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: How Do Smart Retirees Handle Big One-Time Expenses?
Root Collective member Gary asks how to fund a $40K home remodel before retiring—should he use a taxable brokerage account, tax-deferred 401(k), Roth IRA, or cash?Ari and I break down how to handle big one-off expenses into a three-part framework:Portfolio Sustainability – Can your investments handle both recurring and one-time expenses?Investment Allocation – Ensure your assets are positioned to avoid selling at a loss.Tax Optimization – Withdraw strategically to minimize lifetime taxes.The key? Plan ahead, align financial decisions with long-term goals, and make the most of your retirement funds.Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - Gary R's question2:52 - Can your retirement support it?4:43 - How should investments be allocated?6:28 - Have a tax strategy8:54 - A caution; a reminder about sleep12:03 - Intentionally set aside14:23 - Mental hang-ups and biases16:37 - The Collective CommunityCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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18:58
The Best Retirement Spending Stories I've Heard This Year
Are You Spending Your Money on What Truly Matters?A few weeks ago, I challenged you to do the most important thing you can with your money this year—not Roth conversions, not optimizing Social Security, but something far more impactful: aligning your spending with what truly brings you joy. I asked you to write down one thing you've always wanted to do or buy but haven't, set a date to make it happen, and identify where the funds would come from.In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of the incredible responses I received—stories of travel, family experiences, and meaningful purchases that turned dreams into reality. These stories serve as a reminder: financial planning isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about using it to create a life you love.If you haven’t already, take that step. Don’t wait for "someday." Let’s make sure we’re spending in a way that truly reflects what we value most.Questions answered:1. Why is it important to align your spending with what you truly value?2. How can you take action to ensure your money is being spent in a way that brings you joy?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - Reviewing the challenge1:42 - Ice fishing and family trips2:46 - Urgency4:19 - Diving the Red Sea, family cruise5:35 - Pets and optimizing travel plans7:28 - Uncertainty and urgency8:53 - Values, purpose, and happinessCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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11:29
One Simple Tip to Make Spending Easy in Retirement
One of the biggest ironies in retirement is that the people who save and invest the most often struggle the most with actually spending their money in retirement. In this video, I’ll walk you through a simple framework to make spending easier—without guilt or second-guessing.I’ll share a compelling client story, a personal experience, and actionable steps you can take to shift your mindset and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard for. If you’ve ever hesitated to spend on things you value, even when you can afford to, this is for you.We’ll cover:Why our money habits from the past shape how we spend (or don’t spend) todayA five-step process to help you feel comfortable spending in retirementA practical tip that makes it easier to say “yes” to the things that truly matter🎯 Don't let a scarcity mindset hold you back—start living your best retirement!Questions answered:1. Why do some retirees struggle to spend money, even when they have more than enough saved?2. How can retirees overcome a lifetime of saving habits and confidently spend on things they truly value?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - A pertinent story3:24 - A personal story5:10 - Steps 1& 2—acknowledge and evaluate7:05 - Steps 4 & 5—Identify values and make it easy9:44 - Healthy tension12:30 - Step 5—Withdrawal and set aside14:49 - Wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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17:52
Root Talks: How to Overcome the Scarcity Mindset and Start Spending in Retirement
You’ve worked hard, built wealth, and reached financial security… so why is it still so hard to spend? In this episode, we dive into the unexpected challenge of shifting from a saver’s mindset to actually enjoying your money.From a millionaire couple hesitating over a $5 bag of M&Ms to a husband upset about a bottle of Fiji water—this is more common than you think! Behavioral finance reveals why past money habits stick with us, even when we don’t need them anymore.We’ll break down how to retrain your mindset, align spending with what truly matters, and ensure your wealth enhances your life instead of holding you back. Plus, a practical strategy to help you finally enjoy your money guilt-free!Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply Here Timestamps:0:00 - A scarcity mindset story2:36 - Comment that sparked conversation4:12 - Identifying the problem7:00 - A personal story from James10:00 - Practical takeaways12:18 - Make small, aligned shifts16:14 - An example from Ben18:04 - Death is coming19:55 - The wrap-upCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!
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23:45
Retire Now If you Answer "Yes" to These 5 Questions
Retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about time, health, and the life you want to live. Too many people delay retirement, chasing "one more bonus" or "one more year" without considering the bigger picture.In this video, we’ll walk through five key questions that can help you decide. If you answered yes to any of these, retirement might be closer than you think! Watch now to gain clarity on your next steps.Questions answered?1. How do you know if it's the right time to retire?2. What are the risks of delaying retirement for financial reasons?Submit your request to join James:On the Ready For Retirement podcast: Apply HereOn a Retirement Makeover episode: Apply HereTimestamps:0:00 - Is time passing you by?2:30 - Is your health suffering?3:40 - Want more time for relationships?4:50 - What is your life and health span6:25 - Are you financially ready?7:59 - 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!