Barbara Lane and Phil Guske answer listener questions on a variety of retirement planning topics. From Roth conversions and their tax implications to strategies for paying off debt while still saving for retirement, they cover key considerations for anyone approaching retirement. Barbara and Phil also discuss the importance of involving both spouse…

You wouldn’t necessarily expect Mike Tyson, Kim Kardashian, and Snooki to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you’d probably expect the opposite. But with a little bit of creativity, we can get some financial planning pearls of wisdom from even the most unlikely of sources. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Manage…

We have several great financial planning questions to cover in this week's mailbag episode. Steve asks how to decide between taking his pension as a lump sum or as monthly income, and what other factors he should consider as he plans for his upcoming layoff and future steps. Amy asks how much she should set aside for taxes on the house and $100,000…

With National Financial Planning Month upon us, we’re sitting down with Barbara and Phil to uncover the strategies and steps that go into building a personalized financial plan. From that first phone call to implementing a strategy that aligns with your goals, this discussion will offer valuable insights for anyone looking to understand what it loo…

In this mailbag episode, Marty asks if the recommendation of having 15 to 20 times your annual salary in savings for a comfortable retirement is accurate. Kim asks whether she should continue interviewing more financial advisors to find the perfect one or if she's being too picky. Tune in as we dive into these and other insightful listener question…

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. Today, we’re digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning.…

Mailbag episodes are one of our favorite ways to answer your questions! This week, one listener asks if, due to concerns about rising taxes in the future, all their retirement savings should be directed into a Roth account. Another listener asks if they should extend their working career due to the uncertainty caused by the upcoming election. What …

Are you telling yourself financial lies? Discover the top 6 lies people often tell themselves about money and retirement. Some of these could be severely holding you back, so stay tuned! Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com…

In today’s episode, we tackle your burning questions about retirement planning. Our first mailbag question comes from Mary, who is concerned about her portfolio’s performance and whether she should start taking Social Security now or wait until age 70. Matt asks about converting large amounts to a Roth IRA in one go. Patrick’s question about rollin…

Celebrate the spirit of July 4th with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of Financial Independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, we’re here to discuss what you’re striving to be independent from in your retirement. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A…

It's a mailbag edition of the show today! We've got four great questions coming your way. Hazel asks for a checklist of financial priorities to address before she retires from her job at the hospital. Joseph asks whether he should proceed with rolling over his 401k from his old job, given its strong performance this year. Important Links: Pathfinde…

Retirement planning doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn’t have to be as complicated as some people make it. In our next episode, we unravel the unnecessary complexities often woven into the fabric of retirement advice. We’ll debunk some myths, simplify strategies, and uncover the beauty of simplicity and straightforwar…

We've got four great questions that we'll cover in today's mailbag episode. Tony asks whether, as a pastor, it's advisable for him to opt out of Social Security. David's wife is nine years younger than him, and he wonders if he should take out a large insurance policy on himself. Tune in to see what you can learn from these real-life scenarios! Imp…

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today’s retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in…

We're back with another special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled more of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. In this week's show, Barbara and Phil talk about making financial decisions after a real estate sale, long-term care coverage, and ethical considerations in in…

We've got a special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled some of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. Stay tuned as Barbara and Phil discuss tax laws, pensions for federal employees, traveling in retirement, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from real-life fina…

Welcome back to the Retirement Pathfinder. We've got some mailbag questions for you to enjoy today! Dorothy wishes to financially support her daughter and grandchild, who are facing challenges due to the newborn's extended hospital stay, but isn't sure about the tax implications and feasibility. Charles has been pinching pennies for 10 years in ret…

Imagine your retirement plan as a ship sailing toward a horizon of rest and relaxation. But what if one leak could sink it all? In today’s episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to pr…

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected…

Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments. We'll discuss the new dynamics of managing your funds in a world where traditional saving methods are s…

In this week's mailbag episode, Dan asks whether the changes in tax laws in recent years have affected the tax benefits of his charitable donations. Amy asks if her approach of not rushing to pay off debt, utilizing a Home Equity Line for major expenses, and prioritizing retirement savings is advisable. Listen in as Barbara and Phil tackle these qu…

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards. Plus, Barbara and Phil will provide an update on interest rates and what w…

Join us for a great mailbag episode today! This is your chance to gain valuable insights from the financial questions of our listeners. In today's show, Chris asks where to invest additional money for retirement since he is already maxing out his 401(k). Tony asks if he needs a will, trust, or both to evenly split two rental properties between his …

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. On this episode, we unearth and tackle these hidden, but essential questions about reti…

As we approach the end of the year, there's a lot to look forward to. This is also the perfect time of year to share some year-end planning tips. Join us as we take a look at what items and opportunities you need to be paying attention to before we turn the page to 2024. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ …

We have a special edition of the show for you today! We thought it would be helpful to pull some of our favorite mailbag questions from the past and compile them into one episode. Tune in as we talk about life insurance, divorce, retirement, passing assets along to your kids, and much more. Stay tuned to see what you can learn! Important Links: Pat…

Dave Ramsey is well known for his no-nonsense approach to personal finance, particularly in the areas of budgeting, debt management, and wealth-building. He has gained a significant following through various media platforms, including books, radio shows, podcasts, live events, and more recently, Tik Tok. Tune in as we peel back the layers of Dave’s…

The article we will discuss today has a fun breakdown of someone trying to plan for retirement with the help of AI and a real advisor. The author asks them the same questions and reveals the results. Would be a fun one to recap on your show and break down the nuances of planning that a robot just can’t understand (at least not yet). Important Links…

There are some people who don’t care at all about leaving a financial legacy, but for those who do, it’s important to eliminate some of the common estate planning mistakes. In this episode, we cover topics ranging from poor expense planning to outdated beneficiary designations and family conflict triggers. We also shed light on some misconceptions …

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often emotionally charged process of changing financial advisors. We'll discuss the telltale signs that it's time to consider a switch, the questions to ask your current advisor, and what to look for in a new one. Join us as we demystify the transition process and equip you with the knowledge you need …

We've got some great listener mailbag questions lined up for today's show! Bruce says that he fears a recession and wonders if he should stop contributing to his 401(k) for a while. Andy asks whether he should continue paying extra on his house to have it paid off by retirement, considering the advice he's received about needing a mortgage for a ta…

Finding a trustworthy and competent financial advisor is essential for securing your financial future. After all, they play a vital role in helping you make informed decisions about your money, investments, and long-term financial goals. But how can you separate the wheat from the chaff? How can you identify problematic personalities that might ind…

We're back with another mailbag episode this week. We've got some great listener questions lined up for today's show. Kate asks how to stop financially supporting her 27-year-old son without setting him up for failure. Laura asks if her account is too small for her financial advisor to worry about. Tune in and see what you can learn from these mail…

In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 4 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. Join us as we delve into these key issues and learn …

In today's episode, we're diving into the 4 common excuses that people often use to keep from retiring. Taking the leap and deciding to retire can be daunting. Whether you love your career, are afraid of being bored after you leave the workforce, or are simply afraid that you can't retire, Barbara and Phil will help you get over that hurdle so that…

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects everyone, regardless of age or financial status: How Age & Wisdom Impact Financial Planning. No matter where you are in life, your financial goals and priorities will change over time, and it's important to have a plan that reflects your unique needs. In this episode, we'll explore the ways in which age…

Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this episode, we'll be debunking common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about. Important Links: Pathfinder Wea…

We will be answering some mailbag questions on today's show. This time around we be discussing if you should cancel your life insurance policy, if it's wise to push back the date you want to retire, and how conservative your retirement portfolio should be. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 M…

Are you aware that not all retirement accounts are created equal? It's crucial to understand the purpose and advantages of each type of account to make the best choice for your future. In this episode, we'll delve into the different types of retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, Roths, and several other examples. We’ll help you weigh the pr…

We will be answering mailbag questions that came in on today's show. We will be discussing if it's wise to do Roth conversions, what to know about inheriting an IRA, and how your tax picture changes in retirement. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A 15 Minute Consult: http://PathfinderChat.com…

We took an informal poll of listeners to find out what their biggest financial fears are. On this episode, we’ll explore the most common fears and talk about how they should be addressed in a retirement plan. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A Meeting: http://PathfinderChat.com…

It's another mailbag edition of the show. This time around we will discuss investing an inheritance, if it's wise to have two financial advisors, and what strategies you might be able to put in place for your family to make sure their income needs are met once you pass away. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.c…

Another year is upon us and it’s a great time to ask yourself some key questions questions to assess how ready you are for retirement to kick off 2023. If you’re retiring this year, it’s essential to have some concrete answers to these questions. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical …

We will be answering some listener questions on this episode. We will talk about some annuity considerations, how to know if life insurance is a good fit for your plan, and why social security planning is crucial for your retirement. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A Meeting: http://PathfinderC…

Saving in your 401(k) can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But because it’s so easy and painless, it can also be easy to ignore for long periods of time, which often leads to mistakes. We’ll cover at least the top 5 mistakes people make in their 401(k)s. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderad…

In this episode, we will answer some listener questions that will help you gauge the best way to spend extra cash when you have options available. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A Meeting: http://PathfinderChat.comKirjoittanut Barbara Lane and Phil Guske

Let’s explore some of the things you should be thinking about to make smart financial decisions when you encounter some of the most significant events in your life. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A Meeting: http://PathfinderChat.comKirjoittanut Barbara Lane and Phil Guske

On this mailbag show, we will be discussing at what age should you get more conservative in your retirement portfolio, early retirement considerations, and if life insurance is a good strategy in your retirement plan. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfinderadvisory.com/ Schedule A Meeting: http://PathfinderChat.com…

As we approach the end of the year, saving money on taxes becomes a bigger focus for many people. But let’s broaden the scope out for this particular episode and focus on some of the most common retirement planning questions about taxes. We’ll talk about mistakes to avoid and how a proper plan can make a significant difference in someone’s tax savi…

We will be opening up the mailbag on today's show to answer some listener questions. We will be discussing if it's wise to start taking social security to pay off your house, some considerations when thinking about doing a Roth conversion, and some things you can do with an inheritance. Important Links: Pathfinder Wealth Management: http://pathfind…