The Secure Retirement Method Podcast

Clearing Up Social Security Confusion

November 06, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

There is so much wrong and misguided information – not to mention confusion – out there about social security. As a result, people make bad decisions that sometimes can be very hard to recover from. We tackled the most common questions about social security, how it affects retirement planning, and what you should be doing now to prepare for a happy and healthy future with a steady income that meets your needs. These are decisions you can’t put off any longer because what you...

Becky Hollis | Do You Have a Post-Retirement Plan?

October 23, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

It started with a segment on a TV show many years ago… and Becky Hollis was hooked. Since then she’s been crazy about bears. Yes, those furry woodland creatures. What does that have to do with retirement? Well, in your Golden Years you’re not working – so what do you do instead? If you don’t have a good answer – an activity you truly enjoy – you’ll be worse than bored… it can actually negatively impact your mental and physical well-being. Becky has found fulfillment workin...

Dominic Calabro | Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go?

October 09, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB

As its president, Dominic Calabro, puts it, Florida Tax Watch has been the watchdog for the state’s taxpayers for the last 40 years. A lot has happened in that time, including the transformation of Florida into one of the most important states in the union. That’s why, says Dominic, it’s more important than ever for public officials to be held accountable… to have an organization watching them closely to make sure they’re good stewards of public money – while not playing partisa...

Moshe Milevsky | An Arms-Length Look at Retirement Planning

August 07, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

In the retirement planning world, Moshe Milevsky, author, professor at Toronto’s York University, and consultant, is known as someone who takes some stances that go against the grain, to put it mildly. But it’s not just for the sake of being controversial. He thinks deeply about ways people can live their best lives when they retire. And he says the current system, not to mention conventional wisdom, actually makes it more difficult than it has to be to reach that goal… and he say...

Robert and Sonia Koudelka | Get Out and Do It

July 24, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Robert and Sonia Koudelka have a philosophy that guided them in their careers, second careers (you read that right), and what they do in retirement: “Get off your butt and do it.” Whether it’s playing golf five times a week, cruising through the Caribbean, making memories with the grandkids, or taking up a new hobby later in life, Robert and Sonia are enjoying their Golden Years to the fullest. But it’s no surprise as that’s what they’ve done their entire lives. We talk about wh...

Lou and Cal Ogburn | Who Will Care for Your Special Needs Child When You’re Gone?

July 10, 2019 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

If you have a special needs child or even a relative, this is a can’t-miss episode. Lou and Cal Ogburn share the story of their daughter and how she has been able to live a fulfilling and independent life. It’s thanks to their love and determination to secure her the federal and state benefits she qualified for – not to mention her great attitude and friendly personality. They’ve also made a plan to pay for her care when they’re gone, which will be especially important as she get...

Steve Gordon | Retire to Something, Not From Something

June 26, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

We put John Curry in the hot seat and have business consultant - and longtime friend - Steve Gordon grill him on how attitudes towards retirement are changing and how it could impact your plans. Most people don’t have a real vision of their retirement, says John. And that can be very dangerous to their physical and mental health. We unpack what “vision” really means and how you can find fulfillment in your Golden Years – and it’s definitely not just about financial security. Li...

Lynda Dickens | Avoiding the Post-Retirement Blues

June 05, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

Lynda Dickens had worked 43 years for the State of Florida. But she wasn’t ready to retire until a fateful trip changed her mind. And a new hobby she picked up soon after her retirement convinced her to never go back to work. In fact, she says it’s become an addiction. Now she’s more active than ever with lunches out with friends, card games, and all sorts of hobbies. We talk about her secrets to a happy retirement, as well as… A unexpected place to make new friends after you ret...

Bruce and Judi Irvin | Your New Identity in Retirement

May 22, 2019 09:00 - 48 minutes - 51.5 MB

During their many years together, Bruce and Judi Irvin have always viewed their marriage as a partnership… and that extends to how they manage their money. As a result, they set themselves up for a comfortable retirement that allows plenty of funds for adventurous travels around the world. We talk about where they’ve been and the wonders they’ve seen but more importantly how accountability, cooperation, and teamwork when it comes to finances has allowed them to truly enjoy their g...

Carlton Ingram | Splitting Finances in a Relationship the Right Way

May 08, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 44.9 MB

There are no ideal retirement plans that work for everybody. Every couple has different needs and desires. That goes for how they split day-to-day financial responsibilities as well. That was certainly the case for Carlton Ingram and his late wife, Nancy. Carlton explains the arrangement they had and how it led to their happy marriage. He also goes over what he’s doing now to keep going in the face of tragedy. We also talk about… What you must do now with your financial accounts...

John Beck and Lisa Bretz | The Unexpected Impact of Dementia on Your Life

April 24, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 45.5 MB

Alzheimer’s and dementia has to be part of your retirement planning, whether it affects you, your spouse, or a relative. It could take away your secure retirement if you don’t plan for it… and everyone who listens to this episode will be impacted in some way by this issue. As a caregiver, John Beck’s passion has become to educate people about how, as a community, we can be caring and accommodating to people with this common condition. Lisa Bretz, executive director of the nonprofi...

Kay Harris | Avoiding a Tax Hit in Retirement

April 03, 2019 09:00 - 54 minutes - 57 MB

After 30+ years working for the State of Florida, Kay Harris was certainly ready to retire, which she did in 2006. She had planned and prepared – financially and mentally. But, Kay says, there were things that popped up that she didn’t expect. We talk about how she dealt with the bumps in the road, as well as how she’s been able to achieve a profound personal transformation in retirement while ticking items off her bucket list. Listen in to find out… The questions you must ask n...

Terry Lewis | The Emotional Side of Retirement

March 20, 2019 09:00 - 57 minutes - 59.5 MB

Former circuit judge Terry Lewis has embraced retirement. He’s indulging in hobbies and interests, getting involved in the community in unique ways, and even giving back to the next generation of the legal profession. He feels like staying active and busy is a key to happiness when you’re no longer working. But, he says, don’t feel like you have to wait until retirement to do things that make you happy – he sure didn’t. And you do have the time too – you just need to find it. We ...

John Curry and April Schoen | How Life Changes Impact Your Social Security

February 20, 2019 10:00 - 57 minutes - 59.4 MB

There’s so much misinformation about Social Security (and Medicare) out there. Even worse, people are basing their retirement planning on this misinformation. John Curry and April Schoen clear the air and get to the heart of the best way to take full advantage of this benefit you’ve been paying into your whole life. Every situation is different. And you shouldn’t make a move until you look at your complete financial situation. But John and April give you the facts so you can make ...

John Dunwoody | Mapping Out Your Dream Retirement

February 06, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 42.5 MB

What are you looking for in retirement? For retired pharmacist – and lifelong boater - John Dunwoody, it meant adventure on the high seas in a 36-foot Grand Banks. Most people retire and get bored, says John, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Explore your own interests to figure out what’s going to give you your dream retirement… and make a plan to get it. We explore how to apply that philosophy to the real world – and how to make it work financially – as well as… The joys of...

Fran Buie | Retirement...Don't Sit on the Front Porch and Rock Your Life Away!

January 23, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 42.2 MB

In retirement, Fran Buie is busier than ever… and having the time of her life. After a 33-year career working in state government, Fran was ready for a change. She found fulfillment by embracing lifelong interests and hobbies she had set aside for years… and helping others in her community. As Fran says, we have limited time on earth, let’s do something worthwhile. We discuss that philosophy and also get into… How to discover what you really want out of life – now Ways to stay ...

Larry Simmons | The Right Type of Working Vacation

January 09, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 42.5 MB

The average American gets only 10 days of vacation per year. Even worse, a recent study found that 24% didn’t use any of their vacation days, and more than half didn’t use all of their days off. Larry Simmons is bucking that trend. After 40 years of working an 8 to 5 job this consulting engineer decided to “slack off.” He and his wife, Carol, travel around the country in their RV when and where they want to. Thanks to the Internet, Larry is able to take his work on the road. We d...

Dr. Sam Graber | The Top 5 Questions About Health - Answered

December 12, 2018 10:00 - 46 minutes - 49.3 MB

With all the misinformation out there about health and nutrition, it’s hard to know what you can do keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. Dr. Sam Graber specializes in helping people stay healthy and looking great now… and for years to come. This retired chiropractor turned health coach is a big advocate for “real food” that hasn’t had the nutrition processed out of it. And she doesn’t believe in dieting. We talk about how you can get started on a more healthy lifestyle and m...

Tom Flanigan | Next Level Retirement Planning

November 28, 2018 10:00 - 43 minutes - 32.1 MB

As a longtime and committed journalist in Florida, WFSU’s program director for news Tom Flanigan has seen his share of political controversy but also plenty of uplifting news from everyday people. He has a commitment to the truth, something he passes on to the up-and-coming journalists he mentors. Tom doesn’t think he’s ever going to retire. It’s a sentiment that many share – traditional retirement isn’t for everybody. We talk about the alternatives, as well as… Why a healthy sa...

Dr. Larry Kubiak | Secrets of the Happiest Retirees

November 14, 2018 10:00 - 45 minutes - 33.3 MB

It’s tempting to think of retirement only from the financial side of things. Yes, it’s important that you save enough to be comfortable in your golden years. But, says Dr. Larry Kubiak, you can’t forget the emotional and psychological side. As Director of Psychological Services at Behavioral Health Center Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Larry knows that better than most. With our identities so wrapped up in our jobs, retirement can bring your whole life crashing down if you’re no...

Dr. Nancy Van Vessem | Following Doctor’s Orders in More Ways Than One

October 31, 2018 09:00 - 46 minutes - 49.4 MB

As the Chief Medical Officer at a nonprofit organization and long-time internal medicine specialist, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem is in prime position to see how certain habits can severely impact a person’s long-term health. She’s also seen the way healthcare issues are impacting everyday people. One of the major concerns is rising costs. In our chat, we highlighted strategies to account for that, especially in retirement. We also spoke about the importance of discussing end of life care...

Phil and Betty Ashler | Enjoying Travel in Retirement

October 17, 2018 09:00 - 59 minutes - 61.2 MB

When they reached retirement, Phil and Betty Ashler were finally ready for some travel. They say anybody can – and should – do it too, even if you don’t have much experience. Phil and Betty are keeping busy in other ways, including some very unique volunteer work. It was a lifetime of discipline in following a financial plan that got them to the point where they can do the things they enjoy most. And they’re living life to the fullest, finding fun everywhere they go. Tune in to l...

Mac Kemp | A Unique Way You Can Honor Local Vets

October 10, 2018 09:00 - 46 minutes - 33.9 MB

With the precision of a military operation, Honor Flight Tallahassee takes 75 local veterans to Washington, D.C. each year – free of charge. They stop at the major war memorials in the nation’s capital, as well as Arlington Cemetery. It’s a time of intense emotions… memories… and gratitude. These are the men and women who’ve protected the American way of life and sacrificed so much, says my guest Mac Kemp, and he considers it an honor to be part of this organization. Mac, chairma...

Bill Kepper | Paying for Healthcare in Retirement

October 03, 2018 09:00 - 36 minutes - 40.4 MB

You can have all the money in the world in retirement. But if you don’t have your health… well, you really can’t enjoy it. Part of that, says Bill Kepper, a physician for 40+ years, is being a good patient throughout your life, following doctor’s orders. But as important is making sure you can get the medications, procedures, and other things you need as you get older… while you’re depending on your retirement income and retirement accounts to pay for it. Bill shares his thoughts ...

Ron Insana | The Two Most Important Elements of Financial Planning

September 19, 2018 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

As a senior analyst with CNBC and pioneering financial journalist, Ron Insana has seen a lot of ups and downs in the markets and how that impacts the average investor. And over the years he’s identified some key factors that separates those who do well… and those who fall behind. Ron shares the two most important things you must be doing right now to invest in your future. And he has some specific advice for what to do when you have a “winner” in your portfolio – it might not be wh...

Peter Stahl | Don’t Forget Healthcare in Your Retirement Planning

September 05, 2018 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

When you’re talking about financial planning, you can’t leave out healthcare, says Peter Stahl, author of Top of the First: The Convergence of Healthcare and Financial Planning. It’s one of the most important parts of your retirement, after all. And it’s one of the biggest expenses, too. Medicare is one element here that confuses a lot of people. Peter has some solid advice for navigating that program. He also highlights three things you can do to maximize your health care funds wh...

Steve Harvill | Achieving Simplicity in All Areas of Your Life

August 22, 2018 09:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Financial and retirement planning – most important issues in our lives, in fact – are often made too complicated. The best plans… the best ideas… are actually the simplest, says Steve Harvill, founder of Creative Ventures. You can also take an active role by using easy-to-use tools to work towards your most important goals one step at a time. Steve shares some strategies for injecting simplicity in the key areas of your life. You’ll discover… Having “more” of something doesn’t me...

Ellen Berkowitz | The Importance of Self-Care

August 08, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

When is the best time to start eating right, exercising, and working on reducing the impact of stress in your life? Right now, says Ellen Berkowitz. As a doctor specializing in psychiatry, Ellen has seen the impact of a lack of proper “self-care” in herself and her patients. She shares some simple techniques and practices you can use for your own self-care plan at home. The result is a better quality of life – and health – now and as you get older. And that’s just as important to ...

Jim Murdaugh | Staying Flexible in Education, Your Career, and Life

July 25, 2018 09:00 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MB

When it comes to retirement planning, what you want can be very different than what you really need. The same goes for many things in life, says Dr. Jim Murdaugh. We get into the nitty-gritty of that philosophy. Since this week’s guest is president of Tallahassee Community College, we also cover his first-hand experiences in how the college experience is changing. Jim came to that role after a long career in local and state law enforcement, where he had a variety of roles. As he l...

A Secure Retirement Method to Deal with Financial Threats

July 11, 2018 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

Many people think they are taking all the right steps toward a long retirement full of time with family, travel, and relaxation. Unfortunately, there are many financial threats to your retirement plans – some you can see, some that are invisible until they take away income and assets. To make matters worse, too many folks have assumptions about their current retirement plan that are just plain false. But you can plan and prepare for these threats, even the unexpected ones, to prot...

7 Mistakes Most People Make When Planning for Retirement

June 27, 2018 09:00 - 34 minutes - 38.2 MB

You’ve done the planning you need for your ideal retirement… or have you? There are several factors outside your control that will impact your savings and payments from Social Security, a pension, or retirement plans. But you can prepare for these issues so the effect is less drastic. And you can make sure you’re not making critical mistakes right now with your pension, healthcare, and more that could sabotage your retirement dreams. Listen in to find out… The consequences of...

Easy Ways to Improve Your Health for a Better Retirement

June 13, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes - 45.9 MB

Retirement not just about money. Physical fitness is also key. My personal trainer Jason Harville shares easy ways you can stay fit, no matter how old you are… especially if you have any issues, conditions, or injuries. This is not about becoming a bodybuilder. Rather it’s achieving a standard of fitness that incorporates flexibility, cardio and strength for better overall body function. That’s key to truly enjoying a long and healthy retirement. Find out… The most important ben...

Preparing for Life’s Unplanned Events

June 13, 2018 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

Trial lawyer Gary Anton had a tough – but rewarding and very accomplished – career in the legal profession. It taxed his personal life, but he had some good times along the way. At the height of his career a serious but unexpected near-death medical emergency changed Gary’s outlook on life and how he did his job. Not to mention it compelled some serious action with end of life planning. Gary shares how he adapted professionally and financially to his new reality. Listen in to fin...

Creating an Effective End of Life Plan

May 16, 2018 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

Marylin Stallworth’s husband, Bill, died unexpectedly in October 2014. The couple, married 50 years, had been enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement thanks to following through on sound financial planning. But they had left a few key parts out of their plan that made a traumatic time for Marylin even worse. In this episode, she shares what she would have done differently, what she’s doing to improve her end of life planning to help her son, and what actions she says you sho...

How A Life Coach Can Help You

May 02, 2018 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

You’re stuck. Perhaps in your job or business. Or you can’t seem to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Maybe your finances are a mess. Modern life throws a lot at us. But whatever is holding you back… you don’t have to go it alone. Connie Clark, of Striving Forward Coaching, is a life coach. And she shares how professionals like her help clients get from wherever they are now to where they want to be in their lives. Tune in to find out… The crucial differences between a ...

Achieving Your Dream Retirement - And Not Just Financially

April 18, 2018 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

What does your dream retirement look like? For Bill and Donna Elliot, it was an once-in-a-lifetime trip in a motorhome… a voyage that had them zigzagging across the U.S. full-time for two years and 24,000 miles. Bill, a retired architect, and Donna, who had worked in the legal field, were ready for a break after long successful careers. And they had a lot on their bucket list, like a NASCAR race in Indianapolis, Niagara Falls, Frank Lloyd Wright homes, and a baseball game in Pitts...

Preparing for Life’s Financial Threats

April 04, 2018 09:00 - 17 minutes - 19.1 MB

Most people aren’t looking for an extravagant lifestyle. They want to buy a nice home, own a reliable car, save money for their kids’ – even grandkids’ – educations, and put away enough money for a comfortable retirement. That’s a good life. To ensure that happens you need to prepare now for the biggest financial danger to your retirement. It’s a danger that many suffered from in the 2008 economic crisis… and the problem hasn’t gone away. Fortunately, you can safeguard your reti...

Financial Issues Impacting Members of the Florida Retirement System

March 23, 2018 00:41 - 18 minutes - 19.7 MB

For members of The Florida Retirement System, the decisions you must make to optimize your retirement income can be complicated and confusing. In this interview, John Curry breaks down the key considerations and decisions that are unique to FRS members.

The Secure Retirement Method Podcast

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