Shows
Retirement 360Naughty or Nice - December 22, 2024Ashley Schneider from the Mercurio office begins the program with a segment concerning certain scenarios of future retirees to determine if they are naughty or nice concerning their planning during this holiday season. Then Alan and Troy take over and review four keys for a solid retirement plan as well as reviewing timeless advice.2024-12-2252 min
Retirement Coach's CornerMailbag: How Should I Prioritize Newfound Wealth?Are you ready to take control of your financial future? In today’s podcast, Alan and Troy dive into listener questions about retirement planning, like what to do about your old 401(k) or how to handle a sudden influx of money. While each of these are “good” problems to have, you still want to be strategic about your next steps. Alan and Troy stress the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your unique situation. Whether you're five to ten years away from retirement or just starting to think about your financial future, sitting down with a...2024-07-1811 minRetirement Coach's CornerAdding Social Security to Your Retirement Income PlanIn retirement, your income source is different than it was during your working years. With inflation and market fluctuations to consider, how can you build an income plan that is strong and stable? Alan and Troy share what a comprehensive retirement income plan looks like and what kind of accounts you want to draw from first. Then, they talk through strategies around Roth conversions. Is it right for you? While there are limits to how much you can contribute to a Roth IRA each year, does that rule apply for Roth conversions? What kind of impact could...2024-07-0212 minRetirement Coach's CornerFinancial Half-TruthsIt’s easy to be taken in by half-truths in the financial world without understanding the whole truth. Troy breaks down some of these commonly held beliefs to provide clarity and advice for your financial future. He dives into misconceptions about market losses, portfolio fees, mortgage interest rates, and diversification strategies. Through real-life examples and expert analysis, you’ll learn valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement planning with confidence. One of the most memorable takeaways from the episode is the analogy used to describe diversification: "You don't want all your eggs in one basket, but you...2024-06-2014 minRetirement Coach's CornerFinancial Wisdom with Yogi BerraYogi Berra, hall of fame baseball player and legendary catcher for the New York Yankees, was known not only for his athletic abilities but also for his witty and often paradoxical sayings. These quotes provide a unique lens through which we can view and understand the complexities of financial planning. One of the standout quotes discussed in the episode is, "I never said most of the things I said." This quote reminds us to be cautious about the promises and information we receive, especially when it comes to financial products and services. Alan and Troy emphasize the...2024-06-1316 minRetirement Coach's CornerAll About InsuranceUnderstanding your insurance options is a critical component of a successful retirement plan. From health insurance to long-term care, life insurance, and even travel and umbrella policies, today’s podcast is packed with valuable insights from Alan and Troy to help you navigate these decisions with confidence. Be sure to take the time to explore your options and incorporate them into your retirement strategy with the help of a trusted financial professional. Do you have the right insurance in place to meet your needs should you face a worst-case scenario? Having this helpful financial tool can not on...2024-05-3023 minRetirement Coach's CornerMistakes When Choosing A Financial AdvisorWhen it comes to retirement, having the right advisor can make all the difference. But with so many financial advisors out there, how do you choose the right one? In today’s episode, we’ll highlight the key areas to consider, whether you’re evaluating your current advisor or starting the search for one. Listen in as Alan and Troy uncover some of the critical mistakes many make when choosing a financial advisor. They’ll cut through the noise to highlight what often goes wrong- from misplaced trust in big names to overlooking an advisor’s fiduciary status. Th...2024-05-1717 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe Kentucky Derby and Retirement PlanningWhen you live in Louisville, you know all about Derby Day! But do you know how it relates to your retirement planning? On today’s show, Troy and Alan discuss what you can learn from the rigorous training required for the main event to understanding the best investments needed to win the race. Learn how a well-bred plan, a dedicated support team, and the right amount of risk can set you up for a victorious retirement run. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Just like horse racing, you have...2024-04-2516 minRetirement 360Respect Your Elders; Honor Their Legacy - April 21, 2024The show starts with an introduction to Troy Bolton and his background as a financial planner, then Alan joins him to discuss estate and legacy planning and the kinds of things someone needs to know when adding this to their retirement plan.2024-04-2152 minRetirement Coach's CornerExpectation vs. RealitySome things aren’t as good as they seem. And other things might just surprise you! We talk today about some areas financially where expectations and reality don’t always align. Have you thought through what your retirement will actually look like? It’s easy to imagine relaxing on a beach, but is that the reality for you? Is that what you want? How have you prepared to have the retirement lifestyle you want? Your retirement plan involves a lot of things, including room for change! It’s not something to set and forget. Instead of being too prou...2024-04-1115 minRetirement 360The Retirement 360 Book - March 3, 2024Troy's book about the Retirement 360 Game Plan is now one year old, and today Alan and Troy continue their special offer to give a copy away along with the Retirement Took Kit that will help you get started on the process of putting a full Retirement 360 Game Plan together with the help of Mercurio Wealth Advisors.2024-03-0352 minRetirement Coach's CornerFinancial Good Habits and Bad HabitsEveryone has their own habits and routines when it comes to handling their finances and investing. For instance, having a good budget and being disciplined can help you achieve the financial goals you have for the future. You also want to think about what life experiences you want to have, now and in the future. It seems wise to stay informed and pay attention to what you are investing in. But which of these habits may seem helpful but can actually cause problems? So many of these financial habits are all about having the right...2024-02-1517 minRetirement Coach's CornerWill These Apocalyptic Predictions Ever Come True?We’ve all heard the apocalyptic predictions about Social Security, the national debt, and other major issues that are supposed to sink the economy. Do any of these predictions have merit in the years ahead? In this episode, we’ll try to separate sensationalism from reality. In a world constantly buzzing with economic uncertainties and sensational headlines, Alan and Troy step in as your reliable guides to navigate the noise. Join us as we cut through sensationalism to uncover the truth behind these predictions and ensure your financial playbook is ready for whatever the future may bring. 2024-02-0215 minRetirement Coach's CornerHidden Financial QuestionsSome financial questions are obvious and popular, while others are more hidden. Today, we dig through some of the more overlooked yet equally important questions to ask when going over your retirement plan. From savings that later turn into your largest expense, are you watching these financial elements closely? Do you know how much you can safely withdraw from your retirement savings? Alan and Troy share what indicators they track and how to calculate both your expenses and needs-based income in retirement. You may be surprised by what you look at differently over time as your financial...2023-11-1619 minRetirement Coach's CornerContinuing Care Retirement CommunitiesContinuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are on the rise as Baby Boomers enter into retirement. These communities have become a great place to live. The housing, social life, and long-term care plan all in one place carry a lot of appeal for some, but not all. We chat about what to look for in this type of community and what considerations people face when making the transition. This can be a big financial commitment, so it’s important to understand the financial structure. Does it require a large down payment or have a buy-back feature? What happens wh...2023-11-0916 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe Financial Implications of Losing a Spouse No one likes to think about it, but most likely, one spouse will outlive the other one. Today, we talk about some of the financial implications that come up after one spouse passes and how to be prepared ahead of time. Did you know your income, expenses, and tax bracket will all change after one spouse dies? This could make a big difference on how you approach your retirement savings. Having a plan in place will make it much easier on the remaining spouse when the time comes. Here’s what we di...2023-10-0515 minRetirement Coach's CornerUniversal Retirement Truths A lot of financial decisions depend on you, your goals, and your needs for your financial future. But there are certain universal truths that everyone faces when it comes to retirement. We discuss a list of key truths and why you need to plan accordingly. From having an income plan to saving enough to live until you’re 95 years old, you’ll want to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. That way, you can be sure you’re covered no matter what the outcome is. Here are the universal retirement truths we talk thr...2023-09-2813 minRetirement 360Get the Facts on Social Security - September 3, 2023Alan and Troy break down Social Security and its importance to anyone's retirement income plan, and also address letting a financial professional help determine when the best time to take it would be for your situation. And be listening for a special offer from Mercurio Wealth Advisors for folks to call and get started with a Retirement 360 Scorecard.2023-09-0352 minRetirement Coach's CornerReal Estate Investing in Retirement Let’s talk the pros and cons of real estate investing. Is this a part of your retirement plan? Should it be? Some people love the idea of rental properties as opposed to funding a retirement account, but for others, this might sound like a headache. Troy and Alan share what successes and downfalls they’ve seen among clients. It’s often worth asking the question, “Why are you doing this?” If you’ve got a solid retirement income plan, maybe you don’t need a real estate investment. Or, if you have a lot of real estate ho...2023-08-3114 minRetirement Coach's CornerRetirement: Ready or Not, Here it Comes! Retirement comes whether you are ready for it or not. When you hit “retirement age” you might wonder if and when you really should retire. Working with an advisor will help you determine if you’ve saved and planned enough. Retirement plans go beyond just the financial decisions —they consider how you want to spend your time in retirement. Some people struggle to walk away from the office, while others can’t wait to make the leap but aren’t prepared financially. Join us as we talk through how to put yourself in the right position to b...2023-08-1720 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe Changing Expenses in Retirement (Part 2) Today we continue our two-part series on the expenses you’ll have in retirement and how they might look different from your expenses when you’re working. It’s a mental shift you’ll have to make as you adjust your plan, your savings, and your spending. Getting ready can be a challenge, so it helps to have a financial advisor to coach you through. When you’re no longer working, you may want to spend your time in retirement doing all the things you couldn’t do in your working years. For some, that’s travel and fo...2023-07-2018 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe Changing Expenses in Retirement (Part 1) When you get into retirement, you might be surprised to find that your expenses change. Not only do they change as soon as you retire, but they can change later on as well. In today’s show, we talk about the different areas where your cash flow and expenses may change and how to plan accordingly. For example, whether you are paying off your mortgage or buying that lake house you’ve been dreaming of, housing expenses may impact your cash flow. If you aren’t working, some of your usual work-related expenses are no longer a...2023-07-0616 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe 5 Biggest Money Mistakes In Retirement Planning (Part 2) There are many mistakes that you don’t want to make when it comes to retirement planning. We’re back to continue talking through common money mistakes to avoid in part two of this episode series. One of these mistakes can cost you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, over your lifetime. You only get one chance at retirement, and you’ve got to make sure that you make the right choices. Stay tuned as we dive into these topics and provide valuable insights that can help you get the most out of your money. And reme...2023-05-1815 minRetirement Coach's CornerThe 5 Biggest Money Mistakes in Retirement Planning (Part 1) Unfortunately, we all make mistakes from time to time. After years of working as financial advisors, Alan and Troy outline five of the most common mistakes people make with money. Building a strategy ahead of time can help you avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your money. What strategy is in your best interest when it comes to your Social Security or retirement savings? Are you focusing on the right things with your investments? Have you assessed the amount of risk you are willing to take on? These are critical financial questions th...2023-05-0416 minRetirement Coach's CornerMoving the Retirement Goalposts People like to change their goals sometimes, whether they realize it or not. Today we talk about common ways people move the goalposts in their financial lives. Should your goals move and what happens when they do? Troy and Alan talk through the techniques you can implement to stick to your goals in a healthy way. From getting serious about saving what you need to protecting yourself from too much risk, it’s important to understand your plan. What does it take to have that successful plan? Here are the areas peopl...2023-04-0616 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 42: What You Need to Know About Bank Failures What happens when a bank fails? If you’ve been watching the news lately, you may have noticed a lot happening around the Silicon Valley Bank and then Signature Bank. These are specific banks that cater to a specific client. How might these recent collapses impact your money or financial plan? Troy and Alan talk about the common situations that lead people to have large sums of cash in the bank and how to protect your money. Instead of reacting out of fear from the recent headlines, listen to Alan and Troy explain what you need...2023-03-2313 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 41: Mailbag – Roth Conversions, Inherited IRAs, Rental Properties & More It’s time to open up the mailbag and find out what’s on your mind when it comes to financial planning. In this episode, we’ll cover five different topics that impact both pre-retirees and retirees and we’ll coach you through each of these planning items today. Alan and Troy will discuss Roth conversions, why inherited IRA withdrawals have different rules, how to find a trustworthy advisor, rental properties, and tax planning. There’s a wide range of topics so we hope this episode touches on something you’ve been curious about. If you have anything you’...2023-03-0216 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 40: Four Ways The SECURE Act 2.0 Might Impact You After being discussed in Congress for nearly a year and a half, the SECURE Act 2.0 passed in January. You may or may not have seen the news, but it’s important to be aware of the changes enacted by the new legislation. The list of provisions in SECURE Act 2.0 is lengthy and it would take much more than one podcast to sort through them, but we took the time to find a handful of the ones that are most likely to impact you. Listen to today’s episode to see what you need to know and le...2023-02-1616 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 39: Retirement Preparedness Checklist, Part 2To continue our retirement preparedness list, we pick up where we left off from last time and add five more important things to the list. Are you prepared for retirement? Make sure to review these questions with your financial advisor to ensure your retirement is as successful and stress-free as possible. Here are the questions you’ll want to ask yourself in regards to retirement: Do I have a plan to combat inflation? (2:07) Am I prepared for the likelihood of future tax increases? (5:55) Do I have a plan to address healthcare costs? (8:23) What is my legacy pl...2023-01-1917 minRetirement 360Retiring Today - January 15, 2023The current retirement environment is not the same as it was for your parents or grandparents. Today Alan and Troy talk about the changes and newer strategies today's retirees need to put a solid plan together. Troy also goes over upcoming seminar dates in the Louisville area.2023-01-1552 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 38: Retirement Preparedness Checklist, Part 1Whether or not you’ve made any New Year’s resolutions yet, right now is a good time to look ahead financially. We go over a checklist for retirement preparedness as you formulate your retirement plan. Do you know the answers to these questions? Here are the first five questions you should be asking: Do I know how much income I need every month? (1:46) Which account should I withdraw from first? (3:27) Do I know the ideal time to take Social Security? (5:41) Have I addressed longevity risk? (8:14) Am I prepared to handle market volatility? (10:35) Looki...2023-01-0516 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 37: Do I Need a New Financial Advisor?As the saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” If that’s the case, how can you tell if it’s time to find a new financial advisor or if you’re just imagining things might be better elsewhere? Alan and Troy talk through when and why you might want to find another financial advisor and when it might make more sense to stay with the advisor you have. Here are some of the reasons people tend to wonder if they should switch advisors: My financial advisor made a mistake, should I le...2022-11-2219 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 36: The Retirement MarathonWhat does it look like to finish the race strong when it comes to retirement? In running, marathons are considered one of the ultimate races to run. Today we talk about the similarities between retirement planning and running a marathon. From preparing ahead of time to crossing the finish line successfully, Troy and Alan are here to coach you through it. Here are some of the similarities between marathons and retirement: A lot of planning and preparation is required. (2:39) A proper diet is key. (7:20) Don’t start too fast. (11:10) Get additional financial resources he...2022-11-1717 minRetirement 360Getting To Know Alan and Troy PLUS Pensions - October 30, 2022This show takes another look at the local pension issues that potential retirees need to make timely decisions on. Plus segments on getting to know the backgrounds of both Alan Mercurio and Troy Bolton.2022-10-3052 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 35: Getting to Know Troy and AlanWhen you are on a team, it’s important to build a sense of trust and understanding of one another. Troy and Alan are financial advisors and retirement coaches, but there’s a lot more to know about them. On today’s show, we hear more about what their lives look like and what their outlook is for the future. Here are the questions we answer from the mailbag: What would we do if we could foresee the future? (1:27) What takes up a lot of our time? (4:28) Where do they spend time at home? (8:24) What songs will th...2022-10-2715 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 34: Mailbag: Can I Retire Now?Wondering what to do about the market right now? Troy and Alan coach three different people through their investment decisions. From when to become more conservative in your investments to using a Roth 401(k) option to retiring early, you’ll want to hear what they have to say on today’s show. How would Troy and Alan build a plan around these people and their unique situations? Here are the questions we answer from the mailbag: At what age do I need to become a conservative investor? (1:13) Should I use the Roth 401(k) option at work? (5:40) Can I...2022-10-2017 minRetirement 360Getting To Know Alan - October 9, 2022In the introductory segment, Alan fills us in on his background in financial services and some of the history of Mercurio Wealth Advisors. Later he and Troy revisit some topics everyone needs to have on their retirement planning checklist.2022-10-0952 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 33: Procrastinating Making a PlanInstead of kicking the can down the road, we talk about why people procrastinate putting together a financial plan. Ready to get started? Do you ever put something off too long? A lot of people procrastinate when it comes to retirement planning, too. Why is that? Today we talk through the reasons people put off retirement planning and how to overcome these hurdles. You might say, “It worked out for my parents.” Comparing yourself to your parents or grandparents is dangerous. If something happens and you make a mistake, you might end up losing benefits or p...2022-09-0112 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 32: Should You Follow These Popular Retirement Rules of Thumb?We’ve all heard a few different rules of thumb when it comes to retirement planning. Are they worth following? Alan and Troy weigh in on what advice to take to heart and which of these rules of thumb don’t pan out. Let’s start with the rule of 100. This takes your age and your risk tolerance into account. Subtract your age from 100 and theoretically, that’s how much risk you should have in the market. Seek out a fiduciary to see if this is something you should follow. You need to find somebody who can help you...2022-08-2513 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 31: Financial Questions When You’re Between JobsThere is so much career change happening for so many people right now. Finding yourself between jobs can be stressful, whether that’s because you were laid off or needed to step away. Today we’ll talk about the challenges, opportunities, and questions to ask when you find yourself between jobs. One question you might ask is, is it time for a new career? The last couple of years a lot of people have asked this question. For those close to retirement, it might mean finding something just for the next couple of years to pay the bill...2022-07-2120 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 30: Financial Decisions During DivorceGoing through a divorce at any age is difficult. If you are near retirement or in retirement, there are some additional financial complications you’ll want to consider amidst the divorce. For starters, many women will choose to keep the house. Their home may feel more sentimental or an area of comfort. If that’s your choice, just make sure you know the ramifications of that to make sure it’s a fair agreement. A house won’t provide an income, and instead will still have costs associated with it, even if it is paid off. Sometimes a fresh...2022-07-1516 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 29: When To Get Out Of Your Own WaySometimes the biggest thing holding you back is you. If you overthink something or act impulsively, it can have big implications on your financial plan. Let’s talk about the main areas where people tend to get in the way of themselves and what to do instead. Are you feeling a little worried about the market at the moment? Alan and Troy share what they tell clients to focus on instead. Think about how much risk your plan can withstand and still have a successful outcome. Even if you’re down, does your market provide what you need...2022-06-1621 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 28: Retiring at 55Is retiring at the age of 55 feasible? Inspired by an article from Yahoo Finance, Troy and Alan discuss what you need to do to make that dream a reality. Not everyone wants to retire this early, but some are dreaming about retiring as soon as today (or even better, yesterday). In order to make it happen, you’ve got to have the right plan in place. When you retire early, you will face certain challenges you don’t want to overlook. Social Security can’t be withdrawn until 62 years old, so do you have enough money to pull f...2022-06-0218 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 27: All About RMDsWhat do you need to know about required minimum distributions? Are they inevitable or is there something you can do about them? What we discuss in this episode: 0:29 - Troy and Alan are back together! 1:28 - Do you know what RMDs are? 4:16 - RMD age changed to 72. 9:43 - Can you avoid taking RMDs? 14:38 - What do you do if you don’t need the RMD? Get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/2022-05-1920 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 26: The Most Important Birthdays in Retirement PlanningWe don’t think as much about birthdays as we get older, but we should all be paying attention to certain ages when planning for retirement. You might already be familiar with a couple of the ages we discuss on the show today but we’ll share a few planning opportunities that many people might not be aware of. What we discuss in this episode: 0:49 – Working with advisor out of your market 2:11 – Age 50 4:03 – Age 55 5:07 – Age 59.5 5:55 – Age 62 8:08 – Age 65 9:59 – Age 66 or 67 11:47 – Age 72 14:14 –...2022-05-0516 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 25: Clearing Up Often Used Financial JargonEver hear a phrase while you’re watching television or reading a financial article and not truly understand what it means? There’s so much jargon that gets used in the financial industry and it’s not always well-defined. On this episode, we’ll clear up some of the terms you might be hearing more frequently right now and make sure you know exactly what’s being said. What we discuss in this episode: 1:22 – What we’re discussing today 2:10 – Bear market/bull market 5:01 – Fiduciary 8:27 – Volatility 11:09 – Client story 13:13 – Dollar-cos...2022-04-2817 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 24: Mailbag - Is It Irresponsible To Spend More In Retirement?Following last week’s episode of answering questions from the mailbag, we have yet another mailbag full of questions. Troy answers listeners' questions about saving and spending wisely in retirement. Gideon in Lexington is a pastor and has the option to opt out of paying into Social Security. Is this something he should do? Troy said this is a nice option to have. This allows you to invest in yourself and your own retirement. Locally, Troy has worked with a few pastors who have faced this decision. It does come with some risk to opt-out of it, so be su...2022-04-0714 minRetirement 360Planning For The Future Together - March 26, 2022After Troy Bolton looks at recent financial news, Alan takes a look at estate and legacy planning, and making sure that the kids and estate executors know what the plan is supposed to be so that things will be taken care of as desired.2022-03-2852 minRetirement Coach's CornerEp 23: Mailbag - Selling a Business, Pension Buyouts, and MoreOn today’s episode, we are opening up the mailbag to answer some of your questions about retirement and financial planning. We’ll discuss selling a business, pension buyouts, and splitting assets during a divorce. Tim says, “I am a dentist and I am thinking about retiring in the next five or so years. I own my building so would I be better off selling the building and investing that cash or try to sell my practice to someone else and rent the building to them?” We would want to know how much you...2022-03-1814 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 22: Who Needs A Financial Advisor?Does everyone really need a financial advisor? Who does an advisor most benefit and who might be better off on their own? Alan and Troy talk through the reasons why someone might do well working with a financial advisor to create the right financial plan. Instead of waiting until you get to retirement, you want to approach it beforehand with an advisor. For those who are procrastinating or feel like they don’t know where to start, an advisor will be able to help you. The right advisor will be able to build a plan that helps yo...2022-03-0313 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 21: The Things You Can’t PredictYou don’t know what you don’t know. On today’s show, we talk through ways to financially plan for the future, even if you don’t know what it holds. What we discuss in this episode: 0:40 - What’s it like living that RV life? 1:54 - How do you plan for the next big market crash? 5:44 - What are healthcare costs going to look like in 20 years? 8:29 - What will your tax rates be in the future? 11:00 - How long are you going to live?...2022-02-2414 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 20: Fill in the Financial BlanksWhat answers will Troy and Alan have for these financial questions? Do yours match what they have to say? Find out! What we discuss in this episode: 2:06 - The best way to not run out of money is? 5:22 - The stock market has the ability to…? 7:30 - When should you run the other way from a financial advisor? 11:30 - What is a new client most nervous about? 13:41 - What’s the most gratifying part of Troy and Alan’s job? Get additional...2022-02-0318 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 19: The Great ResignationAre you one of the many people resigning from your job right now? What does it mean for your financial plan and financial future? What we discuss in this episode: 1:17 - People are leaving the workforce, coined the “Great Resignation.” 5:37 - Those leaving the workforce are no longer contributing to Social Security. 7:21 - Some chose to take money out of their 401(k) this past year. 12:10 - Take your old 401(k) with you when you leave a job. 14:25 - Be careful before you retire early. ...2022-01-2019 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 18: Preparing for Longevity RiskWhat’s the risk of longevity? Does your financial plan prepare for the possibility of living until 100? On today's episode, we'll discuss how longevity impacts your retirement plan. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/preparing-for-longevity-risk/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:55 - How old is their oldest client? 2:09 - How old is their oldest family member? 2:48 - Why is it considered longevity “risk”? 5:53 - How well do people plan for longevity?2022-01-0612 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 17: All About the HouseThis one’s on the house--what should you do about your house in retirement? How does it fit into your financial plan? Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-17-all-about-the-house/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:51 - What’s it like being a snowbird? 2:31 - When should you pay off the house? 5:22 - Should you downsize? 7:17 - Is a rental property a good investment? 10:08 - What complications could you face when legacy planning? 13:25 - Shoul...2021-12-1617 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 16: Planning for Long-Term Care ExpensesHow should you prepare for the possibility of needing long-term care? Is long-term care insurance your only option? Alan and Troy share the basics of how to address long-term care expenses in your financial plan. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-16-planning-for-long-term-care-expenses/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:40 - Alan is enjoying Florida right now! 2:41 - How often do clients consider long-term care expenses? 4:51 - Can you self-insure against long-term care expenses? 7:26 - Should you get long...2021-12-0215 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 15: The Strategy Behind Life InsuranceIs life insurance something you should have as a part of your financial plan? Alan and Troy discuss the reasons you may want to use this financial tool. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-15-the-strategy-behind-life-insurance/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:35 - Why does talking about life insurance make people cringe? 4:04 - How do you know if you need life insurance? 8:01 - Life insurance protects against risk. 10:20 - How can life insurance provide tax-free income?2021-11-1814 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 14: What Is Your Risk Tolerance?Do you know what your risk tolerance is or why it matters? Alan and Troy break down the basics of what risk is and how it fits into your financial plan. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-14-what-is-your-risk-tolerance/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:42 - Troy got a new job title! 2:11 - What is risk tolerance? 7:35 - How does your advisor know how to factor in their risk? 10:47 - How can you tell what someone’s risk...2021-11-0416 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 13: What You Need to Know About 401(k) RolloversWhen you do a 401(k) rollover, you want to make sure you get it right. We discuss the importance of a rollover and what kinds of things to be aware of throughout the process. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-13-401k-rollovers/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:42 - Troy just moved into a new home! 1:36 - Let’s talk 401(k) rollovers. 5:43 - How does the rollover fit into your retirement plan? 9:49 - Should you do a rollo...2021-10-2818 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 12: Are You Ready to Retire?When we ask this question to people that meet with us, the answers come in many different forms. For some, they want to retire but can’t financially. Others will be hesitant to make the transition for different reasons. And a third group is actually much better off than they ever believed. Today we’ll discuss one of the most important questions in planning, “Are you ready to retire?” Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-12-are-you-ready-to-retire/ What we discuss in this episode: 0:40 – Preparing for...2021-10-2113 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 11: Traditional IRA or Roth IRA?What should you know about a traditional IRA vs. a Roth IRA? Today we will talk about the differences in these accounts and why they matter for your financial plan. Read more and get additional financial information: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-11-traditional-ira-or-roth-ira/ What we discuss: 1:06 - What’s the difference between a traditional vs. Roth IRA? 3:45 - You may have the option of a Roth 401(k) at work. 6:35 - Why don’t many people have much money in a Roth? 10:19 - Who should...2021-09-1619 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 10: Social Security MythsThere is a lot of confusion around Social Security. Today we are addressing some of these myths. We are going to set the record straight. Read more and get additional financial information: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/1254-2/ What we discuss: 0:39 - Troy is mid-move! 1:46 - Let’s bust some Social Security myths. 1:57 - The Social Security Administration will help you make the best decision. 3:46 - Stay-at-home moms don’t get Social Security. 6:10 - You won’t pay taxes on your Social Security...2021-09-0217 min
Retirement 360How to know if your Retirement is on track!How to know if your Retirement is on track! by Alan Mercurio2021-08-1352 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 9: What to Know About AnnuitiesWhat do you think of when you hear the word, “annuities”? Troy and Alan talk through the different types and how they may or may not fit in your plan. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-9-what-to-know-about-annuities/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:43 - A lot of people have strong opinions about annuities. 1:29 - What is an immediate annuity? 4:13 - What is a fixed annuity? 6:41 - How does a variable annuity work? 10:06 - What is an ind...2021-07-2919 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 8: The Financial Red ZoneIn the financial red zone, your last few years before retirement are crucial to get it right. Just like in football, during that final stretch before the end zone you want to make sure there are no major mistakes are errors. On today’s episode of the podcast, Alan and Troy coach you through this area in your financial life. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-8-the-financial-red-zone/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:21 - What is the financial red zone? 3:29 - Why d...2021-07-2216 min
Retirement 360Retirement 360 Mistakes to avoid in RetirementRetirement 360 Mistakes to avoid in Retirement by Alan Mercurio2021-07-0252 min
Retirement 360Retirement 360 06 - 26 - 21 Segment 1Retirement 360 06 - 26 - 21 Segment 1 by Alan Mercurio2021-07-0226 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 7: Finding the Right AdvisorWhat makes a financial advisor a good one? We talk through the role of an advisor, the difference between a broker and a financial planner, and how to find the right advisor for you. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep7-finding-the-right-advisor/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:42 - How do you find the right advisor? 4:53 - What made you want to go from a broker to a planning advisor? 6:56 - Why might you want to look for a new...2021-06-1720 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 6: The Three Worlds of MoneyDo you have your money in all three worlds of money? We talk about all three, as well as their pros and cons in order for you to strike the right balance for your financial plan. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-6-the-three-worlds-of-money/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:01 - What are the three worlds of money? 1:40 - What should you know about the world of banking? 5:29 - What ways can a person misuse the bank? 10:34 - H...2021-06-0323 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 5: Estate and Legacy PlanningIn the financial planning process, you may also have your legacy in mind. But is your estate plan set up accordingly? On today’s episode of the podcast, we discuss common needs for an estate plan as well as mistakes often made. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-5-estate-and-legacy-planning/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:47 - How do people view their legacy? 3:37 - What are some common estate planning mistakes? 7:03 - This is an ongoing conversation. 9:09 - How...2021-05-2016 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 4: What Is Tax Planning?What is tax planning and how can it benefit you? We talk about how tax planning fits into your overall financial plan and what kind of difference it can make long-term. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-4-what-is-tax-planning/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:53 - What is tax planning? 4:33 - What does tax planning actually look life with clients? 7:21 - Is it safe to assume you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement? 10:26 - Why no...2021-05-0617 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 3: What is Investment Planning?What’s the difference between income planning and investment planning? On today’s episode we talk about the importance of investment planning, how it’s done, and what you can expect when working with Mercurio Wealth Advisors. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-3-what-is-investment-planning/ What we discuss on this episode: 2:29 - What is the goal for investment planning? 5:11 - How do you balance risk for someone in retirement? 7:47 - What is a tactical manager? 10:50 - How are fees redu...2021-04-2018 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 2: Do You Truly Have an Income Plan?What’s the best way to ensure that your money lasts throughout retirement? It’s by having a solid income plan, but you’d be surprised to find out that most people haven’t put that into place. Let’s explore what goes into income planning, what steps you can take to start that process, and why so many people are underprepared in this area. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/ep-2-do-you-truly-have-an-income-plan/ What we discuss on this episode: 2:12 – No income plan, no retirement plan...2021-04-0119 min
Retirement Coach's CornerEp 1: Get to Know Alan Mercurio and Troy BoltonOn this episode of Retirement Coach’s Corner, get to know our team a little better. Alan Mercurio is the founder and chief financial officer at Mercurio Wealth Advisors, and Troy Bolton is a senior wealth advisor with the company. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://mercurioadvisors.com/podcast/episode-1-get-to-know-alan-mercurio-and-troy-bolton/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:15 – What does being a financial advisor mean to you? 6:15 – What does the financial planning process look like? 10:07 – Why do you work and live in Louisville? 12:17...2021-04-0117 min
Retirement 360A Lesson From BaseballThe baseball playoff's are underway, so we're giving you a sports analogy tied into your financial planning. When you’re trying to figure how much money you’ll need in retirement, the first question is – how many years do you think you’ll need to pay for? Unfortunately, we can only guess at that number. Alan Mercurio and Morningstar’s David Blanchett say most of us are not very good guessers… they give us some tips on how to handle this question while designing a financial plan.2020-10-0252 min
Retirement 360Best Of Alan Mercurio | Mercurio Wealth AdvisorsThis week we go back in time to some of our favorite segments from the beginning of the year until now. Alan weighs in on some important financial topics and continues his stance on transparency and education when it comes to retirement planning.2020-07-0652 min
Retirement 360Do You Really Spend More During Retirement?This Sunday, tune in to Retirement360 with MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, as they take on the latest tending news. Are you planning to celebrate Bobby Bonilla Day? Better yet, did you know that even though he retired from baseball in 2001, Bobby Bonilla still receives a check for $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets on the first of every July? Are you receiving the right financial advice for your retirement? Forbes says the financial advice people use in their working years is not necessarily the best choice to help them as they approach retirement. What advice are you...2019-07-1552 min
Retirement 360Have you completed a "Stress Test"This Sunday, tune in to Retirement360 with MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, as they take on the latest tending news. How much of of your salary do you need to save? 10 times or even 16 times? Are the writers at Motley Fool correct? What and who are you supposed to believe? Have you done a "Stress Test" on your retirement plan, and what does that entail? And, how does citizenship play a role in your taxes? New Royal baby, Archie, could face an interesting dilemma.2019-05-2026 min
Retirement 360Do you ACTUALLY have a plan in place?Often, we at MWA discuss the term Retirement Plan. Your Retirement Plan is unique to you, your goals, your needs, and your family's wants. There are ways to achieve these goals, and there are some myths that need to be addressed because they may not be the most viable options. This week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, highlight some common fallacies on securing your retirement goal: •Relying on your home as a source of income •Only relying on Social Security •Relying on lottery winnings •Relying on inheritance from a deceased relative2019-05-1352 min
Retirement 360Retirement 360 - Best of Alan MercurioCheck in with Louisville's Retirement Coach, Alan Mercurio, and his friends as they discuss news and how it may affect your planning.2019-05-0652 min
Retirement 360When to Meet an AdvisorThis week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, dive in to the importance of finding the right financial advisor and why you would consider meeting one sooner rather than later. At MWA, we focus on education and the necessary steps families need to take to make sure their retirement is sound. Planning for retirement is more than taking your last of work - it is ensuring your life becomes what you want, not what it has to be. Learning about investments, insurance, Social Security timing, tax preparation and having an estate plan all tie together for...2019-04-2952 min
Retirement 360Retirement 360 Last Minute Tax TipsThis week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Alan Mercurio returns with host, Randy Cook and they take on one last trick before you file your taxes - putting money away in your traditional IRA and it will still count for last year. How is it possible? You'll soon find out! Personal finance guru, Suze Orman, says it's not the first 10-15 years of retirement that should concern you, its the following 10-15 years. Alan and Randy discuss strategies to making your retirement last.2019-03-2552 min
Retirement 360Taxes and being the BeneficiaryThis week on Retirement360, MWA advisor Troy Bolton and host, Randy Cook are talking taxes - but with a focus on what to do when YOU are the beneficiary. Many families will set up tax efficient legacies for your loved ones, but what happens when you inherit a 401(k)? How do you roll over the assets? How can you prolong RMDs? And most importantly, how do you navigate the taxes? We often discuss the importance of a good retirement plan and it is more than just income. Troy and Randy determine the 5 elements to make sure you are set for...2019-03-1826 min
Retirement 360The three things you need to knowThis week on Retirement360 MWA advisor Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook take on three of the biggest concerns facing retirees today: Social Security, taxes and advisor fees. An easy way to maximize your SSI benefit is to simply wait it out and withdraw as late as possible. However, waiting until you are 70 is not always the best option for some families. Alan and Randy tackle the thought process of selecting the best approach to start receiving your benefits. As April 15th approaches, many families are filing taxes and meeting with their CPAs. Do you have a "Tax Bomb" lurking...2019-03-1152 min
Retirement 3602019 Best of Alan Mercurio2019 Best of Alan Mercurio by Alan Mercurio2019-03-0453 min
Retirement 360Is Your Plan Obsolete?This week Mercurio Wealth Advisors Founder and President, Alan Mercurio, and host Randy Cook, discuss the importance of knowing your Risk Tolerance. What is Risk Tolerance? It is the ebb and flows you feel secure taking with the swings of the market. Almost everyone feels secure when the market climbs, but what when it dips? How much of your investment are you to miss? Knowing your Risk Tolerance is paramount to your overall planning strategy. This sets a bar that will intersect with all other saving strategies. In addition to knowing the importance of your Risk Tolerance, is your planning...2019-02-2553 min
Retirement 360Understanding Market CorrectionsWhat is a "Market Pullback" and what action should you consider? MWA Advisor, Alan Mercurio and host, Randy Cook, delve in to the details of what to look for, how to understand the highs and lows, and choices you should consider within your portfolio. Always speak with your trusted fiduciary before making any new plans. Should you make changes in your portfolio - do you know how the fees are assigned and how much you may pay over a lifetime? If you add up ATMs, checking, savings, IRA, 401k and other investing…the real number is closer to $369,000.00! Does this nu...2018-10-2949 min
Retirement 360Forecasting the Future?There is no crystal ball, there are no tea leaves and there are no fortune tellers to fully explain what the future holds. But families, with the help of their advisors, can prepare for both the blue and grey skies when it comes to protecting and growing their assets. In retirement, you will need to navigate where that future paycheck will come from, and ensure it will last as long as it needs too. Is a lifetime income possible? Yes. Will it need modifications along the way? Yes, especially should there be new tax changes that will affect your assets...2018-07-2349 min
Retirement 360What am I supposed to do?It is a fairly simple question but unfortunately, the answer can be long, complicated and layered. Retirement planning is different for everyone and for every family. No one solution is exactly applicable even if situations are similar. Investing in the stock market might yield greater rewards than a low-index fund, but your openness to risk is also much higher. Men and women invest differently, so who is the driving force in your family's planning, and are all needs being met? Is your advisor advocating for the both of you equally and or are they applying a cure-all to both partners...2018-07-0249 min
Retirement 360Father's Day Special - Still listening to his advice?On this Father’s Day, consider this: “My father had taught me – mostly by example—that if a man wanted to be in charge of his life, he had to be in charge of his problems.” The line comes from Joyland, a novel penned by one of the famous masters of horror, Stephen King. A father of three himself, King’s characters are known for facing down their problems—albeit often in the form of a killer clown or murderous Plymouth Fury. Most of us grew up with a father that was a solid rock to rely on when bills started piling...2018-06-1848 min
Retirement 360Jobs Report Calms VolatilityWith summer finally here after our extended winter season, most of us are hitting the lake or hopping on an airplane to far-off lands (or Florida, which we’ll still say is far-off.) Have you ever thought about how much planning really goes into a vacation? There’s tickets to buy, suitcases to pack, pet sitters to arrange, and a whole host of to-do activities before you can set off. Whether you’re a fit-it-all-in-one-backpack type or playing Tetris to fit all 6 of your suitcases into your car’s trunk, all of us have a game plan for our getaways. This wee...2018-06-1148 min
Retirement 360Stocks Up, Signals Mixed"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. " -Benjamin Franklin. Education is paramount as you begin and maintain your retirement planning. The more you can learn, they better you and your family can better prepare. This week's radio show will feature MWA advisor's Alan Mercurio, Troy Bolton and also host, Tony Vanetti as they discuss how to avoid the “tax time bomb” with your investments. At what age should you begin your retirement planning? And, preparing for the shift from working full time to full time retirement.2018-06-0447 min
Retirement 360Tackling Trade & Treasuries"Everything old is new again." This week's radio show will feature a "Best of Retirement 360" highlights with MWA advisor's Alan Mercurio, Troy Bolton and also host, Tony Vanetti. They discuss the importance and need for a financial advisor, that just maybe following your parent's advice on financial issues may not be the best idea, how to navigate volatility, and what you can expect with the 2018 tax plan - will filing actually be easier?2018-05-3046 min
Retirement 360Markets Post Week of GrowthThe stock market can be a complex creature to understand. You might have incredible gains for a few years, and then suddenly in a few months you’ve lost all that success through a bad market. There’s an old saying that paints the market as an escalator, steadily climbing in the good years….yet it may suddenly transform into a plummeting elevator, ruining all the upward progress you just had. This week on Retirement 360 with Kentuckiana’s Retirement Coach Alan Mercurio and Wealth Advisor Troy Bolton, we’re going to discuss how having your entire nest egg on that upward ele...2018-05-2149 min
Retirement 360Earnings Rise, Stocks StumbleWith Derby right around the corner, many of us will spend this week gearing up for the big show on Saturday—even if all that means is sipping on Mint Juleps and eating Derby pie at in front of your TV. Thousands both on and off the track will be watching to see which swift equine competitor will be the first to cross the finish line. One thing you can be sure of regardless of where you watch is that the participants—both horse and human—have put in hundreds of hours in training, planning, and commitment just to get a plac...2018-05-0747 min
Retirement 3602018 Q1 ReportThink of all the times you've put together a plan. Small things need a plan--a house project you swore you'd get to next summer, a fancy cake to impress your family at Thanksgiving. I'm sure you planned for the bigger tasks in life as well-what career you wanted, when to buy a house, whether to have kids or not. Did things always go according to the plan you originally set out? For most of us, the answer is a resounding, "No." What if you landed your dream job and ended up discovering you fit better elsewhere? Maybe the fancy cake...2018-04-1646 min
Retirement 360Markets IncreaseAs springtime gradually makes its appearance in the Kentuckiana area, many of us have started to think about what house projects we want to get done before winter comes around again. You've probably seen one of the many fix-it-up housing shows that have had a huge boost in popularity in recent years. The idea is generally the same across the board: a couple or a team of people purchase a "fixer upper" house. In the span of an hour the group rapidly transforms a rickety shack, run-down two-story, or cheerless split level into a housing masterpiece. While it's fun to...2018-04-0946 min
Retirement 360Interest Rates, Treasuries, and InflationWith tax season in full swing, many of us have our minds on our finances. This is the time of the year we reflect back on how things went for us-good and bad-in the markets. For those nearing retirement, it becomes an even more critical period as you approach the finish line of your working years. What we have in our pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and even just your savings account suddenly starts to matter a lot when we begin looking at replacing a paystub with money from our own investments. This can be overwhelming, sometimes even downright scary to...2018-03-0547 min
Retirement 360Interest Rates, Treasuries, and InflationWith tax season in full swing, many of us have our minds on our finances. This is the time of the year we reflect back on how things went for us-good and bad-in the markets. For those nearing retirement, it becomes an even more critical period as you approach the finish line of your working years. What we have in our pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and even just your savings account suddenly starts to matter a lot when we begin looking at replacing a paystub with money from our own investments. This can be overwhelming, sometimes even downright scary to...2018-02-2747 min
Retirement 360Stocks Jump AgainWith the big game coming up this weekend, a good majority of the nation's focus will be glued to their screens either watching the game or waiting for the halftime show to roll around. Snacks will be purchased, couches arranged for optimal viewing, and schedules cleared to fully enjoy the day. Amid all the snacking and quirky commercials though, there is something that many rarely think about. For the players, this is a day they have worked towards for years, probably even to back when they were first digging their cleats into a muddy high school field. Both teams are...2018-02-0547 min