About Stephen Kates: Stephen Kates is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 15 years of experience in wealth management and financial planning. As the Principal Financial Analyst for Annuity.org and RetireGuide.com, he offers strategic insights on market trends and investment strategies. Stephen is also the Founder of Clocktower Financial Consulting, LLC, and has previously served as Head of Financial Planning for Advisor.com. His expertise has been featured on major media platforms including Fox Business, CBS News, and Newsweek.

In this episode, Shawn and Stephen Kates discuss:

• The importance of risk management in retirement planning
• Balancing growth and stability in retirement income
• The growing role of annuities
• Financial literacy’s role in retirement success

Key Takeaways:

• Managing risk in financial planning is crucial, as retirees who are overly exposed to high-growth investments may face significant emotional and financial stress during market downturns, requiring careful reassessment of their portfolios.
• Essential expenses in retirement should be safeguarded by guaranteed income sources such as annuities or Social Security to reduce the reliance on volatile markets, allowing retirees more confidence in maintaining their financial security.
• Those who are approaching retirement should focus on adjusting their strategies by balancing growth with protection, ensuring that their retirement portfolios offer both flexibility and stability during uncertain economic times.
• Financial literacy is an indispensable tool for making informed financial decisions, as people must be able to identify reliable information and avoid the pitfalls of misleading advice or scams in an era of overwhelming digital content.

"Having some level of financial literacy... is going to allow younger people to not go down some road, get scammed, you know, do something silly." — Stephen Kates

Connect with Stephen Kates:

Website: www.Annuity.org & www.StephenKates.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kates-cfp

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Shane Whybrew: Shane Whybrew is the Vice President of the Financial Wisdom Network at the Ron Blue Institute. With over 30 years of experience in development, fundraising, and pastoral roles, Shane has dedicated his career to helping others understand biblical financial wisdom and grow in their stewardship and generosity. His journey included pioneering financial principles at Grace Church in Noblesville, Indiana, and building a strong relationship with the Ron Blue Institute. Shane enjoys the sales process and takes pride in helping others impact their communities and the world through effective stewardship.

In this episode, Shawn and Shane Whybrew discuss:

• Biblical principles in financial decision-making
• The role of the church in financial stewardship
• Educational outreach by the Ron Blue Institute
• The 4H framework for financial wisdom

Key Takeaways:

• The Ron Blue Institute collaborates with eight large churches in the U.S. to pilot a financial discipleship program integrating biblical principles into church ministry, going beyond traditional stewardship sermons and financial classes.
• The 4H framework (Heart, Health, Habits, Hope) serves as a practical tool for individuals to make financial decisions that are aligned with their faith, using scriptural references to provide guidance and reinforce a biblically-informed approach to money management.
• Ron Blue advocates for five core principles of biblical financial management—spend less than you earn, avoid debt, build financial margin, set long-term goals, and give generously—that are universally applicable across all income levels and provide a solid foundation for achieving financial stability.
• Emphasizing the belief that all possessions are ultimately owned by God and that individuals are merely stewards of these resources, the Ron Blue Institute encourages a shift in financial behavior towards managing money wisely and aligning financial practices with Christian faith.

"All financial behavior follows a belief system... So what the 4H tool is represented to do is to take the way that we can talk about how you and I make financial decisions and align it with our faith." — Shane Whybrew

Connect with Shane Whybrew:

Website: www.ronblueinstitute.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanewhybrew/

The Four Hs of Financial Wisdom: https://ronblueinstitute.com/fourhtool/

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Kevin Heath: Kevin Heath has been a significant player in the health insurance and Medicare industry for 20 years. He is the founder of MTD Benefits Inc., a company dedicated to educating and guiding clients through the complexities of health insurance and Medicare, without charging fees for their services. With extensive experience working for large carriers like Humana and Aflac, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and a client-first approach, prioritizing the best interests of his clients over commissions. In addition to his broker license, he is also a licensed Health Insurance Counselor, reflecting his commitment to providing expert, unbiased advice.

In this episode, Shawn and Kevin Heath discuss:

• Securing financial and healthcare needs
• The complexities of health insurance and Medicare options
• The differences between standard Medicare plans and Medicare Advantage plans
• Covering additional expenses not covered by standard Medicare

Key Takeaways:

• Medicare has four main parts: Part A covers inpatient hospital care, Part B covers outpatient services, Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a privatized plan offering additional benefits, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
• Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) help cover deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs not fully covered by standard Medicare plans.
• Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, which can be valuable for retirees looking for more comprehensive coverage.
• Selecting the right Medicare or health insurance plan requires careful consideration of individual circumstances and potential future healthcare costs to avoid exhausting retirement savings.

"We're going to educate. We're going to make sure we're educating with the correct information, not the incorrect information." — Kevin Heath

Connect with Kevin Heath:

Website: www.mtdbenefits.com

Email: kevin@mtdbenefits.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtdbenefits/

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shawn breaks down the complexities of retirement planning into a clear, actionable framework designed to empower you. You'll discover how to overcome common fears, such as running out of money or needing to work past retirement age, by understanding Shawn's "Retire Happy Framework." This episode serves as your guide to securing a fulfilling and stress-free retirement, no matter where you are in your planning journey. Tune in to take control of your financial future with confidence.

In this episode, Shawn discusses:

• The need for comprehensive retirement planning
• The changing nature of retirement benefits
• Managing risks in retirement
• Planning for healthcare in retirement

Key Takeaways:

• Merely having retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA is not enough; it is crucial to develop a comprehensive plan that includes a well-thought-out drawdown strategy to ensure you don't outlive your savings and maintain financial stability throughout retirement.
• As the availability of company-sponsored pensions decreases, individuals must take greater responsibility for their retirement by starting to save early, carefully managing investments, and planning for a retirement that could span several decades.
• Successfully navigating retirement requires a proactive approach to managing six key risks—market risk, taxation risk, inflation risk, withdrawal risk, sequence of returns risk, and longevity risk—each of which can significantly impact the sustainability of your retirement income.
• Factoring in the potential costs of healthcare and long-term care is essential when planning for retirement, as these expenses can be substantial, unpredictable, and have a major impact on your financial resources over time.

"Remember, the only one who can help your older self is your younger self. Right? So let's plan today." — Shawn Maloney

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

About Leonard Raskin: Leonard Raskin is the founder and CEO of Raskin Global, a financial advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build, spend, and use their wealth wisely. With over 34 years of experience in the financial industry, Leonard holds a master's degree in financial services and prestigious credentials including CFP, AEP, and CLU. His approach combines education, state-of-the-art technology, and a steadfast philosophy to simplify complex financial matters and guide clients towards financial balance and success. Leonard is also a noted media contributor and a passionate supporter of charitable causes, actively working with several foundations.

In this episode, Shawn and Leonard Raskin discuss:

• Risk management in financial planning
• Importance of retirement strategies
• Role of debt in wealth creation
• Value of objective financial advice

Key Takeaways:

• Many individuals overestimate their risk tolerance because they haven't experienced significant financial losses, leading them to prefer a guaranteed high probability of a substantial result over a risky chance at a perfect outcome.
• Effective retirement planning involves not only accumulating wealth but also strategically utilizing financial products like annuities and reverse mortgages to ensure a stable income throughout retirement​.
• Proper debt management and understanding the difference between good and bad debt are crucial for leveraging financial opportunities and creating wealth, as exemplified by companies and successful individuals.
• A holistic approach to financial planning, which includes assembling a team of advisors who can provide comprehensive and objective advice, significantly enhances the likelihood of achieving a secure and enjoyable retirement​.

"Start early, save well, protect it all, invest well, and you have all you want forever." — Leonard Raskin

Connect with Leonard Raskin:

Website: www.RaskinGlobal.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RaskinGlobal

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

About Rob Brown: Rob Brown is the founder of Truest Fan Coaching and the author of "Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact." His journey from a top financial advisor to an industry executive mentoring hundreds of advisors showcases his exceptional leadership skills. Now, as a coach to some of the industry's top advisors, Rob shares his wealth of knowledge and experience to help others succeed. He also hosts the Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast, providing valuable insights and practical strategies.

In this episode, Shawn and Rob Brown discuss:

• Financial advisory challenges
• Importance of intentional leadership
• Strategies for effective client service
• The impact of kindness and intentional actions

Key Takeaways:

• Financial advisors face significant challenges with time management and client selection, which can impede their ability to provide optimal service.
• Being an effective leader, whether in business or life, requires authenticity and purposefulness, allowing advisors to better serve their clients and fulfill their personal and professional goals.
• Delivering effective client service requires not only the right skills but also ensuring a good fit between the advisor and the client, as this alignment can greatly enhance the success of the advisory relationship.
• Practicing small acts of kindness and intentionality, such as smiling and acknowledging others, can have a profound positive effect on both personal well-being and professional interactions, fostering a more supportive and uplifting environment.

"Smiles and kind words go a long way." — Rob Brown

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: https://truestfan.com/

Email: robb@truestfan.com

Book: Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Truest-Fan-Live-Purpose-Impact/dp/1736129805

Show: The Purpose Focused Advisor: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-focused-advisor/id1605593748

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan/

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/

About Adam Zuckerman: Adam Zuckerman is the Founder of Buried in Work, a company dedicated to simplifying estate planning and transitions for individuals and businesses. With a background as an attorney, MBA, and Eisenhower Fellow, Adam's expertise spans finance, media, consumer packaged goods, and clean energy. He is a recognized thought leader on the impact of future-facing technologies and has significantly contributed to innovation ecosystems through his ventures and advisory roles. Adam has held notable positions, including at Discovery Inc., and continues to drive progress at the intersection of enterprise growth and technological advancement.

In this episode, Shawn and Adam Zuckerman discuss:

• Importance of comprehensive estate planning
• Role of beneficiaries and legal documents
• Advanced directives and healthcare proxies
• Organization and digital legacy

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive estate planning requires more than just having a will or trust; it involves organizing all finances, legal documents, and considering all aspects of end-of-life transitions to ensure a smooth process for beneficiaries and heirs.
• It is crucial to update beneficiary forms regularly to ensure they reflect current wishes, as these forms are legally binding and take precedence over the will, potentially impacting the distribution of assets significantly.
• Advanced directives and healthcare proxies are essential components of estate planning, as they provide clear guidance on medical decisions and designate trusted individuals to act on one's behalf in case of incapacitation, ensuring that personal healthcare preferences are respected.
• Proper organization of both digital and physical assets, including passwords, identification information, and financial records, is necessary to streamline the estate transition process for loved ones, preventing confusion and ensuring that all assets are accounted for and properly managed.

"If you don't get started and you don't know about these terms, you're not going to have them in time for when you actually need them." — Adam Zuckerman

Connect with Adam Zuckerman:

Buried in Work Website: https://www.buriedinwork.com

Personal Website: https://www.adamzuckerman.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamzuckerman/

Get a free copy of Shawn’s book “The Priority of Retirement” here- https://www.retirewisepro.com/the-priority-of-retirement

Contact Shawn:

Website- https://www.retirewisepro.com/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIMGdosN-snkV5gFt7FRSg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-maloney-retire-wise

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/retirewise_llc/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShawnMaloney.RetirementPlanning/