Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

Reacting To Controversial Financial Takes

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Let’s break it down.
 
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10 Retirement Myths Too Many People Still Believe

There’s no shortage of financial advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is good. Some of the most damaging retirement mistakes don’t come from reckless behavior, but from ideas that sound reasonable and get repeated often enough to feel true. Today, we’re busting some of the most common retirement planning myths and explaining why believing them can quietly derail an otherwise solid plan.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Is the Economy Set Up For A Better 2026?

After a year marked by volatility, uncertainty, and more than a few economic curveballs, it’s understandable if optimism doesn’t come easily. But at least one economist is arguing that the outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many people expect.
Allison Schrager's Article: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/five-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-2026-economy-85324.html?section=68
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Am I Behind In My Retirement Savings? What To Do If You Are

Nothing will mess with your financial confidence faster than comparing your savings to your brother, your coworkers, or that guy on YouTube who claims he retired at 35. Your retirement number isn’t a competition. Let’s talk about what really matters when you’re trying to figure out if you’re behind on your savings goals…and what to do if you actually are.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

2025 Year In Review: What Actually Mattered for Your Money

A lot happened in 2025… Big political swings, stubborn inflation, new tax rules, and even a historic government shutdown. But what actually matters for your financial life? Today, we’re breaking down the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Why Better Questions Build Better Retirements

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

5 Financial Advisor Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

How do you know if your financial advisor is a bad fit for you? What about an advisor that you’re thinking about working with? What red flags should you be looking out for?
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Two Advisors, Twice the Confusion?

Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? Today, we’ll tackle a person’s question about this very dilemma.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Do Your Feelings Belong in Your Financial Plan?

Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The truth is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. Today, we’re exploring the emotional side of planning.
 
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Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Fuzzy Math Is Sabotaging Your Financial Future

You’ve probably said it before. ‘I ran the numbers, and I should be fine.’ But what if the math you're relying on isn’t telling the whole story? Today, we’re unpacking some of the most common examples of fuzzy retirement math and showing you how to spot them before they cause real problems.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092