Successfully Retired

In this episode, I sit down with Alana D’Angelica, a financial coach for high-earning women in tech who look successful on paper but often feel anxious, disorganized, or uncertain about their financial future. Alana shares her journey from Morgan Stanley to early-stage Indeed (when it was just 50 employees), to leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies — and how those experiences shaped her coaching philosophy. We discuss: • Why many high earners don’t actually feel wealthy • The common blind spots around compensation (RSUs, stock options, 401(k) match, health plans) • How lifestyle creep quietly erodes financial progress • The emotional side of money decisions • Why she believes dual-income couples should not fully combine finances • The power of starting retirement savings early • The importance of understanding investments — even if you hire an advisor • Her six-month coaching framework and investing community for women Alana also shares a personal story of a negative experience with an advisor, and how it shaped her commitment to empowering clients with financial literacy and transparency. If you’re earning well but still wondering where your money is going — or if you want more clarity, intention, and control in your financial life — this episode is for you.  Connect with Alana Website: https://alanadeangelica.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanadeangelica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanadeangelica/ Resources & Concepts Referenced • The FIRE Movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) • ChooseFI Podcast • Afford Anything Podcast • Ikigai framework (Japanese concept of life purpose) • RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) • Stock Options • 401(k) match optimization • Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance • DIY investing 

Put in your headphones and listen to me talk about sex, intimacy and being intentional with the wonderful Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers. (All this dropping a week before Valentine's? You're welcome.)   Dr. Tina brings her background as a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of the Northwest Institute on Intimacy to talk candidly about sex, shame, and why so many couples struggle to stay connected.  We explore what “good sex” actually means—(something I’m sure all the other Financial Advisor podcasts are discussing at present). Dr. Tina reframes why sex often slows down for couples when they get past the “honeymoon” phase. Be sure and listen in when we talk about how phones, family obligations, and our own desire to distract ourselves from our problems make it easier to avoid discomfort, while silently eroding intimacy at home, often turning sex into a boring and transactional box to check. Then get your popcorn ready as we decide to talk about sexual shame—where it comes from, how early it takes root, and how fear-based messages about bodies and desire follow people into adulthood and can shape lifelong patterns of repression and isolation in ways that often goes unnoticed when life is busy but can be as loud as a hurricane in the quieter “golden” years of retirement. Finally, we talk about long-term marriage and retirement: how couples drift into roles instead of staying people together, and what it looks like to repair, reconnect, and intentionally create joy in the next chapter of life. Mentioned resources Sex, God, and the Conservative Church: Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy — Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers Shameless Parenting — Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers Not Under My Roof — Amy Schalet Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl Guest links Website: TinaSchermerSellers.com Instagram: @DrTinaShameless Dr. Tina also shares that if you want one or both of her books but can’t afford them, you can DM her on Instagram and she’ll send a promo code for the audiobook.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Cianciolo to talk about why so many succession plans fail before the paperwork is ever signed.   We dig into the difference between building a business through strategy versus building one through people, and why expecting your kids — or successors — to think like you often creates more problems than it solves.   Listen in as Joe and I talk about how stress, wiring, ambition, and upbringing shape the next generation of leaders, and why preparing kids for inheritance isn’t about cushioning them financially, but about equipping them to handle pressure, purpose, and responsibility on their own terms.

In this episode of Successfully Retired, I sit down with Scott MacKillop, — a true adventurer in both life and work. Scott started his career as a securities lawyer in Washington D.C., went on to lead five TAMPs, and founded First Ascent Asset Management, the first flat-fee investment platform in the industry. We talk about what happens after the climb — when you’ve built, led, and achieved so much, and then step away to ask, What’s next? Scott shares how he’s approached that transition, the challenges of leaving behind a lifelong identity, and how he’s redefining purpose in this new stage of life. It’s a thoughtful conversation about reinvention, meaning, and what fulfillment really looks like beyond the business world — whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or just starting to think about your own next chapter.

In this home-grown edition of the podcast, I do the unthinkable: Talk about politics! Now before you get excited, know that we won't be talking about partisan politics or D.C. powerbrokers. Instead, I sit down with Woodstock entrepreneur and community-builder Dan Thrailkill to talk about a topic that’s hitting home for a lot of us: why housing feels so out of reach—and what we can actually do about it right here in Cherokee County. We look at Burlington’s community land trust experiment and how well it really worked before digging into our own county’s proposed “land bank.” Dan helps me break down the trade-offs, like how these programs affect nearby property values and whether they truly help first-time buyers. Listen in as we discuss the five L’s of affordability (land, labor, lumber, laws, lending) and why density doesn’t have to be a dirty word. We get into micro-units, zoning rules that quietly drive up costs, and the choices that help younger families and retirees alike. Most importantly, we talk about what retirees can do to influence the direction of their community: show up, ask better questions, and advocate for smart policies rather than “do something” shortcuts. If you care about housing, your neighborhood, your kids’ future here—or just want to understand how these decisions actually get made—this conversation will give you something to think about.

In this episode, I talk about retirement mindset—why happiness in retirement isn’t about money but about curiosity, creativity, and purpose.   I share personal examples, read an excerpt from a book, and leave with a story of some of my clients who reinvented their lives in retirement. All that and more on successfully retired.

Rick advertises his Feng Shui episode.   I scour the corners of LinkedIn for rage bait.   We ask the question you've all been wondering, what's a good reason you should keep working with your financial advisor? All that and more on Successfully Retired.

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." Today Rick and I unpack a case study of some new families he's met with who were doing a great job investing and capturing the growth of the market.   The problem?  They had never checked to see when they personally could retire.  The answer shocked them. Tune in to hear the whole conversation.

Ever heard of looking for a needle in a haystack? It's what stock pickers do day in and day out, trying to find the best performing investment.    But is it a good strategy? Tune in as Rick Luchini and I discuss a study that digs into the answer to this question, with shocking results, even for passive investors. 

It's no surprise to most of us that work is a big part of our identity. Whether it's at a networking event, a little league game, or the neighborhood BBQ people's first question is often "What do you do for work?"  Many of our clients are very successful as employees who've climbed the ladder. When they retire, it's up to them to reinvent some part of who they are.   Listen in as Rick and I share stories of clients who have successfully found their purpose once the paycheck ends, questions we ask our clients that help them reframe their thinking in the years leading up to it, and what can go wrong if you wait too long to find hobbies outside of work. 

One of the cruel ironies of money is that if you're a really good saver, spending down your investments is a tough mental switch.  In today's episode Rick and I unpack some of our thoughts on why the middle-class millionaire retiree often times spend less than they could afford to - even if there are things they want to spend on!  "Money is fuel, it only serves it's purpose when it's burnt."  Listen in on real-life stories from retirees who made that transition successfully, and ones who struggled to stick the landing. 

It's the thing they're not making any more of - and no I don't mean bitcoin. Real estate.   Adding real estate to your investment portfolio is, for many people, a huge way to accelerate their wealth. I'm saying that and I don't even have a course I can sell you on how to 10x leverage yourself into an early AirBnb retirement.   But should you own real estate in a self-directed IRA? It's a less commonly known but completely legal way to buy a rental property. But buyer beware, while this may work in some instances, there are a bunch of pitfalls and ways that even savvy investors can turn their investment into a tax nightmare. Listen as Austin Preece of Preece Financial Services and I unpack the 3 big benefits of owning real estate outside of an IRA, and how owning it in a self-directed IRA can go wrong if not properly accounted for. 

In this episode Hamilton and Rick break down the best ways to save for a child’s future—comparing 529 plans, UTMA custodial accounts, and joint brokerage accounts. They cover the pros, cons, and recent 529 rule changes that add flexibility, including Roth IRA rollovers. The takeaway: don’t default to a 529—match the account type to your goals, control needs, and tax situation.

In this episode, Rick and I break down the critical difference between a tax preparer who records the past and a tax planner who shapes your future. Learn how proactive planning can eliminate tax surprises, keep more money in your pocket over your lifetime, and align your tax strategy with what matters most to you.

Many people plan for retirement under the assumption that their tax bill will drop once they stop working — but what if that’s not true? In this episode, Rick Luchini and I break down why taxes could actually be higher in retirement, from shifting income sources to changing tax laws. You’ll learn how using "rules of thumb" instead of personalized tax planning can lead to surprise tax bills throughout retirement. We’ll also share strategies to prepare now, so you’re not caught off guard later.

With everyone talking about a fed rate cut in September home buyers and mortgage holders are hoping they can see more favorable interest rates on 30 year mortgages soon. But will a lower fed funds rate actually lead to lower mortgage rates? Maybe not. In this episode Austin Preece and I tackle some common misconceptions around interest rates. We get into the 2 jobs the Fed has, why mortgages are more closely related to the 10 year treasury than the Fed Funds rate (in non-investmenty speak), why so many millennial financial advisors hate bonds (maybe hate is a strong word), and how tactical bond investors might change their strategy going into the end of 2025.

Many retirees are shocked when a smart tax strategy—like a Roth conversion—requires them to write one of the biggest checks of their lives to the IRS. On this episode of Successfully Retired, Rick Luchini and I dig into why that upfront cost can actually save hundreds of thousands in lifetime taxes, protect your heirs from higher tax brackets, and give you more spending flexibility in retirement. They explore why “do nothing” is often the most expensive choice, how to avoid letting sticker shock derail a good plan, and why the real value of a tax strategy isn’t just in dollars—it’s in the freedom it creates for you, your spouse, and your legacy.

Cryptocurrency, possibly best performing asset class over the past 15 years, has made a lot of smart people look dumb. But is it the new "gold," or just another fool's gold?  Join Austin Preece of Preece Financial planning as we discuss why and how some more traditional investors are adding crypto to their portfolio, as well as why even serious retired investors likely need to take on more risk in retirement than they did in prior generations. 

Many investors understand the advantages a Roth IRA or 401(k) can give you for tax planning in retirement, but it's easy to hear a strategy from your neighbor or an internet personality and make a misstep on applying it to your situation.   Today Rick and I talk about some of the most common Roth mistakes we run into, from conversions, to the pro-rata rule, to the differences between a Roth IRA and Roth 401(k).

Many couples are blessed to enjoy decades together in retirement enjoying life's golden years.   But what happens if one spouse concludes their retirement much sooner than the other?   Tune in as Rick Luchini and I talk about how this affects tax, investment and income plans, as well as how people can be prepared for the worst, which has the effect of helping us actually think about worst-case scenarios less and enjoy guilt-free the time we have, knowing all of our bases are covered.   learn more at https://brandenburgFS.com

Recently I came across a retirement study that found that American's fear running out of money in retirement even more than death.    Looks like Public Speaking has been unseated as a #2 spot, at least for now.   In today's episode I talk about 3 steps that families in or near retirement should take now to ensure that they do not run out of money in retirement, and how I use these steps in my practice.    If you follow these steps you can get back to having "public speaking" as the only thing you fear more than death. Give it a listen! https://brandenburgFS.com

One of the big "aha" moments for many families planning for their retirement is when they see how much they specifically are able to spend and withdraw from investments in retirement.   A big shock to many is that when you study the spending habits of retirees, you see that retirement spending is seldom flat or linear.   Instead, retirees often want to (and do) front-load spending and consume more in their first 10 years of retirement than in their next 10 years of retirement; and often times even spend more in the first 10 years than their last 10 years; despite the rising cost of healthcare late in retirement. Today Rick Luchini and I dig into exactly what drives this type of spending pattern, and how we work with families to identify their best spending strategy in retirement. 

Today's episode is a little more topical to the time. I'm walking through a few parts of my down-market playbook, for 7 things I am doing at work when the market is down, and 3 things I am not doing.   My business is obsessed with pushing "risk tolerance questionnaires" in front of client's faces. I personally can't stand that. I don't think there's any way to actually prepare yourself for how you're going to feel when your investments lose money, and it's an exercise in futility to try to guess; let alone to make decisions based off of a hypothetical "what-if" when you're sitting in a calm air conditioned office. But though you may not be able to forecast your feelings, you can decide rationally what your gameplan ought to be when, not if, stocks lose money. Because simple things become hard when you introduce stress and pressure, it's important to document your down market strategy before things are bad, to improve the chance you'll actually stick with it. 

When families get close to retiring they start going through all the checklists: Get investments in orer Do the will Etc., etc... However, getting your financial house in order before evaluating your retirement's priorities and activities is like getting cart before the horse. Today Rick Luchini and I chat about some of the top things we would do that are not related to our money if we were going to retire in 5 years or less.   Learn more at www.brandenburgFS.com 

Think you know your estate plan? Take a listen as Attorney Meredith Ditchen-Oakley of Woodstock GA and I discuss some of the big things that people are mistaken about when it comes to executing their estate plan.   Learn more about Meredith at www.ditchenlaw.com and be sure to check out my website at www.brandenburgFS.com

Have you heard of a reverse mortgage?   Maybe someone told you a horror story. Maybe your neighbor got one and loved it. Maybe you saw Tom Selleck on TV talking about them. Well if you'd like to learn the truth about what they are and how they work without being sold, be sure to give a listen to this interview with Jake Droge, a lender who works in the reverse mortgage space.

Today I talk about what I think is the most unappreciated retirement savings account:  The taxable brokerage account.   While most people have heard the benefits of the Roth IRA or the 401(k), far too few retirees I've met saved as much as they'd benefit from in a taxable brokerage account. Listen in as Rick and I discuss:   What a taxable brokerage account is How they work How (when used right) they can help retirees take advantage of the tax code to make their dollars stretch further.   To learn more visit https://brandenburgfs.com

In today's episode Rick Luchini and I interview William Bengen - the financial planner who discovered the "4% Safe withdrawal rule" that answered the question "How much can I withdraw from my investments without running out of money?" based on historical research.   In our chat we talk about what the retirement landscape was like when Bill first pioneered his research, the biggest risks Bill sees retirees facing today, and how he's updated his approach over the years. Bill also talks with us about how this has lead to another research project for him - his upcoming book "A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend and Enjoy More."  Listen in to hear more about retirement income planning and learn more about my firm at www.brandenburgFS.com

What type of account should I choose for my kid's or grandkid's college expenses? What happens if they don't use all the money in their 529?   This is a question I get pretty often, from clients as well as from friends at dinner and other parents at the playground. In today's episode I walk through the 3 most popular account types I see in my practice for saving for your kid's education, as well as some of the pros, cons and trade-offs of each.    To learn more, visit https://brandenburgFS.com

Today I join my friend and fellow financial advisor Rick Luchini as we talk about the 3 most common questions we get from people who want to pull the trigger on retirement.    Join us as we dig into:   - Strategies for bridging the Medicare gap if you retire under 65 - How we like to frame the conversation around "How much can I take out of my investments?" - A controversial approach to Social Security Claiming As well as a bonus, the one thing people are NOT asking:   "How do I plan for taxes in retirement?"   Learn more about Rick and myself at our websites:   www.luchinifinancial.com www.brandenburgFS.com    

Have you ever hit a brick wall discussing money with your significant other? Have you ever noticed your own financial behavior patterns and wondered why you repeat the same actions over and over again, despite trying not to?   In this episode of Successfully Retired, Hamilton interviews Joy Slabaugh, a former financial planner turned therapist specializing in financial therapy. They discuss how emotions and psychology play a crucial role in financial decision-making, often more than the numbers themselves. Joy explains how financial therapy helps individuals and couples navigate money-related stress, improve communication, and align their financial goals. She also shares a simple exercise to uncover hidden emotions about money and offers insights on handling financial conflicts in relationships. Tune in to learn how understanding your financial mindset can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling financial life.   Learn more about Joy's practice at https://www.joyinliving.life/   Connect with Brandenburg Financial at https://www.brandenburgFS.com  

  Today I chat with fellow Financial Advisor Rick Luchini on the 2000 lb gorilla for large IRA owners: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Taxes.   Listen in as we discuss:   1. What RMDs are 2. How they can drive up taxes if not planned for 3. The ecosystem of other parts of retirement they affect 4. How to give money to charity from your IRA tax-free 5. How Roth Conversions work, and how to determine how much to convert each year.    Learn more at www.brandenburgfs.com

Have you completed your will and find the binder of legal documents an overwhelming mystery? Then today's episode is for you.   In this episode, I interview Estate Planning Attorney Jeff Bowers of the Bowers law firm. Jeff has nearly 30 years of experience practicing law and has seen just about every situation imaginable come through his office.   In our episode we dive into:   1. The essentials of estate planning, covering the must-have documents  2. The purpose of wills, financial powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives, highlighting how they work together to simplify decision-making during challenging times. 3. Why proper storage of documents and creating a "cheat sheet" for accounts, insurance, and key contacts can make estate management smoother for your executors. 4. The importance of reviewing your estate plan regularly, especially after major life changes, and the pitfalls of common mistakes like unfunded trusts and unclear directives.   Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to fine-tune your documents, this episode offers practical insights to protect your legacy and avoid costly headaches for your family.   To download show resources like the cheat sheet mentioned, visit https://brandenburgfs.com/podcast   To learn more about Jeff and his practice visit https://bowerslawfirm.com/ or call Jeff and his team at (678) 388-1960.  The Bowers Law Firm is located in the Northwest Metro Atlanta area in the city of Dallas, Georgia. Their mailing address is:   110 Evans Mill Drive Suite 601 Dallas, GA 30157

In this episode, my guest and fellow financial planner Rick Luchini and I dive into the common—and often costly—mistakes people make when it comes to estate planning.   From forgotten beneficiary updates on life insurance and 401(k)s to the crucial step of funding a trust, we share real-world examples of how a small oversight can create big problems for your loved ones.   Plus, we discuss why your estate plan needs to evolve as your life does, and how a little proactive effort today can save headaches tomorrow.   Whether you're nearing retirement or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice to ensure your estate plan works the way you want it to!

Join Hamilton Brandenburg and fellow Financial Advisor Rick Luchini as they discuss Investing for Retirement, and what most get wrong.   Tune in as they discuss how important it is for Retirees to distinguish between risk capacity and risk tolerance, how fear and FOMO can impact a retirement income plan, and more.    

Join Hamilton Brandenburg and fellow financial planner Rick Luchini as they discuss common ways that "The Financial Plan" can be thrown off track when unexpected changes happen in life.    Learn more about Hamilton and Rick at https://BrandenburgFS.com/ and https://luchinifinancial.com/

In today's episode I host fellow financial planner Thomas Cook CFP®, EA as we discuss why retirement planning is about so much more than just getting the numbers right. Listen in as we discuss why we think it's so valuable for retirees to have meaningful money conversations before implementing investment or tax plans, and be sure to stay tuned to the end as Thomas and I also discuss what questions we would ask if we were hiring a financial advisor.