Are you looking for a tax strategy that may help reduce the amount of taxes you pay during retirement?  How about a strategy that may help increase the lifespan of your retirement portfolio?  If so, then a Roth conversion may be the right move for you.

In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren delve deep into the world of Roth conversions.  They reveal the potential tax savings that a well-timed Roth conversion can provide during the retirement years.  Through their insightful conversation you’ll gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies to help you determine if and when a Roth conversion may be right for you.

Have you thought about working with a financial planner, but you’re just not sure what to expect?  Have you thought you might benefit from creating a financial plan, but you just don’t know what the process might be like or if it would even be helpful?  Wonder no more.  In this episode you’ll be given a guided tour through the financial planning process at Phase 3 Advisory Services.

Join hosts John Bever and Jim Uren as they reveal each step of the financial planning process that they follow with every client.  From your initial phone call to the creation of your written action plan, you’ll discover what to expect at every step along the way.  You’ll learn how we conduct our first meeting, the questions we tend to ask and the information we gather to help create your personalized financial plan.  You’ll also learn the enormous benefits of having a personalized financial plan, the importance of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and the importance of plan implementation and review.

In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren reveal their list of the seven primary retirement predators.  These retirement predators are the biggest threats to your financial lifestyle in retirement and it is critical that you prepare yourself against the potential damage they can cause.  So listen along as John and Jim discuss each of the seven predators and provide practical steps you can take to help protect yourself.  With a friendly and relatable approach, they share real-life examples and their professional insight, making this episode an essential resource for individuals approaching retirement.

In this episode, you will be able to:

The buzz about Mint exiting the market has sent shockwaves through its user base, leaving many in search of a worthy alternative. Whether you've been a dedicated Mint user or are just diving into the world of budgeting apps, we've got you covered in this episode.

The silver lining? There's a plethora of apps ready to empower you in taking charge of your spending and to help kick start your savings journey. However, with the sea of options out there, navigating through the information overload to find the perfect app for you can be a bit overwhelming.

In this episode, Jim Uren and John Bever discuss the decision of using a financial advisor versus managing retirement planning on your own. They cover the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, highlighting the cost-saving potential and personal enjoyment of the DIY method, but also cautioning about the time and potential for costly mistakes. On the other hand, they emphasize the expertise and knowledge that financial advisors bring to the table, along with the potential for costly mistakes. However, they also address the drawbacks, including the cost and the possibility of working with the wrong advisor. Jim and John present a balanced view, emphasizing the importance of considering one's preferences, skills, and resources when making the decision. If you're nearing retirement age, this episode can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement planning, whether you're considering going it alone or seeking professional financial advice.

In this episode, you will:

Join John Bever and Jim Uren in this episode of "The Year You Retire" podcast as they tackle the topic of Getting the Most Out of Your Charitable Giving.  Enjoy their friendly and approachable style, as you discover strategies like bunching charitable contributions and using donor advised funds, with real-life examples.   Get inspired, informed, and uplifted with valuable insights on optimizing your charitable contributions for maximum tax benefits. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

In this episode of The Year You Retire podcast, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren delve into the topic of retirement happiness, drawing from extensive research and insights to provide valuable takeaways for retirees. Listen along as they discuss the positive trend of happiness during retirement and emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose beyond your financial circumstances. Explore the transformative aspect of aging, the complex relationship between money and happiness, the role of relationships in retirement happiness, and the potential benefits of religious involvement. Furthermore, discover the positive impact that volunteering and practicing gratitude can have in retirement to boost happiness. This episode offers practical advice and actionable steps and is a must-listen if you want to maximize your happiness and fulfillment in the year you retire.

In this episode, you will:

Planning for retirement involves navigating the complexities of Medicare sign-up, a process that can be confusing and lead to regrettable mistakes. Join hosts John Bever and Jim Uren as they break down key decisions, such as choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, understanding when to sign up, and avoiding enrollment penalties. They'll also address the need for separate prescription drug coverage and provide valuable insights to help you make informed choices. Tune in to gain essential knowledge, recognize pitfalls, and successfully navigate the Medicare maze with confidence.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Deciding when to start claiming your Social Security retirement benefits is one of the biggest decisions you need to make in the year you retire.  In this episode of The Year You Retire, hosts John Bever and Jim Uren will help you discover how you can get the most out of your individual Social Security benefits. With a laid-back and personable tone, they delve into key considerations such as the irrevocable nature of Social Security decisions, the earnings limit, timing of benefit payments, and the advantages of delaying benefits. Offering practical insights, the hosts stress the importance of individual factors like health and life expectancy, while also outlining how delaying benefits can lead to higher retirement income. This episode serves as a valuable resource for individuals nearing retirement age, whether they are just beginning to consider Social Security planning or seeking to optimize their retirement income. Listeners are encouraged to tune in and gain essential knowledge on making the most of their Social Security benefits.

In this episode, you will:

Episode 3: How to Earn More on Your Short-Term Savings

In the year you retire, you need to make sure that you are well versed in the world of short-term investments.  So in this episode, we’ll explore the short-term investment options that you should consider adding to your retirement planning arsenal.  We’ll guide you through the financial thrill ride of different bond types and the potential benefits that may help boost your earnings. We’ll also discuss FDIC insurance and the pros and cons of brokered CDs.  And we discuss the tax implications and various levels of investment security. 

One of the key decisions you need to make in the year you retire is what to do with the money in your 401(k).  In this episode hosts John Bever and Jim Uren bring you the epic battle of the IRA versus the 401k. Do you leave all of your hard earned money in the 401(k)?  Or do you move it into an IRA? Hold on to your seats as we unveil the thrilling pros and cons of each option. And be sure to listen until the end to discover the special circumstances that, if they apply to you, will help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. 

In this episode, you’ll be able to:

Episode 1: What’s This Going to Cost Me?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of retirement expenses and struggling to find an accurate estimation, then you are not alone! Many individuals nearing retirement are taking generic approaches, relying on rough estimates or outdated advice, which often leads to financial unpreparedness and anxiety about the future. Instead of achieving the desired result of a clear understanding of retirement expenses, they find themselves stuck in a cycle of guesswork and worry. But fear not, there are proven methods available to help you accurately calculate your retirement expenses and achieve better financial preparedness.

The year you retire is certainly one of the most exciting times of your life, but it is also one of the times when we are, financially speaking, the most vulnerable. But the good news is that with the right know-how, tools and planning, you can minimize your risks and vulnerabilities and focus your efforts on those things that will truly make your golden years truly golden. Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, John Bever and Jim Uren as they discuss the latest strategies to help make the year you retire your best year yet.