Tag: Retirement Income Planning

The Retirement Stress Test: What Breaks First in Your Plan? (Ep. 109)

The Retirement Stress Test: What Breaks First in Your Plan? (Ep. 109)

Most people don’t have a bad retirement plan; they just haven’t tested it yet.

In this episode, Josh Leonard walks through what it really means to pressure-test your retirement plan before you step away from work. Using a real client story, he breaks down how a plan that looks solid on paper can still carry hidden risks if it hasn’t been coordinated across income, taxes, investments, healthcare, and legacy.

Josh shares how small adjustments, like restructuring investments into purpose-driven “buckets,” planning for tax-efficient withdrawals, and reviewing beneficiary designations, can make a meaningful difference over time. He also highlights how overlooking factors like Medicare decisions or account structure can lead to unnecessary costs later.

This conversation is a reminder that retirement isn’t just about how much you’ve saved; it’s about how everything works together when you need it most.

Josh discusses: 

  • Why retirement plans need to be stress tested, not just built
  • The “bucket strategy” for income, cash, and growth
  • How market downturns early in retirement can impact long-term outcomes
  • Hidden tax risks and how to think about withdrawals more intentionally
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Josh Leonard: 

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

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

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: