If you have a choice, where do you want to retire? How much of where you retire will depend on how much you will have to retire on. The cost of living will be a major factor in figuring out how much you will need to retire with. Cost of living can vary dramatically from city to city, state to state and even country to country. The decision on where to retire takes into consideration many things like how close you are to family, the weather, your health and how much you want to spend. Should you settle by the beach or in the mountains? Do you prefer golf or cross-country skiing? Those are deeply personal questions. To determine the best and worst states for retirement in 2021, personal finance website Bankrate ranked each U.S. state across five key areas: affordability, wellness, culture, weather and crime. The two factors weighed most heavily were affordability (40%) and wellness (20%). I think taxation should have been included in their survey! According to Bankrate’s study, Georgia is the best state to retire, followed by Florida, Tennessee, Missouri. Arizona was the 7th best while California was only the 37th best place to live. Below, check out the 11 worst states to retire in the U.S. this year, according to Bankrate. But keep in mind that this data is only meant to be used as a reference point for Americans looking to map out their retirement plans. 11. Washington Affordability rank: 36 Wellness rank: 8 Culture rank: 27 TIE: Idaho Affordability rank: 22 Wellness rank: 39 Culture rank: 30 TIE: Connecticut Affordability rank: 49 Wellness rank: 7 Culture rank: 9 Alabama Affordability rank: 8 Wellness rank: 44 Culture rank: 43 TIE: Arkansas Affordability rank: 19 Wellness rank: 49 Culture rank: 42 TIE: Maine Affordability rank: 40 Wellness rank: 29 Culture rank: 1 Alaska Affordability rank: 25 Wellness rank: 23 Culture rank: 20 Montana Affordability rank: 33 Wellness rank: 33 Culture rank: 3 Kansas Affordability rank: 24 Wellness rank: 26 Culture rank: 38 Minnesota Affordability rank: 39 Wellness rank: 15 Culture rank: 34 Maryland Affordability rank: 47 Wellness rank: 4 Culture rank: 39 In order to rank each state, Bankrate gathered data from a number of sources. Here are the sources it used for each metric, as well as how heavily each factor was weighed. Affordability (40%): Council for Community and Economic Research and the Tax Foundation Wellness (20%): Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Culture (15%): U.S. Census Bureau Weather (15%): National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Crime (10%): FBI’s 2019 Crime in the United States report For you internationally minded listeners, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, and Portugal are 2021's top five countries for retirees. Things to consider for wanting to retire outside of the US: Ease of buying and owning property and the value of property investments Cost of renting Benefits and discounts on things such as healthcare and entertainment Visa and residency requirements Cost of living Fitting in and how easy it is to make friends Entertainment and amenities Healthy living Development and infrastructure Climate Stability of the country’s political situation Where you finish in a race is one of the most important factors of why we race. Where you finish living during your retirement will also be one of those factors that should bring you joy and fulfilment. Prepare wisely to finish strong!

In this podcast we will talk about the idea of if you love what you are doing for a career, will you ever really retire? Our guest today will be Steven Shulem. He sells cruise ship experiences. Being a top producer for many cruise ships, he is fortunate to be able to go on many cruises himself. If he is doing what some people want to do when they retire, the question posed to him is, will he ever need to retire if he is already doing what he loves and doing something that is perfect during retirement age? We ask Steven this question along with others like: What is your definition of retirement? Will you ever retire in the normal sense of the word? What makes you the success that you are? Why are you different? What are some of the benefits to being in the travel business? Why is cruising a great way to see the world? Steven Shulem MCC has enjoyed a distinguished reputation as one of the world’s premier luxury travel advisors. Named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the “World’s 125 Top Travel Specialists” six years running, as well as being a connected insider within the industry, Mr. Shulem is ideally placed to deliver a service that his clients will attest offers a high level of elite professionalism matched perfectly with his warm individual attentiveness. His 32 years of experience and travels across all 7 continents allow him to excel in enhancing your luxury cruise, making it an unforgettable vacation that is uniquely yours. You can reach out to Steven at Steven@StrictlyVacations.com, or 805-682-6142 or visit www.StrictlyVacations.com Special Guest: Steven Shulem.

In an endurance race there are many strategies you can use to get to the finish line. Remember the story of the Hare and the Tortoise? Come out strong and aggressive and 'hope' that you do not break your race car or put too much wear on your tires. Or, another approach could be to run the race slow but steady. Both can get you to the finish line. What will be your strategy for your life? You may be able to claim Victory after a successful career but what comes next? Near the end of the working part of your life there may be many unknown questions and challenges. Having a crew chief (like a coach) to help you can get you to see that there can be an amazing life after you finish your career. One such person is our guest today, Allan Milham. Allan Milham is the founder at Questage, a leadership consulting firm based in Phoenix, AZ. Questage focuses on helping entrepreneurs in the third stage of their life rediscover themselves and maintain the drive and passions that fueled their lives before retirement. Retirement doesn't have to be the end of one's life, and Allan will discuss how seniors can make the best of their twilight years, cementing their legacy and giving back to their communities in ways they may have never thought possible. Allan has logged over 15,000 hours working with top leaders and their executive teams. From his early work coaching US Olympians to his current work helping aging entrepreneurs, Allan has decades of experience that he will be sharing with us today. Allan will be discussing: Life after retirement Making the most out of the third stage of life Creating a legacy Having a positive mindset The wisdom that comes with age Is it as simple as "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"? Can this be the key to a happy life yet we only understand this when we get older or reach the finish line? Listen to this episode to find out. Special Guest: Allan Milham.

After what we experienced with the Covid pandemic, a lot of us are still recovering from the economic impact but some are already looking ahead and putting Financial Defenses in play to prepare for the next period of uncertainty. Surveying 2300 adults in 2021, 58% of Americans say they are in "Financial Recovery Mode". When asked what was their best defense was against future economic uncertainty, the two main answers were having a Contingency Fund (some call it an Emergency fund but I feel that subconsciously that can cause you to actually create an emergency) or savings (30%), and having a financial plan (27%). Even so, only 14% of those in financial recovery mode are looking more than 5 years out, compared to 24% planning month to month. Seems like us Americans are still thinking too short term and often are more centered around life events like saving for a wedding or other short-term expenses. Instead, a longer term view should also be considered. Please think about implementing, as soon as possible, at least these five financial defenses that can help you build wealth and prepare you for any other future economic uncertainty. 1) Prioritize your Savings - Having a Contingency Saving account is crucial for your financial future. The survey found personal savings increased 10% with an average of $73,100. Some experts recommend you should save between 6 to 12 months worth of expenses in your Contingency Savings account. Be careful not to have the temptation to say 'yes' to everything like going out to eat, concerts and vacations. Be reasonable. Be responsible. 2) Pay Down Debt - Paying down high interest cards is a must. The interest charged should be perceived like a ROI when it comes to the decision of savings versus paying off debt. You have two options in paying off debt. The "snowball method" - pay down debt with the lowest balances first. The 'avalanche method" - where you first pay down the highest APR first. 3) Get Your Credit Score up - Your financial life depends on having a good credit score. The better the score the easier it is to get loans and lines of credit and it definitely helps lower the interest rate on those loans. This can save you more money for you to use for saving. Ways to improve your credit score include paying your bills timely, lowering your credit card utilization ratio (keep below 30%, 10% is better) and monitoring your score for errors. FICO breakdown - Factors that impact your credit score: 35% Payment history. 30% Utilization. 15% Length of credit history. 10% New credit. 10% Credit mix. 4) Save for Retirement - Knowing it is sometimes hard to think about when you have more immediate financial goals but saving for your retirement should be more like a mindset and look at as a way of creating wealth accumulation. Think of it as where your money is there to create more money. Einstein once said, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't, pays it". Someone investing at 25 needs to invest much less money to reach $1 million by retirement. Assuming a 7% annual return, compounded monthly, with a retirement age of 67, someone at 25 only needs to save $330 a month versus $475 a month if you are 30, versus $700 a month if you are 35 and $1,045 a month if you are 40 years old. 5) Get Insured - Do not overlook the need for insurance like long-term care, medical, auto and even umbrella insurance to protect your assets. Having these insurances can act as a safety net and help you avoid surprise expenses that can deplete your assets or put you in debt. Given what we all went through recently with the pandemic, it is a good time to reflect on your priorities for the future. Let's consider focusing on all of these defenses we discussed so that we can have a great life during retirement.

Ask yourself - by the time you retire, will you really have the health and energy to do all the fun things you dreamt about?? It's one thing to have the resources to retire comfortably but if you wait too long will you be physically fit and have the motivation to do the activities you also wanted to do? For some people, that might not be the case. If you are still in your 40's or 50's why not think about creating a lifestyle where you take mini-retirement vacations throughout your lifetime. Why wait until the tail-end of your life? Most think Retirement means not having to go to work. If that is the case, we all got a taste of that during Covid. Did you stay active and on purpose? Probably not. I think to have a happy retirement you have to have a purpose and plenty of activities to do that are related to your purpose or goals. But as an alternative, take "mini-retirement vacations", maybe a month or so at a time when you are younger and plan to do some of the more adventurous trips or activities that you thought you wanted to do during retirement. When we are racing, we are always trying to reach the maximum grip that our tires can give us. This typically means that we are modulating the gas pedal right on the edge of the car sliding or not sliding. For some this can be scary and for others this is where the fun begins. As we get older, our risk tolerance definitely changes. Some of the adventurous things you have on your retirement bucket list you may not do later in life because of the risks. Why not do those activities when you are younger on one of your mini-retirement vacations? If Life Begins on the Edge of your Comfort then make sure you do not get too comfortable and miss out on a spectacular life!

Are you Risk Averse? Being your own boss requires some degree of risk. How good are you with dealing with risks and can you look at risk as a fun and rewarding challenge? In racing, every lap takes you approx. 2 min, each lap we get a new challenge or opportunity to do better. As a business owner, everyday is a new challenge. Sometimes with many rewards. Are you ready for that opportunity? One of the best perks about being your own boss is that you not only get to create an amazing job and work environment for yourself but for others, as well. By creating your own company and hiring staff, you're giving back to others, as well as to the local and national economy. You earn more money. On average, freelancers earn 45% more than those who are traditionally employed. They're also allowed to deduct certain business expenses that employees are not, allowing them to actually keep more of what they earn. It's true that when you run your own business you will have much less job security than when you work for someone else's company, or at least until your business becomes a success and starts to generate a good income.

In this episode Mike, Matt and guest speaker Jeff discuss how inflation can be the silent killer to your business and retirement portfolio. With all the government stimulus and businesses having to increase wages to attract good talent, the cost of living is increasing. We discuss steps to counterbalance inflation so that it does not have a significant affect in your future. We also give a sincere good-bye to Mike and introduce Jeff Shulem, CPA as the new co-host to the podcast.

In this episode Mike and Matt bring on a guest that was involved in the beginning creations of cryptocurrency. Michael Noel, Certified Blockchain Professional with Blockchain Consultants. Michael Co-Founded Blockchain Consultants, Inc. in 2016. He has been helping companies in multiple industries adopt Distributed Ledger Technology ever since. This is more of an educational show on how Cryptocurrency really works, and less about why you should hold or not hold some cryptocurrency in your retirement portfolio. Once again, the guys are bringing on more guests from different walks of life to help listeners get more informed decisions about products and investment options out in the World to help you retire smarter. Special Guest: Michael Noel, CBP.

This is the final episode in our 3 part series that helps listeners focus on simple ways to start thinking like you are a retiree in your 40’s & 50’s, so that you can take advantage of your best asset - TIME. In this episode, Matt has the chance to interview Sylvain Templeman, Executive Vice President and National Sales Manager of The Pacific Financial Group. They go into detail about the concept of turning all, or some, of your 401(k) into a self-directed fund that gives Investors so many options they are not used to taking advantage of with their current Custodian. What is great about this episode is how Sylvain takes the time to explain how he brings so many other retirement options “to the table”; and, he explains how almost everyone with a 401(k) can take advantage of this opportunity. It's important to think of how this style of investing in your 40’s & 50’s can provide with all types of alternatives that keep you involved with your allocation, and diversification options, a good 10-20 years before you have to retire and start wondering what you are going to do at that time to make your money last. Who is The Pacific Financial Group - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1FIvDjEUoE&feature=youtu.be Advisory services are offered through The Pacific Financial Group, Inc. a registered investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Nothing in this message shall be construed as an offer to buy/sell or to otherwise provide financial advice or services (“Services”) as such Services can only be provided after the proper delivery of required disclosures and investment suitability is reviewed. Century Financial Consultants/Smart Retirement Podcast, have no affiliation with The Pacific Financial Group. Special Guest: Sylvain Templeman.

In this episode, Mike and Matt lay the groundwork to help you start understanding what the average amount you should have in your retirement accounts when you are in your 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. In addition to that, Matt helps those revisit or understand for the first time, the concept of maximizing your “free money” with your 401k match with the Employer, then your tax deferred savings, and then caps off the conversation with your tax free savings. He saves the best idea for last when he explains the various ways that an indexed universal life insurance product can give you the opportunity to build more wealth over time with a secure return that you can borrow against tax free, and all while not having to make a repayment since you are your own Bank…it’s pretty cool stuff.

This show begins a 3-part Series where the guys will go into detail on how to habitually prepare for retirement in your 40’s and 50’s, so that you can retire sooner with confidence. The episode starts with Mike and Matt quickly warming up with a discussion about the asset inflation taking place in the U.S. Real Estate Market – in January the Year-over-Year National average price increase for Real Estate was 11.2%, and this was a 15 year high. Additionally, they discussed how the lack of Affordable homes will affect everyone, but truly is affecting the First Time home buyer the most and those that are renting who don’t have the means for a down payment. As they come back from the break, the guys lay out the major “hurdles” and focal points those in their mid-40’s to late 50’s as retirement nears closer and closer, such as: Debt consolidation; optimizing your 401(k) distributions; calculate your net worth; and, have good discussions with those that are Retirees.

Follow along as Mike and Matt discuss the many ways to financially plan for the “curve balls” your health will throw at you. There’s a Health Savings Account (HSA) discussion in this episode that will have you rethinking the way that you position your health care dollars that saves you money today, but helps you load up your “piggy bank” before the Medicare Health guidelines eliminate your ability to start-up an HSA. Then, just after the break Matt brings up some really brilliant ways to approach qualifying and paying for Long Term Care insurance, as we wrap-up this 2 part series. Also, don’t forget to watch the guys live on Youtube, as they toast you listeners with their GREEN beer for St. Patrick’s Day.

In this episode Mike and Matt begin this two part series with the guest appearance of Dr. Ken Ota from his very own O Longevity & Wellness Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. The guys had him on the show to touch on the true benefits of preventative health care and medicine, as it pertains to those in their mid-life, or approaching retirement age. Also, the 3 of them discuss the philosophy of focus on one’s physical and mental health, in an effort to help listeners refocus on the way they approach their own personal health care. Ultimately, this episode is to promote the true long term value in being healthy so that you can “reap what you have sown” in retirement and enjoy longevity. The second part of this Series will be more financially focused, as the guys discuss the many resources and tools that Matt advises his clients to utilize when paying for Health Care, so please tune-in to that as well. Special Guest: Dr. Ken Ota.

In this episode Mike and Matt just do a quick “check-in” with listeners following the President’s Day weekend. Mike speaks briefly about the status of the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note and the importance of this index being above 1.20% currently, and how that has an effect on the mortgage rate markets. While Matt spends a few minutes on setting us up for our March 2-part series that will help listeners prepare for various ways to protect themselves from Health Care risks and expenses in Retirement. Please check out our You Tube channel, and Subscribe so that you get all of our new content as soon as it’s fresh! Click Here. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkylXofeMjBXlRLkt_QChXg)

We are very proud to announce that we are now recording our Podcast as both a Video & Podcast! You can listen and watch now at the same time!!! Here’s the link to our YouTube channel – Smart Retirement Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkylXofeMjBXlRLkt_QChXg). In this episode Mike and Matt touch discuss a “White Paper” that Matt Hollander sent out to his clients titled “What does a Biden Victory Mean for Me?” The guys touch on the fact that Political Parties don’t have a direct correlation to the Securities market but the changing of Parties has historically shown volatility in the Markets. Furthermore, the guys touch on some other interesting insights on what Tax proposals are at the top-of-Biden’s list for America, and how to prepare for what the Biden Administration’s focus is over the next 4 years. Additionally, if you’d like to receive this article, please email us at info@smartretirementcast.com or give us a call at (866) 53-RETIRE.

In this episode Mike and Matt kick off the show with the current status of the Gold & Silver Market, as well as what to watch for as the 10 year Treasury Note makes a come back from its drastic decline in 2020 – see helpful link below to track the performance of the 10 YR U.S. Treasury Note. Also, Mike spends a good portion of the Show focusing on the SMART ways to provide Lenders with proof that you can repay a Conventional mortgage without showing much, if any, income. Mike elaborates on the 3 different ways he helps Retirees that have limited traditional income still qualify for a mortgage whether the loan is for the purpose of a refinance or a purchase of Real Estate. The tips that He provides can help you finance a Primary residence, 2nd Home or even an Investment property so this may be just what you’re looking for to help you finance your next deal. WSJ.com – 10 YR Treasury Note referenced in the SHOW – Click here (https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/bond/BX/TMUBMUSD10Y/historical-prices)

In this episode Mike and Matt touch on the forecasts for the U.S. Real Estate market in 2021. The guys discuss points brought up in a 2021 Redfin Real Estate article, as Mike gives his “2 cents” on what happened in many transactions in 2020, as well as what listeners can expect when buying Real Estate in 2021. Matt provides some good insight on his local Market in Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ region and why Zillow thinks there could very will be double-digit price increases in 2021. The article that the guys referenced in this show is on our Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/smartretirementpodcast Also, please go check out our other great episodes on our very on webpage - https://www.smartretirementcast.com/episodes

In this episode Mike and Matt embarrass themselves with their reading of the 12 Days of Christmas Price Index—it’s a ridiculous way to share some cheer. Also, they make it a point to address the real reasons why the Dow Jones has recovered from it’s low of 18,519, in late March, to over 30,000 today at Christmas. And of course, they “pepper in” their personal opinions of the 2021 forecasts for the Markets.

In this episode Mike and Matt touch on the concept of increasing your Investment options through a Self-Directed IRA. The guys help you understand the DO’s & Don’t of properly setting up a Self-Directed IRA. Also, Mike goes over some of the classic Myths about this style of Investment strategy. Remember just because your are in control of this IRA doesn’t mean you can make-up your own rules. The key is to plan & play smart and this tool could really help you earn more interest while you seek out things that you are more interested in.

In this episode Mike and Matt touch on why this time of year is a great opportunity to focus on the items that you need to be organized in your Estate Plan with your immediate Family; but, also your Parents or Grandparent’s plans as well. Matt goes over the basic necessities of what you really should have completed, notarized, and in order so that is the unthinkable illness, or worse death, happens in the Family you are ready to comfortably take action. Then, Mike touches on the proper way to utilize a Hard Money loan to help a Family Trust execute a cash out mortgage on a Real Estate asset in the Trust so that the beneficiaries can all receive their net proceeds, while the other sibling that keeps the Property benefits from the original tax basis that Mom & Dad held on the home.