Category: Finance
Key Strategies to Maximize Your Medicare Benefits (Ep. 72)

Key Strategies to Maximize Your Medicare Benefits (Ep. 72)

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When was the last time your reviewed your Medicare plans?

In this episode of *Relax It’s Retirement*, host Josh Leonard sits down to discuss the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and ensure you’re prepared for the year ahead. With open enrollment running from October 15th to December 7th, this discussion is essential listening for anyone looking to navigate Medicare.

Josh discusses:

  • Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and their benefits.
  • Key dates for enrollment and why they matter.
  • The importance of reviewing and possibly switching your drug plan to save costs.
  • The differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and why it matters for your health coverage.
  • And More!

Join us as we dive into these topics and more on ensuring your healthcare needs are met without unexpected costs in retirement. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions for your health and wallet. Subscribe and get ready to retire with intent!

Resources:

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Market Shifts: How to Stay Informed and Prepared (Ep. 71)

Market Shifts: How to Stay Informed and Prepared (Ep. 71)

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As inflation cools, new questions arise about the market’s direction and future economic trends.

How will the Fed’s decisions on interest rates affect your investments? Can the economy withstand reduced inflation without entering a recession?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the significant shift of investor concerns from inflation to other economic factors, highlighting vital strategies to navigate these changes. 

Join them as they discuss how these trends influence your retirement planning, the potential for future rate adjustments, and strategies to protect your investments during market volatility. 

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Understanding the shift from inflation to broader economic concerns 
  • Strategies to manage potential market volatility and protect your investments
  • The impact of interest rate changes on savings and investments
  • The importance of staying informed and focused on long-term trends in financial planning
  • And more!

Resources:

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Overcoming Retirement Fears During Election Season (Ep. 70)

Overcoming Retirement Fears During Election Season (Ep. 70)

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Election seasons often bring a wave of anxiety, especially for those nearing retirement.

How do you prepare for potential economic shifts without succumbing to fear? How can you ensure your retirement plan remains robust regardless of political outcomes?

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard explores how the election results could potentially affect your financial future, and why most fears may be overblown. 

Discover practical strategies for setting yourself up to navigate market uncertainties, just in time for the upcoming elections.

Josh discusses: 

  • The real impact of election outcomes on the stock market and your retirement
  • How to manage fears related to market unpredictability by maintaining a diversified portfolio
  • Practical advice on keeping an appropriate emergency fund and navigating the three-bucket strategy
  • Insights on long-term financial planning despite the political climate
  • And more!

Resources:

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Capital Loss Harvesting vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: What’s Right for Your Retirement? (Ep. 69)

Capital Loss Harvesting vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: What’s Right for Your Retirement? (Ep. 69)

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Are you maximizing the potential of capital gains and losses in your retirement planning?

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the often-overlooked strategies of capital gain and loss harvesting. You’ll learn the essential differences between capital loss and capital gain harvesting, why timing and tax brackets play a crucial role in your financial planning, and how these strategies can help minimize your tax liability, particularly in retirement. 

Join us for an informative discussion that could significantly influence how you manage your investments for a more secure financial future.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Exploring Capital Loss vs. Capital Gain Harvesting: Understanding the fundamental principles and their implications for your tax strategy
  • Timing is Everything: Why the fourth quarter is critical for reviewing and adjusting your tax planning strategies
  • Tax Brackets: How these affect your decision-making on selling assets and realizing gains or losses
  • Retirement Focus: Tailoring these strategies to optimize tax savings and maintain financial health in your golden years
  • And more!

Resources:

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Putting Time on Your Side in Retirement (Ep. 68)

Putting Time on Your Side in Retirement (Ep. 68)

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Time can still be on your side even in retirement!

In this episode, Josh dives into the fascinating dynamics of time and retirement planning. You’ll learn how to maximize your retirement years by leveraging the power of compounding interest, making strategic investment decisions, and using financial tools like annuities and HSAs to ensure your money lasts. Join us as we explore practical strategies to make the most of this new chapter in your life.

Josh discusses: 

  • 03:28) The importance and impact of time and compounding interest in retirement
  • (06:07) How to manage finances effectively with Cash, Income, and Growth Buckets
  • (09:18) Utilizing financial tools like HSAs and annuities to maximize benefits
  • (16:57) Adapting to market volatility without making hasty decisions
  • (21:18) Making the most of your newfound time, hobbies, family time, and volunteering
  • And more

Resources:

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6 Ways to Travel on a Budget in Retirement
6 Ways to Travel on a Budget in Retirement (Ep. 67)

6 Ways to Travel on a Budget in Retirement (Ep. 67)

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Ready to make your dream retirement travel a reality without breaking the bank?

In this episode, Josh Leonard guides you through six effective strategies for budget-friendly travel during retirement. Learn why flexibility is crucial, how to use points and miles effectively, and the surprising alternatives to traditional accommodations. This is your roadmap to financially savvy and fulfilling travel adventures, specially crafted for retirees.

Josh discusses: 

  • Flexibility around travel dates to find cheap flights
  • Using credit card points and loyalty programs
  • Considering alternative accommodations such as Airbnbs or house swaps
  • Planning your travel budget, tracking expenses, and taking advantage of discounts
  • And more

 

Resources:

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Overcoming Obstacles With Grit, Endurance & Family Support (Ep. 66)

Overcoming Obstacles With Grit, Endurance & Family Support (Ep. 66)

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Are you ready to hear a story about grit, teamwork, and the unexpected turns that can define your journey, whether it’s a race or your retirement plan?

In this episode, Josh recounts his recent journey of conquering the Leadville MTB 100 in the Colorado Rockies, with the invaluable support of his wife Yana Leonard, CIA, MBA, Director of Finance. Alongside tales of determination and grit, Josh and Yana emphasize the remarkable role family support played in achieving this monumental feat. Packed with real-world lessons, hear how Josh navigated unexpected hurdles and triumphed with one crucial lesson – preparation and a reliable support system can make all the difference. From unexpected flat tires to quick solutions, learn how this endurance race teaches vital lessons for retirement planning and navigating life’s unpredictability. 

Josh and Yana talk about:

  • How Josh overcame unexpected challenges during the race with the help of his wife and community
  • The quick, practical solutions that helped Josh complete the race – a lesson in planning for the unpredictable
  • The crucial role of support systems in achieving big goals, both in sports and financial planning
  • How disciplined training and strategic planning in sports can translate to successful retirement strategies
  • And more

 

Resources:

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Planning for an Early and Intentional Retirement (Ep. 65)

Planning for an Early and Intentional Retirement (Ep. 65)

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What if you could retire earlier than you think?

In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the concept of early retirement with the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement, a lifestyle choice emphasizing extreme savings and smart investments. They provide information about how adopting frugality and strategic financial planning can help set you on a path to early retirement. Josh and Pete cover practical tips on extreme savings, smart investing, and the importance of a frugal yet fulfilling lifestyle.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Overview of the FIRE movement and its focus on extreme savings and lifestyle choices
  • Challenges and strategies for those aiming to retire in their 30s or 40s versus traditional retirement age
  • Tips for managing finances, including healthcare and penalty-free withdrawals, for those considering early retirement
  • And more

Resources:

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Estate Planning Essentials (Ep. 64)

Estate Planning Essentials (Ep. 64)

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You can protect your loved ones and legacy as you transition into retirement by estate planning.

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, host Josh Leonard, and Pete Belcastro dive into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of retirement planning: estate planning. They talk about how to effectively prepare your essential estate documents, avoid the drawbacks of probate, leverage trusts for tax planning, and ensure your loved ones are protected. Tune in for some practical tips and advice around estate planning that can give you peace of mind as you plan for your golden years.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • Why regularly updating your will and legal documents is important
  • The role of Power of Attorney in managing assets during incapacitation
  • How to use trusts to protect assets and control distributions
  • How you can minimize the impact of estate taxes
  • And more

Resources:

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How to Choose the Best State for Your Retirement (Ep. 63)

How to Choose the Best State for Your Retirement (Ep. 63)

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Where should you retire? Your perfect place could be closer than you think.

Let’s take a look at some factors that could make or break your retirement decision.

Today on Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro talk about what truly makes a state great for retirement. They dissect a recent study listing the top states for retirement, unpacking factors such as the cost of living, weather, healthcare, and why personal preferences can completely change the ideal location for retirement. 

Tune in to learn how to weigh these factors with your personal priorities and hear insightful anecdotes from Josh’s years of experience.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • The top factors that determine the best states to retire in
  • How different states compare
  • The impact of state and local taxes on retirement planning
  • The importance of balancing the cost of living with lifestyle and proximity to family
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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