Are You Facing Financial Crisis or Financial Opportunity?

Today’s Prep:

From market crashes to empty nests, we discuss different situations that may be first viewed as a crisis. But is it really an opportunity in disguise? We will explore both sides today on the podcast.

Equipping Points:

Do you live life with a glass half full or glass half empty mentality? Depending on how you look at things, there are several scenarios that may happen in life that could either be considered a crisis or opportunity. On today’s podcast, we talk through the good and bad of several different situations to give you perspective and help you find the hidden financial opportunity, even amidst a crisis.

As kids leave the nest and go off to college or homes of their own, do you fear the empty nest syndrome? Whether you are sentimental about your babies leaving home or ready for them to spread their wings, being an empty nester may provide a unique opportunity financially. You are likely making more money than you’ve ever made, have the chance to put more away for retirement, and have a little more flexibility with your investments. 

Market crashes are unfortunately inevitable. The vast majority of time, the market eventually goes back up but you have to have your money still in the market to do so. When the market is down, is this a chance though to make a Roth conversion? Do you have a plan in place to be able to view this calmly and as an opportunity instead of a crisis? 

How does long-term care insurance work? How should you build it in your plan? Or is there a plan that could be better implemented into your legacy plans?

Are you fearful of getting laid off, especially in the midst of coronavirus? As you get closer to retirement, getting a forced early exit may feel like a bit crisis. You may however find there’s opportunity to do something else that you enjoy to cover an income gap. Putting a plan in place may show you the possibility of reasonably retiring, even sooner than you thought.

Is your situation a crisis or opportunity?

Listen to the entire episode to hear more or skip to a particular scenario using the timestamps below.

1:22 – Is empty nest syndrome a crisis or opportunity?

4:55 – Is there an upside to market downturns?

6:56 – How should you view long-term care insurance rate hikes?

9:11 – What is the opportunity in getting laid off?

Today’s Takeaway:

If you’re going to be retired, you’re going to be subject to ups and downs from the market–you don’t want that to affect your income. You want your income coming from safer, smarter places that do not come from the market.

-Eric Peterson

Related Resources:

Which TV Character Describes Your Financial Personality?

Grading Your Financial Competency

More From Eric:

The host: Eric Peterson - Contact - Call: (515) 226-1500

Subscribe To The Podcast:

Apple Podcasts  -  Google Podcasts  -  Spotify  -  Stitcher  -  iHeartRadio  -  TuneIn

Check out some other recent episodes

Laid Off Near Retirement? What to Do Next

August 6, 2026

A layoff close to retirement can feel like a financial emergency, but it may not be as damaging as it first appears. Eric explains why layoffs are happening and walks through the key financial decisions that follow. He also shares a practical checklist for evaluating whether returning to work is necessary, or whether retirement may already be possible.

Mailbag: HELOCs, Trusts, and Family Money

July 30, 2026

In this mailbag episode, Eric answers listener questions about borrowing after retirement, avoiding unnecessary taxes on large IRA withdrawals, simplifying an estate, and setting healthy financial boundaries with loved ones.

Easy Ways to Ruin Retirement

July 23, 2026

Retirement can be exciting, but it can also come with new challenges. In this episode, Eric discusses some of the most common ways people can accidentally ruin retirement.

The National Park Guide to Retirement Planning

July 16, 2026

Whether you’re visiting one of the 63 national parks this summer or just hitting a local trail, a lot of the best practices for a great hike apply just as well to your retirement plan. Today, Eric “walks” through a few.

Mailbag: Military Pension Mistakes & Retirement Decision Paralysis

July 9, 2026

What happens if you make a retirement decision you can’t undo? And how do you know when you’ve done enough research before making an important financial move? In this mailbag episode, Eric answers two listener questions—one from a military retiree looking to protect his spouse after declining a survivor pension benefit, and another from a listener who struggles with overthinking every financial decision.

Movie Quotes That Reveal the Truth About Retirement

July 2, 2026

Can classic movie quotes actually teach valuable retirement lessons? In this episode, Eric takes memorable lines from films like The Terminator, When Harry Met Sally, and The Wizard of Oz and uses them to explain key retirement-planning concepts. From preparing for inevitable market downturns to understanding why every retirement plan should be personalized, these famous quotes provide surprisingly practical financial insights.

Where Does Guaranteed Income in Retirement Really Come From?

June 18, 2026

What does “guaranteed income” really mean in retirement, and is it actually possible to create a paycheck you can count on for life? In this episode, Eric breaks down the different sources of retirement income, including Social Security, pensions, investments, rental properties, and insurance-based solutions. He explains the risks many retirees overlook when relying solely on portfolios, dividends, bonds, or rental income and discusses why predictable income streams can play an important role in a well-designed retirement strategy.

Mailbag: IRA Withdrawals, Whole Life Insurance & Cash on the Sidelines

June 11, 2026

In this mailbag episode, Eric tackles a variety of listener questions about retirement and financial planning.
He breaks down complex topics into clear, practical guidance to help you make more confident money decisions.

Retirement Lessons Hidden in Walt Disney Quotes

June 4, 2026

Sometimes the best financial lessons come from the most unexpected places. Walt Disney built one of the most recognizable brands in history, but some of his most memorable quotes offer lessons that extend far beyond theme parks and animated characters.

Leave a Comment