Ready For Retirement

James Conole, CFP®

Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that! read less
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5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer
2d ago
5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses with retirement life coach Cyn Meyer how to create the most meaningful retirement.Guest: Cyn Meyer is a Retirement Life Coach and founder of Second Wind Movement. She has free resources here on her website available to all of you. Cyn also offers a free workshop here.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to have a meaningful retirement?What are the best strategies to implement TODAY to start preparing for your dream retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:2:08 - Introduction 4:03 - Fear-based living7:22 - Subtle Isn't SUBTLE!12:27 - Encourage Yourself16:39 - Understanding The NEW You20:46 - Overall Happiness Levels23:29 - Intentional Work26:08 - You Are Unique20:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer
2d ago
5 Steps To Create A Meaningful Retirement with Cyn Meyer
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses with retirement life coach Cyn Meyer how to create the most meaningful retirement.Guest: Cyn Meyer is a Retirement Life Coach and founder of Second Wind Movement. She has free resources here on her website available to all of you. Cyn also offers a free workshop here.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to have a meaningful retirement?What are the best strategies to implement TODAY to start preparing for your dream retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:2:08 - Introduction 4:03 - Fear-based living7:22 - Subtle Isn't SUBTLE!12:27 - Encourage Yourself16:39 - Understanding The NEW You20:46 - Overall Happiness Levels23:29 - Intentional Work26:08 - You Are Unique20:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
How to Use Roth Conversions to Protect Your Spouse's Future
Jan 24 2023
How to Use Roth Conversions to Protect Your Spouse's Future
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James how to use Roth Conversions to protect your spouse's future.Questions Answered: What are the best ways to implement Roth Conversions?What are the best strategies to implement tax planning for your spouse?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Roth Conversions3:23 - When To Implement6:52 - Income Assumptions9:27 - Taxable Income12:05 - Roth Conversion Planning14:35 - Surviving Spouse Tax Planning16:48 - Life Insurance Protection19:21 - Analysis Assumptions20:50 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
When Should You Start Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stocks For Retirement Income?
Jan 17 2023
When Should You Start Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stocks For Retirement Income?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when you should start withdrawing cash instead of stocks for retirement income?Questions Answered: What is the best way to optimize withdrawals?What are the best strategies to optimize pulling funds from cash vs. stocks?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 2:27 - Spending Down Cash4:14 - Funding in Retirement5:58 - Sustainable Withdrawal Rates8:54 - Withdrawing Cash Instead of Stock13:25 - Avoid Unnecessary Sales17:25 - Conservative Assets Needed20:35 - Allocation For Life21:45 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
8 Important Planning Opportunities From the SECURE Act 2.0
Jan 10 2023
8 Important Planning Opportunities From the SECURE Act 2.0
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 8 important planning opportunities from the SECURE Act 2.0Questions Answered: What are the major changes from the SECURE Act 2.0?What are the best strategies to implement from the SECURE Act 2.0?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 3:14 - SECURE Act 2.0 Overview4:22 - RMD Changes6:52 - Tax Planning Window Changes9:04 - Roth Conversions12:05 - 529 Plan to Roth IRAs19:38 - RMD Spouse Changes21:45 - RMD Changes (overall)23:10 - IRA Catch-Up Contributions24:40 - Employer Matching Contributions26:00 - Roth 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions27:05 - Catch-up Contributions28:10 - Qualified Charitable Distributions30:25 - RMD Penalties32:45 - Working With UsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
3 Steps to Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet
Jan 3 2023
3 Steps to Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 3 steps to make 2023 your best year yet.Questions Answered: What is the best way to get your "money right"?What are the best strategies to optimize your money choices?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 2:46 - Examples of Prudent Financial Decisions5:23 - Future Assumptions6:00 - Mindset Shift With Money9:27 - Important Goals with Money15:30 - What-If Scenario's19:10 - Write Out Your Dream Future20:35 - Implementing Your Vision21:45 - Staying Present With Your MoneyCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlaySubmit Your Question Here!Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
5 Wrong Assumptions People Make About Retirement
Dec 27 2022
5 Wrong Assumptions People Make About Retirement
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses 5 assumptions that you shouldn't make in retirement.Questions Answered: What are the best practices when making assumptions in retirement?What are the best strategies to create income in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 4:22 - Example of an Investor6:28 - Short-Term v. Long-Term12:15 - Retirement Income (Reality)16:15 - Aligning Your Financial Goals (Cash Flow)19:30 - Portfolio Income Creation20:45 - Summary of AssumptionsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good "Plan B"?
Dec 20 2022
Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good "Plan B"?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if a reverse mortgage is a good "Plan B".Questions Answered: What are the best practices when using a reverse mortgage?What are the best strategies to create income in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 5:05 - Reverse Mortgage Basics9:35 - Example of Income Creation12:15 - Retirement Income16:15 - Aligning Your Financial GoalsCheck out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
When Does it Make Sense to Work with a Financial Advisor?
Dec 13 2022
When Does it Make Sense to Work with a Financial Advisor?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses when it does (and doesn't) make sense to work with a financial planner.Questions Answered: When does it make most sense to consider working with a financial advisor?What are the main benefits you can expect from working with a financial advisor?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved by having a financial advisor?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 3:05 - Cost/Benefit Decision6:36 - Cost of an Advisor11:30 - Partnering Throughout Life16:45 - History of 4% Rule23:09 - Sign of a Good Financial Life28:05 - Working With Us Check out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
What Investments Should I Own in My Retirement Portfolio?
Dec 6 2022
What Investments Should I Own in My Retirement Portfolio?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses what investments you should own in your retirement portfolio?Questions Answered: What are the best investments to provide income throughout retirement?What are the best strategies to maximize income?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 5:05 - Stock Ownership12:15 - Company FAQs19:55 - Just Need S&P 500?26:03 - Safe Investments?29:09 - How Much Do You Need?Check out all of our podcast episodes and more on our YouTube channel here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
Are Withdrawal Rate Rules Still Applicable in Today's Markets?
Nov 29 2022
Are Withdrawal Rate Rules Still Applicable in Today's Markets?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if withdrawal rates are still applicable in today's markets.Questions Answered: Can we still trust withdrawal rate rules?What are the best strategies to maximize income?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out our main channel for all of our podcast episodes and more on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?
Nov 22 2022
What Are the Pros and Cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the pros and cons of Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions.Questions Answered: When does it make most sense to implement?What are the best strategies to implement Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
Should You Get a 15 or 30 Year Mortgage?
Nov 15 2022
Should You Get a 15 or 30 Year Mortgage?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you should get a 15 or 30 year mortgage. Questions Answered: What mortgage is best for you?What are the best strategies to view real estate in retirement?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
How Should You Invest Your Bridge Account?
Nov 8 2022
How Should You Invest Your Bridge Account?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to invest your bridge account.Questions Answered: How should you invest your brokerage account?What are the best strategies to think about how your bridge account impacts your overall plan?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
How to Plan Differently When Spouses Retire at Different Times
Nov 1 2022
How to Plan Differently When Spouses Retire at Different Times
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses how to plan for retirement when you and your spouse will be retiring at different times.Questions Answered: Where will income come from when one spouse is no longer working?What are the best strategies to create income in retirement when you retire at a different age than your spouse?How can your overall retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
Why Are Bond Prices Falling & What to Do About It
Oct 25 2022
Why Are Bond Prices Falling & What to Do About It
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses why bond prices are falling and what you can do to protect your portfolio.Questions Answered: Why are bond prices falling?What are the best strategies to protect your portfolio for the long-term?How can your retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
5 Steps To Prepare For Retirement Today with Ari Taublieb
Oct 18 2022
5 Steps To Prepare For Retirement Today with Ari Taublieb
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James Conole discusses with guest, Ari Taublieb, the 5 steps so you can begin preparing for retirement today! Ari is the Vice President of Root Financial Partners and host of the Early Retirement Podcast. Ari also has a YouTube Channel here where he discusses tips and strategies to retire early. Questions Answered: What are the 5 steps to prepare for retirement todayWhat is the framework to start thinking through so you can optimize your retirement?How do investments, taxes, withdrawal strategy, Social Security, etc. all connect to build a comprehensive financial strategy?Check out the Ready for Retirement podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
How Do You Know if You Have Enough to Retire?
Oct 11 2022
How Do You Know if You Have Enough to Retire?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you how to know if you have enough to retire.Questions Answered: How do you know if you have enough to retire?What are the best strategies to understand your retirement timeline?How can your retirement strategy be improved?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
Should You Use Roth or Pre-Tax if You're in the 24% Tax Bracket?
Oct 4 2022
Should You Use Roth or Pre-Tax if You're in the 24% Tax Bracket?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses if you should use Roth or Pre-Tax if you're in a 24% tax bracket.Questions Answered: How do your taxes impact your overall financial plan?What are the best strategies to understand your tax plan?How do your investments impact your overall retirement plan?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
A Story of What You Are Actually Investing In
Sep 27 2022
A Story of What You Are Actually Investing In
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses a story to better understand what you're actually invested in.Questions Answered: How can you reframe the way you view investingWhat are the best strategies to better understand your investmentsHow do your investments impact your overall retirement plan?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.
What's the Best Way to Help My Kid Buy a Home?
Sep 20 2022
What's the Best Way to Help My Kid Buy a Home?
In this episode of Ready for Retirement, James discusses the best way to help your children buy a home.Questions Answered: How can I best help my child buy a home?What are the best strategies to help?How does this impact my overall retirement plan?Check out the podcast on YouTube here!Check out our main channel on YouTube here!LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.