Apparently, a lot of retirement planners aren’t doing the #1 job of retirement planning. You should know what it is. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.retire210.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses potential changes in taxation and benefits regarding Social Security. He emphasizes the importance of planning for retirement income, especially in light of possible future cuts to Social Security. The conversation also touches on strategies for managing taxes on benefits and the need for proactive financial planning to ensure a stable retirement income. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.retire210.com

Last year, the airline industry made over $100 Billion in various fees associated with flying. Meanwhile the financial services industry has been making a fortune in 401(k) fees for years. Do you know how much you are paying in hidden fees? And are you getting the kind of value you should be for what you are paying? To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

There are common misconceptions about Social Security benefits, particularly regarding the timing of claims and the implications of claiming early versus waiting. Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the importance of understanding these benefits in the context of individual retirement planning and the challenges many face in navigating the intricacies of Medicare and Social Security. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to retire210.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the unrealistic expectations set by financial media regarding retirement savings, critiquing the advice given by figures like Suze Orman, emphasizing that the numbers often cited can be misleading and detrimental to individuals planning for retirement. Jay highlights the importance of personalized financial planning and understanding one's unique retirement needs, rather than adhering to generic advice. He also touches on the psychological aspects of transitioning into retirement and the importance of addressing fears and concerns about financial security in retirement. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood discusses the importance of year-end financial planning, particularly in relation to tax strategies and required minimum distributions (RMDs). He emphasizes the need for proactive tax management and the benefits of consulting with a financial advisor to navigate these complexities effectively. The conversation highlights key strategies such as Roth conversions and tax loss harvesting, and underscores the significance of having a comprehensive retirement plan that includes a tax strategy. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Recently Jay Kirkwood sat down to chat with Johnny Van Zant & Rickey Medlocke of legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. How do international crowds compare to US crowds? How does the band keep the passion for performing after all these years? Who are some of Johnny & Rickey's influences? And what about the man behind the name "Lynyrd Skynyrd"? To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood discusses the implications of recent interest rate changes on retirement planning, covering the potential effects of lower interest rates on borrowing, the attractiveness of bonds, and the importance of understanding investment strategies for retirement.  To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

The 401(k) is the place people have most of their retirement money. Is there a point where you should stop putting money in your 401(k) and use other means to save for retirement? To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the often hidden fees associated with financial services and the importance of transparency in financial planning, emphasizing the need for clients to understand what they are paying for and the value they receive in return.  To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management delves into the complexities of Social Security, discussing its evolving rules, the demographic challenges it faces, and strategies for individuals considering when to take their benefits. Jay emphasizes the importance of planning for retirement income and the need to understand how Social Security fits into a broader financial strategy. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management highlights the importance of early engagement with an advisor to avoid common mistakes that can lead to significant financial consequences. He discusses the worst times to seek financial advice and shares a cautionary tale about the repercussions of poor financial decisions in retirement. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

The election. The promises. The Fed. The interest rate. A recession. There are a lot of scary headlines affecting our economy and our retirement accounts. Should these outside factors guide your financial decisions?   To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

While market history suggests September and October to be the more volatile months of the year, is it wise to use that market history as a guide for financial planning? Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the difficulty of timing the market, the risks associated with trying to do so and why it's a better idea to rebalance your portfolio and take a profit when there is one. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

In a season of market volatility, election drama and geopolitical issues, one of the biggest worries a retiree or pre-retiree may have is rooted in one basic fear: running out of money in retirement. Jay Kirkwood breaks down why people lack financial confidence going from work life into retirement and how a having a retirement plan can help. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood discusses the recent market volatility and its impact on retirement planning. He addresses the concerns of clients and provides insights into the reasons behind the market fluctuations. Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding risk tolerance and aligning investment strategies with retirement goals. He also highlights the need for a defensive posture in the face of market uncertainty and the importance of diversification and income sources in retirement portfolios. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the options retirees have with their 401k plans. He explains that retirees can choose to leave their money in the 401k or roll it into an IRA. He highlights the limited investment options in most 401k plans and the need for more diverse investment options in retirement. Jay also discusses the fees associated with 401(k) plans and the lack of transparency in understanding these fees. He emphasizes the importance of personalized retirement planning and the benefits of working with a financial advisor. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

A million dollars sounds like a nice number, but is it necessary to have the retirement that you want? Jay Kirkwood explains that being a millionaire isn't what it used to be and that retirement planning should focus on creating a comfortable lifestyle rather than reaching a specific number. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

On this podcast, Jay Kirkwood discusses several things that need to be taken into consideration before making the retirement decision. Are you mentally ready for retirement, or would you rather continue working?  Are you financially ready for retirement?  Have you taken into consideration factors such as Medicare, Social Security, taxes and estate planning? Are you aware of RMD laws and the potential impact on Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation? Do you have a comprehensive retirement plan? Have you considered meeting with a financial professional? To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

On this podcast, Jay Kirkwood discusses the danger of having too much junk in your financial life, using the analogy of a cluttered garage. He shares a story of a client who had 88 positions in his investment account and explains the importance of having a clear reason and story for each position. Jay also highlights the risk of overlapping investments and lack of diversification. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive analysis of one's financial situation to ensure a more secure retirement. To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, including their "Get Me To Retirement" 5-Step Process, go to www.clearskiesretirement.com

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the importance of having a financial advisor for retirement planning. Jay compares retirement planning to flying on autopilot, highlighting the need for regular updates and adjustments to the financial plan as circumstances change. He also mentions the importance of having a financial advisor who can provide guidance on various financial decisions and serve as a one-stop shop for any financial issues that arise in retirement.

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses Social Security planning and the fact that many people lack the knowledge about Social Security benefits and the factors that influence the decision of when to start claiming them. That decision is influenced by factors such as longevity, financial need, and inheritance considerations.  To learn more about Jay and the team at Secure Financial Management, go to https://www.sfmplanning.com/

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management discusses the five big retirement risks that individuals need to plan around. These risks include longevity, health, market volatility, family changes, and policy changes. He emphasizes the importance of having guaranteed income in retirement to mitigate the risk of outliving one's savings. Jay discusses the impact of health care expenses and the need for long-term care planning. He highlights the role of the stock market in retirement planning and the need to balance risk and growth. He also addresses the potential risks associated with family changes, such as divorce or the death of a spouse, and the importance of having a comprehensive plan in place. Lastly, Jay touches on the policy risks, particularly in relation to Social Security and changing regulations.

You've got a paycheck every 2 weeks for your entire work life. Now that you've reached retirement, where is that income going to come from? Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management addresses the importance of having multiple streams of income in retirement, as well as a plan that is suited for your needs.

Jay Kirkwood is not just a financial advisor for Secure Financial Management. He is also a trained pilot. In this episode, Jay talks about the similarities in making a flight plan to that of planning for retirement.

Jay Kirkwood of Secure Financial Management breaks down his 5-Step "Get Me to Retirement" process. What is your situation as you near or enter retirement? What goals or plans do you have? Are you financially set up for the retirement you want? Once the plan is in place, that's when the real work begins to keep you on the right path to a successful retirement. 

Welcome to "Clear Skies Retirement," the podcast dedicated to guiding you through the unpredictable journey of retirement planning. Whether you're approaching retirement or already adjusting to its reality, "Clear Skies Retirement" helps you manage your finances to ensure a stable, secure, and fulfilling future. From investment strategies and savings tips to tax planning and estate management, we cover all aspects of financial stability in your golden years. Join us every week as we tackle the toughest challenges facing retirees and answer your burning questions about retirement. No matter the turbulence in the markets or changes in regulations, with "Clear Skies Retirement," you’re never flying solo. Get ready to turn your retirement dreams into your everyday reality. Subscribe now to step confidently into a future of clear skies! If our podcast has you thinking you might need a second opinion on your retirement plan, reach out to us here 👉  https://bit.ly/3y8MvI4 Less