Charisse Rivers is the founder and president of Zinnia Wealth Management in Ocala, Florida. Her passion is to help families grow and protect their wealth and guide them to and through retirement. “Retirement Coffee Talk” is a fun and informative look at the financial issues of the day and how they a…
What if the biggest mistake retirees make isn’t running out of money—but not using it when life is best? On this episode of the Retirement Coffee Talk Podcast, Charisse Rivers takes a closer look at long‑standing retirement income formulas that suggest spending less once the paychecks stop. In this conversation, the focus is on where rules like “80% of income” come from, why many retirees quietly scale back even more, and how fear around markets, taxes, long‑term care, and legacy planning shapes those decisions. By breaking retirement into different spending phases, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what retirement income was truly designed to support—especially in the years when energy and opportunity are highest. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: For years you wrote a check to Uncle Sam in April. Now that you’re retired, that should change… right? Maybe not. The formulas say you need 80% of your working-years income in retirement. Is that actually true? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
What if the biggest threats to your retirement aren’t market swings—but the everyday costs no one warns you about? On this episode of the Retirement Coffee Talk podcast, Charisse Rivers breaks down the surprising expenses retirees often overlook, from Social Security taxes and Medicare penalties to dental work, healthcare, and long‑term care. Using relatable comparisons and real‑world examples, this episode explores how “one‑time” events and miscellaneous costs quietly add up year after year. The conversation highlights why retirement planning isn’t just about monthly bills, but preparing for unpredictable moments—from major home repairs to milestone trips—and why those details matter more than most people expect. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
What if the Social Security plan you’re counting on isn’t as untouchable as you think?In this episode of the Retirement Coffee Talk Podcast, Charisse Rivers digs into renewed proposals to cap Social Security benefits and what those ideas really mean for individuals, couples, and future retirees. The discussion breaks down how uncommon high benefit payouts actually are, why benefit caps may miss the bigger picture, and how lawmakers often tinker with the system instead of fixing it. You’ll also hear why changes to claiming ages, taxes, and contribution rules are more likely than dramatic overhauls—and why staying aware of policy shifts matters long before retirement arrives. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Getting out of the retirement tax traps. How can your retirement plan build in market declines? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Waiting for the perfect market dip sounds smart—but for retirees, it can lead to missed growth and added risk. Retiring into a down market isn’t just uncomfortable—it can permanently damage a retirement plan. Taxes, Medicare penalties, medical costs, long‑term care, and everyday surprises can quietly derail retirement plans. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
If you ask people preparing for retirement and those IN retirement the same question, you may get very different answers. That seems to be the case with retirement timing. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Charisse walks through five common mistakes she sees from people who try to handle retirement planning on their own. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: The price of many products and services is up. How are you dealing with it in retirement? What are the hidden costs of retirement that may give you “Sticker Shock?” Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: When you look at the stock market today, have you forgotten about the gains of the last 10 years? A new study that shows if retirees do THIS, they will enjoy retirement more. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Finding a place for your money, IN and OUT of the stock market. When should you do your Roth conversion? The mistake retirees don’t seem to learn. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn joins Charisse to explain why electric costs are rising, how Florida’s power grid works, and what growing demand from data centers and AI means for consumers. The conversation covers affordability, infrastructure planning, and practical ways households can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: If the current market losses are keeping you up at night, what does it say about your retirement plan? Your 401(k), your house, your pension: all will be retirement assets. You might be missing the biggest one of all. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
If you get an inheritance, how do you honor the person who gave it to you, be responsible, but also have some fun? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Uncle Sam says there comes a time when you MUST take money out of your 401(k)s and IRAs. A lot of us get that calculation wrong. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: A CD and a bond pay this; an annuity pays that. How do you find the financial vehicle to provide you the paycheck you need in retirement? One factor that is adding to the volatility of the 2026 stock market. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Charisse Rivers sits down with John Calipari, former long-time Kentucky basketball coach and current head coach at Arkansas, to discuss leadership, motivation, and life beyond the court. Calipari reflects on teaching curiosity and humility, preparing young athletes to understand money, and how he thinks about legacy and planning for the future. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Everyone has their breaking point for stock market losses. When do you pull out and go to cash OR how can you avoid that scenario altogether? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: A GPS tells me step by step how to get to my destination. Can a retirement plan do the same? Should you pay of your mortgage or carry it into retirement? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Early retirement may mean taking Social Security at 62. But what do you do about healthcare? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: What’s your goal from growing your money: 3%, 5%, beat the market? Is that important in retirement? This might be your biggest hurdle if you want to retire early. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Think retirement is just about saving? Discover the three numbers that matter most — what’s coming in, what’s going out, and whether your savings can truly support your lifestyle. Markets rise, markets fall — but bad decisions can be costly. Learn how emotional reactions and poor timing can drain retirement income without a smart, written income strategy. Turning 73? One missed move could trigger penalties, higher taxes, and Medicare surcharges. Breaking down RMDs and why proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Chester Weber has made his living around horses. He has created one of the premiere events in the Ocala area at Live Oak International. What do you need to know to attend? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Buy short-term bonds when rates are going up, buy long-term bonds as rates are going down. Is there anything else? What’s your action plan if you lose your job a few years shy of retirement? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Gold prices are going through the roof. Should you buy in? How often should you meet with your financial advisor? Elon Musk says technology will end the need for retirement saving. Is that possible? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
From the 4% rule to pulling money as you need it, there are a lot of ways to determine your retirement paycheck. What are the pros and cons of each one? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Whether you have $5 million or $500 thousand, everyone seems to be asking THIS question. Interest rates are down. Should you give up on bonds? People are more worried about THIS than the price of food and housing in retirement. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
When you see the articles that say you need $1.5 million to retire, it can be depressing. There is an important factor these numbers don’t include. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Unexpected expenses will likely happen to you in retirement. How do you include that in your retirement budget? What happens when you lose your job a few years before retirement? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: The fear of running out of money is widespread. We found the point when that fear nearly goes away. Taxes, step up basis, taxable, tax deferred…inherited money comes with some homework. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Do you have “retirement fever?” See if you can see yourself in our list. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Lump sum or monthly payout: What would you choose as a lottery winner? A man who handled his own retirement planning and retired before 60 shares what he got wrong. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
JP Morgan did a study and found that people who have lower anxiety and enjoy retirement more…do this. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: There are some strange "coincidences" between the 1920s and the 2020s. But what does that really mean? JP Morgan did a study and found that people who have lower anxiety and enjoy retirement more…do this. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Waiting to take your Social Security can get you a bigger check. But at what cost? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Interest rates are down; market predictions are uncertain. Should that be a factor in your retirement decision? If you have cash on the sidelines, can you buy the dip and time the market? What does the 2026 tax conversion look like. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Charisse sits down with Karen and Shannon Cobbs to explore the legacy and preservation of Grandview Clydesdales. Hear about their family’s multi-generational commitment, the unique traits of these gentle giants, and how their tours and events inspire the community to help protect this iconic breed for future generations. Grandview Clydesdales is one of the Top 10 attractions in the state, right in your own backyard! Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: The stock market has been up double-digits 3 years in-a-row. Can we do it again or is it time for protection mode? Over 4 million people retire every year. How do you spot the “bad actors” that might pop up in retirement planning? Charisse chats with Karen and Shannon Cobbs about Grandview Clydesdales, their history, preservation efforts, and unique community experiences. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
If nothing is done, Social Security will be cutting back benefits in less than 10 years. There are a lot of ideas to solve the problem, but no one can agree. We’ll look at some of the ideas and discussion. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: What do turkey-flavored Oreos have in common with financial products that aren’t what they seem? Are your retirement funds hiding surprises? Uncover the overlooked pitfalls of target date funds. Is generosity now a threat to your own retirement security? Is wiping out all your debt before retirement a smart move—or a costly mistake? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Movie stars and music artists get “royalties” for their past work. Can you do the same in retirement? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Vanguard is offering a Target Date Fund with an annuity option. What could go wrong? Turns out, retirees want more stability than the stock market provides. If you DIY your retirement plan, what are the dangers? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
There are currently record numbers of dividend paying stocks being purchased. Why? Is it something you should look into? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Being debt free would be great going into retirement…but will you hurt your retirement prospects by doing it? We discuss good debt and bad debt and how to make those decisions. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Why is retirement so complicated? In down years in the stock market, does that mean you should cut back on your lifestyle? Without some planning and discussion, your 401(k) could be a tax trap. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: The “Tiny Dings” that could become bigger financial problems. A strange disconnect between financial advisors and their clients. Don’t be generous but foolish with your inheritance. Avoiding the “debt free” temptation. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Your 401(k) may be your biggest retirement asset. What are your options on how best to use it? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
Join Charisse for a heartfelt discussion with Jonathon Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health, as they explore gentle ways to support loved ones experiencing memory loss or other cognitive issues. Jonathon shares insights on navigating care options, finding comfort, and embracing empathy during life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re a retiree or caring for a family member, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice, and hope for your journey. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
There are some ideas that look good on paper, but don’t turn out that way in real life. There are plenty of financial products that fit that bill and you should know about them. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
On this episode: Sometimes the marketing is better than the product. Leaving your IRA in cash after a rollover. Should I use MY plan or Uncle Sam’s plan for my RMDs? Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
There are rules we should follow in life. There are rules we might want to break in retirement. We found one with your 401(k)s and IRAs. Like this episode? Hit that Follow button and never miss an episode!
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