Most people heading into retirement focus on the numbers—savings, pensions, Social Security, and investments. But the biggest risk isn’t always financial. The way you think about retirement can shape your entire experience, and too often, blind spots get in the way of a smooth transition. Conversations with pre-retirees show just how much mindset influences confidence, decision-making, and even long-term security.

Common concerns like running out of money, healthcare costs, and inflation are valid, but they’re not always the biggest threats. Shifting focus can reveal risks that were never even on the radar. With the right adjustments, retirement can feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like a plan coming together. Plus, some important listener questions get answered, covering pensions, taxes, and financial planning decisions that can make all the difference.

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Information – pbgc.gov

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Most people assume that if they’ve saved diligently, their retirement is secure. But the reality is that certain financial decisions—ones that seem harmless or even smart in the moment—can quietly erode your long-term security. Whether it’s taking on unexpected debt, mismanaging investments, or making emotional money moves, these mistakes can cost retirees tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars over time.

Today, we uncover some of the most common and costly retirement pitfalls that people don’t see coming. From high-interest home equity loans to over-investing in trendy stocks, we break down why these decisions can backfire and what you can do instead to protect your future. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a sharper eye for potential risks and a game plan to ensure your money lasts as long as you do.

• (0:00) Retirement pitfalls
• (2:15) The biggest retirement mistakes people are making
• (5:12) The hidden cost of home equity loans & big purchases
• (10:30) Overloading on tech stocks & risky investments
• (13:49) The financial risks of helping adult children
• (19:20) Unnecessary life insurance & taking advice from the wrong people
• (25:00) Social Security, behavioral mistakes & staying on track

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Frank Luntz's Research

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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How do you turn your retirement savings into a steady paycheck that lasts? I’ve had a lot of questions about this lately—and for good reason. Without a well-thought-out withdrawal plan, people risk running out of money too soon, paying more in taxes than necessary, or simply feeling uncertain about how to manage their nest egg. Shifting from saving to spending isn’t always easy, and I want to help people feel confident in their approach.

That’s why I like to keep things simple and intentional. In this episode, I’ll walk through a practical way to organize retirement savings into different “buckets” based on when the money will be needed. I also share a real example of how someone ended up paying thousands more in taxes than necessary—just because of the way they withdrew their money. With a little planning, retirees can make their savings last and still have the freedom to enjoy life.

• (0:00) Intro
• (1:10) Sources of Income
• (3:05) Costly Withdrawal Mistakes
• (7:50) The Spending Mindset Shift
• (12:10) The Three-Bucket Method
• (18:40) Which Accounts to Use First
• (24:00) Adjusting Over Time

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Retirement Budgeting Tool
• 2025 Market Outlook from LPL Financial
• Episode 72: The Bucket Strategy

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Are you or someone you love a teacher, firefighter, or government worker? If so, you might be impacted by two little-known Social Security provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules have reduced or even eliminated Social Security benefits for millions of hardworking Americans.

But change is finally here. The Social Security Fairness Act could make a massive difference for retirees like you. Today, we’re breaking down what this legislation means, who it impacts, and how it could completely transform your retirement.

Plus, I’ll answer your listener questions about:

• How to avoid early withdrawal penalties on retirement funds if you retire before 59 ½
• Contributing to a Roth IRA when you don’t have a paycheck
• Navigating deferred compensation plans without creating a tax headache
• What happens to your HSA funds after retirement

If you’re ready to maximize your retirement benefits and make confident decisions about your future, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!

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• [4:10] What we’re covering in today’s episode
• [5:29] What’s happening with Social Security
• [6:33] Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act
• [11:35] Potential changes to how Social Security is taxed
• [15:57] Listener Question #1: Avoiding an early withdrawal penalty
• [19:27] Listener question #2: Can you contribute to a Roth IRA without a paycheck?
• [23:17] Listener question #3: Deferred compensation plans
• [27:31] Listener question #4: What happens with HSA plans when you retire?
• [28:57] Listener question #5: How do you get a spousal benefit from an ex?
• [31:17] Listener question #6: How do you help retired family members?

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• The Social Security Fairness Act
• Section 72(t)

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Retirement is one of the biggest milestones in life, and for many, 2025 and 2026 will mark the beginning of this long-awaited chapter. As portfolios have outperformed expectations, more people are realizing their retirement dreams sooner than planned.

In this episode, I’ll share inspiring client stories, practical lessons from 2024, and key insights to help you prepare for your own journey. From understanding why bonuses matter more than you think to exploring the power of legacy planning, we’ll cover the essential strategies to navigate retirement with confidence.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to plan, these takeaways will equip you to make the most of your future.

• [0:38] Make sure to check out our YouTube channel
• [2:57] Why you should never turn down a bonus
• [7:45] There will be a lot of people retiring in 2025/2026
• [14:48] Lesson #1 from 2024
• [16:48] Lesson #2 from 2024
• [19:34] Lesson #3 from 2024

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• 2025 Market Outlook

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your financial strategy and make the most of every opportunity to optimize your tax situation. In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we’re diving into practical, actionable year-end tax planning tips to help you finish the year strong.

You’ll learn how tax-loss harvesting can save you money, when a Roth conversion might be a smart move, and how charitable giving, 529 plans, and IRA contributions could work in your favor. We’ll also cover key considerations for retirees and why taking a close look at where you stand for the year is so important. Take charge of your year-end planning today.

• [1:30] Submit a question at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com!
• [2:27] Can you take advantage of tax-loss harvesting?
• [4:41] Are you able to make any Roth conversions?
• [9:54] Charitable giving, 529 plans, and IRA contributions
• [12:30] Considerations for someone already retired
• [13:44] Where do you stand for the year?

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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Curious about the changes coming to IRAs and 401Ks in 2025? In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we’re breaking down the latest updates to help you plan your retirement strategy. Learn about the new contribution limits for IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401Ks, including special allowances for those aged 60–63. We’ll also cover updated income limits for Roth IRAs, automatic enrollment in 401Ks, and reduced penalties for missed required minimum distributions (RMDs) on inherited IRAs. Don’t miss this essential guide to staying ahead of the curve and making the most of your retirement savings!

• [2:24] Visit RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com for FREE resources
• [3:00] IRA and Roth IRA contributions for 2025
• [4:32] Contribution limits for 401Ks
• [7:03] Income limits for Roth IRAs
• [8:41] Penalties for missed RMDs of inherited IRAs
• [16:28] More changes to come for 2025

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Visit RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com for FREE resources

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
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In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy Podcast, we dive deep into the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security. We break down how the COLA works and what it means for your retirement planning.

With the 2025 COLA coming in at 2.5%, we explore how this adjustment could affect your benefits—whether you’re still working or already collecting Social Security. We also discuss the projected rise in Medicare Part B premiums and why it’s crucial to plan conservatively for future costs.

Tune in to discover how the COLA can be a powerful tool in your retirement strategy, while understanding the importance of not relying too heavily on it. If you’re planning for retirement, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you build a more secure financial future.

• [2:13] Check out our free resources at RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• [3:18] How Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment works
• [8:25] What type of COLA should we project for the future?
• [10:36] Expected future cost of Medicare Part B premiums
• [13:25] The COLA is incredibly powerful
• [17:40] Retirement is a journey—not a finish line
• [20:25] Plan conservatively and err on the side of caution

• 3 Steps to Retirement Planning
• Cost-of-Living Adjustment History
• Monthly Part B Premiums and Annual Percentage Increases
• Calculating Medicare Part B costs

• Email at: Gregg.gonzalez@lpl.com
• Podcast: https://RetirementMadeEasyPodcast.com
• Website: https://StLouisFinancialAdvisor.com
• Follow Gregg on LinkedIn
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