Equipping Points:
In this episode, Eric opens the mailbag to answer three listener questions that hit on some of the most common—and often misunderstood—retirement topics. From how the 4% withdrawal rule really works, to whether life insurance is a smart legacy tool, Eric brings practical, experience-backed advice to each conversation.
Eric breaks down why the 4% rule may not apply equally to everyone, how dividends factor in, and what to consider if you’re using investments to fund permanent life insurance. He also walks through the emotional and financial realities of forced early retirement, including how to protect your income and adjust your timeline without sacrificing long-term security. Tune in to discover how tailored planning can give you more confidence—and possibly more options—than you originally thought you had.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 What the 4% rule really means
🚨 Preparing for a forced early retirement
💬 Why confidence starts with knowing your numbers
📊 Retirement is all about discovering your options
If you have any questions about what we discussed on the show or want to follow up with any financial planning questions of your own, get in touch with us and schedule a visit here.
Today’s Takeaway:
Related Episodes:
Subscribe To The Podcast:
Apple Podcasts - Google Podcasts - Spotify - Stitcher - iHeartRadio - TuneIn
Check out some other recent episodes
Beyond Stocks: The Problem-Solving Power of Financial Advisors
Most people think a financial advisor’s primary job is picking investments, but that’s just a small piece of the puzzle. In today’s episode, Eric explains that the real work happens in solving the complex, emotional, and unexpected problems that come with retirement: early job loss, tax challenges, the loss of a spouse, or even recovering from bad advice.
Read More
Mailbag – Roth IRA, Emergency Funds & Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Free
Making more money is great, but what happens when it becomes a roadblock for contributing to a Roth IRA? And how can you make your emergency fund work smarter for you? In today’s episode, we pull from the mailbag and answer a mix of listener questions. Eric addresses concerns that reflect the real-life hurdles many face on the road to retirement.
Read More
How 2025 Tax Updates Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Although tax season has come to a close, the time for smart tax planning has just begun! In this episode, we unpack the upcoming tax updates that could affect your planning for the next few years, including changes to 401(k) contribution limits, tax deductions, and the potential benefits of using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs.
Read More
Early Retirement: Dream Come True or Financial Trap?
Ever fantasize about leaving your 9-to-5 before traditional retirement age? You’re not alone, but is early retirement even possible? In today’s episode, Eric explores what it really takes to retire early including how to tackle healthcare costs, how to make money last longer and the importance of shifting your mindset from spender to saver.
Read More
What 400+ Advisors Say Really Keeps Retirees Up at Night
What are Americans really concerned about when it comes to retirement? In this episode, we unpack the results of an insightful survey from Financial Advisor Magazine, which was completed by over 400 financial advisors. We’ll also compare these answers with the real-world concerns we hear every day from the clients in our own practice.
Read More
Bracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners
March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted.
Read More
Are Hidden Fees Draining Your Retirement Savings?
In this episode, Eric reveals the true cost of investing and how to protect yourself from unnecessary financial drains.
Read More
What Game Night Can Teach Us About Financial Planning
In this episode, Eric breaks down the surprising financial lessons hidden in classic board games, offering valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement strategy.
Read More
Mailbag – Upsizing, Financial Advisors & Business Owner Planning
Join us as we answer questions about the challenges of downsizing, the emotional aspects of planning for family gatherings, and the realities of transitioning into a financial advisory career.
Read More
Planning for Unique Situations in Retirement
While many face the same general retirement concerns, each individual’s situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions.
Read More