Shows
Retired-ishDivorced, Widowed, and Wondering: How to Maximize Your Social Security BenefitsSocial Security can be a maze of rules and decisions to make if you’re widowed or divorced, which makes claiming a daunting task. Most claiming decisions are permanent and can make a difference of tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars over the rest of your lifetime, so you want to get it right. In this episode, Cameron Valadez, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Enrolled Agent shows you how to navigate these important decisions faced on your own. More specifically, Cameron discusses: The current state of Social Security and why early fili...2025-07-2844 minRetired-ishProfessional Financial Advice or AI?Can Artificial Intelligence really give you solid financial advice—or just a generic roadmap that ignores the potholes? In this episode of Retired·ish, we explore the growing trend of people turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for help with retirement planning, tax questions, and investment strategies. Sure, AI can be fast, cheap, and eerily accurate… sometimes. But when life gets complicated—and it always does—there’s no substitute for personalized advice from someone who understands the human side of money. Join Cameron Valadez, CFP® and Enrolled Agent, as he breaks down where AI shines, wher...2025-07-1427 minRetired-ishQ&A Hot Topic: Cash Value in Permanent Life InsuranceHere we go again, discussing hot takes on permanent life insurance and its use as an investment vehicle. In this episode, I tackle one of the best questions I have received in a long time regarding the cash value and hidden costs associated with permanent life insurance that I think is critical to understand. Before considering a permanent life insurance policy as an investment option, make sure you are utilizing the more transparent, low cost, and tax efficient investment vehicles on a regular basis. More specifically, I discuss: The biggest hidden cost...2025-06-3018 minRetired-ishAre TIPS Worth Adding To Your Retirement Portfolio?With the growing US federal deficit, tariffs, fears of recession, and upcoming tax breaks, inflation is a top concern in the minds of many retirees and soon-to-be-retirees. Investing in TIPS, or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, is one of the most commonly touted strategies that can help stave off unexpected inflation, however there are still important risks to understand. Can TIPS really preserve your purchasing power in a meaningful way and kill off inflation no matter what happens in the markets or economy? Or are they just another government bond with a fancy name and a built-in m...2025-06-1629 minRetired-ishThe “One Big Beautiful Bill”: What The New Proposed Tax Law Changes Mean For YouThe “One Big Beautiful Bill” recently passed through the House of Representatives by a narrow margin and is now in the Senate’s hands. This bill consists of extremely important tax legislation that aims to continue on and add to the current tax provisions we have grown accustomed to for the last several years under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As a pre-retiree or retiree, many of the federal tax proposals in the current bill are highly relevant and could warrant adjustments to your retirement planning if passed. In this episode, Cameron provid...2025-06-0223 minRetired-ishMatching Retirement Income Sources to Goals & Thoughts on Dividend InvestingIncome planning will make or break your retirement years - This is because your income throughout retirement will be what controls your lifestyle, not your net worth. When doing your pre-retirement planning - hopefully several years before your desired retirement - you’ll want to match your lifestyle wants, needs, and goals with the income you are able to generate from your various financial assets. However, depending on where and how you plan to generate income from, you may run into problems along the way. Many times, we see issues arise with those who pr...2025-05-1935 minRetired-ish5 Estate Planning Failures to Learn FromThis is a must-listen episode that could save your family's financial future… Seriously. Estate planning is important, we know that, but what happens when things go wrong, very wrong? In this episode, we delve into true stories of oversight and missed opportunities, each one a powerful lesson in what not to do. Learn how simple mistakes today can cause chaos tomorrow and discover the steps you can take to avoid these pitfalls. Don't let your hard-earned legacy become a cautionary tale. More specifically, I discuss: When multiple executors/trustees disagree Who ha...2025-05-0537 minRetired-ishCan I Deduct Premiums Paid for Long-Term Care Insurance?Long-term care insurance typically becomes a consideration for people in their 50s and 60s after they experience helping out with their aging parent’s care and realizing the substantial hit it can make on their life savings. But one of the most overlooked aspects of long-term care insurance is the potential tax benefits that can be had. When considering long-term care insurance, understanding the potential tax benefits and how they pertain to your own financial situation can help you make a more informed decision. More specifically, I discuss: How does the potential deduction for lo...2025-04-2127 minRetired-ishTalking Tariffs & The Impact on Your Portfolio + Listener Question: Social SecuritySince President Trump took office for the second time in 2025, tariff talks are all the rage and markets have entered a new phase of extreme volatility. Since tariffs can be a good and a bad thing, we think it’s necessary to have some additional context beyond what the mainstream media seems to be focused on specifically - which is higher prices and inflation. To understand the potential economic impacts moving forward and how these tariffs might affect markets and your investment portfolio, we need to zoom out and take a look at more than ju...2025-04-0720 minRetired-ishEncore Episode: The Greatest Threat to Your Retirement SavingsDue to the increasing political and market uncertainty, and recent stock market correction, we felt it was more important than ever to reintroduce this episode of the Retired·ish Podcast throwing it back to episode #8! In this episode we defined the downside of what is called Sequence of Returns Risk - which is in my opinion can be the greatest threat to your retirement savings and income. This risk can present itself when markets happen to be volatile to the downside at nearly the same time that you enter retirement when you go from saving t...2025-03-2431 minRetired-ishStock Market BubblesWhen the stock market produces double digit returns over multiple years in a row, investors and retirement savers naturally begin to get nervous and anticipate some sort of inevitable financial bubble. This fear often stems from two things, from living and investing through recent historic market crashes such as the dot-com bubble and the great financial crisis, as well as the mere thought about how the recent and exuberant growth of your financial nest egg can sharply and suddenly be given back – and ultimately the thought of how that hit to your investments might impact your livelihood in...2025-03-1019 minRetired-ishHow To Decide Whether or Not To Do a Roth ConversionIf you’re a diligent retirement saver, you’ve likely heard of - and maybe even explored - executing a Roth conversion of some of your pre-tax retirement savings. Executing the Roth conversion itself is the easy part, but trying to figure out whether or not it makes sense and will benefit your particular financial situation is the hard part - since you will voluntarily pay taxes when you convert and the conversion can’t be undone. Rather than start converting to Roth on a whim, a thorough analysis should be done before making any decisi...2025-02-2430 minRetired-ishThe Danger of Picking StocksInvesting in the stock market by selecting a handful of individual stocks is tempting for many investors who dream of making substantial gains by picking the "next big thing." But despite the allure, there are many compelling reasons why investors should think twice before diving into individual stock picking and market speculation… More specifically, we discuss: The most important question for DIY investors picking stocks and funds What does the research say about stock picking and market speculation? A surprisingly small percentage of stocks generate an overwhelming majority of shareholder wealth Investor emotions serve as a si...2025-02-1024 minRetired-ishThe Realities of RetirementRetirement is often imagined as a permanent vacation that’s been earned over many years of sacrifice. You envision yourself traveling the world on cruises, playing endless rounds of golf or pickleball, or telling yourself that you will finally spend more of your time with family and start exercising more. While these dreams can certainly be part of your retirement, it’s essential to understand that this is just one side of the coin. More specifically, we discuss: How retirement has changed over the past few decades What it means to be Retired·ish Your...2025-01-2714 minRetired-ishSocial Security Reductions Eliminated for Some Federal and Public Workers!Two of the most prominent provisions – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) - that can substantially reduce Social Security benefits for some federal, many public sector and civil service employees were just eliminated after being in effect for the last 40 years! Teacher, police officers, firemen, and some federal workers are some of the most common groups affected by these provisions, and as of December 31st, 2023, they may see a bump in benefits or expected benefits they’re eligible to receive. More specifically, we discuss: President Biden passes the Social Security Fair...2025-01-1320 minRetired-ish6-Figure Income in Retirement & No Taxes!There’s no question about it, that when it comes to saving for retirement, the financial mass media pounds the table with all things retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, but there’s a vastly underutilized investment vehicle that can help retirees enjoy a potential 6-figure retirement income, entirely tax-free. We are referring to the good olé brokerage account. A brokerage account is simply an investment account you open where you deposit money from your own bank account and then you can use that cash to invest in various investments held inside that brokerage accou...2024-12-3027 minRetired-ishReconsider Growing Your Pre-Tax 401(k) or IRABuilding up a substantial amount of savings in your 401(k) or IRA may serve as an indicator for a job well done in saving for retirement. But what soon-to-be retirees need to realize is that if the majority of your retirement savings is in pre-tax dollars, taxes will eventually be owed while in retirement and taking distributions. Depending on your tax situation in retirement and the tax laws in place at that time, these large account balances may cause a tornado of taxation that you weren’t expecting - which can cause you to have to re...2024-12-1626 min
Woman's HourChildcare, Returning to Syria, Inclusive wigs after chemoA new analysis on the quality and quantity of childcare provision in England has revealed that the huge expansion of free childcare currently underway is at risk of not delivering for poorer families, according to a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Save the Children. Author of the report Jodie Reed and Phoebe Arslanagic-Little, Head of the New Deal for Parents at Onward, join Nuala McGovern to discuss.People in Syria are still celebrating in the streets after Bashar al-Assad was toppled from power at the weekend. For many, the regime change...2024-12-1057 minRetired-ishKey Changes in 2025 for Taxes, Retirement Savings, and MedicareThe landscape of taxes, retirement savings and Medicare are ever changing. Every year we see changes to the laws and limitations such as tax rates, brackets, and deductions, limitations on retirement plan contributions, and premium changes to Medicare to name a few. 2025 brings us some run of the mill changes sprinkled with substantial changes that can largely benefit retirees and soon to be retirees. In this episode, we discuss some of the most important changes and how they may affect you. More specifically, I discuss: Important adjustments to common tax deductions...2024-12-0227 minRetired-ish6 Year-End Tax Strategies for Your Investment PortfolioIf you’ve built or inherited an investment portfolio alongside the savings in your retirement accounts, you are likely to face some taxation every year on things like interest, dividends, and capital gains generated from the investments. These might be investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs held in a brokerage account to name a few. While these investments can serve as a fantastic compliment to your other retirement savings, you’ll want to be sure to manage this money in the most tax-efficient manner each year to allow your money to last as long...2024-11-1822 minRetired-ishInvestors Are Missing Out on Nearly 16% of Investment ReturnsIn a recent study published by the investment research company Morningstar, they estimate that the average dollar invested in funds by individual investors over the 10 years ending December 31st, 2023 earned a 1.1% lower rate of return per year than the actual investments they were invested in. This resulted in individual investors out on nearly 16% of the investment’s actual returns each year, even without consideration of any investment fees. Morningstar updates this data annually as part of their “Mind The Gap” study, and in this episode I break down why this is happening and what this means...2024-11-0421 minRetired-ishHarris and Trump Tax Proposals and What They Mean for YouKamala Harris and Donald Trump present starkly different tax proposals for the 2024 election reflecting their contrasting economic priorities. And while the exact outcomes of future tax policy are unknowable, you can be better prepared by having a good understanding of the potential changes. In this episode, I address some of the major tax policies at play if either candidate takes office, and how they might affect your situation. More specifically, I discuss: A basic review of the current tax laws in place under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) What will happen if...2024-10-2127 minRetired-ishShould I Gift My Kids Money While I am Alive? Or Let Them Inherit It?In today’s challenging and expensive economic environment, many young adults in their 20’s and 30’s are struggling to find stable footing when it comes to their finances. Whether that’s struggling to find that perfect career that can help them pay off their student debt, saving enough for a downpayment on a first home, or having extra cash each month to pay for childcare. These common issues are causing many parents in retirement to rethink their own situation by contemplating whether or not they should step in to help, and if so, how? 2024-10-0724 minRetired-ishShould I Manage My Own Retirement Account After Retiring?When approaching a retirement from a long and successful career, you’ll likely have a list of big decisions to make in a relatively short time. One of those decisions will be whether or not you should manage your retirement account(s) on your own after retiring - when you begin to convert them into an income stream to support your lifestyle. This is opposed to looking for outside help from a professional such as a financial advisor or planner, and it’s a decision that comes with both pros and cons. However, before you deci...2024-09-2332 minRetired-ishShould I Put My Rental Property in an LLC?When you have assets such as rental property that are going to need to provide you with cash flow throughout your retirement years, you’ll want to look into some level of asset protection at some point. When it comes to rental real estate, the Limited Liability Company or LLC might be worth considering. However, the methods and strategies you use will depend on what you have at risk and certain risks that you might be creating yourself. More specifically, I discuss: Setting up an LLC prematurely What is asset protection? Determining what assets to...2024-09-0929 minRetired-ishHow to Reduce The Risk in Owning Too Much of One Stock & Save TaxesHaving too much of your net worth tied up in one or a couple individual stocks can be a dangerous game to play. It’s one that relies heavily on luck and can present a significant risk to your life savings. Things can either turn out really well, or very poorly. Sadly, many people often let their emotions and the potential tax ramifications dictate their next move, but should they? In this episode, we discuss the risk of relying on one or two companies’ success to dictate your financial future, and how you can begin to m...2024-08-2625 minRetired-ishWills vs. Trusts vs. TitleImplementing important estate planning documents is critical to leaving your ideal legacy upon your death. Among the critical estate planning documents are wills and trusts. Often times, many people confuse the differences between the two, the benefits they can provide, and whether or not they need them at all! More specifically, I discuss: Why getting the appropriate estate planning documents in place is so important What is a Will? What can it do? What is a Trust? What can it do? What is the difference between a Revocable Living Trust and an Irrevocable Trust...2024-08-1229 minRetired-ishRetirement Withdrawal Strategies + Excess Roth IRA Contribution Q&ARetirees and pre-retirees often struggle when it comes to spending down their nest-egg in retirement because of the fear of the unknown. No one wants to run out of money too early, yet most people would also like to enjoy what they’ve worked so hard for. So how do you find that balance? How can you know what you can spend, and for how long? Living off of your wealth is entirely different than building your wealth. Without a retirement spending strategy, most people are going to either end up really worried about running out too early thr...2024-07-2950 minRetired-ishDoes Using Life Insurance to Build Wealth Make Sense?Life insurance has become an increasingly controversial topic in recent years due to the opinions of financial gurus on YouTube, insurance salesmen, and media giants especially when it comes to using it as a vehicle to build wealth. When considering life insurance as a wealth building vehicle, it really comes down to who is using it and how they are using it. Ultimately, when it comes to building wealth, permanent life insurance is a potential option, but only in very unique circumstances. More specifically, I discuss: The two main types of life insurance The...2024-07-1526 minRetired-ishHow to Analyze a Real Estate DealInvesting in real estate historically has been a tried-and-true method of building wealth over the long-run, if you have the right wherewithal and mentality to do it – Let’s face it, it takes work. However, as with any type of investment, investing in real estate has its own set of risks. Without proper analysis, you can lose a lot of money even if you accept what looked like a great deal. Or, you might be generating minimal cash flow that could have been a lot more cash flow if you were better prepared when analyzing your...2024-07-0128 minRetired-ishWhat to Expect When Investing During an Election Year2024 is an election year, and not just any election year, but what could be one of the most controversial election years in our Nation’s history. Given the constant influx of media hype around everything such as: geopolitical tension, political dispersion within the US, inequality, inflation, government spending and the nation’s screaming debt levels, the collapse of the US dollar, student debt, the uncertainty of Social Security, all while the stock market has continued to new make new highs - Investors and everyday people saving for retirement are left to wonder, what’s going to happen to my...2024-06-1721 minRetired-ishThe Benefits and Rules of the Health Savings Account (HSA)Whether you’re self-employed or an employee, a Health Savings Account or HSA can provide you with a triple tax benefit! Therefore, if you’re serious about saving taxes and building wealth, it’s critical to understand the benefits and rules of the Health Savings Account. If an HSA makes sense for your situation, you can benefit by receiving tax deductions based on money contributed into the account, tax-deferred growth on any interest or gains earned on the investments inside the account, and potentially tax-free distributions from the account that you take for medical expenses. The HS...2024-06-0340 minRetired-ishHow to Adjust Your Tax WithholdingAre you tired of handing over too much of your money to the tax authorities every year? Or wondering if there’s a better way to go about managing your cash flow when it comes to paying your taxes? If so, it's time to take control of your finances and maximize your wealth building machine. In this episode, I will show you how to adjust your tax withholding to keep more money in your pocket throughout the year so you can create a plan to make more of your money work for you, and not the IRS....2024-05-2037 minRetired-ishFunding Your Lifestyle in RetirementIf you are nearing retirement and have your eyes set on that dream day on the horizon (or even if you have recently entered into retirement) you need to know that you’re more responsible now - than ever in our nation’s history - for figuring out how to save, invest, and convert the financial resources you’ve spent your entire life accumulating into spending power that will last you a two to three decade retirement. You are responsible for doing the necessary planning ahead of time in order to fund your ideal lifestyle in retirement. ...2024-05-0618 minRetired-ishThe Benefits of Reviewing Your Tax ReturnIt seems that each and every year when our firm reviews tax returns in consultations and second opinions we find dozens of missed tax savings opportunities: whether it be missed deductions, forgone strategies, less than ideal business entity or real estate structures, or simply improperly reported figures. This holds true whether you do your taxes yourself with an online software or use a professional. Sometimes these missed opportunities are due to honest mistakes, other times it is due to tax documents with improper figures such as 1099s from investment firms, but more often than not it is...2024-04-2223 minRetired-ishHow Inflation Impacts Your Investments and Social Security WEP/GPO Q&A!Over the past few years one of the hottest topics has been the rise of inflation throughout the economy. Inflation impacts our day-to-day financial lives in numerous ways, good and bad, and has a significant effect on our investments over time. It is a silent killer that affects our spending habits, retirement income and other financial goals you we have. Understanding how inflation works over the long-term and how it can affect your investment decisions is a critical piece to your financial and retirement plans. Social Security has two unique provisions for those who will receive p...2024-04-0828 minRetired-ishWhat You Need to Know About IRA and Roth IRA ContributionsAlthough you may be familiar with some of the basics of Traditional IRA and Roth IRA retirement accounts, there are many different rules and tricky nuances that you might not know that can open the door for more wealth building opportunities, or possibly be a cause for concern. For instance, you may think you make too much money to contribute to a Roth IRA or that you can’t because you have a 401(k) plan at work when that may not be true. Or maybe you’re contributing to one of these types of accounts and taking tax...2024-03-2540 minRetired-ishShould I Get A Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plan?When looking into getting extra healthcare coverage beyond the basic coverage provided by Original Medicare Parts A and B, you’ll have to choose between either a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan also known as Medigap. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, they each have their place in the market. In order to make the decision on which one you should go with; you should have some basic level of financial planning done ahead of time since the route you choose to go can have a significant effect on the potential out of p...2024-03-1133 minRetired-ishPassing Large Retirement Accounts to BeneficiariesLarge pre-tax retirement accounts such as Traditional IRAs, 401(k) plans and the like are great savings vehicles for retirement. The problem is, they make for lousy and tax laden estate planning. The tax authorities have a claim to the money in these accounts, and the retirement and tax laws surrounding them are very complex and ever-changing. This requires careful strategizing if you have large balances in pre-tax retirement accounts in order to pass this money in a tax-efficient manner to your surviving spouse, children, or favorite charitable organizations. In the end it’s no...2024-02-2631 minRetired-ishCreating a Financial Affidavit for Divorce NegotiationsOne out of four people that experience divorce in the United States is age 50 or older, and nearly one out of ten is age 65 or older. These later-in-life separations is commonly referred to as Gray Divorce, and with it often comes complex financial situations. By properly creating a thorough financial affidavit during the divorce process, you can significantly increase your confidence in your financial independence post separation. More specifically, I discuss: What is a financial affidavit? Who prepares a financial affidavit? What should you include in your financial affidavit to prepare you for negotiations...2024-02-1220 minRetired-ishWhat to Know About Taxes When Deciding What State to Retire InBy having a better understanding of your tax situation, you are more likely keep more of your hard-earned money, which can also mean you don’t have to rely as much on exuberant investment returns. Moving to another state in order to potentially save money in taxes can have a huge impact on your finances in retirement by allowing your money to go further, which means less stress on your income producing assets throughout a potential 20–30-year retirement. In this episode we discuss the various tax implications you’ll want to know when deciding where to enjoy...2024-01-2932 minRetired-ishFinancial Considerations for “Snowbirding” in RetirementWhile the vast majority of people will choose to live in the same home once they retire, many more housing opportunities typically open up during your retirement years due to kids being out of the home - hopefully – and the fact that you don’t have any obligations to show up to any specific workplace or maybe you’re now able to work on your own terms from the comfort of your own home. In this case, Snowbirding by splitting time between two homes might be ideal dream retirement for you. However, you’ll want to keep...2024-01-1525 minRetired-ishMinimizing Your Lifetime Tax Bill Early in RetirementThere typically comes a time when your income sources drastically change from one source to another, or from one to multiple sources. For most, this will be shifting from earning income from a career, to then living off your own savings, potential pensions, or even passive income from real estate or businesses. During this phase of life is when you have the opportunity to capitalize on tax planning and reduce your lifetime tax bill substantially! More specifically, I discuss: Planning early enough to be able to implement tax savings strategies. 2023-12-1832 minRetired-ishHow to Protect Your Aging Parent FinanciallyIf you have an aging parent, there’s a high likelihood that you will eventually need to step in to help them with their caretaking and financial decision making. There are many steps you can take to protect their finances and well-being as long as these steps are taken ahead of time so that everyone’s better prepared. Many of these things you should actually be doing for yourself, such as making sure you don’t pay more than you need to in taxes, having a plan for care as you get older, and simply making sure your f...2023-12-0427 minRetired-ishUnique Challenges Women Often Face in RetirementWomen have unique challenges that they typically face in retirement, and although men have their own share of obstacles to face, women tend to juggle more than just worrying about themselves and their own livelihood. This phenomenon is mostly due to the fact that many women today are part of a “sandwich generation” in which they typically support themselves, their children, and often times aging parents. This makes retirement a lot more challenging, especially when life throws a wrench in the mix such as divorce, or the death of a spouse. In this episode we disc...2023-11-2020 minRetired-ishWith Everything Going on in The World Right Now, Why Would I Invest?!Our emotions impact our investing decisions when it comes to the stock markets. In this episode, I share a thought experiment to help you understand how to make your investing decisions. More specifically, I discuss: With everything going on in the world, why would anyone still invest in the stock market? When fear and uncertainty are at a peak, how do I go about making investment decisions? Thought experiments to go through before reacting What Crisis have we been through in recent history? What advances have we made in recent history? What really is “the stock ma...2023-11-0621 minRetired-ishHealth Insurance Options When Retiring Before You’re Eligible for MedicareI discuss the common options you have for health insurance coverage when retiring before you are Medicare eligible at age 65. More specifically, I discuss: Jumping on Your Spouse’s Employer Health Plan Considering Shopping The Health Insurance Marketplace – Affordable Care Act Continuing Coverage Through The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Act – COBRA Looking into Healthcare Cost-Sharing Arrangements or “Faith-Based” Plans Retiree Health Plans Through a Former Employer in the Public Sector, Government, or Military Resources: Access Show Notes HERE Free 4-Step Retirement Analysis for Ages 50+ Ask Cameron A Question! The key moments in this episode...2023-10-2320 minRetired-ishFinancial Strategies to Consider When Inheriting MoneyIn this episode, I discuss some of the financial strategies you can implement into your own personal finances as the recipient of a financial windfall from a parent. More specifically, I discuss: Strategies when inheriting property from a parent Strategies when inheriting cash and investments from a parent Tax considerations and planning when inheriting various types of assets How and why these strategies may be beneficial to you How to incorporate these strategies into your own personal finances Avoiding reckless spending and burning through a potential inheritance Resources: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Begin Creating Your...2023-10-0929 minRetired-ishCostly Mistakes To Avoid When Inheriting MoneyI discuss the potential pitfalls to watch out for when inheriting assets from a parent. Receiving an inheritance isn’t the same as maximizing an inheritance, as you could lose a significant portion if you’re not prepared. More specifically, I discuss: What are common types of assets that are passed down to the next generation? What are the common pitfalls to watch out for when inheriting property? How should assets be titled before they are passed down? What impact do trusts have on an inheritance? How do taxes work when inheriting assets? What are the comm...2023-09-2529 minRetired-ishSocial Security Benefits Available to Widow(er)sIn this episode, I discuss potential Social Security Survivor Benefits available to a spouse and other family members after the loss of a loved one. Everyone’s situation is unique in that they will typically have many options when it comes to deciding how and when to apply for these benefits which could be the difference of tens if not hundreds of thousands over a lifetime. More specifically, I discuss: What are Social Security Survivor Benefits? How do you know if you are eligible for Survivor Benefits? How are Survivor Benefit amounts determined? What are so...2023-09-1122 minRetired-ishThe Bucket StrategyThe Bucket Strategy, also know as Time Segmenting, is a simple and effective strategy to implement approaching retirement. This simple yet effective strategy allows you to assign a purpose to your various assets so you can understand how to enjoy the financial benefits they can provide. More specifically, I discuss: What is the “Bucket Strategy” aka “Time Segmenting” What is “Sequence of Returns Risk”? How Can The Bucket Strategy Help Alleviate Sequence of Returns Risk? Developing a Bucket Plan How Implementing a Bucket Plan Can Potentially Increase The Longevity of Your Retirement Income For more resources an...2023-08-2824 minRetired-ishWhat is Financial Planning?Revealing the mysteries around financial planning: What it means, what it can do for you, and what the process looks like. I also discuss the problem with simply knowing or researching things rather than using information to implement in your own life. More specifically, I discuss: What is Financial Planning? – Personal/Retirement What Are The Steps to Creating a Financial Plan? Examples of What to Consider When Creating Your Plan The Implementation of Information and Strategies What Can Financial Planning Do For You? Resources: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Begin Creating Your ONE-PAGE Financial Map Free 4-S...2023-08-1425 minRetired-ishBusiness Owner Edition: How to Unlock the True Benefits of an S-Corporation, with Mike Jesowshek, CPALearn how your business may be able to help you save more in taxes! In this episode, I’m joined by Mike Jesowshek, CPA and host of the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast as we discuss how to unlock the true benefits of an S-Corporation. Having a better understanding of your business shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re new to the business world, or semi-retired with a thriving family business, this episode is packed with strategies presented “in crayon” just for you. More specifically, we discuss: What is an S-Corporation, and how does i...2023-07-3156 minRetired-ishAre Your Investments Truly Diversified?In practice, I have found many people think they are diversified looking at the surface, but come to find out their investments have very little to no diversification. In this episode, I discuss the benefits of diversifying your investment portfolio and the common myths around diversification. More specifically, I discuss: What does it mean to be truly diversified? What can diversification do for you? What should you expect by diversifying appropriately? Common, real-world examples of “pseudo diversification” What not to do when trying to diversify your investments, and alternative approaches Why alternative investments don’t belong in a r...2023-07-1737 min
Retired-ishSocial Security Benefits After DivorceIn this episode, I discuss the key facts that you need to know about Social Security benefits after divorce. More specifically, I discuss: What are the requirements to receive Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record? How much can you receive as a former spouse? What if your ex-spouse dies before or after you begin receiving Social Security benefits? Can you start collecting an ex-spousal benefit if your ex is not taking Social Security yet? What happens to Social Security benefits if you remarry? Does the Social Security annual earnings test apply to benefits yo...2023-07-0317 minRetired-ishThe Claims Process for Long-Term Care Insurance, with Eileen Dunn: Long-Term Care Series, Part #4I’m joined again by Long-Term Care expert, Hospital Discharge Planner, and Geriatric Care Manager Eileen Dunn where we guide you through what to expect during the claims process for long-term care insurance. More specifically, Eileen and I discuss: When is it time to make a long-term care insurance claim? What are some reasons why someone may be denied a long-term care insurance claim? How long does it typically take between initiating a claim and actually getting approval? Who pays the care provider, you or the insurance company? How does a waiver of premium work? How do...2023-06-1921 minRetired-ishLong Term Care Series, Part #3: How to Determine How Much Long-Term Care Insurance You Need, with Eileen DunnI’m joined again by Long-Term Care expert, Hospital Discharge Planner, and Geriatric Care Manager Eileen Dunn where we educate you on how to determine how much long-term care insurance you may need, and what factors you should consider. More specifically, Eileen and I discuss: Factors that influence the amount of long-term care insurance you may need How to find the cost of care in your area How to calculate your “Insurance Gap” Tax considerations when calculating your insurance needs How a professional can help you plan for long-term care For helpful links to resources mentio...2023-06-0545 minRetired-ishLong Term Care Series, Part #2: Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance & Partnership Programs, with Eileen DunnI’m joined again by Long-Term Care expert, Hospital Discharge Planner, and Geriatric Care Manager Eileen Dunn where we discuss the basics of long-term care insurance and the Long-Term Care Partnership Program. More specifically, Eileen and I discuss: Why should you consider long-term care insurance? What does long-term care insurance pay for? Common types of long-term care insurance policies Cost and benefit considerations of long-term care insurance Long-Term Care Partnership Programs Taxation of long-term care benefits Resources: Retired-ish Newsletter Sign-Up Free 4-Step Retirement Analysis for Ages 50+ Ask Cameron A Question! LPL Financial an...2023-05-2243 minRetired-ishWhat is Long-Term Care & How Does It Work? With Eileen Dunn: Long Term Care Series, Part #1What is long-term care & how does it work? In this episode, I’m joined by Long-Term Care expert, Hospital Discharge Planner, and Geriatric Care Manager Eileen Dunn to educate us on the basics and realities of long-term care from a “boots on the ground” perspective. More specifically, Eileen and I discuss: What is Long-Term Care? What Qualifies Somebody for Long-Term Care? Does Medicare Pay for Long-Term Care? Does Medicaid Pay for Long-Term Care? What Kind of Care Are People Actually Getting? Adult Children Helping Mom and Dad Having The Tough Conversation About Long-Term Care Planning Resour...2023-05-0832 minRetired-ishDoes Rental Property Make Sense in My Retirement Plan? With John StanfieldIn this episode I’m joined by mortgage lending expert John Stanfield with Viewpoint Financial as we dispel some of the myths about rental property investing so you can decide how you want to approach given your own situation and investing preferences. And while a portfolio of rental properties can absolutely generate wealth and income in retirement, there is no one size fits all solution as everyone will have different opportunities, situations, and skill sets. Together we share various tips and considerations rental property owners should consider, and John will also be sharing with us some of the...2023-04-2445 minRetired-ishAre Annuities a Good Idea for Retirees?At some point nearing retirement, retirees often wonder: Are annuities a good idea for retirees? The internet and world-at-large is full of conflicting information about annuities, and whether or not they make sense for today’s retiree. The topic of annuities is definitely an interesting one since many retirees are in one or two camps: They either don’t know much at all about them, Or they completely fear and avoid them due to a horror story they read on the internet about someone else’s experience with an annuity. Heck, even financial profes...2023-04-1033 minRetired-ishYour Retirement Income Plan Can Make or Break YouPlain and simple, your retirement income plan will make or break you in retirement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating an actual plan that focuses solely on how you will get your income in retirement, and the greatest risks your income will face. An appropriately structured income plan is crucial so that you can avoid entering retirement being uncertain about how much you can spend each month, vulnerable to the big retirement risks, and unstructured with your nest egg – meaning that you really have no idea how to arrange your affairs, what accounts to ha...2023-03-2729 minRetired-ishShadow TaxesIn this episode, we show you how to spot shadow taxes which are hidden taxes you may pay without a trained eye. These are taxes and penalties hidden from plain sight that many people pay, although there are numerous ways to reduce or avoid them entirely. More specifically, I discuss: The Repayment of Advanced Excess Premium Tax Credit The Net Investment Income Tax Medicare IRMAA Surcharges on Medicare Part B & D Premiums Additional Taxes Owed on Social Security Ways to Reduce or Avoid Shadow Taxes Resources: Free 4-Step Retirement Analysis for Ages 50+...2023-03-1329 minRetired-ishWhat to Do When an Elderly Parent or Spouse DiesIn this episode we will go through a process that will help you figure out what to do when an elderly parent or a spouse dies. This is especially useful if you are the named executor of an estate, or trustee or successor trustee of a trust for the deceased since you will be the one who will aid in determining and/or delivering on their wishes. More specifically, I discuss: What immediate tasks must be done when an elderly parent or spouse dies? What important documents to look for when organizing an estate W...2023-02-2735 minRetired-ishHow to Invest in Bonds in RetirementBonds are very misunderstood by most retirees and investors alike simply because they don’t get much love and attention, but bonds are actually very simple, more-so than stocks. In this episode, I teach you some interesting, exciting, and actionable things about them you may not have known that can help you. My goal is for you to better understand the role bonds can play in your portfolio, and when you might consider them in retirement. More specifically, I discuss: How do bonds work? What are the different types of bonds? What are the different ways to...2023-02-1336 minRetired-ishEstate Planning in RetirementEstate planning in retirement can be a daunting task. The problem is that most of us put off this aspect of retirement planning because it doesn’t raise an immediate need. The truth is that estate planning is much more than a will and trust and can have a dramatic effect on your legacy, for better or worse. In this episode we discuss what estate planning is, and the little things you can do to pass a meaningful legacy to your family. More specifically, I discuss: What is estate planning? What does a well-thought-out estate plan lo...2023-01-3033 minRetired-ishWhat is a Roth Conversion and Why Should I Consider It?Roth conversions are a great strategy that you can use to help build up your “tax-free” bucket in order to provide you with more flexibility in retirement. Having more tax-free money can help you avoid tax time-bombs, maintain some control of your taxable income in retirement, or even be used as an excellent legacy to pass down to heirs. More specifically, I discuss: Our upcoming “Retirement Planning Today” classes in February 2023 The main differences between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA or other pre-tax account What is a Roth conversion? What are the main reasons to consider...2023-01-1631 minRetired-ishMedicare Options in RetirementMedicare is a daunting program to understand for most retirees. In this episode we break down the different components and additional coverage options in layman’s terms. Having a good understanding of the different options and various costs components can provide you with more confidence in your healthcare plan during retirement. More specifically, I discuss: What is Medicare, and what are the main components What does Medicare pay for? What types of additional coverage are available? What are the costs? The difference between Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), and some of th...2023-01-0234 minRetired-ishThe Greatest Threat to Your Life SavingsThe greatest threat to your life savings is lurking in the shadows ready to strike when you least expect it. This threat presents itself when going from saving to spending your retirement nest-egg - which is nerve wracking for a new retiree. This phase of your financial journey is far more complicated than simply putting money away year-in and year-out and is susceptible to major threats such as sequence of returns risk. More specifically, I discuss: What is the greatest threat to your retirement savings? Examples of sequence of returns risk in the savings phase of...2022-12-1930 minRetired-ishHow To Build A Retirement Investment PortfolioThere are many nuanced factors to consider when creating a retirement investment portfolio. In this episode I go over some of the more important foundational building blocks, and how to begin the process of creating a retirement portfolio for you. More specifically, I discuss: Identifying a specific purpose for your different accounts, based on your financial plan Factoring in personal preferences when determining your portfolio allocation The goal of diversification Types of asset allocation Asset location and practical use cases For the links and extras mentioned in the episode, please visit the show notes page...2022-12-0533 minRetired-ishWhat To Do When Markets Are “Bad”Financial markets are scary… and we humans make decisions largely based on our current emotions. Mixing those two things together, and you get a toxic concoction. Investing should be based upon us acting on our own rational and intellectual thoughts, but it hardly ever is… So rather than staring at markets and making emotional decisions, what can we actually do to better the outcomes of our financial situations? More specifically, I discuss: How to “check yourself” when markets are volatile and declining What investments you probably shouldn’t have Using bad markets to get rid of tax...2022-11-2128 minRetired-ishPreparing for Retirement Pt. 2Taking the proper steps early to prepare yourself for one of life’s biggest transitions can alleviate much unwanted stress and…save you money. In this episode I continue the conversation on taxes and how they can be paid in retirement, what to do with your retirement accounts when you retire, and some tips to help you make healthcare decisions around retirement. More specifically, I discuss: Estimated tax payments and withholdings in retirement How to make estimated tax payments in retirement Retirement plan rollovers, cashing out, and direct rollovers from 401(k) plans to IRAs and...2022-11-0737 minRetired-ishPreparing for Retirement Pt. 1Taking the proper steps early to prepare yourself for one of life’s biggest transitions can alleviate much unwanted stress and…save you money. The first step in preparing for retirement is determining if you are actually ready. In this episode I go over what you can do to determine your retirement readiness along with a host of other important financial planning considerations. More specifically, I discuss: “Practicing” retirement The importance of an emergency fund specifically for retirees, and how to structure it Cash savings ideas to implement tax savings strategies while in retirement Various...2022-10-2424 minRetired-ishSocial Security Lump Sum & The Start-Stop-Start StrategyLet’s go over two little known Social Security strategies and the long-term implications of each. In this episode, I discuss why Social Security is paying out lump sum payments to retirees and the pitfalls of taking the payment, as well as a strategy to tap into benefits early and rebuild them later. I also review tax and estate planning issues that may be caused as a result of implementing these strategies, and where they can make sense to take advantage of. For the links and extras mentioned in the episode, please visit th...2022-10-1025 minRetired-ishHow to Use Tax Gain & Loss HarvestingEpisode #2: How to use tax gain AND loss harvesting to your advantage. If done appropriately, tax gain/loss harvesting can help you reduce taxes, thereby keeping more money in your pocket which can help you increase your net worth! More specifically, I discuss: Tax loss harvesting with examples Tax GAIN harvesting with examples Capital gains and losses When it’s a good idea to implement this tool Common pitfalls to avoid when tax harvesting is implemented What is a capital loss carry-forward and how to use it For the links and extras mentioned in the episode, please vi...2022-09-2627 minRetired-ish5 Tax & Estate Planning Tips for Retirement AccountsEpisode #1: Don’t add the IRS to your list of beneficiaries! Here are 5 of my favorite tax and estate planning tips when it comes to retirement accounts including IRAs and employer plans! You’ll also learn: What your Required Beginning Date or RBD is, and why it is so important What is a Required Minimum Distribution or RMD, and how it affects your financial planning My goal for these retirement tips is to help you preserve more of the wealth you worked so hard for. My top 5 favorite retirement account tips are: Reti...2022-09-1329 minRetired-ishWelcome to Retired-ishRetired-ish is the retirement podcast for those exploring retirement and those currently in retirement. The retirement ideas and strategies discussed are focused around preparing for one of life's biggest transitions, and how to preserve the wealth that you have worked so hard to achieve! This educational podcast was created to provide you with confidence in your retirement planning decisions. Your host, Cameron Valadez, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) and partner of financial planning firm for retirees, Planable Wealth. In each episode, Cameron shares actionable ideas and strategies to help you Simplify Investing, Red...2022-08-0502 min
The Perfect RIADiscount Fee - Then Discount Advisor! [Episode 159]The power of financial undressing and the mastermind experience is incredible and effective when advisors are looking to upgrade their practices. In this episode, Micah is joined by a mastermind attendee who has made some big goals and incredible progress. Cameron Valadez from Planable Wealth joins the show to discuss his experience increasing fees AND value. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3tYYumH2022-07-0430 min
Long Beach Current PodcastsBeach Weekly S6E7 — An Interview with Joseph ValadezThanks to our sponsor Long Beach Transit
https://ridelbt.com
In this episode of Beach Weekly, host Luke Pajari dives into last week’s biggest news stories including a return to face-to-face classes, buildings on campus re-opening, and Long Beach City Council’s Black Health Equity Collaborative. For this week’s story spotlight, Luke talks to Joseph Valadez, a recent Long Beach State graduate who went viral on social media for graduating after turning his life around for the better.
Editing and Music by Cameron Johnston
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...2021-03-0116 min