Tag: Budgeting
Making the Most of Holiday Giving in Retirement (Ep. 81)

Making the Most of Holiday Giving in Retirement (Ep. 81)

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Giving is a joyful part of the holiday season, and retirement offers unique opportunities to make it meaningful.

How can retirees balance financial, personal, and charitable giving during the holidays? How can creative and intentional choices enhance the spirit of giving?

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss strategies for embracing the joy of giving in retirement, including financial tips, creative gift ideas, and charitable contributions. From smart tax planning to handmade gifts, this episode is packed with practical advice for a thoughtful and budget-friendly holiday season.

They Discuss:

  • The emotional and personal rewards of giving during retirement, including the value of sharing time and handmade gifts
  • Creative and budget-conscious gift ideas, such as shared experiences and handmade items, to add meaning without overspending
  • Charitable strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and donor-advised funds to maximize the impact of financial giving
  • The importance of holiday traditions and how simple, shared activities can create lasting memories
  • Year-end financial planning tips, including Roth conversions and tax-efficient
  • 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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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:

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Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

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Seven Steps to Successful Retirement
Seven Steps to Successful Retirement (Ep. 36)

Seven Steps to Successful Retirement (Ep. 36)

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Is your retirement plan set for a successful future? When was the last time you reviewed your plan and ensured it has been adapted for any life-changing events?

Discover the seven key steps for achieving a fulfilling retirement with Josh Leonard. He touches on everything from crafting a budget and merging accounts to making savvy choices regarding health insurance and maximizing entitlements.

Josh discusses: 

  • What is the first step in building a successful retirement plan
  • When should you start tax planning for retirement
  • Why is understanding Social Security important for retirement
  • How do you approach legacy planning
  • And more

Resources:

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Income Planning: When The Paychecks Stop (Ep. 12)

Income Planning: When The Paychecks Stop (Ep. 12)

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What do YOU view as your most substantial asset that allows you to live the life you want to live on a daily basis?

In this episode, Josh Leonard talks about the road you have to follow once your paychecks stop coming in. Is your life going to run the same? How do you feel confident in your bank account when that number stops increasing? Where is all your money going to come from? Josh alleviates all of these stressors in detail.

Josh discusses: 

  • How life expectancy can determine the plan you create for your retirement
  • The ins and outs of pension planning
  • Some ways you can keep a consistent income source during retirement that does not limit you to a 9-5 job
  • And more

Resources:

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Retiring With Intent (Ep. 2)

Retiring With Intent (Ep. 2)

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Retirement looks different for many people. For some, it might be slowing down, taking your foot off the gas, and leaning back into a more relaxed lifestyle. For others, it may be continuing to work part-time but focusing on passions rather than a career. An intentional retirement can kickstart this process for you through planning ahead early and identifying your goals. 

In this episode, Josh Leonard details the retirement planning process at Leonard Advisory Group. He explains how they mentor and guide their clients by the breakdown of INTENT – I (yourself), Needs, Taxes, Endowment, Navigating Financial Tools, and the Team helping you through this process. 

Josh discusses: 

  • What needs and wants to identify when planning your retirement 
  • How you can start saving at a young age while simultaneously being able to enjoy your money
  • Important questions to ask yourself before creating your retirement plan
  • The three-bucket approach to dealing with finances 
  • And more

Resources:

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