience she’s heard many older people express regrets about their lives - the “I wish I had” statements that none of us want to be true of us when we reach our golden years. In the “Be Happy” segment today and over the next 4 weeks I’m going to cover the top 5 things she mentions and give you some tangible steps you can take to ensure that you are not living out your older years with the same regrets! “Rich Dad” Author Robert Kiyosaki is STILL predicting a market meltdown this year! It was in MarketWatch this week, a follow up to Robert Kiyosaki’s prediction a few years back that by 2016 the economy will crash. Robert’s a respected figure in the financial industry. Many people just love his perspective and approach to building wealth. What should we think about situations like this when a well known and well respected person predicts such dire things? As you might suspect, I have some opinions about this kind of thing and share them with you on this week’s “Hot Topic” segment of the show. I hope you find my thoughts valuable. Have you heard anyone “Talking Their Book” lately? You may have and not realized it… that’s because “talking your book” is a phrase that makes total sense once you know what it means, but if you don’t - well, you’re going to be scratching your head a bit when you hear it. “Talking your book” is a phrase used to describe someone who is talking right in line with their philosophy about the subject, and even in a way that promotes their philosophy or approach above others. As I unpack the term on this episode I’m also trying to help you develop a healthy and balanced approach to understanding what’s going on when others are talking their book. It’s all on this episode. Did you know that a good personality assessment could help you make better financial choices?  It’s true. When you know your own personality better and are able to understand your tendencies when it comes to making decisions, dealing with money, and how you view the prospects of the future, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to handle the decisions that come your way day in and day out. On this episode I’m chatting with my friend Jill Davis who is a DISC assessment practitioner and avid proponent of personality assessments. You’ll find the conversation fascinating and helpful. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:31] My welcome and introduction to this episode of the show.THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT [2:44] My 5 week experiment: The top 5 regrets people have in old age.[4:03] Regret #5: People wish they had let themselves be happier.TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [5:52] This week’s S.M.A.R.T. sprint: Write a journey each day recapping the highlights of your day and identifying habits that have prevented your happiness.HOT TOPIC SEGMENT  [8:15] Robert Kiyosaki has predicted a 2016 stock market collapse.[9:48] What should you do in light of articles like this?[13:12] Huge predictions like this need a more well-rounded perspective.[13:35] Remember that these predictions are focused as a promotional piece around someone’s brand.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [14:17] What does it mean when we say, “Talking your book?”PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [16:03] Jill Davis is my guest today - an expert in personality assessments.[17:13] Why would anyone want to do a personality assessment?[19:08] The reason for finding clarity about your personality.[19:28] What is the DISC theory of personality assessment?[21:41] My results from taking the DISC assessment.[22:29] How it’s good to have a partner who is opposite of you.[24:03] Understanding others through a personality assessment.[26:09] The benefits of couples and partners understanding each other’s personalities.[26:58] The ways personality assessments can be misused.[29:20] How personality impacts communication and sharing.[31:57] How to connect with Jill.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE www.TheWorkshopBox.com - Jill’s website AND Jill(at)JillDavis(dot)comThe MarketWatch article by Robert Kiyosakiwww.RogerWhitney.com/RPL - Find out more about retirement plan live!Contact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerMan

Welcome once again to another great episode of The Retirement Answer Man, I’m Roger Whitney, your host. I have been getting a lot of questions about real estate investing and I have to admit that I am not the expert on that subject. So, what I decided to do was to reach out to someone who was. On today's episode you are going to hear from Mark Ferguson,  a real estate investor from Colorado who has been doing this stuff for a very long time and really knows what he's talking about. So if you've got real estate investing questions as it relates to retirement planning, this is the episode for you to listen to. How you can stop, drop, and roll for more happiness in your life. I have noticed a tendency in my own life, where I get excited about the things that I want to purchase and the moment I get it my interest in it seems to wane. It's almost like the purchase itself decrease is the urgency with which I felt I needed that item. On this week’s “Happy Segment” of the show I'm going to suggest a three-point strategy for how you can address issues like that and I call it “stop, drop, and roll.”  I think you'll find this very helpful. Have you ever considered “I” bonds as part of your financial portfolio? You don't hear investment advisors talking a lot about the treasury issued “I” bonds. Why don't people talk about them? I think it's because nobody is making money from them. You can only purchase them from the United States Treasury. But that doesn't mean it's a tool that is worthless. On today's episode I am going to give you the background on what these bonds actually are, how they work, and why they might be a great tool for you to consider for certain aspects of your financial management. Real Estate Investing for the rest of us. Late night infomercials and reality TV flipping shows lead us to believe that real estate investing is one of the best ways to make a lot of money. And I get lots of questions about this aspect of investing almost every week. I decided that since I don't know a lot about the subject I would talk to someone who does. On today's episode of The Retirement  Answer Man I'm going to chat with Mark Ferguson, an expert on real estate investing who is going to give us the pros and cons of using rental properties as an investment strategy. This episode is full of great information that I know will benefit you. Be sure you take the time to listen. Why are rental properties such a great investment? Today’s guest, Mark Ferguson, is convinced that investing in rental properties as part of your financial plan is a great way to generate cash flow and profit in the long run. On this episode I get into the details with Mark about how to purchase properties with the right margins and numbers in mind, what to consider when you think about expenses and costs to the whole arrangement, and how rental properties can serve as a casual opportunity now and a great investment for the future. Mark's expertise is so helpful to hear and learn from so I encourage you to listen in to our conversation to get an idea how you can get started in real estate investing. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:32] My welcome to you, to this episode of The Retirement Answer Man![1:00] Introduction to today’s episode on Real Estate Investing.THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT [2:15] The tendency to buy instantly and never follow through on the promise behind the purchase.[5:40] The need to stop, drop, and roll. :)HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [6:37] The positive turn on the S&P 500 and the price of oil.[7:46] The political climate is beginning to calm down.[8:10] What does all of this change mean to us?[9:26] The reality that there will always be drops and corrections.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [10:46] What is an “I” bond?[12:30] The two ways “I” bonds pay interest.[14:11] The maturity range of “I” bonds and what happens if you get out early.[15:50] Why would you even consider an “I” bond?PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [16:40] Learning about Real Estate from Mark Ferguson.[18:15] The basics of investing in real estate.[19:32] How rentals can make you money (being cash flow positive).[20:19] Where most of the mistakes happen.[21:34] How to buy rental homes that are cash flow positive.[22:58] The costs on rentals that can eat up your profits.[23:45] The biggest mistakes investors make on rental properties.[25:54] The necessary checks you MUST MAKE when finding tenants.[26:48] What you can do if you’re not in a great rental market.[28:06] The biggest problems with investing in rentals in unfamiliar areas.[29:56] How Mark handles properties in other areas that he’s interested in.[31:12] How to find the right team to help with necessary things.[32:19] The WRONG person to get into real estate rentals.[34:40] What Mark means when he says you have to “buy it right.”[36:20] Mark’s articles and resources to help people learn how to invest in real estate.TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [37:57] What is an “affirmation” and how can they be used effectively?[39:53] What truthful mantra could you come up with to set you up for a great day?RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE www.TresuryDirect.gov - where you can purchase I-bondswww.InvestFourMore.com - where you can connect with today’s guest, Mark FergusonMark (at) InvestFourMore (dot) comContact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerMan

I’m so thankful - SO THANKFUL - that you have joined me once again for The Retirement Answer Man show. I’m Roger Whitney, certified financial planner and your host for the show. If you’re new to the show, I’m glad you dropped by and encourage you to dig into the many resources I have available on the website for your retirement education and planning needs. On this episode I’ll answering a listener question about paying off his mortgage when retirement is looming, what it means to approach your investments from a “market timing” perspective, and how you can be happier by preparing for future growth. All that and even more, on this episode. If we’re going to be happy in retirement we have to prepare for the inevitable losses that will come. The older I get the more I realize that things are going to change - and not always for the better. I’m already feeling that I’m losing my ability in various areas that are important to me, most notably in the endurance and strength I have when doing some biking. I’ve also been reminded lately through the experiences of some friends that people, pets, and other things are going to pass on as life continues. Have you ever considered what effect those things are going to have on you during retirement? More importantly, have you considered how you’re going to deal with them and still remain happy? On this episode of the Retirement Answer Man I’m going to give you my approach to that issue and how I think it could help you be happy during your retirement years. It appears that the Federal Reserve has changed its mind - again! You likely remember the big news a few months back when the FED finally raised interest rates - the first increase in a very long time. At that time they also forecast how often they anticipated raising rates in the future, and it wasn’t a very happy looking forecast. Well, this past week the announcement was made that the predicted increases are actually a bit more aggressive than the powers-that-be at the FED think is wise, so they are scaling back their estimation of how frequently they’ll be increasing interest rates - and that will impact how we strategize for investing and retirement. On this episode, I’m going to give you my take on this news. Should you pay off your home with retirement funds if retirement is almost upon you? A listener will be retiring in the next 5 years - congratulations for sticking it out, by the way - and he asks me if it’s a smart thing to use some of his retirement funds to pay off his mortgage so that he won’t have that large expense to deal with once his retirement date arrives. There are good arguments on both sides of this decision and on this episode of The Retirement Answer Man I’m going to walk you through both scenarios and give you my thoughts on what I would do were I in his shoes. It’s time to start S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G for your better health! This show is not focused on physical health per se, but is definitely aimed at helping you achieve the healthiest retirement you can, and we have to admit that a huge part of that puzzle includes the gigantic piece of physical health. On this S.M.A.R.T. sprint segment of the show I’m giving you my suggestion that you should begin stretching every day - and tips on what it will do for you, how you can get started, and why it matters. It sounds small, but it can produce  world of benefits! OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:24] My welcome to you, my honored guest to this episode![1:16] How you can make a comment or ask a question.THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT [3:20] How negative situations impact our ability to be happy in life.[5:00] How can we deal with the losses that will happy in life?[5:55] My approach: a growth mindset is powerfully important.HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [6:22] The FED has dropped its expectations regarding future rate increases.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [8:56] What does “market timing” mean?[9:37] An example of market timing.[11:00] Why trying to predict through market timing doesn’t work too well.[16:13] How does a market timing approach fit into your investing goals?[16:50] The downside of a market timing approach.[21:19] Why investing is only a tool in your entire life maximization strategy.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [25:50] A listener question: 5 years from retirement - should I pay off my mortgage with retirement funds?TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [28:41] Start stretching! Really, I mean physical stretching!RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE www.RogerWhitney.com/RPL - Find out more about retirement plan live!Contact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerMan

Welcome once again to another episode of the Retirement Answer Man podcast.  I recognize that time is your most valuable commodity, and they don't take it lightly that you are spending a significant portion of it listening to this podcast. Thank you! Thank you for the trust and confidence you are expressing in me by listening to what I have to say about retirement planning and finances. On this episode we're going to take a deep dive into the issue of diversification to help you understand how the practice is beneficial at some points in history and not so beneficial and others. The political scene is heating up. What impact does it have on the economy? It is March of 2016 and it looks like we are headed towards some certain to you regarding the political candidates for this election year. If things continue to go as they seem, we're going to have some very interesting choices to make. When I'm getting too political, let me just say that the economic choices in this election are very clear-cut. Should we subscribe to the “lifting up”  philosophy of economics or the “leveling down”  view?  On this episode I'm going to give you my thoughts about both of those a purchase. You can’t play catch up in the most important areas of life. A book I've been reading recently has reminded me of a very practical and helpful truth that impacts the way we look at retirement planning and investments. The lesson is this: you can't play catch-up in the most important areas of life. That means wise planning ahead of time is the best course of action in many of the most important things we care about. On this episode I'm going to chat briefly about what that means to me, especially in the realm of retirement planning.Transparent conversations and the road to happiness.One of the reasons I do my podcast is to encourage you to think about the level of happiness in your life. Retirement planning is not just about money, it's also about having a great quality of life during those retirement years. One of the things that enables you to have a happy retirement is to have happy relationships. Transparent conversations are part of building those kinds of relationships, and in this episode I share a quick story with you about how my transparency got me into trouble, but then led to a very valuable and important conversation. Is diversification really all it’s cracked up to be?  For many years the concept of diversification has been one of the foundational principles upon which retirement planning and investment strategies have been built. There is a reason for that. It makes sense to have your Investments spread out over many different markets and niches, that way you can endure the ups and downs of the market that may come to one particular area but not to others. But lately there have been a lot of questions about whether or not diversification is really such a great idea. On this episode we're going index to look at the concept of diversification, how it is connected to the various index is, and what you should be thinking in terms of your retirement planning.  OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:24] My welcome to this episode of The Retirement Answer man[0:53] A deep look at a foundational concept this week.HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [2:24] The political scene and how it impacts the financial and economic scene.[4:19] Should we follow the “lifting up” strategy or the “leveling down” strategy?PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [5:19] The fact that you can’t play “catch up” on the most important areas of your life.[7:00] The reality of cumulative impact on these kinds of issues.THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT [9:33] How my transparency got me into trouble, but also brought about a good thing.[11:56] What conversations do you need to have to set the stage for happiness and harmony?WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [12:04] What is diversification and why is it important?[13:30] How diversification addresses risk.[14:20] Does passively following the S&P 500 diversify your investments enough?[16:20] Examples from the 1990s and the 2000s.[17:40] How diversifying into world economies could be an even riskier approach.[20:00] Why people are questioning the practice of asset diversification.[22:59] Lessons we can learn from what we are seeing in diversification.TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [26:38] Do your own “Instant Xray” on www.MorningStar.comRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Contact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerManBOOK: Ask It by Andy Stanleywww.MorningStart.com - do your own Instant XrayGet in on the “6 Shot Saturday” email list with exclusive content.

Welcome to another episode of The Retirement Answer Man, with me, Roger Whitney! My goal is that you’ll walk away inspired and ready for action. On this episode, I am your guide to financial bubbles and the preservation of your long term investments. I will also pick the brain of marketing consultant and communications strategist, Mike Kim, to identify your skill set and package your passions to pivot your career. Listen in to his calculated transition from a corporate career to an entrepreneurial endeavor. We have loads of wisdom on this episode you’ll want to tune in to! Investment strategies in lieu of wacky elections. We survived Super Tuesday with wild cards on all sides of the election. The lack of clarity and uncertainty can send investment markets spiraling. What are we to do with our investment strategies? Do we rush towards predictions of where the change is headed? I want to reinforce what you have already heard: put your financial airbags in place. Today, I’m talking about the return on investment of an emergency fund and the protection it offers. I want to ensure you have the flexibility to respond and not blow up your long term investments or lifestyle. Find out how to take the minimum investment risk to position yourself to achieve your goals, on this episode. What is a financial bubble? In our lifetime there have been financial, or economic, bubbles influencing our investments and financial stability. The difficult part is of financial bubbles is they are usually defined after the fact, because they expand beyond their norm and then blow up. Think back to the technology stocks increase from the dot-com explosion, or the real estate rise and burst, or the massive lending that crashed. These are economical cycles characterized by a rise and excess that end in a burst. Are we in the midst of one? And how do you get ahead of retrospect and capitalize on a bubble? Tune in to visualize these bubbles patterns. Planting one foot to pivot. Today, I talk with Mike Kim, a marketing consultant, communications strategist, and writer, about his personal pivot from a 9-5 corporate grind to an independent career of serving small business owners in strategy and marketing. Mike offers insight to a career transition that starts with self-assessment of what value you are bringing to your current corporate job. Listen to Mike’s breakdown of his corporate job description versus what experience he actually gained from his day to day actions. A pivot is picking a pillar foot to turn the rest of your body based on where you foot is planted. How did Mike do it? And how can you? Listen in to how you can design your plan to pivot and work more independently. Strategizing your side hustle. Mike Kim has made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. Today, I ask him for a plan that we can all learn from. Mike has a “Pivot Pathway Process” to establish perimeters you can live and thrive within. Do you have a viable business plan? Do you have accountability? Listen in to get on track in projecting your progress. Take what you have learned from your day job and apply it to your hustle. If we take actions, we will get results. I love Mike’s strategy and approach to take control of your own life and find the freedom you desire. Tune in to get a taste of what you’re truly hungry for. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:27] Roger’s introduction to this episode. THE HAPPY SEGMENT [2:08] Rogers’s perspective shift on annoyances from loved ones.HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [4:53] Top stories this week: the election[5:07] Post Super Tuesday[6:40] Taking appropriate financial measures in light of the elections. [8:48] The right amount of risk. [9:37] Slowing down spending during times of uncertainty.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [10:07] Financial bubbles.[11:00] What is a financial bubble in our economy?[11:53] Getting a bubble right.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT [13:00] Introduction of guest, Mike Kim.[14:08] Conversation with Mike about pivoting.[15:39] How do you decipher your pivot when you’re in the corporate grind?[17:02] Assessing your value in your corporate job.[18:43] An example of analyzing your job description and what you actually do.[21:32] Identifying your skill set and packaging your passions to pivot.[22:43] How to plan a pivot with a S.M.U.G. plan.[25:34] Where to focus your side income to make a pivot.[27:00] Comparing asking for a corporate raise to an entrepreneur’s beginning side income.[28:40] You do not have to hate your day job to want control and freedom.[29:13] The key is initiative.[31:46] A change in Mike’s strategy.[33:10] Clues, testing, and moving forward while being unsure. [36:20] Common mistakes on the pivoting pathway.[43:13] Connecting with Mike KimTODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [44:53] Brainstorming homework for your week.[46:00] Roger’s wrap up and contact information.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE www.RogerWhitney.com/RPL - Find out more about retirement plan live!Contact Roger: http://www.rogerwhitney.com/retirementanswers/Roger’s retirement learning center: www.RogerWhitney.com/learnThe Retirement Answer Man Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/RetirementAnswerManRoger’s email: roger@wwkllc.comMike Kim’s website: www.thepivotcourse.com

Welcome once again to another episode of The Retirement Answer Man with Roger Whitney...me! It’s my goal to help you prepare for your retirement in a way that equips you to be happier, healthier, and more “on purpose” during your retirement years than you ever thought possible. On this episode I’m going to walk you through a number of things that should help you down your retirement path, including a discussion of what the term “index” means, what history has to tell us about investments during election years, and 3 listener questions that hit on very practical issues when it comes to retirement planning. It’s an election year! How does that impact your investments? In light of this being a Presidential election year, some polling has been done recently to assess how people are feeling about government overall. It appears than more people than ever are in a place where they mistrust or even hate the government. There may be valid reasons for that sentiment, maybe not. But the point that I want to make in response to those polls is that none of us should allow our hatred or disdain for the government to impact our retirement strategy. It’s not a good investment plan for a lot of reasons and I’m going to tell you why on this episode. What is an “index” anyway? There are a variety of financial indexes that you hear mentioned off and on, the main one being the S&P 500 index, but what do they actually mean? On this episode I’m going to explain to you why these indexes are actually imaginary portfolios and how they are designed to help us get a general feeling for what the market is doing in light of the performance of certain companies that may be contained within that imaginary index. Confused yet? You won’t be if you listen to this section of the show. I just received an inheritance and wonder what I should do with it? A listener to the show asks the question today, about an inheritance they received and what they should do with it. There are all kinds of options, paying off debt, investing in IRA or retirement accounts, setting aside money for that rainy day, and even more. What I suggest on this episode is that your first step should not be any of those. Instead, I advise patience. You can hear why I think patience is the greatest  first step when it comes to an inheritance or some other financial windfall, on this episode. Why is it a bad idea to simply invest according to the S&P 500? Many investment advisors, including me, often point out that the S&P 500 index average is much higher than most investment portfolios out there. On today’s show a listener asks why it is not a good idea to simply invest along the lines of what the S&P 500 index does. He knows it wouldn't be a perfect investment strategy but it would at least be 80% of the way there. I've got some thoughts about this, and share them with you on this episode, because I don't want you to fall prey to the natural weaknesses of human nature. What does that mean? You'll have to listen to find out. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN [0:27] Welcome to this episode![0:56] Why I want you to sign up for Six Shot Saturday!HOT TOPIC SEGMENT [2:16] Presidential elections and how it impacts the market.[3:28] Why hating the government is not an investment strategy.[4:01] What history has to say about investments during the political cycle.WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? SEGMENT [8:44] What is an “index?”[10:29] How indexes work and why it matters to you.[12:37] How various companies within an index have varying impact on the index. PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT  [15:20] QUESTION: What should I consider when I receive a windfall or inheritance?[21:29] QUESTION: Should I start increasing cash reserves now in anticipation of retirement?[25:31] QUESTION: What is wrong with putting all of my investments in the S&P 500?TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT [33:08] A great way to clear out your email inbox from all the trash!THE “BE HAPPY” SEGMENT [34:44] Creating room for activities that help you enjoy your retirement.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE www.RogerWhitney.comText “Six Shot” to “33444” to get signed up for Six Shot SaturdayWant to talk to me about becoming a client? roger (at) wwkllc.comhttp://www.rogerwhitney.com/learn/ - get your “Advisor checklist”www.unroll.me - clean out your inbox