Weekly financial and retirement planning guidance with Mike Kojonen of Principal Preservation Services. Mike serves western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities areas of Minnesota. He's the co-author of Momma's Secret Recipe for Retirement Success and will impart financial wisdom each week on this podcast.
…
continue reading

1
Social Security Claiming Tips for Unique Situations
13:45
13:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:45Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:2…
…
continue reading

1
The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?
9:40
9:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:40Winter has a lot of people thinking about warmer weather. For some, that just means an annual vacation down south. But for certain retirees, they choose to live elsewhere through the brunt of winter, becoming “snowbirds.” Is snowbird life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if…
…
continue reading
Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years, and its impact on retirement planning is arguably bigger than ever. As prices for everyday goods and services continue to rise, understanding how to effectively manage these changes is essential for securing a comfortable retirement. Let’s explore strategies for inflation-proofing your retirement and …
…
continue reading

1
How To Change Your Money Attitude In 2025
12:31
12:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:31As we kick off 2025, a lot of people consider what they want the year to look like and how to put their best foot forward, especially financially. Think: “new year, new me!” Today, we’ll talk about the financial decisions and habits you’ve maybe had in the past and what changes you can make this year to embrace the new you. Here’s what we discuss i…
…
continue reading

1
How Should You Invest Money That You’ll Need To Use In Three Years?
9:51
9:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:51The majority of the investment planning you do for retirement is aimed at long-term success, but what can you do with the money you’ll need in the next few years? You don’t want to put those funds at risk when there’s a major purchase like a wedding or a new car coming in the near future. So what can you do with that money to keep it from being sta…
…
continue reading

1
Retirement Spending Strategies That Will Help You Spend With Confidence
12:44
12:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:44It’s the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 – Why the reservations? 4…
…
continue reading

1
Are Future Retirement Worries Harming Your Mental Health TODAY?
13:06
13:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:06Join us as we explore the evolving benchmarks for retirement savings, the importance of proper planning over mere goal-setting, and the role of charitable contributions in financial strategies. We’ll break it all down and explore what these new numbers mean for your financial future. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:28 – Is th…
…
continue reading

1
2024's Best Stocking Stuffers for Financial Freedom
17:32
17:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:32🎄 The holiday season is here! As you're busy stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that bring you closer to a secure retirement. 🎁 Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:03 – Maxing out contributions 2:04 – Reviewing your Social Security strategy 3:55 – Consolidating old …
…
continue reading

1
Most Americans Are Forced to Retire Early - Are You Ready?
18:33
18:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:33Did you know that most Americans are forced to retire early? A little bit more than you might actually realize. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 60% of Americans are forced to retire earlier than their planned age. On this show, we're going to talk about some things to think about and the next …
…
continue reading

1
Retirees Have a Serious Temptation Problem
13:02
13:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:02Retirees face serious financial temptations that can jeopardize their future, but there are smart ways to avoid them. In this episode, we’ll reveal the most dangerous temptations the average retiree faces and share strategies to help you avoid them, or correct your current course, to keep retirement on track. Here’s what we discuss in this episode:…
…
continue reading

1
What Financial Advisors Wish Every Investor Knew (Part 2)
13:31
13:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:31Today it’s part two of our discussion about the crucial insights every investor should know before stepping into a financial advisor's office. This week, learn about the importance of comprehensive planning beyond investments, the emotional side of financial decisions, and the value of diversification. Discover why financial planning isn't just for…
…
continue reading

1
What Financial Advisors Wish Every Investor Knew (Part 1)
14:47
14:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:47Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:02 – Investment costs 3:40 – Real …
…
continue reading

1
Pension & Retirement Plan Contribution Adjustments for 2025
9:01
9:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:01As we rapidly approach 2025, it's essential to stay informed about the latest changes in retirement contribution limits and tax brackets. In this episode, Mike will update you on what adjustments are being made to key pension and retirement plan limits, providing listeners with the knowledge needed to maximize their retirement savings. Here’s some …
…
continue reading

1
Social Security Shake-Up: How Raising the Retirement Age Could Impact You
16:37
16:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:37Social Security has long been a cornerstone of retirement planning for millions of Americans, providing a crucial safety net in their golden years. However, recent proposals suggest significant changes could be on the horizon, potentially altering the landscape of retirement as we know it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Brendan Boy…
…
continue reading

1
What Makes Our Financial Planning Approach Unique?
20:20
20:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:20Every firm has distinct principles that guide its approach to financial planning. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the core values and unique processes that set Principal Preservation Services apart. We’ll walk you through how we get to know our clients on a deeper level, create personalized financial strategies, and how ou…
…
continue reading

1
Retirees In Their 70s Regret These 5 Things
21:19
21:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:19A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire. Be sure to …
…
continue reading

1
Unusual Fears & Financial Planning: Lessons from the Strangest Phobias
19:42
19:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:42In this episode, we’re exploring some of the world’s most unique and quirky fears—and believe it or not, they have a lot more in common with your financial life than you might think. From the fear of long words to the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth, we’ll navigate through a list of some of the world’s most peculiar fears a…
…
continue reading

1
Financial Mailbag: Retirement Savings, Life Insurance Claim, Finding an Advisor & More
19:40
19:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:40In this special mailbag edition of the show, Mike answers a wide range of listener questions. From life insurance and alimony to savings and retirement planning, this episode covers many of the financial planning conversations we have with clients every day. Here are some of the questions we’ll answer in this episode: I’ve heard that you need to ha…
…
continue reading

1
How Kids & Grandkids Influence YOUR Retirement Planning
25:25
25:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:25Retirement planning is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the needs of your family. In the latest episode, Mike shares valuable insights on how children and grandchildren can significantly impact retirement goals and offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. Here’s some of what we …
…
continue reading
Mike gets a lot of questions about 401(k)s and knows they can be tricky to navigate. That's why we're tackling your top questions in one comprehensive episode. From understanding target date funds to adjusting your investments as you near retirement, this conversation will cover a wide range of essential topics. Listen in to see what you can learn!…
…
continue reading
Imagine retiring comfortably on just $42 per month—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s exactly the assertion you might have seen in the headline of a recent article online. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Is this article clickbait or is there some value to it? Some strategies you need in order to save for retirement. What …
…
continue reading

1
Clearing Up Some Common Financial Half-Truths
20:12
20:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:12We hear a lot of half-truths in the financial world, not necessarily because people try to make misleading statements, but because sometimes a simple statement just doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Join Mike as he goes over some common financial half-truths to try and help clear some things up and put your mind at ease. Here’s some of what we di…
…
continue reading

1
Take the Fork: Yogi Berra's Wisdom on Making Financial Choices
16:22
16:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:22In this episode, we’re diving into some famous words by the one and only Yogi Berra. You might know him for his legendary baseball career, but Yogi was also a goldmine of wisdom. So, what can we learn from Yogi about retirement planning? Here are some of the quotes we’ll unpack in this episode: “I never said most of the things I said.” “A nickel ai…
…
continue reading

1
Retiree Insurance: The Basics You Must Know
25:40
25:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:40What types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re going to walk you through the fundamentals in today's episode, covering health insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and more. Here’s some of the mistakes we discuss in this episode: Why your …
…
continue reading

1
Mistakes When Choosing A Financial Advisor
22:50
22:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:50In this episode, we’ll uncover the critical mistakes many make when choosing a financial advisor. We're cutting through the noise to highlight what often goes wrong- from misplaced trust in big names to overlooking the fine print. This episode is your essential guide to avoiding those pitfalls and making informed decisions that align with your fina…
…
continue reading

1
Expectation vs. Reality: The Truth About Retirement Planning
18:19
18:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:19When we think of retirement, we often imagine endless days of relaxation, travel, and leisure. But how much of this is a dream versus reality? Today, we'll explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Understan…
…
continue reading

1
Retirement Questions That Younger Generations are Asking
28:52
28:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:52Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. In this episode, we're cove…
…
continue reading

1
Retirement Questions Every Generation Is Asking (Baby Boomers)
20:56
20:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:56Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. Over the next few weeks, we…
…
continue reading

1
How Is Technology Redefining Retirement Planning?
23:24
23:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:24Today we will unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning, but does it deliver? This episode takes a critical look at the wave of innovations, from personal finance management software to online calculators, and questions whether they truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities. Here’s som…
…
continue reading

1
How One Overlooked Issue Can Sink Your Retirement
18:24
18:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:24In today’s episode, we spotlight some of the single oversights that could send your dreams to the bottom. We'll share key strategies to plug the gaps, ensuring your financial ship stays buoyant and on course. Tune in to protect your future from the one mistake that could derail everything. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The importa…
…
continue reading

1
Retirement Planning Is Different For Women: Here’s Why
19:12
19:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:12In this episode, we’ll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender pay gap to the impact of caregiving responsibilities and higher debt burdens, this is why retirement planning is different for women. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Even though they …
…
continue reading

1
With Higher Interest Rates, Is “Lazy Money” Still A Concern In 2024?
17:02
17:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:02Is 'Lazy Money' still a concern in 2024's higher interest rate landscape? In this episode, we explore this question, examining how the recent rise in interest rates affects the money sitting in savings accounts, CDs, and conservative investments. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What do we mean by lazy money? Why we should still be c…
…
continue reading
Everyone wants to know. Will the economy boom or bust in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of expert predictions, from the shifting trends in housing prices to the looming question of a potential recession or stock market crash. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why Mike feels bullish about real estate in the upcoming year. Is a rec…
…
continue reading

1
Patience Pays: The Power of Delayed Gratification (Part 2)
19:34
19:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:34Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards. In part two of our discussion, we’re going to talk through four more situa…
…
continue reading

1
Patience Pays: The Power of Delayed Gratification (Part 1)
19:47
19:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:47Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: It might not seem like a bi…
…
continue reading

1
Financial Tweaks That Matter: Small Steps, Big Impact
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52Ever 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. From finding the right balance in your cash reserves to consolidating old 401Ks, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in y…
…
continue reading
We're nearing the end of the year, but it's not quite over yet! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Regularly reassessing and rebalancing investment portfolios Tax-loss harvesting, …
…
continue reading

1
Money Mistakes You’ll Regret and How to Avoid Them
26:15
26:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:15Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you. Here are the mistakes we’re going to talk through: I regret taking premature IRA withdrawals. I spent way too much in m…
…
continue reading

1
Retirement Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals
22:12
22:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:12In today's episode, we're taking a close look at high-net-worth individuals - those who have accumulated significant wealth and face unique challenges and opportunities when planning for retirement. Unlike the average person, their financial considerations go beyond the basics. We'll explore the distinct strategies and factors that come into play w…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding RMDs: A Guide For Retirees & The Soon-to-Retire
23:48
23:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:48Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely o…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Finances After Losing a Spouse: Strategies & Mistakes to Avoid
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating the Transition to a New Financial Advisor
21:14
21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:14In today's episode, we'll explore the sensitive and significant process of transitioning from one financial advisor to another. We'll cover how to recognize when your current advisor may no longer be serving your financial needs effectively, the right questions to ask, and crucial factors to consider when searching for a new financial partner. Here…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we’re tackling some common complaints and fears that can arise during the retirement planning process. These complaints often include concerns about advisors taking too much risk, dissatisfaction with account growth, high fees, worries about Social Security not being enough to retire on, and more. We'll discuss which concerns are w…
…
continue reading

1
Till Debt Do Us Part: Resolving Financial Sources of Tension Between Couples (Part 1)
25:20
25:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:20Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In part 1 of this series, 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. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this epi…
…
continue reading

1
Mastering Retirement Cash Flow: Understanding Changing Expenses (Part 2)
18:55
18:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:55Welcome to part 2 of our series on mastering retirement cash flow. Last episode, we talked about expenses in your life that might drastically change in retirement. On today’s show, we’ll talk about income and why you need to understand the crucial role of income analysis. We’ll also explain why you never want to retire without an income plan and wh…
…
continue reading

1
Mastering Retirement Cash Flow: Understanding Changing Expenses (Part 1)
26:18
26:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:18In this episode, we’ll explore many of the expenses in your life that might drastically change (one way or another) in retirement. We’ll break those expenses down further to see which ones are the top priorities and analyze some of the other factors that impact your cash flow in retirement. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: What is…
…
continue reading
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the gritty side of personal finance. In this episode, we reveal how everyday household tasks can serve as reminders of the principles that lead to financial success. From taking out the trash in your investment portfolio to cleaning out the fridge of outdated financial strategies, we'll explore how to…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 118: The 12 Biggest Money Mistakes In Retirement Planning (Part 2)
16:04
16:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:04It’s time for part two of our series on the biggest money mistakes you might be making in retirement planning. In part one, we shared the pitfalls of taking Social Security benefits too early, taking investment advice from family or friends instead of a financial professional, and other mistakes. Today we’ll highlight six more missteps. Here’s some…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 117: The 12 Biggest Money Mistakes In Retirement Planning (Part 1)
19:43
19:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:43In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. One misstep could lead to some serious financial consequences down the road. In part one of this two-part episode, we’re going to talk about 6 of the biggest money mistakes to avoid in retirement. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: Taking …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 116: Mailbag: Credit Card Debt, Savings Value & More
18:56
18:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:56It’s time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some current questions from our listeners, and you’ll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed financial decisions. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: How can my investment strategy impact my ret…
…
continue reading