In this week's journey to retirement story, we hear from a smart lady that screwed up with debt, dug herself out of her hole and is now prospering. If you're feeling like you're in a financial hole, listen to her story. She dug out and so can you.
Read MoreYou can prepare for your retirement transition years before it occurs. In doing so, you can do your best to avoid the kind of financial surprises that tend to upset an unsuspecting new retiree.
Read MoreDespite what the media and some financial advisors tell us, preparing for retirement isn't about fancy strategies or the best investment. This week listener "Rick" shares his story of how he became a 401(k) millionaire by using a simple but powerful strategy.
Read MoreToday, I weigh more than I ever have, 198 lbs. I'm not fat, but I'm not fit and I feel it. At 48, I want to do whatever I can to set myself up for a healthy life. When my friend Darrell told me he signed up for the 2 month Whole Life Challenge I was intrigued. So on Friday, I took him out for a beer (you'll learn why in a second) to learn more.
Read MoreThere are plenty of people around today that will offer their services as a “life coach” or “business coach.” Few have the demonstrated history of success as businessman, family man and friend to man as Aaron Walker.
Read MoreAt the end of day, all that matters is what retirement means to you. Forget what the commercials say. Forget what the brochures say. Forget much of what your advisor may say. You don't have a "number;" you have a life that you get to define and live.
Read MoreIf you want to retire and are looking for guidance, don't just find someone smart. There are plenty of smart advisors with plenty of smart ideas. It's been my experience that smart by itself, isn't enough. If you want to retire successfully, it's better to seek out wisdom.
Read MoreIf you work for a company, you're a cog in the machine. You're a replaceable part, easily eliminated or replaced if it suits the needs of the company. Sorry to be so blunt. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings. It's just important you accept this if you're going to thrive in the years ahead.
Read MoreMost of the personal finance blogs you read focus on how to be more frugal. How to cut costs so you can safe and invest for retirement. It's important to be frugal but frugal only goes so far.
Read MoreJust because Bill & Sally can't achieve their ideal retirement doesn't mean they can't have a great retirement.
Read MoreYeah, you read that right. Bill and Sally cannot achieve their ideal retirement. That really sucks....or does it???
Read MoreIf you asked me what was the most important item you should do to track your financial health I would tell you to track your net worth. A net worth statement is the most powerful tool you can use to track your financial progress over time.
Read MoreToo many people are being too reasonable when setting their retirement goals. STOP! When you start your planning for retirement it is critical that you think big. There's time enough later to be reasonable. Right now, focus on what your ideal life would look like....what would your life be if you could "have it all?"
Read MoreWant to retire a year earlier? Maybe have a bigger lifestyle budget for travel? You might be able to if you change your relationship with your car.
Read MoreOkay, you're planning for retirement, but what exactly are you planning for? I don't think most of us think about this. We work and save and work and save, but spend little time figuring out what we'll actually do when we retire.
Read MoreI'm still amazed at the level of engagement and transparency "Carl" has had throughout the process of creating his retirement plan on the show. I'm just as amazed at how much the series has resonated with you, the listener. Your questions, comments, suggestions and thank yous made the series better.
Read MoreWOW, your response to the Can Carl Retire? series in January and last Friday's results webinar were off the charts. I received so many kind comments and sharp questions from you. In today's episode, I'll answer a portion of your questions and will get to more next week. Please keep them coming.
Read MoreOne of the most heartbreaking things I've seen over 24 years advising families is a surviving spouse or family member dealing with an unorganized estate. Not having your affairs in order puts a huge burden on your family and compounds the stress of their loss.
Read MoreRisks can rob you from living a great life. Focus too much on them and you can miss out on a full life. Ignore risks and you can destroy your family's financial security. If you've started planning for retirement, you're probably overwhelmed with all the things you should worry about.
Read MoreWell, were you able to dream up your ideal retirement? It can be hard to think big, right? Hopefully, you've stretched yourself. No worries if you're not finished. Keep at it and if you have questions, I'm here to help.
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