Tag: Podcast
Conquering Retirement Fears with Confidence (Ep. 86)

Conquering Retirement Fears with Confidence (Ep. 86)

By |

Retirement is a time for celebration, but it often brings up important concerns about money, health, and purpose. 

How can you prepare to enjoy this new chapter with peace of mind?

In this episode, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro discuss actionable steps to overcome common retirement fears, from financial security to finding joy and meaning beyond work. Whether it’s optimizing Social Security, managing healthcare costs, or staying socially connected, this episode provides key strategies for a rewarding retirement.

Josh and Pete discuss:

  • How to overcome the fear of running out of savings with practical financial planning
  • Strategic approaches to maximize Social Security benefits for long-term security
  • The importance of maintaining purpose and emotional fulfillment after retirement
  • Tips for managing healthcare costs and understanding Medicare options
  • Lifestyle considerations like downsizing or relocating to meet personal and financial goals
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Diversification Dilemma: Are Your Investments Really Safe? (Ep. 85)

The Diversification Dilemma: Are Your Investments Really Safe? (Ep. 85)

By |

Diversification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical tool for protecting your retirement savings and future security.

This week, Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro tackle common misconceptions about diversification and share actionable insights on creating a retirement plan that minimizes risk and maximizes opportunities. From portfolio strategies to tax diversification and financial tools, this episode has everything you need to feel confident about your golden years.

Josh and Pete discuss:

  • Why holding accounts at different firms doesn’t guarantee diversification and how to avoid overlapping investments
  • How to spread investments across sectors, regions, and company sizes to minimize risks
  • The importance of tax diversification through tools like Roth IRAs and taxable accounts for greater financial flexibility
  • How annuities, life insurance, and other financial tools can secure income and simplify legacy planning
  • Strategies to avoid over-concentration in employer-linked investments and protect both your career and portfolio
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Mastering the Tax Triangle (Ep. 84)

Mastering the Tax Triangle (Ep. 84)

By |

What do taxes and retirement have in common with your happiest Saturday? 

In this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, Josh Leonard invites you to unravel the often confusing world of taxes as you approach your golden years. He dives into the “tax triangle” strategy, offering a simplified perspective on how to categorize your assets for better tax efficiency. 

Josh shares tips on navigating taxed always, taxed later, and the coveted taxed never categories, as well as how these can impact your retirement strategy. 

Josh discusses:

  • The Tax Triangle and how it can guide your financial decisions
  • The benefits of tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs
  • Tips for balancing your tax strategy in retirement 
  • Avoiding common tax pitfalls and optimizing for future changes
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Five Worlds of Money in Retirement (Ep. 83)

The Five Worlds of Money in Retirement (Ep. 83)

By |

Are you prepared for the five worlds of money in retirement? 

In this episode of “Relax, It’s Retirement,” Josh Leonard explores the distinct but interconnected areas crucial to a successful retirement plan. He dives into income planning, investment strategies, the importance of health and legacy planning, and of course, those pesky taxes. With real-life examples and practical tips, Josh provides insights on making the most of your social security, planning for long-term care, and optimizing your tax scenarios. He debunks myths about social security and explores ways to ensure your financial future is secure and well-planned.

Josh discusses: 

  • Income planning essentials and pension options
  • Navigating social security concerns and strategies
  • Investment planning for a long, confident retirement
  • Crafting an efficient legacy plan
  • Health planning and managing long-term care costs
  • Tax planning and the benefits of Roth conversions
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Setting Goals for a Purposeful Retirement (Ep. 82)

Setting Goals for a Purposeful Retirement (Ep. 82)

By |

Goal setting isn’t just for your career—it’s essential for creating an intentional and fulfilling retirement.

What goals will keep you engaged, active, and satisfied as you transition to this next chapter? How do you plan for a successful financial and personal journey during retirement?

In this episode, Josh Leonard recaps his personal and professional goals while emphasizing the importance of intentional goal-setting. 

He explores strategies to maintain motivation, improve well-being, and align your finances with your desired lifestyle. By applying the SMART framework, Josh outlines how retirees can structure their aspirations to make retirement a rewarding experience.

Josh discusses:

  • How achieving his goal of completing the Leadville MTB 100 taught him the value of preparation and persistence
  • The importance of using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) when setting personal and financial goals
  • Examples of how retirees can create income plans, like targeting $6,000 monthly from various sources, to ensure financial stability
  • Strategies for maintaining healthy habits, such as balancing exercise, diet, and reducing phone time with family
  • The psychological and emotional benefits of setting goals, including enhanced focus, time management, and overall happiness in retirement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Making the Most of Holiday Giving in Retirement (Ep. 81)

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

By |

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:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
What Kills a Bull Market? Factors that Could Trigger the Next Recession (Ep. 80)

What Kills a Bull Market? Factors that Could Trigger the Next Recession (Ep. 80)

By |

What happens when market emotions take over your retirement planning?

Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro tackle the rollercoaster ride of market trends and how you can prepare for those inevitable twists and turns. They explore the intricacies of bull and bear markets and how these fluctuations impact your financial strategies for retirement. They discuss critical indicators that can predict a market downturn and reason why, despite multiple alarms, a recession hasn’t hit.

Josh and Pete discuss: 

  • (00:50) The current bull market scenario and what it means for your investments
  • (04:53) Recession indicators – what they are and why we haven’t hit one yet despite all the signs
  • (07:29) The role of consumer spending in sustaining market confidence
  • (09:13) How inflation and interest rates have shaped current market conditions
  • (12:42) The impact of credit ratings and monetary policies on global economies
  • (21:16) Behavioral responses in market bubbles – understanding FOMO and the fallout
  • And more

Don’t miss out on understanding these significant market behaviors that could affect your retirement planning. 

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Best Moments: Top Retirement Insights from The Relax, It’s Retirement Podcast! (Ep. 79)

The Best Moments: Top Retirement Insights from The Relax, It’s Retirement Podcast! (Ep. 79)

By |

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies can make it smooth and intentional.

How do you structure finances to ensure your money lasts while enjoying the lifestyle you want? 

This episode compiles the best retirement advice moments from Josh Leonard and his team, covering vital tips to plan your golden years with confidence. 

From managing taxes to healthcare planning, they explore practical solutions for long-term stability.

Key Highlights:

  • How to prepare for longer retirements by factoring in family history and careful planning
  • The “three-bucket system” for managing cash, steady income, and long-term growth
  • Proactive ways to minimize healthcare expenses through HSAs and yearly drug plan reviews
  • Tax-saving approaches, such as Roth IRA conversions and efficient withdrawal strategies
  • Creative retirement paths, including passion projects, part-time work, and minimalist lifestyles
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Know What You Owe: Essentials for a Secure Retirement (Ep. 78)

Know What You Owe: Essentials for a Secure Retirement (Ep. 78)

By |

Are you aware of what you truly owe, and more importantly, own in your financial portfolio? 

Join us in this episode of Relax, It’s Retirement, where Josh Leonard and Pete Belcastro dive into the nitty-gritty of financial awareness and planning. 

Do you really understand how balancing debts and assets can pave a way for a secure retirement?

They explore the significance of knowing your financial landscape, including debts like car loans and mortgages, and how they weigh against your assets.

They discuss: 

  • The importance of financial awareness: Recognize your current financial position and plan accordingly
  • Differentiating debts: Understanding car loans versus mortgages and their impact on your credit
  • Strategies for debt repayment: Prioritizing high-interest debts like credit cards
  • Asset knowledge: Understanding different investment types—stocks, bonds, life insurance, and annuities—to make informed decisions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Connect with Pete Belcastro: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
5 Key Tax Opportunities to Capture Before Year-End! (Ep. 77)

5 Key Tax Opportunities to Capture Before Year-End! (Ep. 77)

By |

Are you making the most of your year-end tax planning? 

In this episode, Josh Leonard dives into effective year-end tax planning strategies to maximize your savings. Prepare for an insightful discussion on Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and charitable giving. 

Learn how to navigate potential tax pitfalls and make informed financial decisions before the calendar flips to a new year.

Josh covers:

  • Roth conversions and their tax advantages
  • Tax loss harvesting to offset gains
  • Charitable giving strategies, including QCDs and donor-advised funds
  • Maximizing deductions for medical expenses
  • Adjusting withholding for accurate tax planning
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More