My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

Healthy Journey- How Lee Has Lost 34 Pounds in 3 Months

This week, we’re switching things up to talk about a very important topic: health and wellness! Join us as we sit down with the inspiring health and wellness expert, Lizzie Gossett, who has played a vital role in helping Lee lose an incredible 34 pounds in 3 months. We’re excited to have her on the podcast today to share her insights on prioritizing and maintaining your health.
 
Here are some key takeaways from this episode:
The importance of shifting from short-term diets to a long-term lifestyle change. Developing a strong "why" and viewing health as a continuous journey fosters lasting success.
Small, sustainable changes in eating habits led to significant results.
Finding an exercise routine that suits your preferences and incorporating accountability measures can help develop consistency.
The importance of ongoing support and adapting to different life stages. Maintaining health requires flexibility and dedication, whether through coaching, accountability, or adjusting habits during special occasions.
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The 7-Hour Passport

Ever been on the receiving end of ‘the look’ from your spouse? In this episode, Lee recounts the dreaded look he got from his wife a few weeks ago after a meticulously planned family trip to the Bahamas was almost derailed due to a passport oversight- discovered a mere 21 hours before departure. In this episode, Lee shares his crazy adventure of acquiring passports for his two kids in just 7 hours.
 
Here are some key takeaways from this episode:
Lee talks about his horrifying realization that his family had some expired passports, less than 24 hours before his family was supposed to depart for the Bahamas
Don't rely solely on travel agencies or other parties to ensure your documents are valid. Take personal responsibility for checking and maintaining your travel-related documents
When faced with unexpected challenges, don't hesitate to seek help and utilize available resources. In this case, Lee’s connection to a state representative's office played a pivotal role in securing an expedited passport appointment. Connecting with knowledgeable individuals can lead to solutions!
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 
 

Resolving Financial Tension Between Couples – Bonus Episode

We’re back with a bonus episode on resolving financial tension between couples! After popular demand, we’re exploring five more common areas of financial tension: retirement housing, emergency funds, handling inheritances, insurance, and spending habits. Stay tuned to learn how advisors like Lee work to resolve conflicts in these areas as they arise. 
 
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Couples may face tension when deciding where they want to live in retirement. Financial considerations, such as the cost of moving and downsizing, can influence this decision.
Couples may have different risk tolerances and views on how much to keep in an emergency fund.
Inheritances can cause tension if there are disagreements about how to use the money. Some may want to pay off debt, while others may want to enhance retirement savings or lifestyle.
Couples may have differing views on insurance needs, such as life insurance and long-term care insurance. Finding a balance between adequate coverage and cost can be a point of contention.
Establishing a budget and allocating individual spending money can help avoid conflicts.
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

5 Ways to Resolve Financial Tension Between Couples

Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In this episode, we're digging into the financial face-offs that make Monopoly fights look like child's play and exploring some money minefields that can test even the most solid relationships. Listen in as we explore how to resolve some of the most common financial sources of tension between couples in retirement.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Disagreeing on risk tolerance in your portfolio. (4:10)
Figuring out what age to retire. (6:43)
Being on the same page about legacy planning in second marriages. (11:01)
Determining your retirement lifestyle as a couple. (13:24)
How are you going to handle financial management in retirement? (16:19)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 
 

3 Ways To Gain Financial Independence

Celebrate the spirit of the month with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of financial independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, Lee is here to discuss what you’re striving to be independent from in your retirement. We’ll unveil the common foes you’ll face on the journey. And good news, no muskets required for these battles!
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Avoiding being too dependent on the government in retirement. (2:38)
Not having to rely on financial support from your children in retirement. (5:40)
Independence from creditors- going into retirement with little or no debt. (8:40)
 
Get Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover here
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Is A Buffer ETF Strategy Right For You?

Everybody wants to make money, but nobody wants to lose it. In today's episode, Lee discusses a specific investment strategy that aims to limit downside risk while offering attractive upside potential. This strategy, known as a Defined Outcome ETF or Buffered ETF strategy, provides a unique approach to investing, especially in uncertain times like the current economic environment.
While this strategy may not be suitable for everyone, it offers an appealing balance between security and growth. Join us as we take a closer look at how ETFs work and discuss who they could potentially benefit.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
What is an ETF and how does it work? (4:46)
The tradeoff with this strategy. (6:40)
Who might this strategy benefit? (8:59)
This investment is 100% liquid. (11:44)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Why You Should NOT Invest In A 401(k)

Don’t get us wrong. In many cases, your 401(k) can be your best investment vehicle, offering numerous benefits and tax advantages and many times a 100% return on some of your contributions (also known as an employer match). However, it's important to recognize that it might not always be the optimal choice for everyone. Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we dissect some reasons why someone should NOT invest in a 401(k).
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Having an emergency fund in place before you contribute to your 401k. (3:55)
If your employer doesn’t match contributions to your 401k. (6:21)
Tackling debt before you start investing. (8:16)
Moving your money out of old 401ks if you no longer work for the company.  (13:07)
Limited investment options and hidden fees. (16:09)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The Talk That Could Save Your Family

In today’s episode, Lee will talk about one of the most important discussions you should have with your family once you enter the fourth quarter of your life. Although talking about what will happen to your money and possessions once you pass away can be uncomfortable, this conversation is critical. Doing so has the potential to preserve and safeguard the bonds within your family and avoid unnecessary heartache and confusion.
Stay tuned as Lee unpacks the moving parts involved in this conversation and shares some tips to help you navigate this emotional terrain. 
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
One of the most important conversations that can take place during your lifetime + why people avoid this conversation (1:31)
Communicating your burial wishes. (4:26)
Letting your kids know that they will receive a portion of your retirement savings after you pass. (5:39)
What about non-retirement accounts and personal property? (9:27)
The importance of having inheritance conversations before you pass. (12:56)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Bad Money Habits Could Spoil Your Retirement Party

Picture this: You're at your retirement party, finally ready to enjoy your golden years, but worries caused by some bad money habits have robbed you of fully enjoying the sweetness of the day. It happens to more people than you think, which is unfortunate because with just a little bit of modification, you can rid some of the worst money habits from your life and set yourself up for retirement success. 
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
The danger of ignoring your account statements. (3:01)
Taking action instead of putting off financial decisions. (5:50)
Investing emotionally instead of strategically. (11:28)
Pulling money out of an emergency fund for non-emergencies. (14:50)
Inadequately diversifying your financial portfolio. (17:48)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Debt Ceiling and Political Theater

Recently, the media has been flooded with information about the debt ceiling issues, fueling fears and speculation. However, it's important to recognize this as political theater, with each side playing their role and blaming the other. In this episode, Lee dives into the reality behind the scenes, reminding you that this is not a unique event and that the debt ceiling has been raised numerous times in the past. In the midst of the noise, it's crucial to focus on what truly matters- the performance of your investments and your long-term strategy.
Join us as we talk about navigating these turbulent times and securing the retirement you deserve.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
The debt ceiling is nothing but political theater. (2:53)
Since 1960, the debt ceiling has been raised or extended 78 separate times. (5:22)
The next few weeks will be even more predictable. (8:11)
Is the news making you question your financial strategy? (12:34)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com