Retirement Matters With Michael Stewart

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 straightforward retirement planning.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we’ll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Some people just need a reality check when it comes to understanding their retirement. Today, we'll explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

March Madness is upon us, and as you fill out your bracket and watch the NCAA Tournament this year, there are a few retirement planning lessons that you can learn along the way. Join us as we talk about them in today's episode!   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

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 protect your future from the one mistake that could derail everything.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

We’ve all heard the apocalyptic predictions about Social Security, the national debt and other major issues that are supposed to sink the economy. Do any of these predictions have merit in the years ahead? On this episode, we’ll try to separate sensationalism from reality.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash. We'll balance our discussion with both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives from an array of sources to give you a comprehensive view. Tune in to navigate the uncertainties and opportunities of 2024's economic landscape and equip yourself with knowledge for the year ahead.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today’s episode, we’re tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship. It's about getting clarity on how advisors work, what they specialize in, and how they align with your financial goals. These are the questions you MUST ask your financial advisor.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Just like building a snowman in the crisp winter air, creating a structurally sound retirement strategy requires careful consideration and planning. From establishing a solid base to adding protective layers, we’re here to ensure your financial landscape remains cool and collected. Tune in and learn how to build a financial snowman that stands the test of time. So, bundle up and let’s get rolling!   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Get ready to rock to the rhythms of retirement wisdom in this week’s episode! We've put together the ultimate retirement planning playlist, featuring timeless lyrics that reflect various stages of the planning journey. From setting financial goals to finding purpose in your golden years, this playlist sets the stage for important discussions about crafting your dream retirement.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-saving opportunities, and even touching on the often-overlooked emotional aspects of this pivotal life transition.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt… Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode, explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

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 retirement.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways to utilize those funds.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092  

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance and the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation. This is the episode for you if you’re concerned with ensuring the financial well-being of your remaining family members and safeguarding your financial future and legacy in the face of loss.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092  

In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092  

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the gritty side of personal finance. In this episode, we reveal how everyday household tasks can serve as reminders of the principles that lead to financial success. From taking out the trash in your investment portfolio to cleaning out the fridge of outdated financial strategies, we'll explore how to declutter your financial life.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

In this episode, we’ll explore many of the expenses in your life that might drastically change (one way or another) in retirement. We’ll break those expenses down further to see which ones are the top priorities and analyze some of the other factors that impact your cash flow in retirement.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Picture this: You're at your retirement party, finally ready to enjoy your golden years, but worries caused by some bad money habits have robbed you of fully enjoying the sweetness of the day. It happens to more people than you think, which is unfortunate because with just a little bit of modification, you can rid some of the worst money habits from your life and set yourself up for retirement success. Tune in to this episode and develop healthy financial habits that pave the way for a secure future!   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about Social Security out there. In this episode, we'll debunk these common myths and answer the Social Security questions you've been curious about. This is part 2 of our Social Security conversation, where we will break down the remaining 5 Social Security myths.   Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092