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A top retirement podcast dedicated to helping you: Reduce Taxes | Make Work Optional | Maximize Retirement Income | Invest Confidently | Optimize Stock Compensation | Help Future Generations Scott Sierens, financial advisor at Sierens Financial Group, will provide thoughts, strategies, and ideas on each episode to help you thrive in life, wealth and retirement. The goal is to take complex financial subjects and make them simple and easy to understand so you can feel confident to take action, ...
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It’s the last week of the month, so you know what that means! We’re back with a new mailbag episode. We’ve got some great listener questions lined up for you today, so stick around to see what responses and strategies might apply to your situation and help improve your financial picture. Here are the questions we answer in this episode: I retired l…
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Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? In this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, taxes, and the stock market. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding ques…
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The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. In this episode, we unearth and tackle these essential questions about retirement. List…
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Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. This episode is filled with straightforward changes that you can put into action now to generate positive effects on your financial life. Here’s some of what we discuss in …
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Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? Dive deep in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across th…
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We’re back for our third and final week of answering listener questions about year-end tax planning. These episodes are a unique opportunity for you to gain insights from real-world scenarios and inquiries shared by our listeners. In this installment, we're delving into the crucial concept of tax diversification, exploring methods to optimize your …
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Today, we're diving into the listener mailbag once again, to answer your questions on tax planning and strategies for the year ahead. As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to get your financial ducks in a row so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money. Scott offers valuable insights on whether to file taxes jointly or separately…
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As we move into the fourth quarter of the year, let’s take a little time to focus on year-end tax planning. We’re opening up the listener mailbag and pulling out questions asking specifically about taxes and tax planning. We’ll be taking strategies and opportunities discussed last episode and apply them to certain real-life situations. No matter wh…
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As we move into the fourth quarter of the year, now is the time to be looking ahead and determining what year-end tax planning and retirement planning opportunities and strategies might be available to you. Evaluating where you are today and making the necessary changes can have a very positive impact on your financial position moving forward. Rega…
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In today’s show, we’re going to open up the listener mailbag and answer questions about pension selections, questions about the challenges you could face if there’s an age gap between you and your spouse, and then discuss the hidden costs you might not be seeing in your retirement income. Each of these questions we’ll tackle today cover pretty comm…
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In today's episode, we delve into a critical aspect of retirement planning that can significantly impact your financial future – Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Whether you've stashed your savings in a 401(k), 403(b), 457, IRA, SEP IRA, or simple IRA, understanding RMDs is crucial, especially if you're approaching your seventies. Join us as …
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Are you expecting an inheritance, or planning to pass down assets to your loved ones? It's crucial to understand the potential tax implications that come with it. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of inheritance taxes. Key discussion points in this episode: If you inherit real estate, the property's value is adjusted to its current …
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Many say that age is just a number, but when it comes to retirement planning, age means much more than that. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of financial milestones that can significantly impact your retirement planning. From age 50 to 75, we uncover the strategies, opportunities, and pitfalls tied to these pivotal yea…
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We’re back with another mailbag episode today! Join us as we tackle a range of topics- from navigating investments during significant life changes to figuring out a retirement travel spending amount, this episode covers a lot of ground. Scott is here to answer your questions, so stick around to see what you can learn. Here are the questions we’ll a…
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Recent headlines are buzzing with talk of inflation, recession, and their potential impact on your retirement plans. Should you be concerned? In this episode, Scott takes you through a comprehensive breakdown of these headlines and what they truly mean for your financial future. By understanding how inflation, recession, and Social Security interpl…
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Scott recently came across an article that discussed 8 ways the richest Americans avoid paying taxes. While many might think that these strategies wouldn’t apply to their financial situation, we’re going to discuss how you can apply these tactics to potentially reduce your taxes. Stay tuned as Scott breaks down these 8 strategies! Here are the 8 st…
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In today’s episode, we’re diving into three often underestimated issues that could significantly impact your retirement plan. With valuable insight and practical strategies, Scott sheds light on how to overcome these challenges and secure a smoother financial future. Here are some key takeaways from this episode: Longevity's Wake-Up Call: Drawing f…
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Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In this episode, we explore five money minefields that can test even the most solid relationships in retirement. Listen in as Scott shares some tips on how to resolve some of these common financial sources of tension and emphasizes the importance o…
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We’re back with another mailbag episode for today’s show! We’re here to answer financial questions from listeners just like you. Stick around and see what strategies you can learn from today’s show. Eddie is 62 and hates his job but is making a great income. He asks if it would be a mistake to walk away from this job before retirement. Catherine as…
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The journey to retirement can be turbulent, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can navigate this path with confidence. In today’s mailbag episode, we answer some listener questions about handling retirement contributions, fearing a recession, and banking on an inheritance for your retirement. Tune in as Scott discusses the importance of pl…
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Who are you learning from when it comes to making sure your retirement plan is successful? If you’re of the age that your mom and dad retired 20 or 30 years ago, the world was a much different place when they walked away from their paychecks. Let’s talk about how things are different now… Here's what we’ll discuss in this episode: It’s okay to work…
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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-prov…
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It’s the last week of the month, so we’re diving into the listener mailbag for today’s episode! Tune in as Scott answers some listener questions that have recently been sent into the show and see what knowledge you can gain from them. Stick around, because these strategies could be useful for your life or help you avoid financial mistakes in the fu…
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We commonly get asked if life insurance is needed in retirement. With many advertisements and commercials emphasizing the importance of life insurance, this can be an understandably confusing topic. So, in today’s episode, we’re going to talk about the purpose of life insurance, explore the circumstances that warrant its need, and discuss what you …
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Who wouldn’t want extra cash in their pocket without having to pay taxes to the IRS? In today’s episode, Scott dives into the topic of getting more tax-free gains and shares valuable strategies for growing your wealth without paying hefty taxes. From contributing to a Roth 401(k) or SEP Roth to utilizing the backdoor Roth IRA process, Scott provide…
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No one enjoys making mistakes, as they can result in wasted time and money and cause significant stress and frustration. In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into if you aren’t properly prepared. In this episode, we’re going talk about the top 5 money mistakes that Scott often sees in retirement p…
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In this episode, we dive into a common question: Can you work and receive a wage income while collecting Social Security? The answer may surprise you, as it's yes, maybe, and no. Join us as we explore each response in detail, discussing whether your benefits would be reduced and uncovering ways to reclaim any deductions. Additionally, we'll discuss…
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In today’s episode, we continue discussing and answering listener questions we’ve received. Scott will answer questions on paying off your home mortgage, navigating retirement discussions with your partner, and leaving behind an inheritance for your children. Listen in as you may find yourself asking a similar question, in a similar scenario, or ab…
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Effective retirement planning involves not only knowing your sources of income, such as Social Security but also having a clear understanding of the expenses that will be incurred from that income. It's very important to consider all potential costs to ensure a comfortable retirement. In Scott’s experience, there is one cost that many individuals t…
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In today's episode, we are going to look at the results of the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey. Join us as Scott unpacks these surprising statistics, shares his takeaways, and reveals the insights they provide when it comes to retirement planning. Whether you are nearing retirement or have already retired, this episode is packed with valuable inf…
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Retirement can come with a lot of tax questions and concerns. From understanding the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts to minimizing taxes on investment income, it can be overwhelming. In today’s episode, we’ll break down the 7 tax questions that people approaching retirement are asking. Here are a few lessons that we’ll…
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We’re going to dive into some listener questions today! In this mailbag episode, we’ll discuss the differences between Roth conversions and Roth contributions and clarify which of these options have income limits. We will also explore what to do if your 401k contributions are already maxed out. We’ll then wrap up with an insightful discussion on sp…
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To celebrate our 100th episode of the podcast, we’re going to share 10 lessons from retirees to help you and your retirement plan. These tips will help you build wealth, reduce stress during the planning process and retire with confidence. So, whether you’re retired or not, this episode will be packed with valuable lessons for folks of all ages. He…
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When it comes to saving for retirement, many people automatically turn to the 401(k) as their go-to account. But is it really the best option for everyone? While the 401(k) is certainly a powerful tool, it may not be the best choice for all your retirement savings. In this episode, we'll explore the pros and cons of 401(k) plans and introduce alter…
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Finding yourself between jobs can be frustrating. Whether you were fired, laid off, or just had to step away of your own choosing, change can feel challenging, but can also present exciting opportunities. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about changing careers and cover five financial planning considerations when transitioning into a new job…
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In this episode, we’re opening up the listener mailbag to answer questions about distributions that you might need to take from an inheritance, combining old 401ks into an IRA, and how to invest for inflation and how to invest if you’re on the doorstep of retirement. Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode: An explanation of what inflation…
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Did you know the government is going to force you to take money out of some of your retirement accounts as you get older, even if you don’t want to? In today’s episode, we talk about what required minimum distributions are, why they exist and when they might start for you. Ignoring them could lead to major taxes issues down the road that might be d…
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If you’re looking for some last-minute tax tips before filing your 2022 taxes, this episode is for you. We’re going to talk about strategies you can utilize to reduce your taxes for last year or utilize to get some tax-free money growing for your future. Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode: The first strategy is being able to make cont…
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Whenever we first start talking to someone about what they’re going to need for retirement, we usually hear some of the same answers. They’ll name some of the basics like mortgage and utilities and then run through the fun stuff like travel and hobbies. But too often, there are five expenses that people typically miss when planning for their retire…
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Even if you’ve been saving your money and investing for a long time it’s easy to make rookie mistakes. On this episode, we’ll cover some of the top rookie mistakes we see people make, illustrate how to avoid them or how to fix them if you’ve already made some mistakes in your financial life. Here’s more of what you’ll learn on this episode: First m…
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Today we’re going to open up the mailbag to answer your financial questions and we’ll be covering some great income, tax and investing topics. We hope this episode provides some great information that you can take and implement into your financial plan to help you build wealth and retire with confidence. Here’s more of what you’ll learn on this epi…
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You’ve worked hard for your savings and investments, and we’ve found that most people want to make sure that those funds pass on to someone that’s important to them when they pass. In this episode, Scott will address five, unfortunately, common beneficiary mistakes. These could cost you and your loved ones dearly, and end up spoiling an otherwise w…
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On this episode the Your Life, Your Money Podcast, Scott Sierens delves into why he believes there are three key questions that everyone should be asking themselves in order to ensure that they are properly preparing for retirement. These questions cover some of the most critical elements of the retirement planning process and are essential for any…
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Market volatility became the norm in 2022. Are we in for more of the same in 2023? In this episode, we’ll share some of the predictions being made by some big industry names for the upcoming year. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Here are the expert predictions for 2023. (2:13) What do I think about these predictions? (7:48) Here’s…
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In the first part of this two-part series, we detailed the changes coming to required minimum distributions and Roth accounts. In this episode, we’ll work our way through more of the planning items in SECURE Act 2.0, including spousal IRAs, qualified charitable distributions, catch-up contributions, emergency savings accounts, and required minimum …
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Another round of retirement changes are on the way after President Biden signed a spending bill in December 2022 that included the SECURE Act 2.0. Retirees and pre-retirees need to understand what this legislation means, how it might impact you, and what planning opportunities this could open up. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Ba…
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It’s time to open up the mailbag again and answer some of your financial questions on the podcast, and we have a few really good ones to tackle today. Whether you’re in retirement or getting close, there will be some good information that we think you’ll relate to with your own financial planning. So a few of the things we’ll address in this episod…
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Having a million dollars saved for retirement isn’t providing the type of confidence that it used to for pre-retirees, and many people feel like they’ll need a little luck to be successful in retirement. Is that really the case and what’s a more realistic target number today? We’ll take a look at a recent article detailing the fears many Americans …
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Today’s show is all about answering your financial questions and we have four great ones for you that cover a few important topics. We’re going to answer questions about annuities, which is a product that not everyone understands. We’ll also talk about what to do if you come into a surplus of income, whether that’s from a work bonus, inheritance or…
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Saving in your 401(k) can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But because it’s so easy and painless, it can also be easy to ignore for long periods of time, which often leads to mistakes. In this episode, we’ll cover at least the top 5 mistakes people make in their 401(k)s. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:…
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