The Purpose Approach: Redefining Retirement Beyond the Numbers

What happens when retirement planning starts with "why" instead of numbers? In this episode of Kickin’ with the Rickens, Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost step away from charts and strategies to share the story behind their purpose-driven approach to retirement. From tax-focused planning and in…

Why Waiting for Someday Can Cost You Everything

Death is inevitable—but how you live before it is a choice. Gerry Ricken reflects on loss, longevity, and real-life moments that shape how we approach retirement and everyday living. From family stories to lessons learned too late for some, this episode explores why waiting for “someday” can quietl…

The Real Question Retirement Forces You to Answer

Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about what fills your days when work no longer does. Gerry Ricken breaks down the “Purpose Approach,” explaining how time, income, healthcare, taxes, and legacy all connect to life after work. Through real conversations and personal experiences, the episode hi…

The Conversations Families Avoid About Death and Money

Talking about death is uncomfortable, but avoiding it can leave families unprepared. This episode of Kickin’ with the Rickens explores the emotional and financial realities that surface when a loved one passes away. Heidi Ricken Provost shares real-world insight on grief, legacy planning, and the d…

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Tax Diversification

When retirement planning meets real life, the details matter more than ever. On this episode of Kickin’ with the Rickens, Heidi Ricken Provost breaks down the often-overlooked differences between investment planning and tax planning—and why ignoring either can quietly erode your retirement. From ma…

Why Purpose Comes Before the Portfolio

Retirement planning isn’t just about money—it’s about what gives your life meaning. Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost pull back the curtain on their “Purpose Approach,” explaining what really happens in a first meeting and why understanding your goals, lifestyle, and values matters as much as t…

Retirement Speed Bumps That Can Knock You Off Course

One small misstep can knock an Olympian off the podium—and the same idea applies to retirement. Using the Olympics as a powerful analogy, Gerry Ricken and Heidi Ricken Provost break down the “speed bumps” that can derail a retirement plan, from market swings and emotional decisions to taxes and une…

Tax Prep vs. Tax Planning—Why It Matters More Than You Think

What happens when a new generation joins the fight for tax‑smart retirement? Meet Clayton Mack, the newest addition to Ricken Financial, as Gerry Ricken explores his journey from college athlete to financial specialist. Together, they unpack why tax planning—not tax prep—shapes better retirements, …

Is Your Routine Helping—or Hurting—Your Retirement?

What if your daily routine is quietly reshaping your financial future? Heidi Ricken Provost & Gerry Ricken explore how weather, habits, spending patterns, and life changes impact retirement readiness more than most people realize. From breaking decades‑old savings habits to choosing Roth over tradi…

Can a Groundhog Predict Your Retirement Habits?

What does a groundhog have to do with your financial future? Heidi Ricken Provost & Gerry Ricken use winter routines, weather quirks, and life rhythms to explain how small habits shape long‑term retirement outcomes. From unexpected lifestyle changes to the power of breaking financial autopilot, the…