My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

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

Making The Most of Your Retirement Years with Long-Time Client, Joey Kinard

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

Mailbag: Should I Restart My 401(k) Contributions After A Break?

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

For Couples, Retirement Planning Is A Team Sport

When it comes to retirement planning, it’s critical that you and your spouse are on the same page. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll agree on every little detail, but it does mean that compromise and honest conversations are a big part of navigating the process together.
Join Lee as he dives into why aligning with your spouse is so important, where disagreements tend to arise, and the key topics you should be discussing. Plus, he’ll share how financial advisors can help couples find financial common ground. 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Getting on the same page financially with your spouse
What Lee often sees the first time he meets with a couple
The most important things to discuss with your spouse when it comes to retirement
What areas cause the most disagreement
How Lee helps folks find a financial common ground
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

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