Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

Creating a customized retirement plan for any individual can mean addressing some unique challenges. With each of these scenarios, let’s discuss the challenges presented, as well as the solutions you might come up with…

Mission statements give our dollars a purpose. They help us to develop a sound strategy in our portfolio. Let’s find out whether you’re effectively putting your money to work for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.