Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to re...
Maximize Your Retirement Tax Savings: How to Maximize Tax-Saving for Each Account
Want to pay less in taxes during retirement? You actually have more control over your tax rate than you might think. James breaks down how different investment accounts—like brokerage accounts, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and inherited accounts—are taxed and how smart withdrawal strategies can help you minimize taxes over time. He also explains key concepts like the 0% capital gains bracket, step-up in basis, and Social Security taxation. Learn how to make tax-smart moves with your retirement income so you can keep more of what you’ve saved.Questions answered:1. How can I reduce the amount of taxes I pay in retirement?2. How are different retirement accounts—like 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, brokerage accounts, and HSAs—taxed when I withdraw money?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - Brokerage accounts4:29 - Standard 401(k)6:27 - Health savings account9:54 - HSAs after age 6511:00 - Inheritance13:01 - Inherited IRA account15:33 - Social Security17:00 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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19:06
Root Talks: How to Get Past the Fear of Retiring Even When You Have Enough
Many professionals find that retiring isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about feeling ready to leave behind the structure, identity, and comfort of a career. In this Root Financial podcast episode, James and Ari explore the emotional hurdles of retiring from a high-paying, high-stress job, even when financially prepared. They highlight the value of aligning retirement with your future self’s goals and priorities, not just your current fears. Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - A comment from the Collective3:03 - A first-day-of-school analogy4:25 - What would my future self do?6:47 - Helpful feedback8:32 - Make sure you're ready financially10:20 - A life you don't retire from13:18 - The opportunity cost16:39 - More words of wisdom18:44 - Making the decision is the scary partCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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22:02
The Hidden Flaw in Monte Carlo Analysis That's Ruining Retirement Plans
Many retirees focus on achieving a high Monte Carlo “probability of success” in retirement—but is chasing a 99% success rate always the best move? In this episode, James highlights a real-life story of a man forced to delay retirement after a divorce dropped his probability of success from 99% to 70%. James explores why this single number shouldn't drive such massive decisions. He explains how context—like income sources, spending flexibility, and home equity—matters more than a static success rate. You’ll learn why 100% isn’t always ideal, and how to build a retirement plan that supports a meaningful life, not just a perfect score.Questions answered?1. Should I delay retirement if my Monte Carlo probability of success drops?2. Is a 100% probability of success the best goal for my retirement plan?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - An encounter at the gym2:37 - What is Monte Carlo analysis?4:18 - Consider severity of failure6:19 - Consider other assets, like property7:35 - Is a 100% probability score really success?10:55 - Monitor and course correct14:13 - Margin15:07 - No universal number16:13 - Assumptions about spending18:27 - Retirement spending smile20:57 - Context mattersCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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24:32
Why many retirees REGRET relying on Social Security Income
Relying too much on Social Security? You’re not alone—over 40% of retirees count on it for at least half their income. But that safety net has some major gaps. In this video, I break down four key reasons why Social Security isn’t enough—and what you can do to secure a more stable retirement. Questions answered:1. Why is it a mistake to rely too heavily on Social Security for retirement income?2. What are some strategies to supplement Social Security income in retirement?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - One-off expenses1:34 - Inflation & CPIW4:21 - Tax on provisional income7:33 - Peace of mind8:33 - Maximize your benefit9:22 - Supplement SS10:24 - Leverage your homeCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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13:20
Root Talks: What Role Does "Fun" Play in an Advisory Relationship?
How do you keep things fun when markets—or life—get tough? We're breaking down why “fun” isn’t just about ping pong tables and perks—it’s about being prepared, building trust, and maintaining strong relationships before challenges arise.James shares a personal story from the early Covid days, highlighting how mindset and self-care helped him show up for clients.The takeaway? A great advisor isn’t just there for the good times—they’re prepared to guide you through the tough ones, too.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - About Root Collective0:56 - Making a serious topic fun2:07 - A lesson from Covid5:06 - "Fun" is being prepared8:04 - Emotional downtimes require a team11:27 - On building trust13:33 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!