Mike and Al outlines five core practices that help retirees maintain peace of mind regardless of market swings or news headlines. They emphasize having a written income plan, keeping at least one to two years of cash or short-term reserves, reviewing spending habits regularly, and rebalancing portfolios to stay aligned with risk tolerance. Other confidence-boosters include minimizing debt, knowing your guaranteed income sources, and continuing purposeful activities like volunteering, mentoring, or part-time work to replace the sense of structure a career once provided. The key message: confidence in retirement isn’t about predicting markets - it’s about clarity, preparation, and staying engaged with both your finances and your life.

Mike and Al explores the question of financial sufficiency - how to determine the amount of wealth needed to sustain one’s lifestyle and goals without unnecessary risk or excess. They emphasize defining “enough” through purpose-driven planning rather than arbitrary numbers, aligning savings, spending, and charitable giving with personal values. Using real examples, they illustrate how inflation, longevity, and healthcare costs factor into sustainable withdrawal rates and retirement income needs. The key message: true financial confidence comes not from chasing returns but from clarity about what matters most and structuring your plan to serve that vision.

In this week’s episode of Money Matters, the hosts break down one of the most overlooked yet impactful strategies in personal finance: asset location. They explain how where you hold your investments—whether in taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-free accounts—can significantly influence your long-term financial success. Listeners will learn why asset location matters, how it can improve tax efficiency, and practical steps to optimize their portfolio for better after-tax returns. Whether you’re planning for retirement or simply looking to make smarter investment decisions, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you keep more of what you earn. Tune in and discover how strategic planning today can lead to stronger financial outcomes tomorrow.

This week on Money Matters with Al and Mike, the markets are sending mixed signals — and Al and Mike are here to break it all down. From unpredictable swings to investor emotions, they unpack what’s really driving today’s market behavior and how you can stay grounded when the numbers don’t go your way. Plus, they’ll share practical, faith-based financial wisdom to help you navigate uncertainty, keep your long-term goals in focus, and make wise decisions no matter what the market is doing.

Mike and Al lays out a checklist for evaluating your advisor - fiduciary duty vs. suitability, fee transparency, and potential conflicts like commissions or proprietary products. They stress planning-first advice, consistent communication (reviews, clear action items), and evidence-based investing rather than performance-chasing. Credentials (e.g., CFP®), a documented investment policy, and a retirement-income plan that accounts for taxes and inflation are highlighted as green flags. Red flags include opaque fees, one-size-fits-all portfolios, and advisors who can’t explain risk in plain English.

Mike and Al explains why investors should focus on inflation-adjusted (real) returns rather than headline (nominal) gains, since inflation, taxes, and fees can quietly erode performance. They compare how cash/CDs, bonds, and equities stack up after inflation over time and what that means for retirement income planning. The episode outlines practical tactics like diversified allocation, being fee-aware, and considering inflation-hedging tools to protect purchasing power. The takeaway: judge your portfolio and advisor by real progress toward goals, not just market rallies.