Tag: Retirement Planning
Reverse Mortgages: Myths, Facts, and Financial Benefits (Ep. 50)

Reverse Mortgages: Myths, Facts, and Financial Benefits (Ep. 50)

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Is your retirement income plan missing a key component?

In this insightful episode of Maximizing Outcomes®, host Jim McGovern and Don Graves, President of the Housing Wealth Institute, discuss leveraging home equity through reverse mortgages to enhance retirement outcomes. Gain actionable insights, dispel myths, and discover how this financial tool can redefine your retirement strategy.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Reverse Mortgages: Learn how they work, dispel myths, and uncover their benefits
  • Professional Insights: Hear Don Graves’ journey from skepticism to advocacy and how home equity can be used strategically
  • Comprehensive Planning: Explore the “true liquidity bucket” concept and smart ways to use all assets for optimal outcomes
  • Strategic Uses: Discover how reverse mortgages can supplement Social Security, delay benefits for higher payouts, and manage tax burdens
  • Key Criteria: Understand the determinants of reverse mortgages: spouse’s age, home value, and interest rates
  • Financial Stability: Learn how a reverse mortgage line of credit offers a reliable buffer during market downturns
  • Debunking Myths: Clarify misconceptions about ownership and debt repayment limits
  • And much more!

 

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

 

Connect with Don Graves:

 

About our Guest:

Don Graves, RICP®, CLTC®, CSA® Certified Senior Advisor, is the President and Founder of the Housing Wealth Institute, and a leading educator in the field of retirement income planning. He has authored three books and serves as an Instructor of Retirement Income at The American College of Financial Services. Recognized as one of the top retirement income leaders by the American College, Don has contributed to over 20,000 advisor/client engagements, distilling his extensive experience into practical, implementable strategies.

His book, Housing Wealth: 3 Ways the New Reverse Mortgage Is Changing Retirement Income Conversations, reached the Amazon #1 spot for New Releases in Financial Services. Don’s expertise has been featured in Forbes Magazine and PBS-sponsored shows. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), Long Term Care Specialist (CLTC®), and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), Don brings a unique perspective on integrating housing wealth into retirement planning. He is also a Business Development Manager at Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage, and his workshops are highly sought after by advisors nationwide.

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Medicare: What You Need To Know With Lukas Baker (Ep. 44)

Medicare: What You Need To Know With Lukas Baker (Ep. 44)

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Ready to retire but unsure about your Medicare options? Want to learn how to choose the plan that fits your lifestyle and budget?

Tune into this insightful episode of Maximizing Outcomes, where host Jim McGovern and Lukas Baker, founder of Baker Consulting Services, dive into the intricacies of Medicare planning. As a specialist in health insurance needs, Lukas provides crucial insights into Medicare’s various parts and offers strategies for managing out-of-pocket expenses in retirement.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Medicare: Get a clear explanation of Parts A, B, C (Medicare Advantage), and D
  • Filling Medicare Gaps: Learn about Supplemental and Medicare Advantage Plans to safeguard your finances
  • Ancillary Products: Discover how they complement Medicare Advantage and lessen expenses.
  • Enrollment Essentials: Understand the crucial timing for Initial, Annual, and Special Enrollment periods
  • Tailoring Your Plan: Find out how to match your Medicare plan with your healthcare needs, including preferred doctors and travel plans
  • Choosing Providers: Guidance on switching between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and navigating underwriting
  • Managing Prescriptions: Strategies for choosing pharmacies and handling the ‘Donut Hole’
  • Advocacy in Healthcare: Learn the difference between HMO and PPO plans and how to advocate for your best care.
  • Plus more insightful tips and strategies!

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Lukas Baker:

About Lukas Baker:

Lukas Baker, an experienced health insurance professional, specializes in Medicare planning, offering services in various health insurance areas, including dental, vision, and supplemental coverages. He advocates for a personalized, client-focused approach, providing comprehensive consultations to navigate Medicare’s complexities. His firm, Baker Consulting Services, based in Western Pennsylvania, caters to a diverse range of clients, including those under 65, early retirees, and those nearing Medicare eligibility.

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Mastering Your Money with The Living Balance Sheet® creator Bob Ball – Part 1 (Ep. 40)

Mastering Your Money with The Living Balance Sheet® creator Bob Ball – Part 1 (Ep. 40)

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Is conventional thinking behind money decisions holding you back?

In this compelling episode of the Maximizing Outcomes® Podcast, host Jim McGovern is joined by Bob Ball, the innovator behind the Living Balance Sheet®. Together, they shed light on how traditional thinking has fallen short, led people astray, and explore the system that has paved an improved path for over a million users. Bob shares insights from his vast experience, challenging the norms and advocating for a balanced, resilient, and realistic approach to managing finances.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Revolutionizing Financial Decisions: Learn how the Living Balance Sheet® is transforming financial decision making.
  2. Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Bob Ball discusses the pitfalls of traditional strategies and the importance of rethinking risk.
  3. The Power of Liquidity: Discover why maintaining liquid assets is crucial for financial flexibility and responding to life’s uncertainties.
  4. Debt Management Strategies: Gain insights into effective ways to manage and reduce debt while simultaneously building wealth.
  5. Protecting Your Financial Future: Understand the necessity of proper insurance protection to safeguard against unforeseen financial catastrophes.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights for both financial professionals and individuals looking to enhance their financial well-being. For more information, visit www.McGovernWealth.com. Subscribe for more empowering discussions and share this episode with those looking to maximize their financial outcomes.

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Robert Ball:

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Retaining Key Employees with Non-Qualified Retirement Plans, Part 2 with Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® (Ep. 29)

Retaining Key Employees with Non-Qualified Retirement Plans, Part 2 with Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® (Ep. 29)

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For any business owner, losing key employees can be costly and disruptive. Retaining top-performing employees is crucial not only for growing your bottom line, but also for maximizing your enterprise value when it’s time to exit the business.

In the previous episode, we talked about qualified retirement plans. Today, we will discuss non-qualified retirement plans, which serve as an effective incentive to retain talent while simultaneously enabling your business to realize tax savings!

Join Jim McGovern and Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® and President of our Columbus office, in this two-part series as they share meaningful insights into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and their benefits for both the employer and employee.

Jim and Thomas discuss:

  • How non-qualified retirement plans differ from qualified plans
  • How Section 162 Executive Bonus Plans help retain employees for over a decade (and why they are easy to set up) 
  • A simplified explanation of split-dollar life insurance plans
  • Understanding Supplemental Executive Retirement Programs, which serve as “golden handcuffs”
  • How to reward employees without diluting your ownership using phantom stock plans
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Thomas Wyatt:

About our guest:

Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® is a highly skilled Certified Financial Planner, Professional based in Columbus, OH. With a strong focus on assisting businesses, business owners, and individual clients, Thomas has dedicated his career to helping them achieve their financial goals through effective and efficient tax-favored strategies.

Throughout his professional journey, Thomas has specialized in various areas, including Profit Sharing, 401(k) plans, Defined Benefit plans, Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans, and essential employee benefits. By implementing these strategies, he empowers his clients to attract and retain talented individuals while maximizing tax advantages.

Recognizing the significance of individual financial aspirations, Thomas also works closely with individuals to help them shape the future they desire. Through comprehensive planning and personalized strategies, he assists clients in realizing their dreams and securing their financial well-being. With his extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication, Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® is a trusted financial partner committed to empowering businesses and individuals alike on their journey toward financial success.

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Retirement Planning Essentials, Part 1 with Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® (Ep. 28)

Retirement Planning Essentials, Part 1 with Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® (Ep. 28)

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In this two-part series, we’ll be covering qualified retirement plans in Part 1 and non-qualified retirement plans in Part 2. If you’re a business owner, these episodes are a must-listen, as they provide valuable insights into retirement income planning, plan designs, limitations, and how to administer them for maximum tax savings.

In part 1, we provide you with important information for navigating qualified retirement plans. Thomas Wyatt JD, CFP® and President of our Columbus office, will guide you through the complexities and help you make informed financial decisions for your business.

Here’s what you’ll learn in Part 1:

  • Understanding the intricacies of pre-tax IRAs and Roth IRAs, including income limitations and contribution rates
  • Exploring the benefits and limitations of SEP IRAs for small business owners and how they differ from traditional IRAs
  • What Simple Roth IRAs are, and how they compare to a 401k
  • Strategies for business owners on how they can design their 401k plans based on their business goals
  • What the 412(e)(3) plan is, and how it differentiates from other retirement plans
  • And a whole lot more!

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Thomas Wyatt:

About our guest:

Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® is a highly skilled Certified Financial Planner based in Columbus, OH. With a strong focus on assisting businesses, business owners, and individual clients, Thomas has dedicated his career to helping them achieve their financial goals through effective and efficient tax-favored strategies.

Throughout his professional journey, Thomas has specialized in various areas, including Profit Sharing, 401(k) plans, Defined Benefit plans, Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans, and essential employee benefits. By implementing these strategies, he empowers his clients to attract and retain talented individuals while maximizing tax advantages.

Recognizing the significance of individual financial aspirations, Thomas also works closely with individuals to help them shape the future they desire. Through comprehensive planning and personalized strategies, he assists clients in realizing their dreams and securing their financial well-being. With his extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication, Thomas Wyatt, JD, CFP® is a trusted financial partner committed to empowering businesses and individuals alike on their journey toward financial success.

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Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 2 (Ep. 27)

Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 2 (Ep. 27)

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In the second part of this two-part series, Jim McGovern discusses how annuities can help provide a secure “retirement salary” that cannot be outlived¹ and how to help position other assets to serve as a “bonus” component for retirement spending. Jim discusses some of the challenges retirees face when relying solely on market-based investments, limitations of the popular “4% Withdrawal Rate” concept, and different ways annuities can be structured to meet income, investment, risk, and protection objectives in retirement.

Jim discusses:

  • Why it is important to have a reliable source of guaranteed¹ lifelong income in retirement
  • The potential consequences of relying solely on market-based investments
  • The different types of annuities that provide guaranteed¹ lifetime income and some of their key features
  • Addressing the worry of retirement savings earning a poor return (and how to mitigate this risk!)
  • Other uses for annuities besides investing and retirement income
  • The fees and penalty withdrawals considerations for annuities
  • How to know which income strategy you should use in retirement according to your unique goals and objectives.
  • And more

 

1All guarantees including the death benefit payments are dependent upon the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

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Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 1 (Ep. 26)

Unlocking Retirement Security: How Annuities Can Help Protect Assets and Guarantee¹ Lifetime Income, Part 1 (Ep. 26)

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Whether you’re new to annuities or seeking to enhance your retirement income strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to support your financial journey.

In this episode, Jim McGovern uncovers the potential advantages of annuities. Join us as we explore annuities and understand the need for retirement protected asset growth and protected lifetime income.

Jim covers the following topics:

  • What annuities are and some of the key advantages of using annuities as a means of growing retirement assets compared to other investment options
  • How index-linked annuities offer some protection against market fluctuations compared to variable annuities or traditional Mutual Fund Investments
  • How index-linked annuities help address market fluctuations and may provide a hedge against inflation
  • Breaking down annuities into two different phases
  • The limitations including loss of access to principal and other factors that individuals should consider before deciding to invest in annuities to help with retirement asset growth and protection
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

1All guarantees including the death benefit payments are dependent upon the claims paying ability of the issuing company and do not apply to the investment performance of the underlying funds in a variable annuity contract. 2023-156764

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Using Life Insurance as an Asset in Your Portfolio (Ep. 23)

Using Life Insurance as an Asset in Your Portfolio (Ep. 23)

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In this episode, Bobby Samuelson, President and CEO of Life Innovators, breaks down the complexities of traditional fixed income investing options, and explores how life insurance can be used as an asset in your overall portfolio.

He breaks down how whole life insurance can be a versatile financial instrument, used for the protection of families and businesses, while helping build and enhance wealth. Bobby covers the unique benefits that differentiate whole life insurance from other financial instruments, how it works, its uses, and flexibility.

Bobby discusses:

  • His journey: Past work and what he’s currently doing as the president of Life Innovators
  • Why demand is on the rise for whole life insurance and annuities
  • The stability and returns trade-off of an insurance policy vs. a fixed-income portfolio
  • The complexities associated with investing in bonds
  • The benefits of whole life insurance
  • And so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Bobby Samuelson:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About Our Guest:

Bobby Samuelson co-founded Life Innovators in 2018 and has been President and CEO since its inception. 

Bobby was formerly Senior Vice President and Head of Life Insurance and Annuity Product Development and Pricing at Brighthouse Financial and Vice President of Life Product Development at MetLife. 

Prior to joining MetLife in 2013, Bobby was a consultant to life insurers, distributors and high-end agents. He is the third generation of his family to work in life insurance. He is also the Executive Editor of The Life Product Review since 2012. 

Bobby is a regular keynote speaker at corporate and industry events.

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Retirement Accounts, Are They Worth the Investment? (Ep. 20)

Retirement Accounts, Are They Worth the Investment? (Ep. 20)

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While retirement accounts have powerful tax advantages, they might also have significant disadvantages if we don’t understand the rules. 

In this episode, Jim McGovern discusses retirement accounts and how individuals need to think critically about how these accounts work, know the rules of the game as they stand today, and consider their circumstances before deciding to invest in them. 

Jim also warns against the misconception that investing in retirement accounts saves tax money.

Jim discusses:

  • The advantages and disadvantages of retirement accounts 
  • Understanding the impact of changing tax rates
  • Factors to consider when deciding to invest in retirement accounts
  • Additional insights and tips on retirement account planning
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

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