Category: Education
Connecting Community and Retirement Through Art with Tami Fauver (Ep. 57)

Connecting Community and Retirement Through Art with Tami Fauver (Ep. 57)

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Art isn’t just for galleries – it’s a powerful tool for enriching your retirement experience. Have you ever thought about how art could transform your retirement? 

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh introduces Tami Fauver, the Executive Chief and Curator at Krasl Art Center. They explore the dynamic intersection of the arts and retirement and discuss how Krasl Arts Center has become a cornerstone for both aspiring artists and retirees looking to give back and stay engaged. Learn how art fairs, community engagement, and creative expressions can shape a fulfilling retirement. Tami and Josh converse about the unique opportunities for volunteering, contributing to local arts, and enriching your golden years with creativity and excitement. From volunteering opportunities to the benefits of charitable giving, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make the most of your golden years.

Josh and Tami discuss: 

  • The history and significance of the Crassel Art Fair on the Bluff
  • The role of art in fostering community connections and personal well-being
  • Unique art classes and programs available for all ages at the Krasl Art Center
  • How art can be a therapeutic and fulfilling activity for retirees
  • The welcoming and supportive environment the Krasl Art Center provides for individuals to explore their creativity
  • Opportunities for community involvement and charitable giving to support local arts
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Tami Fauver:

About our Guest: 

As the Executive Chief and Curator at Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, Tami Fauver is a museum professional committed to excellence and creativity. Tami is a collaborative trust builder, working to empower others, complete integral projects, retain organizational values, support the careers of artists, and transcend boundaries. She strongly values working with artists and creatives on special projects and new initiatives.

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FOMO in Retirement Planning, Explained (Ep. 56)

FOMO in Retirement Planning, Explained (Ep. 56)

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Are your financial decisions driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO)?

Get ready to conquer your retirement planning with confidence and ease.

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss retirement planning with a focus on overcoming the fear of missing out (FOMO) and making informed decisions for a secure financial future. They explain why staying true to your disciplined investment strategy is crucial, especially in the face of trending financial fads like meme stocks and cryptocurrency.

Josh and Pete talk about: 

  • FOMO’s impact on retirement planning and investment decisions
  • The dangers of letting FOMO guide your investment decisions
  • The allure and risks of jumping onto hot investment trends, including meme stocks
  • How setting realistic expectations and goals is the foundation of sound retirement planning
  • Why diversification and discipline are key to navigating market unpredictability
  • The importance of setting realistic goals and expectations for retirement savings and investments
  • And more

Remember, it’s not just about financial planning; it’s about building the future you’ve always envisioned. Tune in to learn why a steady and informed approach is your ally in achieving a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Retirement Planning: Preparation, Adaptability & Doing Hard Things (Ep. 55)

Retirement Planning: Preparation, Adaptability & Doing Hard Things (Ep. 55)

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What does it take to truly conquer life’s toughest challenges and apply those lessons to your retirement?

This week on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the topic of “doing hard things” and how taking on challenges can prepare you mentally and emotionally for retirement. Josh shares an inspiring anecdote about a grueling bike ride up Maui’s Haleakala volcano, and they explore parallels between physical endurance and financial preparedness. They discuss why staying active and engaged matters even after retirement, offering insights on setting goals, planning effectively, and remaining adaptable.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • The significance of preparation and planning ahead for a successful retirement, just like planning a challenging bike ride
  • Why retirement doesn’t mean stopping; it means finding new and fulfilling challenges
  • Being ready to adjust your plans, just as you might need to adapt during a physically demanding activity
  • How building a support system around your retirement plan is as crucial as having a team backing your adventures
  • Balancing risk and reward while navigating the complexities of retirement
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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How to Save for Retirement 101 (Ep. 54)

How to Save for Retirement 101 (Ep. 54)

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Ever wondered how to effectively save for retirement without missing out on the joys of life today?

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard shares invaluable tips about optimizing your savings strategy during the accumulation phase of your finances. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode demystifies the order of saving money, and ensuring a balanced lifestyle while preparing for a secure future. He navigates through practical advice on emergency funds, the power of employer matches in retirement accounts, and the strategic use of HSAs and IRAs for long-term benefits.

Josh discusses: 

  • Why starting with an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability
  • Maximize employer retirement plan contributions for compound growth
  • Navigating high-interest debt and the impact on your savings journey
  • The long-term benefits of diversifying savings beyond traditional retirement accounts
  • And more

Tune in to grasp how to craft a retirement savings plan that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals, ensuring a smooth transition to your golden years.

Resources:

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Is Social Media Misleading You on Finance? (Ep. 53)

Is Social Media Misleading You on Finance? (Ep. 53)

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Are you being hoodwinked by financial advice on social media?

In today’s episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard delves into the murky waters of financial advice on social media platforms. With special attention on the credibility of so-called financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers,’ Josh unpacks the allure of simplicity in managing finances that social media tends to promise. He explores how the ease and accessibility of social media content can often misguide individuals when making crucial financial decisions. 

Josh discusses: 

  • The impact of social media on financial decisions
  • Distinguishing credible financial advice from sensational content
  • Understanding the risks associated with following financial influencers without due diligence
  • Practical tips for verifying the credibility of financial advice encountered online
  • And more

Tune in to learn about navigating the complex landscape of online financial advice with a critical eye.

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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Are You Ready to Retire? (Ep. 52)

Are You Ready to Retire? (Ep. 52)

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Are you ready for retirement? How much money do you need to ensure your golden years are truly golden?

Today on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro address essential considerations for anyone nearing retirement. From understanding the right time to retire to strategically managing retirement income, this conversation aims to equip you with the knowledge to navigate financial decisions with confidence. Whether it’s determining if your savings are sufficient, dealing with market fluctuations, or making smart investment choices, this episode covers the groundwork for a fulfilling retirement journey.

Josh and Pete discuss:

  • Understanding when you’re ready to retire and ensuring you have enough saved
  • The intricacies of the 4% rule and how it applies to your retirement savings
  • The importance of planning for healthcare and long-term care expenses
  • Strategies for generating stable retirement income, including social security, pensions, and rental properties
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Decoding Life Insurance for Retirees: Is It Essential? (Ep. 51)

Decoding Life Insurance for Retirees: Is It Essential? (Ep. 51)

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How does life insurance fit into your retirement plan? Is life insurance still relevant in retirement?

This week on Relax It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss whether or not life insurance is necessary in retirement. They cover four main reasons to own life insurance in retirement: covering debts, preserving family assets, covering long-term care expenses, and leaving a tax-free legacy. They also mention the importance of planning and working with a financial advisor to determine the best approach for individual needs. From protecting your loved ones to planning for unforeseen medical expenses, this conversation is packed with everything you need to navigate the complexities of life insurance in retirement.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • The different types of life insurance and their roles in retirement planning
  • Strategies for managing and potentially reducing expenses associated with life insurance
  • The importance of life insurance in covering long-term care and unforeseen medical costs
  • How life insurance can serve as a financial safety net for your loved ones and contribute to estate planning
  • And more

Tune in to gain valuable insights that could help you make more informed decisions about life insurance in your retirement planning strategy.

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

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Transitioning into retirement could feel just as sunny and relaxed as a perfect summer day, but like spending a day in the sun, you’ve got to plan for all weather factors when it comes to retirement or risk feeling a little burned.

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro delve into part two of financial literacy for your golden years with a focus on government benefits and tax planning. In addition to managing required minimum distributions and the timing of Social Security benefits, the conversation also navigates through estate planning and the considerations for relocating or downsizing in retirement. Listen in to empower yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to embrace retirement with confidence and intention.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Maneuvering the complexities of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their impact on your taxes
  • Strategic insights into optimizing Social Security benefits based on individual working and earning scenarios.
  • The importance of updating beneficiaries and how simple changes can drastically influence estate planning
  • Navigating the decisions surrounding relocation or downsizing in retirement, including tax implications and quality of life considerations
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Building a Legacy Through Smart Retirement and Giving Strategies with Jack Miller (Ep. 49)

Building a Legacy Through Smart Retirement and Giving Strategies with Jack Miller (Ep. 49)

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Many believe that impactful philanthropy is exclusive to the ultra-rich. However, strategic charitable giving is accessible to a wide range of donors.

In this episode, Josh Leonard is joined by philanthropy expert Jack Miller, principal of Miller Consulting, for a conversation about how strategic charitable giving can be a cornerstone of your financial planning and legacy. Jack shares his personal journey, blending faith, philanthropy, and financial strategy, to provide listeners with a roadmap to creating a legacy that resonates through generations. Discover the synergy between tax-efficient philanthropy and fulfilling retirement goals, reinforced by Jack’s rich experiences and the strategic insights from Leonard Advisory Group.

Jack discusses: 

  • The pivotal role of charitable giving in tax-efficient retirement planning
  • Harnessing the Qualified Charitable Distribution to optimize philanthropy and tax benefits
  • Creative leveraging of assets like real estate and tangible property for charitable impact
  • Personal stories of charity transforming lives and reinforcing community bonds
  • And more

Tune in to uncover how charitable giving can amplify your retirement planning and leave a lasting legacy for the causes closest to your heart.

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Jack Miller:

About our Guest: 

Jack Miller is the principal and lead of Miller Consulting. During his 30-year career, Jack has conducted annual and capital campaigns, special events and estate planning seminars. He has helped individuals contribute millions of dollars to charity and in 2000, his consulting work led Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation to hire him as its first director of planned giving, a position he held until July 1, 2012 when he became Vice President of Development for Baptist Homes Society in Pittsburgh.

From 1993 until 2006, Jack also headed Anlin Industries’ development division before founding Miller Consulting. Since 1975, Jack served western Pennsylvania as planned giving director for United Way of Allegheny County and St. Barnabas Charitable Foundation; chief development officer for Suburban General Hospital, The Medical Center and St. Peter’s Child Development Centers; executive director of Duquense University’s Duke’s Court sports booster organization; assistant development and alumni director at LaRoche College and public relations coordinator at the School for Blind Children.

Jack graduated with distinction from Bethany College and is a past-president of the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council. In 2000, the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Western Pennsylvania Chapter named him its Outstanding Fund-raising Executive.

In 1992, Jack helped to organize a statewide development issues task force that was instrumental in passing the Pennsylvania Charitable Gift Annuity Exemption Act, 10 P.S. §361 et. seq., that established parameters for Pennsylvania charities to issue gift annuities. The task force also helped to pass legislation that defined purely public charities in Pennsylvania.

Some interesting gifts Jack closed include an outright gift of a personal residence with a retained life-interest; the first funeral home in Pennsylvania to fund a charitable remainder annuity trust and a $500,000 grant from a major foundation to promote planned gifts as a way of leveraging resources.

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Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years (Ep. 48)

Mastering Financial Literacy in Your Golden Years (Ep. 48)

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Are you ready to greet retirement with a well-prepared smile?

Welcome to the Relax, It’s Retirement podcast, where we dive into mastering financial literacy in your golden years. This episode, featuring Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro, zooms in on transitioning into retirement with intent. They explore practical tips for income and budget planning in April’s Financial Literacy Month, highlighting ways to navigate the shift from a steady paycheck to managing retirement funds. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, you will glean insights into making informed decisions for a fulfilling retirement.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Understanding income and budgeting in retirement
  • Navigating the transition from receiving regular paychecks to retirement income planning
  • Strategies for managing expenses and creating effective budgets
  • Addressing the impact of healthcare expenses during retirement
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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