Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

Getting Started: A Financial Plan’s First Steps

For some folks, the idea of putting together a financial plan can be overwhelming. But it’s less threatening if you just focus on a first step to get you started. But depending on your situation, your most logical first step could be one of several things… We'll also answer Samantha in Lake Zurick's question about how she can empower her mother to live a little in retirement. Plus, is carrying debt past age 75 the new normal? We'll ask Michael on this week's edition of Retirement Matters with Michael Stewart.

Risky, But Popular, Investments

It’s probably common sense when you think about human nature, but some of the riskiest investments are also the most popular. At least the risky ones generate a lot of interest, even if most folks don’t end up actually making an investment. Let’s look at some of these popular and risky investments. We'll also answer Marie's question about having too many life insurance policies. And does Michael agree with Greenspan's assessment of an "out of whack" US economy? We'll find out on this edition of Retirement Matters with Michael Stewart.

Five Counterintuitive Pieces Of Financial Guidance

Some advice just makes good sense. But sometimes the guidance we get doesn’t align with our expectations. That’s not necessarily a bad thing - that type of advice can be just as helpful. Let’s talk about some of the counterintuitive financial advice you may, or may not, receive.

How Do You React To Market Corrections?

Any time the market is moving in a downward direction, or even just wavering, we see people react in variousways. Take a listen to see if you identify with one of these common reactions to market corrections. Do youover-trade as a response? Do you stick your head in the sand or run around like a chicken with your headcut off? We’ll give you ways you can avoid becoming your worst enemy and show you how to keepparticular emotions and reactions in check during times of market turmoil.

An Important Question: How Do You Know?

One of the most important questions you can ask is, “How do you know _____?” The blank is where we fill in the most crucial elements, the building blocks, of financial planning. On this podcast, we’ll cover what items you need to put in that blank and provide the guidance to help answer the different questions that arise. Michael will also give his opinion on the minimum wage debate. Would raising it be a good or bad thing for the economy? And we'll answer Richard's question about the recent tax changes. Will they impact his (and your) retirement funds?

Storytime: Ripped Off

It’s one of the things we’re all afraid of in many aspects of life. Nobody wants to get ripped off. Michael has seen it happen to people. Let’s hear about a time that happened with someone and if they were able to fix the problem. We'll also answer Lynne's question about working with big financial companies vs. smaller offices. And what should we learn from the recent market hiccups? Michael will help us navigate the news landmines that tend to spark market volatility.

His And Hers Retirement Planning

If you’re married, then this will come as no surprise. It takes two to complete a successful retirement plan. On this podcast, we’ll look at how husbands and wives have different financial goals and how that creates conflict. We’ll, of course, also explore how to resolve that conflict to establish a solid financial plan.

Keep It Simple, Stupid

We’re not trying to be mean at all, but it’s a good idea to be blunt when it comes to this topic. You see, retirement planning doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn’t have to be as complicated as some people make it. On this podcast, let’s explore why people make things harder than they need to be and what we can all do to keep the process simpler and easier to understand.

The Financial Grocery Store, Employee Bonuses, And Robots

You probably have a specific routine for how you like to go grocery shopping. Some of us are list-makers, others kind of wing it. Some put everything neatly in the cart while you might be one of those folks who just tosses it all into a big pile. Let’s discuss how retirement is a lot like shopping for groceries. Try not to get too hungry while we do this. We’ll also cover news about big bonuses and robots! Who doesn’t like talking about robots?

Financial Resolutions And Rising Interest Rates

You’ve probably made some resolutions for 2018. You’ve probably already failed at some of those resolutions. So, maybe take a stab at starting some very attainable financial resolutions. Also, the Fed has been raising interest rates a little bit. We'll discuss what it might mean for you.