All Things Retirement

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Turning on Social Security at 62 can feel like a smart move, especially if you’ve got a goal like paying off your mortgage early. But this decision isn’t as simple as it looks. In this episode, Anthony walks through a common question: Should you start benefits early to eliminate debt faster? While it can work in certain cases, there are often hidden trade-offs, and it’s critical to look at the full picture. Because when it comes to Social Security, the decision is permanent, and getting it right can make a major difference in your long-term financial confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Early Claiming Cost: Benefits can be reduced for life 💵 Income Penalty: Earnings limits can reduce payments while working 🏠 Mortgage Tradeoff: Paying it off early isn’t always the best move 👥 Spousal Impact: Early decisions affect the surviving spouse's income 🧾 Bigger Picture: Taxes and long-term strategy matter just as much Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now You want your spouse involved in your retirement plan, but every time money comes up, it feels like you hit a wall. Anthony dives into what’s really going on beneath the surface when someone avoids financial conversations. It’s often not about disinterest; it’s about discomfort, fear, or feeling out of place. And the way you approach it can either build trust… or shut things down even further. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Why the Avoidance? Often driven by fear or uncertainty 🎯 Start with Your Goals: Focus on life goals before numbers ⏳ Keep It Light: Short talks beat overwhelming conversations 🤝 Use an Advisor: Removes pressure and guides both partners 🧩 Play Your Role: Clear ownership increases engagement Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Retirement planning isn’t just about saving enough; it’s about managing your taxes effectively to keep more of what you’ve worked hard for. Many retirees make common tax mistakes that can end up costing them more than they anticipated. Anthony discusses the most common tax mistakes retirees make and provides practical tips to keep you on track and make sure your retirement savings last. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💵 RMDs and Early Planning: Plan ahead for Required Minimum Distributions to avoid tax surprises 🔄 Roth Conversions and Tax Brackets: Convert strategically to stay within a favorable tax bracket 💰 Social Security Taxation: Taxes on Social Security benefits can surprise you. Plan ahead 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Planning for Spouses and Heirs: Consider how your tax planning affects your spouse or heirs after you pass 🧠 Tax Strategy: Proactive tax planning today can save you in the future Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Life insurance is one of those things most people set up years ago and rarely revisit. As your income, assets, and responsibilities change, so does the role life insurance should play in your plan. Anthony walks through the differences between term, whole, and universal life insurance, and how to think about each one at this stage of life. The right answer often depends less on the product and more on the problem you’re trying to solve. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 Do You Need It?: Life insurance needs shift significantly in your 50s 🧾 Coverage Types: Term, whole, and universal each serve different roles 🔄 Universal Life: Flexible, but requires careful setup and monitoring 🏦 Permanent Insurance: Useful in specific estate or business situations 📊 Retirement Role: Can help fill gaps, protect income, or support legacy planning Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Finding a financial advisor can feel overwhelming, especially when, on the surface, they all seem the same. Similar websites, similar promises, and similar services can make it difficult to know who’s truly different and who’s the right fit for you. But once you dig deeper, the differences become much clearer. In this episode, Anthony provides a framework on how to evaluate advisors beyond the surface level that can help you make a decision you feel confident about. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏢 Firm Size Matters: Big firms vs. boutique experience feel very different ⚖️ Fiduciary Standard: Not all advisors are legally required to act in your best interest 🎓 Credentials Count: Designations like CFP® signal deeper expertise 🤝 Relationship Fit: You’ll be working together for years- chemistry matters 📋 Advisor Checklist: Asking the right questions leads to better decisions Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Sitting on the sidelines while the market moves can feel safe, but it may be costing you more than you think. This conversation centers on why investors hesitate to re-enter the market and the real risks of waiting too long. You’ll hear how emotions, headlines, and short-term volatility can derail long-term plans, plus practical ways to ease back into investing with confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Investor Psychology: Fear and loss aversion drive poor timing decisions ⏳ Cost of Waiting: Missing key market days can significantly hurt returns 💵 Cash Trap: Sitting in cash erodes purchasing power due to inflation 📊 Market Reality: Short-term noise vs. long-term earnings growth 🔁 Re-Entry Strategy: Dollar cost averaging helps ease back in Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Markets have a way of testing investors. When things are calm, it’s easy to feel comfortable with risk. But when volatility hits, and headlines start sounding like storm warnings, many people suddenly realize their plan may not match their true tolerance for turbulence. Today, Anthony explores how to think about risk tolerance in a more practical way. The goal isn’t to predict every market storm; it’s to build a plan strong enough to handle them so you can stay on course with confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⛈️ Market Weather: Volatility is inevitable, so plans must prepare for changing conditions 🧠 Three Dimensions of Risk: Ability, willingness, and need shape the right strategy 🧺 Safety Bucket Strategy: Set aside 6–7 years of spending to weather downturns 🧩 Math Meets Psychology: Understanding drawdowns helps investors stay disciplined 🔁 Ongoing Planning: Regular reviews help keep long-term plans on track Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Losing a spouse is one of the hardest experiences a person can face, but many families are surprised to discover that it can also trigger a significant tax increase. The shift from married filing jointly to single filer changes how income is taxed, even if the surviving spouse’s income doesn’t change much. Anthony breaks down ways that can help reduce the impact and protect the surviving spouse’s financial future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Tax Bill Jump: $9,000 per year despite only a small drop in income 🔁 Filing Status Shift: Moving from married filing jointly to single filer 🔧 Planning Strategies: Roth conversions, RMD management, and tax diversification ⏰ Early Planning: The sooner couples plan for this risk, the better the outcome Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

🔓 Unlock Your Retirement’s Potential- Schedule a Call with Cardinal Wealth: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know where everything is? In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked pieces of estate planning: the Letter of Instruction. While wills and trusts handle the legal details, a Letter of Instruction helps loved ones navigate the real-world logistics after a loss. From listing accounts and important contacts to organizing passwords and documents, this simple but powerful guide can spare your family confusion during a difficult time. Learn what it should include, why it matters, and how to start creating one today. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 A Simple Question That Stumps Many Couples – If something happened tomorrow, would your spouse know where to start? 🔐 The Digital Problem Nobody Talks About – Online accounts and passwords can create unexpected chaos. 📄 The Estate Planning Document Many People Miss – It’s rarely discussed, but it can make a huge difference for your family. ❤️ Why This Small Step Means So Much Later – A little preparation today can make a hard moment far easier for the people you love.   Download our Letter of Instruction Template: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10DwhXnQmGdpJQmtb9UH83WPVdzGgYXnU/view?usp=sharing   Resources:  Our website: https://cardinalwg.com/ Phone: (609) 362-5512 Contact our team: https://cardinalwg.com/contact-us Schedule your no-cost consultation: https://cardinalwg.com/schedule-now Check out our downloadable guides: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoBzixGqqmOj4C4WWuuxfQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardinalWealthGroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-aulffo-cfp%C2%AE-75b2919b/  

We’re back to continue our conversation on retirement planning for PSEG employees. Anthony has spent a lot of time getting familiar with these employees and is here to share valuable insights and strategies to help you make the most out of your benefits in this two-part episode. This week, we’re going to take a look at Cardinal Wealth's Financial Planning For PSEG Employees Guide, talking through who it’s intended for, some of the best ways to utilize it, and more.    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What employees will benefit the most from this PSEG guide + the best way to utilize it An overview of the PSEG benefits: Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, medical plans, VEBA, Stock Purchase Plan + Cash Balance Plan Recommendations for PSEG employees that are 10-15 years from retirement Specific actions for employees 1 year to 6 months from retirement Final preparations and post-retirement actions a PSEG employees   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into the ins and outs of retirement planning for PSEG employees. Anthony has spent a lot of time getting familiar with these employees and is here to share valuable insights and strategies to help you make the most out of your benefits.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: A little background on PSEG + how Anthony started helping these employees How can PSEG employees make the most of their retirement benefits? The health insurance options available for PSEG employees How can PSEG employees best prepare for the transition into retirement? Some of the unique financial planning challenges for PSEG employees + how Cardinal Wealth helps them navigate these obstacles   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? In this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, healthcare, taxes, stock market trends, and long-term care. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?”   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Social Security: Anthony is optimistic about its future, despite funding challenges. He expects reforms to maintain its importance. Healthcare: Anthony is hopeful due to technological advancements and preventative care, but notes rising costs as a concern. Tax Rates: Anthony leans pessimistic, expecting higher taxes to address growing debt and fund social programs. Long-Term Care: Anthony is optimistic, foreseeing better care options for the middle class, driven by technology and quality improvements. Stock Market: Anthony is cautiously optimistic about the stock market's future and points out that historical trends show long-term growth in the market, despite market bubbles and uncertainties   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment  

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer.  We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance and the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation. This is the episode for you if you’re concerned with ensuring the financial well-being of your remaining family members and safeguarding your financial future and legacy in the face of loss.   Here are some of the highlights you’ll want to listen for: What we discuss with people that come in after losing a spouse and faced with taking over the finances. The income gap that gets created and how we can plan for that ahead of time. How your tax filing changes could impact how much money you’re taking home. The common mistakes people make when it comes to kids and grandkids. What Anthony thinks about a trust and using it to preserve family wealth.    Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

The relationship you have with a financial advisor is one of the most important you’ll have in life. They’re with you through the ups and downs of life and help bring a feeling of security to your family. It’s important to remember that you aren’t stuck with an advisor once you pick one, and change can sometimes be necessary. In this episode, we delve into the complex and often emotionally charged process of changing financial advisors. We'll discuss the telltale signs that it's time to consider a switch, the questions to ask your current advisor, and what to look for in a new one. Join us as we demystify the transition process and equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about who is best suited to guide your financial future. Plus, Anthony will break down an article from Yahoo! Finance that bashed the Roth. Should you think twice before investing in a Roth? We’ll get into that as well. Read the Yahoo! Finance article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lost-400k-retirement-savings-roth-174006044.html Make sure you check out our free download that was mentioned on the show, 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Advisor: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials   Here are some of the highlights you’ll want to listen for:  - Anthony reviews an article warning investors about using a Roth account. - The difficulty of leaving an advisor after building a relationship with them. - The number one reason why people leave an advisor is because of lack of communication. - What questions can you ask your current advisor to help evaluate them? - What’s most important when looking for a new advisor?   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Are you nearing “retirement age?” If so, let’s explore that pivotal question you’ll soon face: Should you retire or continue working? We’ll unravel the intricacies of this decision, addressing both financial and emotional aspects, and help you find out if you’re truly ready to retire.   Here are some of the highlights you’ll want to listen for: Starting early to understand your financial situation and retirement goals is essential. Knowing what steps to take to improve your financial position and reduce risks can lead to greater confidence and better outcomes in retirement. The concept of a fixed retirement age is evolving. Some people prefer to retire early, while others enjoy their work and want to continue working past traditional retirement ages. People are often surprised by their financial readiness for retirement. Running comprehensive analyses and having open conversations with financial advisors can reveal that retirement might be feasible sooner than expected, even in cases where individuals feel financially unprepared. Taking the time to understand your financial situation, including pensions, Social Security, investments, and potential scenarios, can boost your confidence in making retirement decisions.   CNBC Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/24/americans-have-big-number-goals-for-salary-retirement.html   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment    

Finding a trustworthy and competent financial advisor is essential for securing your financial future. After all, they play a vital role in helping you make informed decisions about your money, investments, and long-term financial goals. Make sure you check out our free download that was mentioned on the show, 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Advisor: https://cardinalwg.com/resources/downloadable-materials   Here are some of the highlights you’ll want to listen for: How much communication should you expect from your advisor? Why we want to understand the individual and work backwards to identify the best products and investments. There’s a time and place for an advisor to lead the conversation but listening needs to be one of their strong suits. You shouldn’t have to pay a single dollar before you fully understand what an advisor is going to do for you.   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Whether you’re close to retirement or still far from that exciting date, it’s not uncommon to wonder when you should start preparing for each aspect of it. From figuring out the right time to be debt-free and when to adjust your portfolio risk, to deciding when to plan for your Social Security benefits or healthcare coverage, this episode guides you through the ideal timeline for each. Tune in to find out how far away from retirement you should have answers to these pressing questions.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: When do you need to get your debt paid off? (3:00) If you feel like you’re falling behind with savings, how do you figure out what you need to do to catch up? (6:23) When should you worry about structuring your income plan for retirement? (10:06) Does your risk align with your age? (14:58) When do you need to start planning for rising taxes? (18:33)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

The key to any relationship is good communication and it’s no different for a financial advisor and their client. Everything we do relies on being able to effectively convey information and clearly lay out a plan that everyone understands.   To celebrate June being effective communication month, we wanted to talk about our process for communicating with clients and how that’s changed since we first got into the financial profession more than 15 years ago. With more and more people moving to virtual communication, it changes our approach and we’ll tell you how we try to meet people where they’re most comfortable.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: How important communication is for what we do every day. (3:46) How much communication has changed over the past 15 years. (5:18) The way we present complex topics to clients in a way they can understand. (10:33) What type of communication types do we rely on the most? (8:52) How much communication should you expect from your advisor? (16:09)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Many people have heard about protests in France and that it’s related to raising the retirement age. But not many folks have a lot of context on the issue beyond that. With their retirement age moving from 62 to 64, what might that mean for Americans in the future?   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: The racoon issue Anthony has been dealing with at home. (1:02) Some background on what’s happening in France. (3:29) Declining birth rates one of the reasons why the math isn’t working like it used to. (5:33) How will Americans react to a change in retirement age?  (8:52) What can clients do to plan for possible changes to Social Security? (11:29) Mailbag question on cutting off children financially. (15:44)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects everyone, regardless of age or financial status: how age and wisdom impact financial planning. No matter where you are in life, your financial goals and priorities will change over time, and it's important to have a plan that reflects your unique needs. In this episode, we'll explore the ways in which age and wisdom impact financial planning strategies and provide practical tips and insights to help you make informed decisions about your finances.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: Why does age matter in financial planning? (3:36) The importance of incorporating lessons and experiences into financial planning. (6:59) How Anthony personalizes experiences for each client. (11:30) The emotions that Anthony has witnessed throughout his career. (14:00) Mailbag: I got a big bonus that maxed out my 401(k) this year. Where should I be saving now? (16:10) Mailbag: The difference between Roth conversions and Roth contributions. (17:39)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Are you unsure of when to rebalance and how to do it? In this episode, we’ll uncover the importance of rebalancing your portfolio and discuss everything from frequency to tax implications. Plus, we’ll share a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting rebalancing. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: What does rebalancing actually mean? (3:26) How often should you rebalance your portfolio? (4:59) Are there tools to rebalance automatically? (9:33) The tax implications you need to consider when rebalancing. (11:33) An example of someone we worked with who didn’t do the proper rebalancing. (14:12) What can you do to protect your savings and investments from inflation? (17:30)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Are you tired of one-size-fits-all financial advice that doesn't quite fit your unique needs and goals? There are many types of personalities out there when it comes to financial matters. In today’s episode, we will talk about 7 financial personalities that we work with most often and how we help each client overcome their personal challenges and obstacles.     Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: A brief message about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. (1:40) Helping clients who have been scarred by something in their financial past. (4:47) How narrowing down plans and strategies can be beneficial for people who have a hard time making financial decisions. (7:41) How “Do-it-Yourselfers” can benefit from the Cardinal Success Journey. (10:17) Assisting couples with differing financial views. (18:20)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Are you a golfer? Even if you're not, the game of golf can teach us valuable lessons about retirement planning. For example, hitting a hole-in-one might be thrilling, but it won't necessarily guarantee your overall success. And just like you need different clubs in your golf bag to play a round, you need a well-balanced approach to your investments in retirement. But perhaps the most important lesson from golf is the value of having a caddy. In retirement planning, a financial advisor can help you navigate the hazards and make the most of your financial "clubs." Tune in to this episode to learn more about how the game of golf can help you plan for a successful retirement.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: Anthony shares the spring cleaning he’s done with his own financial planning.  (1:23) The hole-in-one in golf is great, but it doesn’t necessarily equate to overall success.  (6:13) Picking out the clubs in your bag is much like giving yourself all the financial tools you might need to succeed.  (8:28) The benefits of having someone to help guide you like a caddy. (11:36) Is it safe to cancel life insurance once your kids are off the payroll?  (15:18)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

Another year is upon us and it’s a great time to ask yourself 10 questions to assess how ready you are for retirement to kick off 2023. If you’re retiring this year, it’s essential to have some concrete answers to these questions. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: Do you know how much income you’re going to need every month and what account to start withdrawing from first?? (4:33) Are you prepared to handle market volatility and inflation? (13:12) No one can predict the future of tax rates but are you prepared for the possibility of increases? (18:28) How important is it to have a legacy plan in place before retirement? (24:08) Now is the time to make sure you understand everything you’re invested in. (26:58) How do you know if a financial advisor is trustworthy or not?  (29:51)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

After being discussed in Congress for nearly a year and a half, the SECURE Act 2.0 passed in January. Much like the original version a few years earlier, this piece of legislation made a long list of retirement planning changes, many of which will impact the people we work with in the Philadelphia area.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: What Anthony has been up to personally and professionally during the podcast break. (0:31) The age to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) is being pushed back again. (5:40) The option to roll 529 money into a Roth. (9:58) Employees still paying down their student loan will be eligible for their company 401(k) match. (12:47) The Roth option for retirement accounts. (14:25) Should you start converting as much of your IRA to Roth as you near retirement? (17:23)   Visit us online: https://cardinalwg.com/ Start the Cardinal Success Journey with your free assessment here: https://cardinalwg.com/free-assessment

With more and more people making planning a priority in the new year, we wanted to help you with the search for a new advisor. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Maybe you’re close to retirement and think you don’t have nearly enough money saved. But let’s talk about some reasons that the news might not be as bad as you think. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

We see a lot of people who aren’t getting the kind of advice and service from their financial advisor that they should be. In a lot of cases, the advisor is only “managing the investments,” but not providing guidance in other areas. Let’s talk about some of the things that your advisor should be doing... Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Sometimes it’s helpful to visualize complex topics to help make them easier to understand. On this episode, we’ll discuss how to compartmentalize your wants, needs, and wishes in regards to your retirement plan. Anthony will talk about the process he goes through with each client and the importance of having a plan that covers more than just finances. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Before you can live the retirement dream, you have to figure out what the dream looks like in the first place. Let’s talk about some of the things you need to dream about. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Dave Ramsey has earned a lot of respect among savers and investors over the years as evidenced by his enormously popular radio show, books and sold out performance venues when he speaks. But is all of his advice worth following? Is it possible that some of the things he professes will actually hurt you financially? Show Notes: USA Today Article: https://bit.ly/2WvzCWa Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Getting husbands and wives on the same page with their retirement plan can often be a challenge. Let’s talk about some of the things that couples often mess up. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

So, you’re experiencing some concerning symptoms? Let’s have a visit with the money “doctor” to see what financial prescriptions you might need. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

There’s an old quote that says, “Age is the price of wisdom.” Let’s talk about how that applies to the financial world. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

The world is stressful. Let’s take a small break from it with some goofy financial planning and financial advisor jokes and see what kinds of lessons we can learn from them. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

So much focus in the financial world revolves around accumulating money. There’s all sorts of advice, how- to guides and guardrails in place when it comes to saving and investing, but a lot less resources out there to help retirees navigate the period of time after retirement. This is known as decumulation, the spending down and managing of the assets you’ve accumulated through your life. And on this episode, we’ll point at (at least) 5 things you must know about decumulation to retire successfully. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

When you really boil it down, there’s really only three places where you can invest money. Let’s talk about the role that each of those worlds play in a good financial plan. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

At first glance, each of these statements seem like basic common sense that everyone agrees with. But when we look at the way people actually behave with their money, it seems that common sense is actually a bit uncommon. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Ironically, life insurance is a young man’s game. The perception among many people is that your need for life insurance dramatically decreases and perhaps becomes completely unnecessary as you age. Is that really the case? On this episode, let’s explore some ins and outs of life insurance and its various uses. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

It makes sense that the way we plan for retirement is largely influenced by what we think retirement is like or all about. So, let’s take a look at how various people across the US describe retirement and see how that might shape the retirement planning process. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Many financial circumstances that you’ll find yourself in have both positive and negative aspects. Decisions that you can make have both good and bad consequences. Or as Sir Isaac Newton put it: ”For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://pfcl1znr.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Let’s talk about some of the areas of your financial life where you might be flirtin’ with disaster and don’t even know it. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Let’s look at some of the richest people in the music industry and see what lessons we can learn from them that we can apply to our own retirement planning. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

We've all heard the classic phrase about making assumptions. With unforeseen events like inflation, tax changes, and even paying for your children's education, you don't want to assume that your financial plan can handle those problems without proper planning. Let's dive into how you can stop assuming you're covered, and instead rest assure you're ready for any bumps in the road. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

A recent survey found that nearly half of the female respondents said they defer major financial and investment decisions to their spouses. Most of the explanations amounted to just wanting to stick their heads in the sand. They want to just know they’re taken care of, but not get mired in the minutia. But we’ve heard countless stories of why this is a bad idea because one day you might become the lead decision maker. On this episode, let’s go over some tips for how women can get back in the game when it comes to involvement in the process of making financial decisions. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

It’s time to plan the next family vacation. Do parents tackle the planning all themselves and decide on the budget, location and activities? Or should you bring the kids into the conversation? There are probably positives and negatives to either direction, so let’s discuss when and where it might be a good idea to help give kids some control over the family’s finances. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Socrates said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” And when it comes to financial planning, it’s important to examine yourself by pondering some important questions. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

Have you ever stopped to think about your journey of learning all that you have about money and finances? Did you parents shape your financial views most heavily? Is there a TV or radio expert that has influenced you most? Or have you learned everything from a book or Google? Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

No industry is without its flaws, and the financial industry is no exception. Let’s explore some times where we’ve encountered annoying or frustrating elements of the financial world. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375

You’ve probably never heard anyone make these statements that we’ll provide on today’s episode. And there are some great reasons why. Show Notes: Retirement Rescue TOOLKIT: https://www.cardinalwg.com/shock/ Website: https://www.cardinalwg.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 414-2375