Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

Inflation Is Still Wrecking Retirement Confidence

Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people still feel unprepared and how that affects their confidence in their financial future.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

7 Retirement Assumptions to Reconsider in 2025

Just because something used to be true doesn’t mean it still is, especially in retirement planning. In 2025, rising interest rates, tax uncertainty, and longer retirements mean it’s time to rethink some of the old advice. These seven assumptions sound smart at first… but they could quietly hurt your plan if you’re not careful.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Not Every Retirement Plan Fits Neatly In A Box

No two retirements look the same, and often clients come in with circumstances that make a cookie-cutter plan impossible. Let’s look at some examples of these more unique and challenging scenarios and explore the solutions you’ll need to successfully retire.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

The 4 Things You Can Control in Retirement

Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that actually move the needle in retirement.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Retirement Breaking News: The 4% Rule Gets a Makeover

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision?
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Financial Book Club: The Psychology of Money

We’re starting a financial book club where a couple of times a year, we’ll discuss a book in the financial realm to see what we can learn…or what we might disagree with. Today, we’ll look at a few concepts from Morgan Housel’s book, The Psychology of Money…
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Am I Saving Too Much For Retirement?

Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, we’re answering a smart viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

How Past Market Meltdowns Could Be Influencing You Today

It's been a volatile month. And if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, we look at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next.
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

What Should You Actually Do When the Market Drops?

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit?
 
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Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092

The Money Questions Every Couple Needs To Discuss This Valentine’s Season

Valentine’s season is all about love, but let’s be honest, money plays a huge role in any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting out, financial stress can put a strain on even the strongest partnerships. So, how do you talk about money without killing the romance? In today’s episode, we're looking at the questions every couple should ask about finances and retirement.
 
Contact Info:
Website: https://crystallaketax.com/
Phone Number: 815-526-3092