Is your 401(k) balance all yours? & Taxes, RMDs and Timing | Bucket Strategies & Market Volatility, inflation and more

On this week’s episode: That million‑dollar 401(k) balance may not be what you think it is. A look at how taxes, required distributions, and timing affect what retirees actually keep. Why retirement planning isn’t “set it and forget it” once the paychecks stop. How bucket strategies create flexibil…

Why Most Near‑Retirees Choose Protection Over Growth & The Moment Your Risk Tolerance Changes | From Growth to Guardrails: Rethinking Retirement Risk & Inflation, Healthcare, Long-term Care and More

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor breaks down why many people nearing retirement prioritize safety after living through past market downturns. Most retirees say they want protection—but few know how much risk they’re still carrying. Learn how written income planning changes risk tolerance once …

Retirement Planning Isn’t Set It and Forget It & When Old Plans Meet New Risks | The Hidden Mistakes That Appear Late in Retirement & Balancing Offense and Defense

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why “set it and forget it” investing doesn’t work as retirement gets closer. Retirement plans can quietly drift out of sync when they’re left on autopilot too long. Learn how inflation, healthcare costs, taxes, and market swings can reshape portfolios …

Thinking About Tapping Your 401(k)? Listen First & When Retirement Comes Early: The Risks No One Plans For | From Saving to Spending: The Hardest Shift in Retirement

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why dipping into retirement accounts can create long‑term setbacks, even when money feels tight. Layoffs, rising costs, and political noise are forcing many people to rethink retirement sooner than planned. Learn why “knowing your numbers” is the found…

Replacing your paycheck & Retirement isn’t a snow day | You don’t need a million – you need a plan & From saving to spending: the shift that changes everything

On this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why replacing your paycheck—not chasing a magic balance—is the foundation of retirement planning. Retirement may feel like a snow day, but the bills never stop coming. Learn why the $1 million retirement myth misses the mark for most Americans. Explore…

Clearwater Retirement Podcast Trailer

Is your retirement plan clear as mud? Need a cleanse from all the noise in the financial world? You’re in the right place – with the Clearwater Retirement Podcast. From Michael Masor and Clearwater Financial Group, the Clearwater Retirement Podcast gets to the heart of the retirement information y…