My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

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

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