Retirement Pathfinder

As retirement grows longer for many Americans, a simple question—what's actually in your portfolio—could be the key to lasting financial security.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Many approaching retirement struggle with balancing savings, debt, and financial tools like annuities — here's how to build a strategy that will be better tailored to you.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Learn why planning for retirement goes beyond saving and how understanding your expenses and investment strategy can help ensure a comfortable future.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Learn why being too conservative with your investments in retirement could put your savings at risk and how a diversified portfolio can help protect you from rising inflation.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Learn how managing your retirement income and planning for healthcare expenses can help you retire with confidence and avoid unexpected financial challenges.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Learn how paying yourself first, finding a mentor, and understanding compound interest can set you up for a secure financial future.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Discover key strategies for retirement, from diversifying investments and understanding Roth accounts to preparing a backup plan for rental property income.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Learn the critical details about Medicare coverage and how to stay financially secure by managing spending in retirement.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

Discover why reducing risk, building trust with your advisor, and smart planning are the keys to a stress-free retirement in this insightful mini-podcast.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

We're diving into your questions about old 401(k)s—should you roll them over, leave them, or something else entirely? Plus, we're breaking down Roth conversions—when they make sense, and how they might save you money in the long run. Also, this is the final regularly scheduled Retirement Pathfinder Podcast. Most future episodes will feature shorter, bite-sized, news story-type episodes. Think of them as mini podcasts. They'll still publish twice per month and contain helpful retirement planning insights. And Barb and Phil will return to the "airwaves" occassionally for commentary on major market events and other things you should know. We hope you enjoy the new format! Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

The holiday season is here, and while you're stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don't forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we're unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actionable ideas to help you save smarter, invest better, and plan for the future you deserve. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com Buy the book, Roadmap For A Stress-Free Retirement: https://amzn.to/4gwy7uG Find Out Your Tax Bill: https://whatismytaxbill.com/

We have 4 great listener questions to answer today. Jan asks if she should withdraw all her money from an annuity now that the penalty period has ended. Andy asks whether he should invest in gold, and, if so, whether gold coins or gold bars are the better choice. We've got a lot to get into, so let's get started!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Imagine you could read your financial advisor's mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. Plus, Barbara and Phil will react to the election and discuss what might be on the agenda for the new administration.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Barbara Lane and Phil Guske answer listener questions on a variety of retirement planning topics. From Roth conversions and their tax implications to strategies for paying off debt while still saving for retirement, they cover key considerations for anyone approaching retirement. Barbara and Phil also discuss the importance of involving both spouses in financial planning, offer investment advice for high-income earners, and provide insights into managing inherited trusts.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

You wouldn't necessarily expect Mike Tyson, Kim Kardashian, and Snooki to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you'd probably expect the opposite. But with a little bit of creativity, we can get some financial planning pearls of wisdom from even the most unlikely of sources.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We have several great financial planning questions to cover in this week's mailbag episode. Steve asks how to decide between taking his pension as a lump sum or as monthly income, and what other factors he should consider as he plans for his upcoming layoff and future steps. Amy asks how much she should set aside for taxes on the house and $100,000 in her late father's checking account, as his only beneficiary.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

With National Financial Planning Month upon us, we're sitting down with Barbara and Phil to uncover the strategies and steps that go into building a personalized financial plan. From that first phone call to implementing a strategy that aligns with your goals, this discussion will offer valuable insights for anyone looking to understand what it looks like to go through the planning process with a real financial advisor.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

In this mailbag episode, Marty asks if the recommendation of having 15 to 20 times your annual salary in savings for a comfortable retirement is accurate. Kim asks whether she should continue interviewing more financial advisors to find the perfect one or if she's being too picky. Tune in as we dive into these and other insightful listener questions!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. Today, we're digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule a 15-minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Mailbag episodes are one of our favorite ways to answer your questions! This week, one listener asks if, due to concerns about rising taxes in the future, all their retirement savings should be directed into a Roth account. Another listener asks if they should extend their working career due to the uncertainty caused by the upcoming election.   What Is My Tax Bill? https://retirementtaxbill.com/?u=SVYrdGRTNWJsUDk5Zmw4bnp4QnVpQT09   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com      

Are you telling yourself financial lies? Discover the top 6 lies people often tell themselves about money and retirement. Some of these could be severely holding you back, so stay tuned!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

In today's episode, we tackle your burning questions about retirement planning. Our first mailbag question comes from Mary, who is concerned about her portfolio's performance and whether she should start taking Social Security now or wait until age 70. Matt asks about converting large amounts to a Roth IRA in one go. Patrick's question about rolling over old 401Ks leads to a discussion on the advantages of consolidating accounts into an IRA. Finally, Ronnie asks whether it's a good idea to have investments, taxes, and legal documents handled by the same firm.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Celebrate the spirit of July 4th with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of Financial Independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, we're here to discuss what you're striving to be independent from in your retirement.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

It's a mailbag edition of the show today! We've got four great questions coming your way. Hazel asks for a checklist of financial priorities to address before she retires from her job at the hospital. Joseph asks whether he should proceed with rolling over his 401k from his old job, given its strong performance this year.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Retirement planning doesn't have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn't have to be as complicated as some people make it. In our next episode, we unravel the unnecessary complexities often woven into the fabric of retirement advice. We'll debunk some myths, simplify strategies, and uncover the beauty of simplicity and straightforward retirement planning.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We've got four great questions that we'll cover in today's mailbag episode. Tony asks whether, as a pastor, it's advisable for him to opt out of Social Security. David's wife is nine years younger than him, and he wonders if he should take out a large insurance policy on himself. Tune in to see what you can learn from these real-life scenarios!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today's retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in this digital era, all from the perspective of a seasoned financial professional.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We're back with another special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled more of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. In this week's show, Barbara and Phil talk about making financial decisions after a real estate sale, long-term care coverage, and ethical considerations in investing.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We've got a special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled some of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. Stay tuned as Barbara and Phil discuss tax laws, pensions for federal employees, traveling in retirement, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from real-life financial planning scenarios!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Welcome back to the Retirement Pathfinder. We've got some mailbag questions for you to enjoy today! Dorothy wishes to financially support her daughter and grandchild, who are facing challenges due to the newborn's extended hospital stay, but isn't sure about the tax implications and feasibility. Charles has been pinching pennies for 10 years in retirement and wonders whether he should start spending more liberally and travel more often. Click the play button to see what you can learn!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Imagine your retirement plan as a ship sailing toward a horizon of rest and relaxation. But what if one leak could sink it all? In today's episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to protect your future from the one mistake that could derail everything.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We're going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected effects of everyday money decisions. Are your good money habits holding you back?   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments. We'll discuss the new dynamics of managing your funds in a world where traditional saving methods are seeing better returns. Are these options now a viable part of a savvy investment strategy, or are there still better ways to make your money work harder for you?   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

In this week's mailbag episode, Dan asks whether the changes in tax laws in recent years have affected the tax benefits of his charitable donations. Amy asks if her approach of not rushing to pay off debt, utilizing a Home Equity Line for major expenses, and prioritizing retirement savings is advisable. Listen in as Barbara and Phil tackle these questions (and a few more) in today's show!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Sometimes it's hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we'll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards. Plus, Barbara and Phil will provide an update on interest rates and what we might expect to see in the new year.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Join us for a great mailbag episode today! This is your chance to gain valuable insights from the financial questions of our listeners. In today's show, Chris asks where to invest additional money for retirement since he is already maxing out his 401(k). Tony asks if he needs a will, trust, or both to evenly split two rental properties between his sons after he passes. Tune in to see how Barbara and Phil answer these questions and more.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. On this episode, we unearth and tackle these hidden, but essential questions about retirement.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

As we approach the end of the year, there's a lot to look forward to. This is also the perfect time of year to share some year-end planning tips. Join us as we take a look at what items and opportunities you need to be paying attention to before we turn the page to 2024.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We have a special edition of the show for you today! We thought it would be helpful to pull some of our favorite mailbag questions from the past and compile them into one episode. Tune in as we talk about life insurance, divorce, retirement, passing assets along to your kids, and much more. Stay tuned to see what you can learn!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Dave Ramsey is well known for his no-nonsense approach to personal finance, particularly in the areas of budgeting, debt management, and wealth-building. He has gained a significant following through various media platforms, including books, radio shows, podcasts, live events, and more recently, Tik Tok. Tune in as we peel back the layers of Dave's bite sized Tik Tok advice and share our thoughts beyond the clips.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

The article we will discuss today has a fun breakdown of someone trying to plan for retirement with the help of AI and a real advisor. The author asks them the same questions and reveals the results. Would be a fun one to recap on your show and break down the nuances of planning that a robot just can't understand (at least not yet).   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com  

There are some people who don't care at all about leaving a financial legacy, but for those who do, it's important to eliminate some of the common estate planning mistakes. In this episode, we cover topics ranging from poor expense planning to outdated beneficiary designations and family conflict triggers. We also shed light on some misconceptions about transferring real estate and explain the impact of tax implications on your estate. If you want to leave a legacy without regret or legal turmoil, this episode is a great starting point.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com  

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often emotionally charged process of changing financial advisors. We'll discuss the telltale signs that it's time to consider a switch, the questions to ask your current advisor, and what to look for in a new one. Join us as we demystify the transition process and equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about who is best suited to guide your financial future.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We've got some great listener mailbag questions lined up for today's show! Bruce says that he fears a recession and wonders if he should stop contributing to his 401(k) for a while. Andy asks whether he should continue paying extra on his house to have it paid off by retirement, considering the advice he's received about needing a mortgage for a tax deduction during retirement. Tune in and see what you can learn from these mailbag questions!   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Finding a trustworthy and competent financial advisor is essential for securing your financial future. After all, they play a vital role in helping you make informed decisions about your money, investments, and long-term financial goals. But how can you separate the wheat from the chaff? How can you identify problematic personalities that might indicate an advisor isn't the right fit for you? We'll find out in today's episode as we explore how to identify “The Ghost," “The Jargon Juggler," “The Chameleon," and several more. And what should you do if you encounter them?   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We're back with another mailbag episode this week. We've got some great listener questions lined up for today's show. Kate asks how to stop financially supporting her 27-year-old son without setting him up for failure. Laura asks if her account is too small for her financial advisor to worry about. Tune in and see what you can learn from these mailbag questions!    Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 4 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. Join us as we delve into these key issues and learn how to navigate them effectively when it's your turn to plan for retirement. But before we dive in, Barbara and Phil will reflect on the current financial environment.    Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

In today's episode, we're diving into the 4 common excuses that people often use to keep from retiring. Taking the leap and deciding to retire can be daunting. Whether you love your career, are afraid of being bored after you leave the workforce, or are simply afraid that you can't retire, Barbara and Phil will help you get over that hurdle so that you can move on to the next chapter of your life with ease. Join us as we discuss the importance of having a clear retirement plan that you can feel confident in.    Check out Pathfinder Wealth's upcoming class:  Class:  Taxes in Retirement Where:  Rock Valley College – Woodward Technology Center Time:  11:00-12:15 on Monday, June 5 and Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Address:  3301 N. Mulford Road Rockford, IL   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects everyone, regardless of age or financial status: How Age & Wisdom Impact Financial Planning. No matter where you are in life, your financial goals and priorities will change over time, and it's important to have a plan that reflects your unique needs. In this episode, we'll explore the ways in which age and wisdom impact financial planning strategies and provide practical tips and insights to help you make informed decisions about your finances.    Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this episode, we'll be debunking common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com

We will be answering some mailbag questions on today's show. This time around we be discussing if you should cancel your life insurance policy, if it's wise to push back the date you want to retire, and how conservative your retirement portfolio should be.   Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com