Perfect Game Retirement

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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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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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

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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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

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?
 
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

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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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

Navigating the Transition to a New Financial Advisor

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often emotionally charged process of changing financial advisors. We'll discuss the telltale signs that it's time to consider a switch, the questions to ask your current advisor, and what to look for in a new one.
Join us as we demystify the transition process and equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about who is best suited to guide your financial future.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
The emotional connection that people make with their advisor, which can make it difficult to make a change.
How do you know if it’s time to make a change to a new advisor?
The questions you can ask an advisor to help clarify if they’re still a great fit.
What you need to look for in a new advisor.
 
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

Building An Estate Plan With No Regrets

In this episode, we cover topics ranging from poor expense planning to outdated beneficiary designations and family conflict triggers. We also shed light on some misconceptions about transferring real estate and explain the impact of tax implications on your estate. If you want to leave a legacy without regret or legal turmoil, this episode is a great starting point.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
The different types of major expenses that could drain your savings if you aren’t planning for them.
Why you need to be updating your beneficiary designations across all accounts.
Communication will go a long way towards avoiding conflict among heirs but there are some other steps to take.
Why you probably shouldn’t transfer your real estate while you’re still living.
Taxes play a big part in estate planning and we’ll talk about how to be more efficient.
 
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