Perfect Game Retirement

Pros & Cons of the New Trump Savings Accounts for Kids

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A new government-backed savings account for kids is coming, and on the surface, it sounds like a no-brainer. Ryan shares his take on what these new accounts really offer, and what you need to consider if you choose to utilize it. The money is real, but so are the limitations, and whether it’s worth it depends on your goals, your flexibility, and what you’re already doing.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💵 The Free Money: Government contributions and why that part is appealing
⚖️ Hidden Trade-Offs: Taxes, withdrawal rules, and flexibility concerns
🧾 Paperwork & Complexity: Extra forms, administration, and logistics
🧠 Better Alternatives?: How Trump Accounts compare to 529s, custodial accounts, and other strategies
 
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Phone: (470) 508-0508
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Do I Have Too Much Cash in the Bank?

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Having a large cash balance can feel reassuring, but it can also raise questions about missed opportunities. Ryan tackles a common concern: whether holding a significant amount of money in the bank is smart planning or unnecessary caution. Turns out, the answer depends on more than just the number in your account. Tune in to find out how cash fits into your overall plan.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💵 Cash Balance – Evaluating how much liquidity you really need
🎯 Purpose of Cash – Emergency funds versus idle money
⚖️ Personal Factors – Job security, lifestyle, and stage of life
🧠 Planning Perspective – Aligning cash with long-term goals
🤝 Professional Insight – When outside guidance adds clarity
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

I’m 62: Should I File For Social Security Or Wait?

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Are you ready to make a move that could impact your finances for decades to come? Join Ryan as he reveals what really goes into deciding the best time to claim Social Security, especially as age 62 approaches. Discover why picking the right strategy, not just a date, can make all the difference in your retirement journey. Don’t let a quick decision today shape your tomorrow.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
🕒 Age 62 Decision: What really changes when filing becomes available
🤔 Why People File Early: Fear, cash flow needs, and peace of mind
⏳ Waiting Pays Off: How full retirement age can shift outcomes
📈 Early-Claim Strategies: Smart options if you don’t need the income
🧩 Planning Process: How decisions are tested at Black Oak Asset Management
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Can I Retire With ‘Only’ $1M?

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These days, retiring with $1 million might feel like falling short, especially when everyone around you seems to have more. In this episode, Ryan tackles a listener question that gets to the heart of retirement anxiety: is $1 million actually enough to retire? Are you worried you’re falling behind? This episode offers clarity about what really determines retirement success.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Comparison Trap: Why savings comparisons destroy confidence
🔄 Reframing Goals: Moving from “my number” to your plan
🧩 What Shapes Outcomes: Lifestyle, debt, benefits, and timing
🚀 Catch-Up Strategies: Practical ways to strengthen retirement readiness
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

5 Major Events From 2025 That Impacted Retirement Plans

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A lot happened in 2025: political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But headlines alone don’t determine your retirement outcome; how you respond to them does. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the five biggest financial events of the year and what actually mattered for long-term planning. The noise will change in 2026, but the strategy that creates confidence stays the same.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
🌍 Tariffs: Market reactions and volatility
📈 Inflation: Why prices still feel high
🏦 High-Yield Savings: Making cash work harder
🚨 Government Shutdown: Why emergency funds matter
🏢 Federal Resources: Support for government employees
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI
 

How to Ask Better Questions About Retirement

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You’ve heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning, the quality of your questions often determines the quality of your outcome. Today Ryan reframes common retirement questions, and shares how clearer question lead to better strategies, and more confidence about the future. The smartest investors don’t just look for answers. They learn to ask better questions.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💰 Income Clarity: What you need vs. what you’ve saved
🏥 Long-Term Care: Exploring real options
🧾 Tax Strategy: Planning ahead, not just this year but beyond
🛑 Social Security: Smarter claiming decisions, not guesswork
💳 Debt Management: Reducing pressure in retirement
📉 Market Volatility: Adjusting portfolios thoughtfully
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Warning Signs You Picked the Wrong Advisor

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How do you know if your financial advisor is actually a good fit, or quietly working against your best interests? In this episode, Ryan walks us through common red flags that signal an advisor may not be serving you well. From cookie-cutter plans to poor communication, they explain what to watch for before small issues become costly mistakes. A great advisor builds trust, listens well, and never leaves you feeling in the dark.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
📈 Overpromising Returns: unrealistic expectations and guarantees
🧾 Tax Blind Spots: missing long-term tax coordination
📅 Outdated Plans: set-it-and-forget-it approach
🤝 Built Trust: strong relationships and transparency
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

How to Plan Together When You Keep Finances Separate

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More couples are entering marriage later in life with established careers, children from previous relationships, and financial lives they prefer to keep separate. Ryan breaks down how couples can still build a unified retirement plan without combining accounts. If you’ve ever wondered how to “team up” financially while keeping your money separate, this conversation gives you a blueprint.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💍 Later-Life Remarriage: unique challenges couples face when they maintain separate assets
📖 Ground Rules & Transparency: sharing enough financial info to build a real plan
📜 Estate Planning Essentials: wills, trusts, prenups, and protecting blended families
🧭 Advisor as Mediator: how a planner provides objectivity and reduces emotional friction
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

How to Give with Purpose & Meaning

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Giving Tuesday and year-end donations always spark generosity, but the real impact comes when giving is intentional, not rushed or emotional. Ryan breaks down how to align your generosity with your financial plan so your giving feels meaningful and works smarter behind the scenes. The goal is to support causes you care about while staying thoughtful about timing, taxes, and long-term strategy.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
❤️ The “Why” Behind Giving: impact on your life, family, and community
📅 Timing Your Gifts: how year-round giving differs from seasonal giving
🧾 Tax-Smart Strategies: deductions, planning, and getting more mileage from every dollar
💸 Types of Giving: comparing cash gifts, QCDs, and donor-advised funds
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI

Smart Ways to Protect Your Finances in an Uncertain Economy with Bob Ginty

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What’s the fastest way to regain control when your finances feel chaotic? This week, Ryan talks with Ramsey-Preferred Financial Coach Bob Ginty about practical ways to stabilize your finances, even when the economy feels unpredictable. They explore key areas that can help you create a stronger financial foundation no matter what’s going on around you.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
💰 Emergency Funds & Investing: building a strong base before taking risks
📉 Debt & Budgeting Solutions: cutting costs and organizing a workable plan
🧩 Budgeting Challenges: fixing the habits and hurdles that derail progress
🔄 Income & Expense Shifts: adjusting where money flows as life changes
🤝 Accountability & Communication: staying consistent through honest conversations and support
 
Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/
Phone: (470) 508-0508
Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/
Schedule a call with Ryan: https://speakwithryan.com/
Get your tax-free retirement toolkit: https://bit.ly/3PMjKqc
Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/45kJlwI