My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

The Magic 8 Ball’s Guide to Retirement Planning

Remember the thrill of shaking a Magic 8 Ball to get answers to your childhood questions? Would we ace that math test? Would we be famous someday? Well, today, we're bringing a bit of that magic back. But instead of asking about pop quizzes and playground crushes, we’re turning to the Magic 8 Ball for advice on something much more important: your retirement planning!
What would the Magic 8 Ball have to say about these common retirement questions if it had the wisdom of a financial advisor?
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Is a million dollars enough to retire?
Can I rely on Social Security for retirement?
Should I be reviewing my retirement plan annually?
Will my retirement plan be affected by future changes in tax laws?
Should I focus on paying off debt before increasing my retirement contributions?
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Unlock Your Potential During National Financial Planning Month

National Financial Planning Month is here! In this episode, we’ll do a little bit of celebrating as we look at what financial planning truly means, as well as what drew Lee into the field!
We’ll break down what it means to be a fiduciary, how JL Perkins is different from other wealth advisory firms, and what the standard process looks like with us. Lee also shares a key tip to help you avoid starting your financial plan on the wrong foot, along with insights into the work he did before becoming a financial planner.
You don’t want to miss what we have coming today, so pull up a chair and listen in!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
How Lee got into financial planning, and what he was doing before he started
How Lee defines financial planning
What you should have ready when you meet with an advisor for the first time
What’s different about JL Perkins?
Not relying on the internet for your retirement advice
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Retirees In Their 70s Regret These 5 Things

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire.
Planning and working with an advisor can make all the difference in addressing these regrets. A financial advisor can help you create a personalized retirement plan that balances your financial goals with your desire for a fulfilling lifestyle. Tune in for some valuable insights to ensure your retirement is everything you hope for!
 
Here are the regrets we discuss in today’s show:
They wish they had retired earlier
They wish they had spent more when they first retired
They wish they took better care of their health
They wish they had taken up a hobby
They wish they had traveled more
 
Retiree regrets video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNUSJ3juAbA
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Never Stop Asking 'How Do You Know?' - Navigating Retirement Planning

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement.
Today, we’re digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning. How do you know how much income you’re going to need when you retire? How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient? Stay tuned as Lee sheds light on these questions and more!
Here’s some of the how-do-you-knows we discuss in today’s show:
How do you know how much income you’re going to need when you retire?
How do you know how much money you should have in your savings account?
How do you know when you're financially ready to retire?
How do you know if an advisor is a good fit for you or not?
How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient?
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The Top 401(k) FAQs In 2024

We get a lot of questions about 401(k)s because they can be tricky to navigate. So, in today’s episode, we’re tackling some of the most frequently asked questions about 401(k)s. Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of what they are, how they work, and how you can make the most of them!
We’ll cover everything from understanding company matches and target date funds to the pros and cons of 401(k) loans and rollovers into IRAs. This is a super informative conversation that you don’t want to miss!
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Should I use company-provided 401(k) guidance?
Should I use target date funds?
When should I take money out of my 401(k) and roll it over into an IRA?
How should I adjust my 401(k) investments as I get closer to retirement?
Can I make catch-up contributions to the 401(k)? If so, when?
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Macon on the Map: A Chat with Mayor Lester Miller on the City's Bright Future

We’re thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Macon, Lester Miller, to the My Retirement Clarity podcast today! If you’re from the area, you’re familiar with who he is and some of the incredible things that have happened under his leadership. With the reputation of Macon on the rise, we thought it would be fun to discuss some of the key projects that have made the city a must-visit destination.
From the world's largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm & Rally, to a vibrant new amphitheater and a revitalized downtown, there's so much happening in Macon- and even more on the horizon. If you want to learn more about the exciting developments in Macon and hear directly from Mayor Lester Miller, this episode is for you!
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Macon’s recent National recognition and affordability
The origin story of the Rhythm & Rally Pickleball Facility
The process of developing the amphitheater + the importance of music in Macon
Revitalizing downtown and future plans for the mall and more
Attracting retirees and major companies to Macon
The overall economic growth and positive outlook for Macon’s future
 
Learn more about Mayor Lester Miller:
https://maconbibb.us/mayorlestermiller/
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Tax Strategies for 2024 with Guru David Brooks

With tax rates set to change soon and national debt on the rise, tax planning might be the most critical piece of retirement planning right now. That’s why we wanted to catch up with David Brooks, a renowned tax expert from Omaha, Nebraska. David, who we consider a tax guru, shared invaluable insights into the world of tax strategies, proactive planning, and the future of tax policies. 
For those that aren’t as familiar with our current tax landscape, we’ll spend some time on the details of today’s taxes and how to prepare for future changes. With the national debt crossing $35 trillion and interest expenses skyrocketing, it's crucial to anticipate how tax policies might shift post-election. Regardless of political affiliations, we should all be focusing on policy implications and plan accordingly.
Join us as we get into the tax strategies we’re utilizing in 2024 and why this proactive tax planning can really help mitigate tax liabilities in retirement.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Our country’s rising debt is becoming a major political issue because it will impact tax policies
Why we’ve started accelerating Roth conversions for our clients
Future legislation that might change taxes and the actions you can take now
Is it a good thing or bad thing that RMD age has moved up to 75?
Why you should work with an independent financial advisor versus the big box retailers
The Donor Advised Fund strategy and the most common way we utilize that for retirees
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
About our guest: https://retiresmartomaha.com/ 

Combatting Popular Excuses For Poor Financial Decision-Making

We all make excuses from time to time for decisions we know might not be the best. Whether it's about our health, relationships, or finances, excuses can hold us back from achieving our long-term goals.
Very often, Lee sees people who know that the financial decisions that they’re making aren’t the best decisions, but they try to create excuses or explanations for why they’re doing what they’re doing. From making Social Security decisions based on fear to taking on too much risk to make up for lost time, he’ll address some common areas where he sees this happening. Let’s talk about why these excuses usually don’t hold water…
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Claiming Social Security at age 62 due to fears of it running out of money
Taking too much risk to make up for lost time
Holding onto too much cash to keep your money safe
Investing in things you don’t understand
Sticking with a financial advisor out of loyalty, even when you should switch
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet Keith Dykes: Our Newest Financial Advisor

In this episode, host Lee Perkins sits down with Keith Dykes, the newest member of the JL Perkins Wealth Management team. Originally a Zoom call, this engaging interview explores Keith's background, family life, and journey to becoming a financial advisor. Learn about Keith's transition from agronomy to finance, his dedication to client service, and the values that align him perfectly with the team.
Keith joined the JL Perkins Wealth Management team in 2023 as a financial advisor. His background includes being a successful entrepreneur & business owner with additional experience in Tax and Insurance. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a BSA in Crop Science. When not at work, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and his two daughters Ashlyn and Avery. He spends his spare time golfing, watching UGA football, hiking, traveling, and experiencing different cultures around the world.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
We've added another member to our wealth management team
Lee and Keith have known each other for a dozen years
More about Keith’s family and original education experience at the University of Georgia
Keith’s early journey as a member of the JL team
What Keith is looking forward to over the next year
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Your Financial Wellness Check-Up

Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. These check-ins help catch potential issues early and allow you to adjust your plans as needed. By regularly reviewing your budget, goals, and progress, you can make informed decisions to stay on track financially.
Although financial wellness will look different for everyone, we’ll share some areas you should be paying attention to in today’s episode. Don't miss these valuable insights to ensure your financial health is in top shape! And if you have any questions about your financial health, be sure to reach out to Lee and his team for personalized guidance.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Monitoring budgeting and spending habits + keeping up with your credit score
Maintaining an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses and emergencies
The importance of diversification + being aligned with your risk tolerance
Proactively planning for the unexpected + being involved in your finances
How J.L. Perkins Wealth Management helps their clients stay on track
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com