The Real Retirement Checklist

With over 8 million baby boomers turning 65 in the next two years, the real question is: are you truly ready for retirement? In this episode, Annetta Carter breaks down the checklist for  retirement—covering everything from maximizing catch-up contributions and HSAs to managing healthcare costs, ta…

Best Of: You Might Need a Bigger Boat: Is Your Retirement Plan Enough?

A shark sighting at the beach sparks a deeper conversation about retirement readiness. In this episode, Annetta Carter explores what it means to “need a bigger boat” when it comes to your financial future. From debt and emergency funds to inflation, long-term care, and overreliance on Social Securi…

Best Of: Retirement: Permission to Spend and Enjoy

What if the biggest challenge in retirement isn’t saving, but knowing when—and how—to spend? Annetta Carter explores the emotional side of enjoying your nest egg, balancing “go-go years” with long-term security, and why regular check-ins and stress-testing your plan matter. Hear real stories about …

Cushion, Rebalance, Repeat: Building a Smoother Ride to Retirement

Market rallies may grab headlines, but the real risk for those nearing retirement is how a downturn can derail your income plan. In this episode, Annetta Carter explains why protecting against sequence of returns risk matters more than chasing short-term gains—and how fixed index annuities and stru…

Tax Time Bombs: How to Defuse Retirement’s Biggest Surprise

What if the biggest surprise in retirement isn’t how much you’ve saved, but how much you’ll owe in taxes? In this episode, Annetta Carter breaks down why understanding tax rules, Social Security strategies, and inflation is key for protecting your income and legacy. Discover how proactive planning …

A Conversation about Market Guard with Brad Jenkins

What if the real risk in your retirement plan isn’t the market, but a one-size-fits-all approach? This episode of The Retirement Message with Annetta Carter features Brad Jenkins, creator of Market Guard, as he reveals why true financial stability means balancing growth with preservation, customizi…

Why Income Planning and Inheritance Go Hand in Hand

Are you prepared for a retirement that could last 30 years—or for the wealth you might inherit along the way? This episode of The Retirement Message with Annetta Carter explores how to build income streams that keep pace with longevity, why annuities deserve a second look, and how to navigate the “…

Best Of: Tax Traps, Market Swings, and the Power of Planning

What if the real risk in retirement isn’t just market swings, but emotional decisions? Annetta Carter shares how a non-emotional, mathematical approach can help you navigate volatility, avoid costly mistakes, and build lasting income. Learn why understanding taxes, Social Security, and investment c…

Why Simplifying Your Finances Could Save Your Future

Is your retirement plan as unique as your life—or are you stuck with a one-size-fits-all strategy? This episode of The Retirement Message with Annetta Carter explores the critical decision between a pension lump sum and monthly check, why simplifying your financial life matters, and how independent…

Are You Fumbling Your Retirement at the Goal Line?

Are you at risk of fumbling your retirement just inches from the goal line? This episode of The Retirement Message with Annetta Carter reveals why outliving your assets is the top fear for retirees—and how guaranteed income, smart annuities, and updated strategies can help you avoid costly mistakes…