Are you among the millions of Americans who’ve left an old 401(k) behind with a former employer? In this episode, Philip Smith, a financial planner at Tidepool Wealth Strategies in Oregon, explores the crucial steps late-career professionals (ages 55–65) should consider before ignoring a potentially major part of their retirement savings. Learn why these “forgotten” accounts can potentially sabotage your long-term goals through unnecessary fees, poor investment choices, and lost growth opportunities. Discover the four key options (leaving your 401(k) in place, rolling it into a new employer’s plan, transferring it into an IRA, or cashing it out) and why the last choice can be especially costly in terms of taxes and penalties. Philip also covers 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and other retirement plans, offering insights on risk management, tax planning, and portfolio management for professionals looking to optimize their future cash flow. If you’ve ever wondered how to locate old accounts or combine multiple retirement plans for simplicity and reduced fees, this episode provides the answers. Tune in for valuable, actionable advice on consolidating your nest egg and keeping your retirement strategy on track.

#401k #403b #retirementplanning #retirementadvice

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

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Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Are you nearing retirement and wondering whether you’re truly ready to leave the workforce? In this episode titled “How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Retire? 5 Benchmarks You Shouldn’t Ignore,” Phillip offers professional guidance to help late-career professionals (ages 55-65) assess their retirement readiness.

This essential episode covers five critical benchmarks, from savings milestones and budgeting considerations to debt management, emergency funds, and emotional preparedness. Learn how to test-drive your retirement budget, explore dynamic withdrawal strategies, and minimize tax exposure with effective risk and portfolio management. If you’re looking for clarity on retirement timelines, estate planning, or cash flow optimization, this episode provides actionable insights to help you better prepare to retire with confidence.

Episode Chapters
• Introduction (0:00)
• Savings Milestones (1:36)
• Budget & Cash Flow (3:38)
• Debt Management (4:51)
• Emergency Fund (6:29)
• Emotional Preparedness (8:20)
• Action Steps (9:43)

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes packed with tailored advice for people nearing retirement across the U.S., primarily focused on serving Oregon residents.

Tune in and begin to cultivate a resilient retirement plan.

#RetirementPlanning #RetirementHelp #RetirementSavings #FinancialPlanning #Retirees

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Curious whether you should pull all your money out of the market during turbulent times? In this episode, financial planner Phillip Smith of Tidepool Wealth Strategies (Oregon) provides clarity for late-career professionals (ages 55–65) who may be feeling uneasy about market volatility.

Discover why knee-jerk reactions, like selling off your stocks and going to cash, often do more harm than good, and how history shows that patient investors typically fare better in the long run. Phillip breaks down the hidden costs of sitting on the sidelines, including lost potential gains and the eroding effects of inflation.

When things are volatile, people often wonder if it is better to move investments to cash when the market is unstable, or find themselves asking, "What should I do with my 401(k) during a market crash?"

Learn how a well-crafted retirement plan that incorporates diversification, risk management, and defined “guardrails” can help you stay steady and protect your financial future. If you’re concerned about sustaining your cash flow, aligning your portfolio with tax and estate planning, and safeguarding your long-term goals, this podcast episode offers practical insights you can immediately put into action. Don’t let fear guide your decisions. Tune in to understand why remaining invested, with a thoughtful approach, could be the key to lasting financial confidence.

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Roadmap of the Episode
3. Why Current Market Volatility Feels Scarier Than Ever
4. What History Says About Cashing Out During Crises
5. The Cost of Sitting on the Sidelines
6. How a Thoughtful Plan Can Keep You Steady
7. Action Items
8. Closing

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.