My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins
Financial and retirement planning with financial planner Lee Perkins, president of JL Perkins Wealth Management in the Macon, Georgia area. Get ready for a good dose of inspiration, simplicity, implementation and, of course, clarity on each and every show. Lee will explore the ways you can successfully prepare for retirement and how to grow and preserve your wealth.
Episodes
17 minutes ago
17 minutes ago
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
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Inside the Advisor’s Office: What People Are Actually Concerned About
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
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
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Bracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
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
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Breaking: How Long Will $1 Million Last in Georgia?
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
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
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
If You’re a Smart Investor, Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Pretending To Be An Investor Is Dangerous
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
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
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
The New Retirement: Why Many Are Choosing Work Over Leisure
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
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
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
New Year, New Me: How To Change Your Money Attitude In 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 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
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Making The Most of Your Retirement Years with Long-Time Client, Joey Kinard
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
In this episode of My Retirement Clarity, Lee sits down with a long-time client and friend, Joey Kinard, to discuss how he and his wife are making the most of their retirement years. From traveling to new places to embracing an active lifestyle, Joey shares what’s been working for them as they enjoy this exciting chapter of life.
Joey’s early retirement was filled with memorable RV adventures. These days, he and his wife enjoy exploring state parks, visiting local farmers markets and festivals, and spending time at their favorite getaway- Alligator Point, Florida. Joey offers great insights on checking off bucket list items, staying active and maintaining a sense of community in retirement.
Along the way, we’ll talk about financial freedom, the importance of knowing your spending habits, and why time is your most valuable resource in retirement. Tune in as we explore what it means to retire with intention and enjoy the journey!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Renting a house in Alligator Point and Joey’s experience with RV travels
Staying in state parks and renting cabins
Pros and cons of purchasing a vacation home + Joey’s favorite trip
Staying healthy and active in retirement
The importance of understanding your retirement spending
Farmers markets and festivals that Joey and his wife have enjoyed
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Mailbag: Should I Restart My 401(k) Contributions After A Break?
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
At JL Perkins Wealth Management, we receive all sorts of questions about financial and retirement planning, but some themes come up more often than others. In today's mailbag edition of the show, we'll tackle some of the most common questions we answer on a daily basis.
Lori wonders whether it’s advisable to help her aging parents financially, especially with potential long-term care needs. Matt asks if he should resume his 401(k) contributions after pausing them due to the election. If you’re listening to this episode, you’ve likely had questions about one or two of these items, so stick with us!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
"Since I've had my annuity long enough to withdraw without penalty, should I take it all out now?"
"My husband is nine years older than me, and we have a large life insurance policy on him. What happens if the insurance company goes bankrupt and can't pay the death benefit?"
"My parents didn’t save much for retirement, so I’m worried about covering long-term care costs. Is it common to help parents financially, or should I try to avoid it if possible?"
“Should I buy gold coins or gold bars or no gold at all?”
"My father-in-law recently passed away and left us unexpected money. We want to give it to our son, but I’m worried he’ll just spend it irresponsibly. Any suggestions on how to handle this?"
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com