Perfect Game Retirement

Mailbag: Social Security, Caring For Aging Parents, Company Stock & More

In this episode, we'll be answering some mailbag questions from listeners like you. One listener asks whether they should start receiving their Social Security benefits now, despite not planning to retire soon, or if they should wait. Another asks whether it's acceptable to have the majority of their 401(k) invested in their current company's stock. These conversations are a great way for you to learn from real-life financial planning questions and scenarios, so tune in to see what you can learn!
 
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Are Your Good Money Habits Holding You Back?

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected effects of everyday money decisions. Are your good money habits holding you back?
 
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Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI
 

The Questions You Must Ask Your Financial Advisor

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today’s episode, we’re tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship. It's about getting clarity on how advisors work, what they specialize in, and how they align with your financial goals. These are the questions you MUST ask your financial advisor.
 
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Patience Pays: The Power of Delayed Gratification

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards…
 
The Psychology of Money: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681
 
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Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Financial Tweaks That Matter: Small Steps, Big Impact

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From overlooked savings tricks to smarter insurance choices, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Keeping the right amount in cash and getting the most out of money you aren’t using.
Why you want to consider cleaning up old insurance policies and consolidating old 401Ks.
Looking at areas that might have higher fees/expenses like managed accounts and mutual funds.
Analyzing the tax-efficiency of your investments.
Why you need to check your beneficiary designations.
 
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End of Year Financial Planning For 2023

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
An update on Ryan’s CFP test.
The importance of rebalancing your portfolio and managing investing risk.
The tax strategies to consider that could save you money next April.
Why we need to look at budget, income, Social Security and other areas that determine financial health.
Tax considerations with gifting but the other considerations to make for giving to heirs or charities.
 
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Money Mistakes You’ll Regret and How to Avoid Them

Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What can go wrong when you withdraw money from your IRA early.
Don’t let lifestyle creep set in and keep you from saving more during your peak earning years.
A general savings tip that Ryan gives people.
What are your funding options for college tuition so that your own retirement isn’t ruined?
Are you putting enough money into a Roth right now?
 
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Retirement Planning’s “Hidden” Questions

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future.
On this episode, we unearth and tackle these hidden, but essential questions about retirement.
 
Here are the questions we’re going to address in this episode:
How much are my tax-deferred savings going to cost me in taxes?
How much can I withdraw from my savings each year?
Should I still have life insurance when I’m retired?
What kind of medical coverage will I need over and above Medicare?
How will inflation impact me?
Should I be planning for the costs of caring for elderly parents?
 
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Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Navigating Finances After Losing a Spouse: Strategies & Mistakes to Avoid

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Two of the most common challenges widows face are the income gap and changes in tax filing.
What are your Social Security and pension options when you lose your spouse?
There are strategies and planning steps you can take now to help cover that loss of income.
The common mistakes we see when it comes to taking care of the kids and grandkids.
Ryan shares his opinion of a trust and the benefits for having it.
 
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Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Are There Universal Retirement Truths?

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree?
 
Dive deep with us in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across the board. Every truth that we discuss today needs to be taken into consideration and we’ll talk about why and how we do that with the people we work with.
 
Here’s are the universal truths we’ll break down:
Everyone needs an income plan.
Everybody needs a plan to address long-term care issues.
Money sitting in cash isn’t keeping up with inflation.
Tax implications matter.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy.
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI