Retirement Strategies Radio

From ice cream to deodorant, the economy continues to change during the pandemic. In recent weeks the Census Bureau said our economy is slowly picking up in some areas, then the Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that the economy contracted almost 33% between April and June, its worst drop on record! Darrell breaks down what’s REALLY happening, and how to make sure your personal economy is moving in the right direction, despite the wavering headlines.

We seldom talk about is life insurance... mainly because it isn’t all that fun! But during your career you likely had some through your employer, or maybe a term policy while raising the family. Now you’re about to enter retirement - or maybe you’re already there. You have to decide whether to take out a new policy or retire uninsured. On this episode, Darrell breaks down some overlooked reasons you may want to take advantage of certain types of life insurance. 

A little normalcy is returning in the world of sports with a 60-game baseball season. Bobby Bonilla hasn't played MLB in nearly 20 years, but since 2011 the Mets have been paying him over $1 million a year and will until 2035. He made a very smart move by opting to defer his contract buy out and putting off immediate financial gratification to have plenty of income rolling in during retirement. Darrell talks about how you can also create your own income plan with the money you’ve worked hard to save and invest… to pay yourself when you stop working!

While celebrating dear ole Dad, Darrell reminisces about his father and how the advice he passed along many years ago still applies to Darrell today… Especially as a financial advisor. It’s all about the basics we easily lose sight of: Less is more. Be grateful and have a plan in place so we’re empowered to embrace the wonderful moments of life!

The U.S. entered into a recession in February for the first time since 2009, and economists say the shortest recession in American history ended days ago in May. Those of us on main street are wondering if the worst is over on wall street and with the economy. In simple terms, Darrell breaks down how to approach the economic uncertainty you may be feeling about your portfolio and future. 

On this episode, we start by pulling back the curtain and introducing a vital (and cute) member of the D. Bryant Retirement Strategies team. Then we spotlight on a common concern for baby boomers: What percentage of our money should we risk on Wall Street?  Darrell addresses that, and exposes the other major risks people often overlook.

Many Americans say they’re just too busy right now to worry about things like their investments. Without saying the worn-out “C” word… Darrell & Kristen discuss how we react (or don’t react) to the economic downturn following the virus could have a serious impact on your retirement. He spotlights why this is the perfect time to get organized and plan for your future! Plus, interesting insight about how now more than ever, transparency is vital when it comes to fees in every part of your life… especially your portfolio!

Congressional Democrats are working on another stimulus package that would add an additional $3 trillion to the deficit. Yes, a lot of people need financial help during this crisis, but we’ll eventually have to pay for all of this… and likely in the form of higher taxes. Darrell explains how to efficiently guard your portfolio against these future tax hikes. Plus, if you’ve accumulated large IRA’s that you don’t really need – Darrell clarifies why you might want to think about converting that IRA to a Roth account.

Would it surprise you to learn that there’s one financial area where Baby Boomers know less than Gen Xers and Millennials?  A Magnify Money survey found that – of those 3 generations – Boomers are the most likely to be naive about the fees being charged on investments and retirement accounts. Darrell discusses why, and how all generations can uncover what they’re paying, and how to make sure there’s value within those fees.

Even though life is a little different these days, nothing will stop us from celebrating mom this Mother’s Day! After we stroll down memory lane, we discuss how some of us have a few regrets… especially when it comes to money. Darrell explains how to avoid the heartache of taking too much risk, and instead take the right kind of action to avoid financial heartaches.

For some Americans the financial downturn has their investment accounts down anywhere from 25% to 45%, depending on how their portfolio is positioned. If you are hoping to retire in the next couple of years, you’re probably questioning if you need to keep working until the chaos passes. It’s a BIG question without an easy answer, but Darrell explains how he walks his clients through “doing the math.” Plus, if you’ve been offered an early retirement buyout, don’t rush into a decision. Darrell discusses how to step back… and properly weigh your options.

After Darrell & Kristen discuss making the best out of our current lifestyle, some friends chime in on an interesting topic: If they’d known the financial part of this crisis was coming, what would they have done differently with their money? Plus, if you’re judging the performance of your portfolio solely based on the rate of return, Darrell explains that you’re missing the boat if you’re not also considering what you’re paying in fees!

After some interesting consumer spending insight… Darrell & Kristen embrace the 50th anniversary the Apollo 13 mission, and the first time we heard of one of the most famous quotes in history: “Houston we have a problem.”  Just as the crew of the Apollo 13 mission did, Darrell discusses why we need to be calm, responsive, and realistic yet optimistic as our lifestyle and economy continues to change due to the pandemic… And how you can financially stay on course!

With about 17 million American workers filing for unemployment in just the last 3 weeks, Kristen asks what many of us are wondering: Why doesn’t main street’s economy match what’s happening on Wall Street?  Darrell not only breaks that down in simple terms… He also explains how you can possibly fill the income gaps within your personal economy when you stop working by using something that’s been around since Roman times!

We’ve had enough of the news, so on this episode we’re taking the time to introduce you to every member of the D Bryant Retirement Strategies team! We’ll hear fun insights of how their “physically distanced working from home” life is going with their families. Plus, Darrell explains the GOOD NEWS about how the stimulus package impacts you. He shares ideas of how to use your money if you don’t need it at this moment, and the new options that are only available during 2020 for your retirement accounts.

When Wall Street is in turmoil, many investors are tempted to go to cash and wait for the dust to settle before getting back in. Is that what you should do? Darrell discusses how those of us over age of 55 should be looking at the current market… and more importantly, controlling the future of our personal economy.

The Dow and NASDAQ’s closing numbers Friday ended U.S. markets’ worst week since the financial crisis of 2008. Darrell breaks down what soon to be and current retirees need to keep in mind given the latest financial information. 

The markets have tumbled in reaction to the coronavirus, and Wall Street responded by halting trades TWICE this week! Something that hasn’t occurred since 2008. Darrell breaks down the impact this volatility has on those over age 55, how to relieve some panic, and why the stock market shouldn’t dictate your retirement.

When there’s volatility in the stock market, it’s normal for you to feel a bit uneasy… But that doesn’t mean you should react instantly based on that emotion. Darrell explains how to navigate your 401(k) and other investments during volatile times when you’re 55 or older.   

To celebrate The Doobie Brothers being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and their 50th anniversary tour, we’re revisiting a conversation Darrell had with Patrick Simmons and Michael McDonald a while back.