My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

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

Financial Decisions During 7 Pivotal Life Events

Are you ready to take control of your finances during life's most pivotal moments? In this episode, we dive into the complex world of financial decision-making during key life events. From the excitement of marriage and the joy of welcoming a new child to the challenges of divorce and the loss of a loved one, Lee will provide practical tips and guidance to help you make informed decisions and maintain financial stability.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Combining your finances after marriage + prenuptial agreements. (3:16)
Planning for what-if scenarios, such as job changes. (9:02)
Financial changes that occur after having or adopting children. (12:00)
Making financial decisions after the death of a spouse. (16:09)
Financial decisions leading up to retirement. (22:02)
Mailbag: What do early retirement offers usually include and how can I be prepared? (25:36)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Ep 110: Is the TSP the G.O.A.T. of Retirement Plans?

Is the TSP, also known as the Thrift Savings Plan, truly the greatest investment platform of all time? There are a lot of people that would answer yes to this question, so in today’s episode, we’ll explore any potential shortcomings it may have. Specifically, we will dive into a recent conversation between Lee and a client who had their funds in a TSP. 
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
A recent phone call with a federal employee that led to today’s show topic + a brief breakdown of TSPs. (1:01)
Why would you move money from a TSP to an IRA? (5:36)
The value of an RIA and fee transparency. (8:18)
The benefit of having personalized planning advice. (12:06)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Ep 109: Retiring With Honors: Financial Planning Lessons From The Classroom

From time to time, we like to look at issues faced by people in other professions outside of the financial world and see what kind of retirement planning lessons we can learn from them. In today’s episode, we’re seeing what we can learn from teachers and the issues they face. Let’s look at how homework, standardized testing, and customized learning approaches relate to financial planning.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Everybody hates homework, but an advisor can help. (1:56)
Like standardized testing, cookie-cutter planning isn’t ideal. (4:36)
Age-appropriate advice is critical in financial planning. (12:04)
Lifelong learning is a great habit to develop. (15:04)
Mailbag: Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire? (17:33)
Mailbag: Gifting vs. lending money. (18:49)
 
Use the code “knowyournumber” to access the Know Your Number course for FREE!
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Ep 108: McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, and Robo Advisors

Artificial intelligence has made massive improvements lately, impacting almost every industry. There has been a lot of chatter about this taking over the financial sector as well. So, is artificial intelligence good or bad for the advisor world? We’ll talk about this and more on today’s show.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Technology has advanced tremendously. (1:48)
Lee’s recent experience at Mcdonald's. (4:37)
The impact of human interaction in a world of artificial intelligence. (7:41)
Is artificial intelligence good or bad in the advising world? (10:46)
The impact of friendly, consistent service. (13:33)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Ep 107: How Do You Measure Retirement Success?

How do you measure success in retirement? While having enough money saved for retirement is important, it shouldn’t be the only measuring stick for success. In this episode, we explore three other areas to consider when measuring retirement success: time, self-worth, and ideal days.
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
Lee shares about his weekend in St. Simons, Georgia (1:39)
Measuring retirement success by money. (4:37)
Measuring retirement success by time. (6:29)
Measuring retirement success by self-worth.  (10:04)
How many ideal days did you have throughout the year? (11:41)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Ep 106: Mailbag- Protecting Your Savings, Retiring Early, Roth Conversions, And More!

We’re back with another mailbag episode! We’ve received some excellent listener questions recently, and we’re going to dive into a few of them on today’s show. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights and practical solutions to real-life financial challenges and questions.
In today’s episode, we’ll discuss protecting your savings and investments from current economic uncertainties, what to do once you’ve maxed out your 401(k) savings, and retiring early. We’ll also clarify the critical distinctions between two often-confused terms, Roth contributions, and Roth conversions. 
 
Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode:
What steps can I take to protect my savings and investments from losing value with the current inflationary pressures? (3:23)
What should I do once I’ve maxed out my 401(k)? (10:27)
I have plenty of money in my 401(k) but I’m only 57. Is it foolish to retire now? (14:30)
The critical difference between a Roth contribution and a Roth conversion. (18:12)
Listen to Episode 70: https://myretirementclarity.com/2022/07/ep-70-bucket-strategy-101/
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
 Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Ep 105: A Comprehensive Dismantling Of 2023’s Top Social Security Myths

As most of us know, navigating Social Security can be a challenge, and unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about there about this important benefit. With so much confusion surrounding this topic, we’re here today to set the record straight. In this episode, we’re debunking the most common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about.
 
Here are the myths we’ll discuss in this episode:
Myth: The Social Security Administration will help you make the best decision about when you should start your benefit. (4:40)
Myth: You won’t have to pay taxes on Social Security. (7:50)
Myth: There won’t be any Social Security benefits left by the time you retire. (13:05)
Myth: You can’t work and receive Social Security benefits at the same time. (17:25)
Myth: You should claim your Social Security benefits as soon as you’re eligible. (20:24)
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
 Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Ep 104: How Much Do I Need To Retire?

Lee has been working in the financial industry for over 16 years, and during that time, has encountered a wide variety of financial planning questions. However, there is one question that seems to come up more frequently than any other: "How much do I need to retire?" Is one million enough for everyone? Although it appears to be a straightforward question, we’re going to dive into the complexities of this topic today.
 
Here's what we'll discuss in this episode:
Why the question “How much do I need to retire?” is difficult to answer. (2:03)
Why a million dollars may not be enough to retire on for everyone. (3:11)
The importance of keeping track of your expenses. (5:34)
Lee’s challenge for those looking to retire in the relative future. (9:29)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
 Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com
 

Ep 103: How To Lose All Of Your Money

As you prepare for retirement, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to secure your financial future. We’ve talked a lot on this podcast about strategies to help you grow your wealth for retirement, but it’s just as important to consider the risks that could wipe out your savings entirely. On today’s episode, we’re covering the two big ways that you could lose every dime you have, and how to avoid these critical mistakes.  
 
Here are some of the topics we will cover in this episode:
Investing your life’s savings in a business idea of a friend, relative, or child. (3:48)
The consequences of investing all of your money in one company. (8:29)
Why Lee does not recommend that his clients buy individual stocks. (12:23)
 
Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithlee.com
 Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com