The Retirement Solution

Jon Hicks explores how elevated interest rates, shifting bond values, and high stock market valuations may challenge the traditional approach to managing retirement risk. He discusses the relationship between interest rates and bonds, along with alternatives such as money markets, CDs, fixed annuities, and buffered strategies. Plus, learn why reviewing the role each investment plays in your portfolio could be an important part of preparing for market volatility in retirement.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could paying taxes now change the tax picture you face later in retirement? Jon Hicks explores the math behind Roth conversions and why timing, tax brackets, IRMAA surcharges, and future income needs all deserve consideration. Using examples comparing traditional IRA savings with Roth conversions, he explains how taxes can affect retirement assets over time. He also discusses potential implications for surviving spouses and heirs, while emphasizing that Roth conversions require careful calculations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a few financial moves before December 31st have a bigger impact than you realize? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses year-end retirement planning opportunities, including maximizing 401(k) contributions, catch-up contributions, Roth accounts, Roth conversions, and capital gains strategies. He explains why the final months of the year can be an important time to evaluate income, tax brackets, and retirement savings decisions. The conversation also explores how different tax strategies may fit different situations as retirement approaches.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the retirement rules you've followed for years quietly steering you in the wrong direction? In this episode, Jon Hicks examines several long-standing retirement rules of thumb, including the 4% rule, the belief that your home is your retirement plan, and the idea that the market always comes back. He explains why retirement planning looks different today and discusses the importance of aligning income, risk, spending, and long-term goals with a personalized strategy rather than relying on one-size-fits-all guidelines.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the inheritance you leave behind create tax headaches your family never expected? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores how inherited IRA rules have changed under the SECURE Act and what that could mean for children and grandchildren who inherit retirement accounts. He discusses the role of trusts, wealth transfer strategies, gifting while living, tax considerations for beneficiaries, and why leaving assets to loved ones may require more planning than many families realize. Learn how different approaches may impact the legacy you hope to pass on and the people who receive it.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us...

Could your biggest retirement challenge be the success you've already achieved? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how market uncertainty, rising account balances, and large tax-deferred retirement accounts can create unexpected decisions in retirement. He explores balancing growth, income, and protection, how required minimum distributions can affect taxes and Medicare costs, and why a clear retirement checklist may help simplify complex financial choices. The conversation also covers risk management, Roth conversion strategies, and the importance of prioritizing key retirement planning goals.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouT...

Think retirement planning ends once you reach your 70s? Think again. In this episode of the Retirement Solution Podcast, Jon Hicks discusses key financial moves retirees should consider after age 70, including qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), Roth conversions before required minimum distributions (RMDs), long-term care planning, and estate and legacy strategies. The conversation explores how these decisions may affect taxes, healthcare costs, and wealth transfer, highlighting why retirement planning remains an ongoing process well beyond your working years.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest threat to your retirement plan isn't the market, but the decisions you make when fear takes over? In this episode from this past weekend's radio show, Jon Hicks discusses investor anxiety despite strong markets, strategies for managing risk, the importance of tax-smart planning, and why asset location can matter as much as asset allocation. He also explores a key retirement question: not just what you're retiring from, but what you're retiring to, and how purpose can play a vital role in retirement. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | L...

What do you do when stocks look expensive, bonds seem less appealing, and cash is sitting on the sidelines? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the challenge investors face in today’s market environment and discusses alternative strategies that may balance growth opportunities with risk management. The conversation covers market valuations, interest rates, historical market comparisons, principal protection concepts, and the importance of understanding your options when planning for retirement and long-term investing.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could inflation, taxes, and missed retirement opportunities be quietly costing you more than you realize? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how rising interest rates and inflation can affect retirement income, why age 70 can unlock important planning opportunities, and how strategies like qualified charitable distributions and Roth conversions may fit into a broader retirement plan. Jon also explains why managing investments and creating retirement income are two very different challenges, and what retirees should consider when transitioning from saving money to spending it. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on soc...

Could a simple retirement withdrawal trigger a chain reaction of taxes you never expected? In this episode, Jon Hicks explains how retirement income decisions can affect Social Security taxation, Medicare premiums, capital gains, and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). He discusses why taxes can "stack" in retirement, the importance of understanding key planning windows before RMD age, and how choosing which accounts to withdraw from may impact long-term retirement income. Learn why tax efficiency can play a significant role in shaping a retirement income strategy.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.co...

What would you do if a sudden windfall landed in your bank account tomorrow? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses the biggest mistakes people make when receiving a bonus, inheritance, business sale payout, or other financial windfall. He explains why new money should fit into an existing retirement strategy, highlights potential tax pitfalls, and shares the value of a cooling-off period before making major financial decisions. The conversation also explores retirement tax planning, healthcare costs, and ways to create a more efficient income strategy in retirement. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Fol...

What does the collapse of Columbia House have to do with your retirement plan? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores how a single faulty assumption can create challenges, whether in business or retirement. He discusses the importance of stress-testing retirement plans against inflation, market downturns, Social Security changes, healthcare costs, and income withdrawals. Jon explains why retirees should regularly revisit their assumptions and evaluate how different scenarios could affect long-term income needs. The conversation focuses on preparing for uncertainty and building a retirement strategy that accounts for both financial and emotional realities.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us...

What matters more than predicting the next market correction? Having a plan for when it arrives. From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses why investors often spend too much time focusing on market forecasts and not enough time preparing for downturns. He explains the importance of income planning, portfolio protection strategies, account consolidation, and tax efficiency. The conversation also covers required minimum distributions (RMDs), how taxes can compound in retirement, and why proactive planning may help retirees better understand the impact of market volatility and future tax obligations. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on...

Saving for retirement may be the easy part, but what happens when it’s time to turn those savings into income? In this episode of the Retirement Solution Podcast, Jon Hicks discusses why many DIY investors encounter challenges as retirement approaches. The conversation covers healthcare costs, Social Security planning, unexpected expenses, tax efficiency, income distribution strategies, and the importance of building a margin for error into a retirement plan. Jon also shares a powerful story illustrating how preparation and risk management can play a critical role when navigating retirement's uncertainties.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on soci...

Could the upcoming midterm elections create more market volatility than investors expect? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses how markets often react to uncertainty surrounding election years and why retirement planning should focus on preparation rather than predictions. Using a "roof on the house" analogy, he explains the importance of stress testing a portfolio, understanding potential risks, and building a plan designed to account for a variety of market conditions. The conversation explores historical market trends during midterm election years and why clarity, not politics, is often what drives market behavior.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on...

Could election headlines, rising national debt, and speculative investments distract you from what matters most in retirement planning? From this past weekend's radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how markets often react to uncertainty surrounding midterm elections, why having a plan may matter more than predictions, and what the growing national debt could mean for future tax considerations. He also examines the risks of chasing high-return investments near retirement and shares perspectives on building a strategy designed to account for changing market conditions, taxes, and long-term income needs. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | F...

Could future tax changes have a bigger impact on your retirement than market volatility? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses how evolving tax laws can affect long-term retirement planning and why proactive tax analysis remains an important part of a retirement strategy. Using a proposed New York property tax as an example, John explores how government policies can change over time and what retirees should consider when evaluating tax-deferred accounts, legacy goals, and future income needs. The conversation focuses on the value of planning ahead and staying adaptable as tax rules and financial circumstances evolve.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: R...

Are you sacrificing your retirement to help pay for someone else’s future? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses the growing cost of college, the tradeoffs parents and grandparents face when helping fund education, and why retirement savings should remain a priority. He also explores the rise of Roth accounts among younger investors, strategies retirees may evaluate when considering Roth conversions, and why simplicity can be an important part of a retirement plan. Plus, Jon breaks down five key areas that can help shape a more coordinated retirement strategy. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follo...

Could the first few years of retirement have a bigger impact on your financial future than decades of investing? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses recession indicators, market uncertainty, and the concept of sequence of returns risk. He explains why market downturns early in retirement can affect income strategies differently than they do during the accumulation years, and why retirement planning extends beyond investment performance alone. The conversation also explores income planning, portfolio structure, tax diversification, and the importance of preparing for different market environments as retirement approaches.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: Yo...

Could rising interest rates, business valuation risks, and changing tax laws have a bigger impact on your retirement than market headlines? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how retirees and pre-retirees can navigate inflation concerns, interest rate uncertainty, and retirement income planning. He also explores challenges facing small business owners preparing for an eventual exit, including business valuation, diversification strategies, and succession planning. The conversation wraps up with a look at tax planning considerations and why staying flexible may be important as tax rules and regulations continue to evolve. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Fol...

Are everyday investors smarter than Wall Street gives them credit for? On this episode, Jon Hicks explores the idea of "dumb money" versus professional investors and what it means for retirement planning. He discusses buying market dips, the risks of investing during periods of high valuations, and why retirement investors should think differently about risk than those still accumulating wealth. Jon also explains a simple three-bucket retirement strategy designed to separate spending needs, income sources, and long-term growth assets. Learn why understanding where your money belongs may be just as important as choosing the investments themselves.   Schedule your complimentary appointment t...

Could a simple mid-year review reveal risks and opportunities that could affect your retirement strategy? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses why the middle of the year may be the ideal time to revisit your financial plan. He explains how inflation, interest rates, portfolio assumptions, cash holdings, taxes, and required minimum distributions can influence retirement outcomes. Jon also shares insights on estate planning, trusts, and the importance of coordinating investment, tax, and legacy strategies as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omn...

Could a little-known Roth strategy help high earners add more money to a tax-advantaged retirement account? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down the concept of the backdoor Roth IRA and explains how it works, who may benefit, and the common mistakes that can create unintended tax consequences. He discusses contribution limits, conversion strategies, asset allocation, and why personalized planning is important when evaluating Roth opportunities. Learn how different tax buckets fit into a retirement strategy and what factors to consider before making a move.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee om...

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn't market volatility, but failing to adapt to change? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how evolving technology, artificial intelligence, and shifting market trends may affect retirement planning. He explains why critical thinking still matters, how emotions play a role in retirement decisions, and what investors should watch as leadership rotates within the market. The conversation also explores the differences between growth and value investing, interest rate expectations, and the importance of reviewing your strategy before major life transitions. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on...

What if trying to predict the market is the very thing putting your retirement at risk? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses why market forecasts can be tempting but difficult to act on successfully. Learn why market timing requires getting two decisions right, how emotional reactions can impact long-term outcomes, and why focusing on income, protection, and tax efficiency may matter more than predicting the next market move. The conversation explores how retirees can build a strategy designed to navigate uncertainty without relying on constant forecasts or headlines.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: Yo...

What happens if retirement arrives before you're ready? This episode from this past weekend’s radio show explores how unexpected life events, job loss, health challenges, and changing priorities can reshape retirement plans. Jon Hicks discusses real-world cases of workers forced into early retirement, strategies for handling Social Security decisions, and ways to avoid costly tax mistakes. The conversation also covers Roth conversion opportunities, retirement income planning, and why many people may be closer to retirement than they realize. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many times have you told yourself, “Just one more year” before retirement? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the “one more year syndrome” that keeps many workers from making the leap into retirement. He discusses the emotional and financial factors behind delaying retirement, the value of healthy retirement years, how Social Security timing fits into the equation, and why running the numbers may reveal more options than you think.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but the decisions you make because of fear? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses why market forecasts can be distracting, the challenges of market timing, and the importance of building a retirement strategy around income, protection, and tax efficiency. He also explores the psychological side of retirement, explaining why even financially successful retirees can struggle to spend with confidence. Plus, learn how tax planning and asset placement can play a role in preserving flexibility throughout retirement. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: Retire...

Could rising taxes and changing policies have a bigger impact on your retirement strategy than you realize? Jon Hicks discusses the broader conversation around taxation, wealth preservation, and long-term financial planning, using proposed tax policies as a starting point. He explains why understanding the tax code, protecting assets, and creating a coordinated strategy with financial, legal, and tax professionals can play an important role in preserving wealth across generations. The conversation also explores trusts, estate planning considerations, and how individuals can evaluate their options in an evolving financial landscape.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social me...

Are your retirement worries multiplying in the middle of the night—and do they have to? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks outlines five key pillars of retirement planning: protection, income, tax strategy, healthcare expenses, and wealth transfer. He also explores the risks of concentrated investments, lessons from past market leaders, and why balancing growth opportunities with risk management becomes increasingly important near retirement. Learn how evaluating these areas can help create a more organized approach to retirement and provide greater clarity around long-term financial decisions. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on...

Are you dreaming about retiring early—or just looking for a way to escape the daily grind? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the question many workers ask: “Can I retire now?” He discusses the difference between being financially ready for retirement and simply feeling burned out, along with the importance of having a plan for both your finances and your time. Learn how lifestyle goals, income needs, healthcare considerations, and personal fulfillment can all play a role in determining when retirement makes sense.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/list...

Could taxes be the biggest expense in your retirement without you realizing it? Jon Hicks explains how the way your money is positioned—not just how much you’ve saved—can shape your retirement income. He breaks down the three tax buckets—taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free—and why balancing them matters over time. The conversation also highlights how income goals, spending habits, and legacy planning can influence tax strategies. If you’ve focused mainly on saving, this episode explores how tax planning may play a role in what you keep.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media...

Are you overlooking the freedom your retirement savings could already provide? From this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks explores how a well-designed plan can help define when and how to spend in retirement. The conversation covers “guardrails” for spending, balancing splurges with long-term income, and how emotions and headlines can influence investment decisions. John also breaks down tax diversification, market risk near retirement, and the “one more year” mindset that can delay important life choices—highlighting how clarity around your numbers may shift the conversation. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | Li...

What do people who thrive in retirement do differently? Jon Hicks breaks down four key financial behaviors often seen in those enjoying retirement—from saving aggressively and building income streams to managing risk and planning for unexpected expenses. He also explores the importance of defining “enough,” reducing financial stress, and creating a strategy that supports lifestyle needs over time. From tax planning to healthcare considerations, this episode highlights how multiple factors work together in shaping a retirement plan.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the 401(k) really the retirement solution—or just a piece of the puzzle? In this episode, Jon Hicks breaks down the origins of the 401(k) and why it may not be designed to carry the full weight of retirement planning. He explains how many Americans rely too heavily on it, and why a strategy focused on protection, income, and tax planning matters as retirement approaches. The conversation also covers common gaps in traditional approaches and what to consider when transitioning from saving to generating income.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | Link...

Why do some retirees with millions still feel anxious about spending their money? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the psychological shift from saving to using retirement funds and why it can be harder than expected. The discussion highlights how fear, habits, and uncertainty can impact decisions, even with strong income and assets in place. Jon also outlines key considerations like understanding income sources, stress-testing a plan, and evaluating tax impact, while emphasizing the role of planning in turning savings into a structured retirement strategy.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee om...

What if chasing the “perfect” financial decision costs you the moments that matter most? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks explores how retirement planning goes beyond spreadsheets and projections. From Social Security timing decisions to the risks of over-saving or delaying retirement, the conversation highlights how emotions, habits, and priorities shape financial choices. Jon also discusses the shift from saving to spending, the role of income planning, and why balancing risk, lifestyle goals, and personal fulfillment is a key part of the retirement journey. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social...

Will you react any differently the next time the market drops? This episode explores how investor behavior is often driven more by emotion than logic, especially as retirement approaches. Jon Hicks breaks down why past reactions to market downturns tend to repeat—and how discipline, planning, and understanding risk capacity play a role in navigating uncertainty. The conversation also highlights the shift from saving to spending, the importance of income strategy, and how multiple income streams may help during market volatility.   Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Are hidden tax traps quietly reshaping your retirement? This episode from this past weekend’s radio show explores how retirement shifts you from taxpayer to tax manager—and why decisions around withdrawals, Social Security, and account types can affect long-term outcomes. Jon Hicks breaks down common pitfalls, including over-reliance on tax-deferred savings, changes to inherited IRAs, and the complexity of multiple income streams. The conversation also touches on risk, planning discipline, and the importance of aligning strategy with how people actually behave during market swings. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnys...