Is Your Retirement Account Really a Retirement Plan?

A strong retirement account doesn’t automatically mean you have a strong retirement plan. On this episode of The Retirement Playbook, Granger Hughes explores year-end planning opportunities, including retirement contributions, Roth conversions, RMDs, tax strategies, and Medicare considerations. He…

Is Your Retirement Plan Ready for What’s Changing?

Could changes to Medicare, taxes, and interest rates reshape the choices you make in retirement? On The Retirement Playbook, Rick Hughes explores Medicare’s Annual Election Period and what retirees should review when evaluating prescription drug and Medicare Advantage coverage. He also discusses t…

The Retirement Age Myth: Why Your Finances Matter More Than Your Birthday

Retirement isn’t about hitting a certain birthday, it’s about knowing whether your money can support the life you want. This week, Granger Hughes discusses why tax planning often becomes more important after retirement, how Social Security, Medicare, and retirement accounts interact, and why focus…

The Market Keeps Climbing... But What If the Next Pullback Sticks?

What happens if the market’s next downturn lasts longer than investors expect? Granger Hughes discusses why strong market gains can create a false sense of security, especially for those nearing or living in retirement. He explains the difference between building wealth and preserving it, the impor…

Could Your Retirement Savings Be Triggering Hidden Taxes?

Could saving too much for retirement actually cost you more in taxes and Medicare premiums? Rick Hughes breaks down the hidden expenses retirees may face, including required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security taxation, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and capital gains taxes. He discusses why …

Retirement Isn’t an Age, It’s a Financial Position

Retirement isn’t defined by a birthday; it’s defined by whether your plan can support the life you want to live.  Granger Hughes breaks down why tax planning becomes more complex after retirement, how Social Security, Medicare, and retirement income sources work on different timelines, and why foc…

The Retirement Costs Many People Never See Coming

Could a healthcare bill, a longer lifespan, and a surprise tax hit quietly reshape your retirement? Granger Hughes breaks down the growing cost of healthcare in retirement, why Medicare may not cover as much as many people expect, and how longevity can impact income planning for couples. He also d…

Why Are So Many Retirees Reconsidering Annuities?

Could the retirement strategy you’ve been avoiding deserve a second look? Rick Hughes explores why annuities continue to gain attention despite common misconceptions, breaking down the differences between annuity types, potential benefits, fees, and where they may fit within a retirement income pl…

Can Saving Too Much for Retirement Cost You More?

Think saving more for retirement automatically puts you ahead?  It could also trigger higher taxes, larger Medicare premiums, and unexpected income challenges. Rick Hughes breaks down how required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security taxation, IRMAA surcharges, and capital gains can impac…

The Risk Retirees Can’t Afford to Ignore

What happens when a market that always seems to bounce back finally doesn’t? Granger Hughes discusses why today’s strong market gains can create a false sense of security for retirees and pre-retirees. He explains the importance of preparing for downturns instead of predicting them, why income mat…