Shows
The Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder Retirement5 Signs You Should Ditch DIY Retirement Planning (Ep. 38)What are the clear signs it’s time to stop DIYing your retirement planning?
Here are the five indicators that call for professional guidance.
Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the complexities of retirement planning. With his wealth of experience, he explores when it’s best to transition from self-management to professional advice.
This episode offers universal insights for anyone considering a DIY approach to retirement planning.
Key discussion points include:
The complexities of growing income and savings [00:01:21]
The challenge of managing time as life grows busier [00:04:09]
Emotional influences on financial decision...2025-05-1322 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementHow Tariffs Can Impact Your Investments and Retirement Plan (Ep. 37)What do tariffs mean for your retirement savings and investments? Is it still okay to retire right now?
In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, tackles the often-overlooked world of tariffs and their unexpected impact on your financial future. Whether you’re decades away from retirement or just around the corner, understanding these global financial levers can be crucial.
Key conversations in this release include:
What tariffs are and why governments use them [00:01:39]
The historical and economic implications of tariffs, from paperclips to major industries [00:05:17]
How tariffs affect market volatility and retirement planning [00:13:14]
Real-world exam...2025-04-2932 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementUnmasking AI Scams with Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep.36)How can artificial intelligence threaten your retirement savings?
In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza, an expert in cybercrime and fraud prevention, to discuss how AI-driven scams could affect your financial security.
Jeff shares eye-opening insights on various AI-driven scams, including phishing emails, romance scams, and the rise of deep fakes. They discuss how these scams exploit seniors and take advantage of technological naivety.
Learn valuable tips on how to safeguard yourself and your loved ones as this episode highlights:
(00:03:38) AI-driven phishing scams and targeting retir...2025-04-0838 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementYour Biggest Lifetime Expense? Taxes. Here’s How to Pay Less and Save More with Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA (Ep. 35)How does your savings strategy impact your financial future, particularly with tax season looming and new contribution limits set for 2025?
Jim KruzanCFP®, CRPC® and guest Dylan Stewart, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant, unravel the concept of tax-efficient waterfall funding—an approach crafted to maximize your savings efficiency while minimizing tax burdens. Together, they provide insights into how this process not only benefits savers but also retirees by reversing strategies to efficiently tap into accumulated funds.
Key episode discussions include:
The essentials of a tax-efficient waterfall strategy and its impact on your fina...2025-02-2650 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementMaking Financial Resolutions Stick (Ep. 34)Starting the year with financial resolutions is common, but making them stick is the real challenge.
How can you ensure your goals turn into lasting habits?
In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores strategies to set realistic financial resolutions and sustain them. He provides actionable insights on how to turn resolutions into habits, prioritize effectively, and build accountability systems for long-term success.
Jim discusses:
Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) financial goals for lasting success
How reflection on past achievements and failures can shape better goals
The importance of accountability par...2025-02-1223 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Most Impactful #BiggerBolderRetirement Discussions of the Year (Ep.33)It’s time to reflect on the invaluable insights from the very best episodes throughout the year, featuring top experts who simplify financial complexities and share actionable strategies.
Join Jim Kruzan as he delves into unforgettable conversations and key takeaways from guests like Becky Eisen on aging with dignity, Dr. Jacqueline B. James on life well-lived beyond retirement, and cybersecurity expert Jeff Lanza on safeguarding your assets in the digital age.
Key conversations include:
The early signs of aging and plan with informed decision-making for long-term care
Rediscover retirement not just by numbers but as...2024-12-2427 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementStrategies for Investors as Trump Begins His Second Term (Ep.32)How have markets historically reacted to a change in U.S. presidency, and what can you do to safeguard your future investments?
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, understanding the market dynamics and economic policies becomes critical—let’s delve into what this means for your financial strategy.
As markets show mixed reactions to the news of Trump’s re-election, it’s crucial to explore what these changes mean for both your investments and the economy at large. Throughout this episode, we delve into historical patterns, current market trends, and outline key strategies t...2024-12-1031 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementDivorce & Its Impact on Retirement Planning with Julia Black (Ep. 31)Divorce can be a financial earthquake, especially when it comes to retirement planning.
The emotional toll is high, but the financial stakes are even higher—splitting assets like 401(k)s, pensions, and real estate can leave your retirement plans hanging in the balance. With divorce rates continuing to climb, knowing how to navigate these turbulent waters is essential.
Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor at Kaydan Wealth Management, teams up with Julia Black, a top family law attorney, to unpack the critical steps you need to take to help protect your financial future.
From...2024-11-2055 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Balancing Act of College Savings Versus Retirement Savings with Darren Brennan (Ep. 30)What if you could save for both your child’s education and your retirement — without feeling torn?
Join us for this episode of The Retirement Engineer as Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor and Founder of Kaydan Wealth Management, along with Darren Brennan, Wealth Manager and CFP®, break down the strategies you need to successfully balance these competing financial priorities.
Learn how you can prioritize retirement while still setting aside funds for your child’s education without jeopardizing your financial future.
Key Highlights:
The Cost of College vs. Retirement...2024-10-0933 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Power of Tax Pro Formas with Dylan Stewart (Ep. 29)Have you ever wished you could predict your tax bill before it arrives?
Tax pro formas could help you do just that.
Join Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, and returning guest Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA, for an enlightening discussion about the often overlooked strategy of using tax pro formas in financial planning. Learn how to anticipate tax liabilities, make informed decisions, and optimize your financial strategy to build upon your wealth and create the retirement you desire.
Talking points include:
How tax pro formas work and fit into financial planning as a whole
How...2024-09-1927 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementBeyond The Numbers – Transitioning Into Retirement with Dr. Jacquelyn B. James (Ep. 28)Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be happy and fulfilled in retirement beyond just having a solid financial plan? Retirement isn’t just about financial stability – it’s about designing a life that’s fulfilling and joyful. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, sits down with Dr. Jacquelyn B. James, the Founding Director … Read More Read More2024-08-2153 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementTop 6 Investment Mistakes To Avoid (Ep. 27)Are you making common investment mistakes without even realizing it? They could end up costing you your dream retirement… Join Jim Kruzan CFP®, CRPC® as he jumps into the top six investment mistakes that could be sabotaging your financial future. Learn about the essential knowledge and understanding needed before making investment decisions, the consequences of … Read More Read More2024-07-1740 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Fortified Future: An Inside Look at How Raymond James Helps Protect Your Assets with Jessica Rice (Ep. 26)Did you know that major financial institutions like Raymond James detect and repel around 300 million cyber threats a day? Join Jim Kruzan CFP®, CRPC®, as he speaks with Jessica Rice, Business Information Security Lead at Raymond James, to dive into the intricacies of cybersecurity from a corporate perspective. With her expertise in liaising between … Read More Read More2024-06-2544 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementNavigating Retirement Healthcare Pre and Post-Medicare with Darren Brennan, CFP®, CRPC® (Ep. 25)Did you know that today, a couple aged 65 is expected to spend about $315,000 on healthcare costs throughout retirement? That is a lot of money! Have you taken the time to plan for these expenses? This week on The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan is joined by Darren Brennan, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Retirement … Read More Read More2024-06-0536 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementNavigating the Waters of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with Dylan Stewart (Ep. 24)Need clarity around required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their impact on your retirement cash flow? This week, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA, Wealth Advisor at Kaydan Wealth Management, to unpack the intricacies of RMDs and their critical role in retirement planning. Learn about the mechanics, tax planning aspects, long-term … Read More Read More2024-05-0834 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder Retirement10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 23)Are you making the most of your IRAs to secure a bigger, bolder retirement? In this installment of The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan CFP®, CRPC® dives into the world of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), uncovering the most common pitfalls that could derail your retirement savings. From the evolution of IRAs to innovative strategies for maximizing … Read More Read More2024-04-2451 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementSafeguarding Your Wealth Against Cybercrime with Retired FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep. 22)The threat of cybercrime and identity theft looms larger than ever, posing a significant risk to individuals’ financial security, especially as they approach retirement. This week, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes Jeff Lanza, a retired FBI agent with a wealth of experience in cyber security. Together, they dive into the critical and ever-evolving topic of … Read More Read More2024-03-2750 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Intricate World of Long-Term Care and Caregiving — Part II with Becky Eizen (Ep. 21)Caring for an aging loved one is by no means an easy feat. Whether it is you, another family member, or an industry professional who is the one taking the wheel, we want to ensure they receive the care they deserve. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, dives deep into the heart of family … Read More Read More2024-03-0637 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementDo Our Loved Ones Need Extra Support? The Value of Family Connection — Part I with Becky Eizen (Ep. 20)Are you or a loved one facing the realities of aging? This week on The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Becky Eizen, founder and CEO of the Eizen Consulting Group. Together, they navigate the often-overlooked aspects of elder care. They explore the critical role of geriatric care managers and how to … Read More Read More2024-02-2135 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementIntegrating Charitable Giving Into Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 19)Charitable giving not only feels good and leaves a positive impact on the world, but it can also provide financial advantages for retirees. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, uncovers multiple strategies to weave charitable giving into your retirement and estate planning. Whether you want to maximize your tax benefits or leave a … Read More Read More2023-12-0540 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementWarm Hearts & One Warm Coat with Beth Amodio (Ep. 18)Are you passionate about making a difference? In light of Giving Tuesday and our 10th annual One Warm Coat Drive, we are taking a break from financial topics to discuss how to create a positive impact on people’s lives! In this heartwarming episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Beth Amodio, president and CEO … Read More Read More2023-11-2132 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementMilestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)Between 50 and 72, there are significant birthdays that can impact your retirement finances. These age-based milestones can help you grow your retirement nest egg, avoid financial penalties, withdraw your retirement funds early, and more! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights seven legislative birthdays that every retiree or soon-to-be retiree should circle on … Read More Read More2023-11-0737 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementMedicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)Imagine a retirement where you’re free from the fear of rising, and sometimes unexpected, medical bills. In a world of ever-rising healthcare costs, a solid understanding of Medicare is a necessity! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the intricacies of Medicare and paves the path for a more simplified Medicare experience. Whether you’re … Read More Read More2023-10-2441 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementGetting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)Picture this: You’ve crafted the perfect retirement plan. You’ve dreamt about it, and it’s finally here. But then, life throws you a curveball. Suddenly, your well-laid path takes an unexpected detour! Even the most carefully crafted plans must adapt to changing circumstances. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares practical strategies to get your … Read More Read More2023-10-1031 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementTop 5 Social Security Filing Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 14)“When should I start taking Social Security?” “Can I claim spousal benefits? If yes, how much?” “How will my Social Security income be taxed?” These are some of the questions that many retirees (and soon-to-be retirees) struggle with! In this eye-opening episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains the top five Social Security filing mistakes to … Read More Read More2023-09-1946 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder Retirement7 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) (Ep. 13)Do you know what makes or breaks your retirement? The assumptions and financial choices that might seem trivial at first, but have a significant impact later down the road! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights 7 common retirement planning mistakes, drawing on decades of experience as a financial advisor. He also shares actionable … Read More Read More2023-09-0539 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementHow Much Money Do You Need To Retire? (Ep. 12)How can you save for retirement if you don’t know how much money you’ll need? It’s time to calculate your financial finish line so you don’t run out of money during retirement! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares easy-to-follow methods and rules of thumb to estimate your retirement expenses and income — and … Read More Read More2023-08-2237 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementMaximizing Your 529: The Power of Tax-Free Education Savings (Ep. 11)Did you know that the average cost of college in the United States is a staggering $35,551 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses? That’s a hefty price tag that can leave many parents and students feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores the world of 529 plans … Read More Read More2023-08-0843 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementAre Health Savings Accounts Better Than a 401(k)? (Ep. 10)Have you ever heard about the Health Savings Account (HSA) used in retirement planning? Simply put, if a 401(k) and a Roth IRA were to produce an offspring, it would be the HSA — because of its unique tax advantages that gives you the best of both accounts! In this insightful episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, … Read More Read More2023-07-1827 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementIs Wealth Management Only for the Wealthy? (Ep. 9)How much money do you need to have access to wealth management? In a world where wealth seems synonymous with exclusivity, it’s time to shatter the misconception that wealth management is reserved for the affluent few! In this eye-opening episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, empowers individuals at every stage of life to make informed decisions … Read More Read More2023-07-0433 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementBreaking Down the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula, Part 4: Relationship Management (Ep. 8)Many people overlook relationship management in retirement planning, but it plays a crucial role in our Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula. In fact, we see it as the glue that holds the entire retirement planning process together! As we wrap up our thought-provoking mini-series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights the profound impact of nurturing meaningful connections … Read More Read More2023-06-2036 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementBreaking Down the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula, Part 3: Wealth Protection and Charitable Giving (Ep. 7)In our previous episode, we talked about two key components of advanced planning, which is a crucial part of the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula. Now, it’s time to dive into wealth protection and charitable giving! In part three of our mini-series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains how to preserve your hard-earned wealth through a host … Read More Read More2023-06-0646 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementBreaking Down the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula, Part 2: Wealth Enhancement and Transfer (Ep. 6)A critical piece of the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula is advanced planning. Advanced planning includes wealth enhancement, wealth transfer, wealth protection, and charitable giving. In part two of our mini-series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains ways to enhance your wealth outside of investment management and transfer it to your loved ones in a tax-efficient manner. … Read More Read More2023-05-2337 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementBreaking Down the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula, Part 1: Investment Management (Ep. 5)A Bigger, Bolder Retirement is the sum of investment management, advanced planning, and relationship management. (We call it the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula!) In part one of our three-part series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, dives into the investment management aspect of the Bigger Bolder Retirement Formula and explains how capital growth and preservation can lead … Read More Read More2023-05-0935 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementMechanics of a Bigger, Bolder Retirement (Ep. 4)In the first three episodes, we introduced the idea of a bigger, bolder retirement, which involves “supersizing” your retirement — more assets, more opportunities, and more enjoyment. Now, it is time to lift the hood and understand the mechanics of a bigger, bolder retirement! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains how to improve … Read More Read More2023-04-2538 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementRetirement Planning for the Mobility Technology Industry (Ep. 3)At Kaydan Wealth Management, we specialize in providing advice and services to the mobility technology industry. But how is retirement planning different for this niche? Find out in this episode, as Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor and Founder of Kaydan Wealth Management, talks about Kaydan Wealth Management’s customized retirement planning experience for engineers, … Read More Read More2023-04-1121 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementWhat It Means to Have a Bigger, Bolder Retirement (Ep. 2)You deserve the retirement you’ve worked hard for, sacrificing your time and money. With small changes over time, it may be possible to significantly improve your retirement experience and achieve a bigger, bolder retirement! In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor and Founder of Kaydan Wealth Management, talks about the idea of … Read More Read More2023-04-1119 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementWelcome to The Retirement Engineer With Jim Kruzan (Ep. 1)Wealth management is not just for the wealthy. Everyone is entitled to their best retirement possible. Welcome to The Retirement Engineer — Your path to a Bigger, Bolder Retirement. In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor and Founder of Kaydan Wealth Management, shares how his new podcast series is set to help … Read More Read More2023-04-1119 minThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan - Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder RetirementThe Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan: Coming SoonWealth management is not just for the wealthy. Everyone is entitled to their best retirement possible. Welcome to The Retirement Engineer with Jim Kruzan – Your Path to a Bigger, Bolder Retirement, brought to you by Kaydan Wealth Management, a firm that specializes in serving the mobility technology industry. In this podcast, we help you … Read More Read More2023-03-1700 min