My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

Key Things For Parents & Grandparents To Teach A New Graduate

Graduation season isn’t just a time for caps, gowns, and celebrations, it’s a pivotal financial crossroads for many young adults stepping into independence. As they leave the classroom behind and enter the workforce, the financial decisions they make now can quietly shape the next 40 years of their lives. Today, Lee talks about why it’s so important for parents, grandparents, and mentors to help them lay a solid foundation, not just with money, but with mindset.
Listen in as Lee shares practical ways to equip recent graduates for long-term success. From starting an emergency fund to making early Roth IRA contributions, he outlines the key conversations and habits that matter most. He also reflects on real stories, including his own, and offers creative gift ideas for families who want to offer more than just a check.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
🧠 Life lessons for financial independence at 22, not 52
💳 The sunglasses that taught Lee a credit card lesson
📈 Why your first paycheck is your best investment weapon
🔥 The two-fund strategy: emergency vs. “fun” money
🎁 Gift ideas for graduates that build wealth
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

What Should You Actually Do When the Market Drops?

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. If recent volatility has you feeling uneasy, you're not alone, but reacting the wrong way can cost you far more than a bumpy month in the markets. In this episode, Lee breaks down how tariffs and trade tensions are fueling market swings and what that really means for your retirement plans. He also shares practical steps to stay calm, stay invested, and keep your financial house in order.
You'll learn why short-term chaos often clouds long-term fundamentals, why diversification is more critical now than ever, and how emotional decisions derail otherwise solid strategies. Plus, you'll hear how past crises hold key lessons for investors today. Tune in to learn more about how to navigate times of market volatility and hold onto peace even when the headlines are telling you it’s time to panic.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
🌍 How tariffs and trade wars impact your portfolio
📉 Why volatility spikes and why it’s normal
🏠 Building a strong financial "house" to weather storms
📊 The real power of diversification during chaos
🔮 Why patience beats prediction every time
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Starting Over at 53: Smart Career Move or Retirement Risk?

Reinvention can be exciting, but is it risky when retirement is on the horizon? In this episode, Lee answers a question from a listener who wants to shift from corporate life to a new career in real estate at age 53, using IRA withdrawals to stay afloat during the transition. He also breaks down why early withdrawals can be financially dangerous and how commission-based careers may not offer the stability needed in this phase of life.
Beyond the technical advice, Lee explores the emotional side of starting over, how to balance passion with practicality, and what questions to ask before making a leap. He shares a practical framework for pursuing your passion without jeopardizing your long-term goals: get clarity, know your value, and make sure someone is willing to pay for the problems you solve.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
🚫 The penalty trap of early IRA withdrawals
🏦 Why 401(k) rules after age 55 offer more flexibility
📉 The income risks of commission-based careers
🧠 How to turn passion into a paid skillset
💼 Why a salaried job may offer better financial stability
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Inside the Advisor’s Office: What People Are Actually Concerned About

Many people approach retirement age asking the question, “Have I done enough?”  It’s a common worry, but are they really focusing on the right things?  Based on a survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors, Lee explores the gap between what clients fear and what he believes truly deserves their focus when planning for retirement. He unpacks why concerns like outliving your money and market crashes dominate our minds and the two key factors he believes matter more.
Retirement is often seen as a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can also be fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. Understanding the common worries can help individuals better prepare for this important phase of life, even in the wake of rising costs and increasing life expectancies. Tune in for tips on how to feel more confident about your financial future!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📉 Outliving your money is a top fear but solvable with the right plan
📬 Reliable income = confidence in retirement
🧾 Healthcare is a concern, but not the only thing worth planning for
👫 The financial impact of losing a spouse is often underestimated
💸 Don't just save money- learn how to spend it purposefully
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

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.
Many investors can’t resist chasing big wins, even though diversification is a smarter play. One economist, Hendrik Bessembinder, analyzed the returns of nearly a century of stock performance. Let’s compare what he found to March Madness history and uncover what March Madness can teach us about investing!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
🏆 Many people guess winners, the majority lose money
📉The odds of sustainable success are slim
❌ The most familiar choice doesn’t mean victory
📚 Lee’s financial lessons and takeaways
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Breaking: How Long Will $1 Million Last in Georgia?

For years, $1 million was considered the gold standard for retirement savings. But is it really enough? In this episode, Lee and Ben explore just how far that million-dollar nest egg can take you in retirement, depending on where you live.
Recent studies reveal a stark reality: in some states, $1 million could last a lifetime, while in others, it may barely cover 15 years. But geography isn’t the only factor. Spending habits, debt, and lifestyle choices all play a crucial role in determining whether your savings will truly sustain you.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
💰 How long $1 million lasts in retirement across different states
💳 The biggest factors that impact your retirement savings beyond location
🧩 Why retirement planning is not one-size-fits-all
🌴🏖️ How to determine if your nest egg is truly enough for the retirement you envision
Resources for this episode:
📌https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/how-long-million-last-retirement-state/
📌https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/social-security/how-far-1-million-plus-social-security-goes-in-every-state/
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

If You’re a Smart Investor, Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That’s the question Bob, one of our listeners, sent in. He’s got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo.
So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they’re probably fine on their own.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Beyond just investments, where do financial advisors typically provide value that DIY investors might not consider?
What are some common financial blind spots or mistakes that smart DIY investors tend to overlook?
How should experienced investors plan for a future where they may not want (or be able) to actively manage their portfolio?
What Lee would say to investors who are skeptical that an advisor could improve their financial situation
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Pretending To Be An Investor Is Dangerous

This week, Lee and Keith dive into Carl Richard’s timeless article, Pretending To Be An Investor Is Dangerous, and discuss how to avoid the common mistakes many people make when managing their investments, particularly as they approach retirement. They explore what it means to be a "pretend investor" and break down the six key behaviors that can derail your financial security- from obsessing over short-time market fluctuations to chasing the latest hot stock.
Tune in for a great discussion on how to focus on what truly matters- your financial health- while avoiding the distractions and fears created by the news cycle and peer pressure. You’ll learn why sometimes, ignoring the chatter is the smartest move you can make with your retirement funds.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Staying committed to your long-term investment strategy instead of reacting to headlines
Not letting daily market fluctuations sway your decisions
Focusing on your personal financial goals rather than global economic events
Avoiding the temptation to compare your strategy to others or chase the latest trends
Recognizing that market volatility is normal- and not always a bad thing
Resources for this episode:
Check out more articles from Carl Richards here:
https://behaviorgap.com/
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The New Retirement: Why Many Are Choosing Work Over Leisure

A recent article on Fortune highlights a growing trend among baby boomers: continuing to work well into their 60s and 70s. Surprisingly, this is not out of necessity, but for the mental stimulation, social connections, and fulfillment that work provides. With nearly 20% of Americans over 65 still employed, this shift is challenging traditional views of retirement and sparking important conversations about what it means to truly retire.
Join us as we explore this growing trend on today’s show. Lee has witnessed firsthand how retirement goals have shifted in recent years and is having more frequent conversations with clients about the evolving landscape of retirement. Is staying in the workforce the right choice for you?
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
How Lee is seeing this trend in his own practice
Lee's advice for those struggling with a loss of purpose or loneliness after leaving the workforce
Financial considerations for those thinking about part-time or contracting work
How working longer impacts the financial planning process
The shifting attitude toward work and retirement in younger generations
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

New Year, New Me: How To Change Your Money Attitude In 2025

As we step into 2025, many of us set New Year’s resolutions—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or cutting back on a vice. But what if we also focused on improving our attitude toward money?
The New Year is a great time for a reset and to adjust our attitudes when it comes to finances, and in this episode, Lee will break down what some of those financial attitude shifts could be. From being more mindful of the long-term financial impact of today's decisions to taking that first step toward building a retirement plan, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to managing money.
Let’s kick off 2025 on the right financial foot!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Consider your future when making financial decisions
Finding the balance between saving and spending
Knowing what you have and where it is
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com