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...
Root Talks: Introducing the New Root Retirement Community
Join the new Root Collective HERE!Retirement isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about making the most of it. That’s why we’re launching a new retirement community designed to go beyond financial planning. Sure, we’ll cover investing, tax strategies, and estate planning, but we’re also creating a space to talk about the things that make retirement fulfilling—connection, travel, health, and purpose.Inside, you’ll be able to engage with like-minded peers, get expert insights, and explore ideas to shape the next chapter of your life. We’ll have guest speakers, live events, and interactive discussions to help you feel confident in your planning and inspired about what’s ahead.Root clients get free access, and for everyone else, it’s $50 per month—early adopters can join for just $20. If you’re looking for more than just financial advice, we’d love for you to be part of it.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - A new retirement community2:56 - Sharing experiences, creating initiatives4:22 - Goal: best possible retirement5:36 - Who is this for?7:07 - Why join?10:17 - Pricing12:13 - The power of communityCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
--------
15:48
5 Advanced Social Security Strategies to Maximize Your Retirement Income
To maximize your Social Security benefits in retirement, it’s essential to understand five key limits and thresholds:✅ Earnings Limit: If you start Social Security before full retirement age, benefits may be reduced if your wages exceed the annual or monthly earnings limit. Only income earned after starting benefits counts.✅ Social Security Wage Base: This is the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes each year. It impacts both how much you pay into the system and the benefits you may receive.✅ Maximum Benefit: Your benefit amount is based on factors like your lifetime earnings and the age at which you begin collecting benefits. Delaying benefits increases your monthly payments, while starting early reduces them.✅ Provisional Income: This determines how much of your Social Security benefit is taxable. Higher income levels can result in up to 85% of your benefit being taxed at the federal level.✅ Bend Points: These thresholds influence how your lifetime earnings are converted into benefits. Lower earnings are replaced at a higher percentage, meaning early contributions can have a significant impact.Understanding these limits helps you make strategic decisions and optimize your retirement income.Questions answered:1. How can I maximize my Social Security benefits and avoid unnecessary reductions?2. What factors determine how much Social Security I will receive in retirement?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - David's question1:47 - SS earnings limit4:51 - Monthly numbers matter6:04 - SS wage base9:11 - Max SS earning amount11:26 - Provisional income13:32 - SS bend pointsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
--------
17:35
Root Talks: How Do We Approach Team Building?
Root Financial is redefining what it means to serve clients by putting team culture front and center. In this episode, James and Ari dive into the firm’s bold move to hire a Head of Culture—an uncommon role in financial advising—dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of their advisors. Why? Because when advisors thrive, clients get the personalized attention they deserve.At Root, we’re intentional about avoiding the usual industry traps, like overloading advisors with massive client lists or sales quotas that can compromise service. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, aligning our goals with yours and using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to stay on track.With a Net Promoter Score of 91—well above the industry average—we’re proving that building a strong internal culture leads to happier clients and better outcomes.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - Company culture affects clients4:08 - Ari's quick story5:59 - Hiring a Head of Culture10:54 - Advisors have how many clients?14:24 - NPS and retention rate17:28 - OKRs20:57 - What makes Root differentCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
--------
25:40
Major Social Security Bill Passed: $190B in New Benefits to be Paid After Eliminating WEP & GPO
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5 by former President Joe Biden, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for individuals with non-covered pensions, such as teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. This change significantly increases benefits for affected individuals, in some cases by over $1,000 per month, and applies retroactively to the end of 2023.While the law addresses long-standing concerns about fairness, it also accelerates the depletion of Social Security funds, already projected to face insolvency by the 2030s. This $190 billion expense over the next decade may force future changes, such as tax increases, higher retirement ages, or adjustments to the system. For those impacted by WEP or GPO, the law offers immediate financial relief but highlights the need for broader, sustainable reform to preserve Social Security for all beneficiaries.Questions answered:How does the Social Security Fairness Act impact individuals with non-covered pensions like teachers, firefighters, and postal workers?What are the potential long-term consequences of the Social Security Fairness Act on the Social Security fund's sustainability? Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - SS Fairness Act -- ex. Maria2:46 - Bend points4:49 - Back to Maria's situation5:54 - Pros and cons7:38 - Bill magnifies SS problemsCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
--------
10:43
Root Talks: What's the Difference Between Root Financial and Other Advisory Firms?
In this behind-the-scenes episode, James and Ari explore what sets Root apart in the financial advising industry. Moving beyond traditional roles like stock pickers and planners, they emphasize Root’s mission as “protectors” of clients’ most cherished goals, helping them achieve a life of purpose and fulfillment. They discuss how Root’s culture prioritizes personalized care and intentional growth, from hiring advisors who embody Root's ethos to reinvesting in services like tax planning and estate planning to enhance client experiences.James and Ari also address how Root balances expansion with maintaining high service quality, ensuring each client feels uniquely supported. They share insights into Root’s “master plan,” which includes innovative frameworks for advisor development and creating scalable yet deeply personalized services. Root’s philosophy of holistic, forward-looking financial planning integrates life coaching elements, focusing on helping clients live richer, more meaningful lives. This episode offers a fresh perspective on financial advising, showcasing Root’s commitment to redefining the industry.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - Root in one word -- protector3:54 - Life advisors7:31 - Beating the waiter9:31 - Integrating tax planning12:45 - Services to add in the future16:47 - Gauging fit; growth philosophy20:23 - Client satisfaction and advisor development24:07 - 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!
USA