Protect & Grow

Retirement isn't expensive because of one big bill—it's the accumulation of all the small, ongoing expenses that continue even after your paycheck stops. In this episode of Protect and Grow, certified financial planning professional Tim Stearns, CFP (founder of TJ Stearns, Inc.), breaks down the true cost of retirement and how to prepare for a 30+ year income plan.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

Housing & Maintenance: Why a paid-off home isn't free (taxes, HOA, repairs, and insurance).

Food & Utilities: How everyday inflation and lifestyle choices compound over decades.

Transportation: Budgeting fo...

Are your 401(k) withdrawals silently increasing the taxes on your Social Security benefits? Many retirees view Social Security and tax-deferred accounts (like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs) as completely separate systems, but decisions made in one directly impact the other.

In this episode of Protect and Grow Chicagoland Retirement, host Peter talks with Tim Stearns, CFP®, founder of TJ Stearns, Inc., to discuss how to coordinate your retirement income streams, minimize taxation, and build a lasting financial blueprint.

Key Topics Covered:

Earnings Baseline: Why pre-tax 401(k) contributions during your career do not reduce y...

successful retirement doesn't happen by accident—it takes a solid structure. 🏗️ Whether you're nearing retirement or already enjoying your golden years, host Tim Stearns breaks down the essential strategies needed to build, protect, and optimize your financial foundation. 🛡️

From organizing income streams and tax-efficient strategies to risk management and estate planning, we share actionable insights so you can retire with confidence and complete peace of mind. 📈🏖️

📲 Hit subscribe to start structuring your path to lifelong financial independence today! 🎯📊

Planning for retirement isn't just about saving—it's about building a predictable, dependable stream of income that lasts a lifetime. 🏖️ Overwhelmed by interest rates, bond yields, annuities, and market volatility? We're here to cut through the financial jargon.

Join us for actionable, easy-to-understand strategies on retirement fixed income, wealth preservation, and smart risk management. 

📲 Subscribe now to start building a stable, worry-free financial future! 🎯📊

Is your 401(k) working as hard for your future as you are? In this episode of Protect and Grow Chicagoland Retirement, certified financial planning professional Tim Stearns, CFP (founder at TJ Stearns, Inc.) joins host Peter to dive deep into one of the most powerful—yet often misunderstood—tools for retirement planning.

While a 401(k) is often a person's largest single asset outside of their home, it is not a complete retirement plan on its own. Tune in as Tim breaks down how to optimize this account during your working years and how to properly transition it when...

Markets don't move in a straight line — so how would your portfolio actually hold up if things got rocky? In this episode of Protect & Grow, Tim Stearns, CFP®, walks through what it means to stress test your investment portfolio: looking at risk exposure, volatility, and how prepared your money really is for a downturn. Rather than reacting after a market drop, this episode is about proactively identifying where your portfolio may be vulnerable — so you can make adjustments on your terms, not the market's. 📌 In this episode: What it means to "stress test" a portfolio How to identify hidden risk and...

Retirement brings a new chapter in how people think about money and what comes next. This video explores some of the ways money is managed after working years are over, and how people consider what happens to their finances down the road. There are no promises or specific advice here—just an overview of common themes around money, legacy, and planning for the future. If you're interested in understanding more about this stage of life and the choices involved, this video may offer some useful perspectives. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-22...

In this episode, Tim Stearns shares a set of mid-year financial check-in tips to help listeners see where they stand before the year winds down. He covers reviewing budgets and spending patterns, checking progress on savings and retirement contributions, and looking at tax withholding or estimated payments to avoid surprises in the spring. The episode also touches on reassessing investment allocations after the first half of the year's market moves. It's meant as a practical mid-year checkpoint rather than a full financial overhaul. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit t...

What does financial freedom and independence mean to you? In this video, we explore the concepts of financial freedom and financial independence, along with the habits and planning considerations that can support your long-term financial goals. We'll discuss topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and preparing for retirement, while highlighting how these elements can work together as part of an overall financial plan. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

Retirement brings a new chapter in how people think about money and what comes next. This video explores some of the ways money is managed after working years are over, and how people consider what happens to their finances down the road. There are no promises or specific advice here—just an overview of common themes around money, legacy, and planning for the future. If you're interested in understanding more about this stage of life and the choices involved, this video may offer some useful perspectives. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-22...

Many people have heard strong opinions about annuities, but not all of them are accurate. In this video, we discuss some of the most common misconceptions and mistakes people encounter when evaluating annuities, including how they work, potential benefits, limitations, fees, liquidity considerations, and the role they may play in a broader retirement strategy. Understanding these topics can help you ask informed questions and make more confident financial decisions based on your own goals and circumstances. This video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Every individual's situation is...

Roth accounts can play an important role in retirement planning, but the right approach depends on your individual financial situation. In this video, we discuss a variety of Roth tactics, strategies, and planning considerations, including Roth IRAs, Roth conversions, tax diversification, and factors that may influence when these strategies are appropriate. The goal is to provide educational information to help you better understand how Roth accounts fit into a broader retirement plan. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decision. This video...

In this video, we provide a straightforward overview of annuities and the role they can play in financial planning. We cover basic annuity concepts, common terminology, and key considerations to help viewers better understand how these products work. Whether you're new to the topic or looking to expand your knowledge, this educational content is designed to offer general information in a clear and accessible format. This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit t...

What happens if the market crashes during retirement? In this episode, we explore how a significant market decline can affect retirees who are relying on their investment portfolios for income. We discuss sequence of returns risk, the challenges of withdrawing money during down markets, and some of the factors that can influence how a retirement plan responds to market volatility. Along the way, we look at concepts such as diversification, cash reserves, spending flexibility, and long-term investing perspectives. If you're interested in understanding the potential impact of market downturns on retirement income, this conversation provides context and considerations to...

Taxes can remain an important consideration during retirement. This video looks at how different sources of retirement income such as retirement accounts, Social Security, and investment withdrawals may be taxed. It also touches on how withdrawal timing, tax rules, and other factors can influence how retirement income is structured over time. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

This episode looks at practical ways to reduce unnecessary risk in an investment portfolio while still supporting long term growth. It explains how diversification and asset allocation help manage volatility and why relying too heavily on a single sector or asset can increase exposure to losses. It also discusses common investor mistakes during market swings such as emotional decision making and overreacting to short term moves. The episode highlights different types of risk including concentration risk and liquidity risk and how they can build up over time. It ends with simple habits that help keep a portfolio aligned with...

Retirement comes with plenty of unknowns, and having a plan in place can make it easier to navigate changes along the way. In this episode, we talk about preparing for the "what ifs" that can impact retirement, including market changes, healthcare expenses, inflation, and shifts in income needs over time. We also discuss ways people approach protecting their savings, creating income, and staying financially organized as retirement approaches. Whether you are planning for retirement or already living in it, this episode offers insight into the importance of thinking ahead and staying prepared for the unexpected. For more information contact...

In this episode, we talk through some of the basics of Medicare and Social Security planning. We cover when people typically enroll in Medicare, how different coverage options work, and what factors can affect Social Security benefits over time. It's a general discussion meant to help you better understand how these programs fit into retirement planning. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

In this episode, we talk through the ongoing challenge of navigating volatile markets and what that can look like in practice. We touch on recent market swings, common reactions investors have during uncertain periods, and a few ways people approach decision-making when conditions feel unstable. It's a grounded conversation about staying engaged without overreacting, and recognizing that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach when markets are unpredictable. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

In this episode, we discuss key concepts in tax planning, including how deductions and credits work, and how timing income and expenses can affect what you owe. We also touch on common strategies used by individuals and small business owners to manage taxes more efficiently. This overview is meant to provide general information to help you better understand the basics of tax planning. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

Market volatility is a regular part of investing, though it can be uncomfortable when it happens. In this episode, we look at how people approach planning for market ups and downs. We touch on ideas like risk tolerance, time horizon, and diversification, and how these factors may influence decisions during uncertain periods. This is a straightforward discussion of how some investors think about volatility and the role planning can play over time. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

This video looks at how recent current events such as inflation, interest rates, and broader economic changes can influence retirement planning. It provides a clear overview of how these factors may affect savings, investments, and long term financial stability for people who are already retired or planning for retirement. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

Taxes can remain an important consideration during retirement. This video looks at how different sources of retirement income such as retirement accounts, Social Security, and investment withdrawals may be taxed. It also touches on how withdrawal timing, tax rules, and other factors can influence how retirement income is structured over time. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

Once tax season wraps up, it can be a good opportunity to take a step back and review the bigger picture. In this video, we discuss several practical considerations for post–tax season planning, including reviewing your completed return, organizing important documents, and identifying items that may be worth addressing before the next filing year. The focus is simply on using information from the most recent return as a starting point for better record-keeping and planning going forward. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com...

In this episode, "Taxes in Retirement," we take a straightforward look at how taxes can apply after you stop working. It covers common retirement income sources like Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts, and how they're typically taxed. The goal is to provide general context around what retirees often encounter, highlight a few planning considerations, and explain why taxes may still matter in retirement. This is an overview meant to help viewers better understand the topic, not a substitute for personalized tax advice. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit t...

In this episode, we walk through the basics of creating retirement cash flow and what that actually looks like in real life. We talk about common income sources in retirement, how people typically structure withdrawals, and factors like taxes, market ups and downs, and living expenses that can affect monthly income. The goal is to give a clearer, practical view of how retirees turn savings into spending money without hype, just straightforward planning concepts you can think through at your own pace. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the w...

Retirement is more than leaving a job, it involves several parts that work together to shape how life looks after your career. In this video, we walk through the anatomy of retirement by looking at income sources, savings, healthcare considerations, lifestyle choices, and planning habits that influence long term stability. The goal is to give a clear, practical overview of what retirement is really made of so viewers can better understand the factors that go into preparing for this stage of life. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the w...

In this episode, we talk through common retirement mistakes that are often overlooked but can have lasting effects. Topics include timing decisions, income planning, and areas where people may underestimate risk or taxes. The conversation is meant to help listeners think more carefully about their own retirement choices and recognize issues worth reviewing before they become harder to address. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.

Retirement brings a new chapter in how people think about money and what comes next. This video explores some of the ways money is managed after working years are over, and how people consider what happens to their finances down the road. There are no promises or specific advice here—just an overview of common themes around money, legacy, and planning for the future. If you're interested in understanding more about this stage of life and the choices involved, this video may offer some useful perspectives. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-22...

Life insurance can be an important part of planning for the future, including retirement. In this video, we look at how life insurance fits into long-term financial planning, why people consider having it, and how it can provide stability and flexibility as you plan for later stages of life. This is a straightforward look at the role life insurance can play without focusing on specific policies or making guarantees. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com

In this episode, we discuss retirement and what 2026 may bring, focusing on economic trends, possible policy changes, and other factors that could influence retirement planning. We walk through key topics to be aware of and share general insights to help you think about how these developments might affect retirement savings and income. The goal is to provide context and awareness so you can stay informed as you plan for the years ahead. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com

Retirement planning often gets framed as an all-or-nothing goal, but smart resolutions take a more realistic approach. In this video, we look at retirement through the lens of steady decision-making, manageable goals, and long-term consistency. The discussion focuses on understanding your current situation, making thoughtful adjustments over time, and avoiding pressure to have everything figured out at once. These smart resolutions are about staying informed and intentional as your retirement plans evolve. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com

Building a strong foundation is key to approaching retirement with confidence. In this video, we explore the essential steps and strategies that help create a solid base for your financial future. From understanding your goals to organizing your resources, laying the groundwork early can make navigating later stages smoother and more effective. Discover practical insights and strategies to help you plan ahead and strengthen your retirement foundation. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com

In this video, we explore practical steps to approach retirement and how to organize different aspects of life during this stage. The focus is on planning, making thoughtful choices, and understanding how priorities may shift over time. Topics include finances, daily routines, and personal goals, all considered in a realistic and reflective way. The video offers a framework for thinking about retirement rather than predicting outcomes. It's designed to help viewers consider what matters most and how to approach this phase with clarity. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256

A retirement blueprint can be a helpful way to think about the different areas that shape life in later years. This video looks at several pillars people commonly use to organize their thoughts, such as daily lifestyle considerations, financial structure, personal priorities, and long-term planning habits. Each pillar is presented as a lens for understanding how various pieces of retirement may connect. The intention is simply to outline ideas that viewers can use to reflect on their own situation. This overview offers a straightforward way to explore the elements many people review when considering their retirement framework. For more...

This video explores the process of getting ready for retirement and the different elements that can shape that transition. It looks at how people think about long-term planning, future priorities, and the adjustments that come with a new stage of life. The discussion reflects on common experiences and shifts that often occur when preparing for this next chapter. It also considers how personal goals and circumstances can influence the overall approach. Whether you're early in the planning phase or simply curious, the video offers a calm, reflective look at what preparing for retirement can involve. For more information contact...

In this episode, we explore the role of a financial advisor and how their guidance can help clarify complex money matters. From budgeting and investing to planning for long-term goals, we discuss the ways an advisor can offer perspective, strategy, and support tailored to individual needs. Whether you're navigating major life transitions or simply looking to make more informed decisions, this conversation sheds light on the practical and emotional value of having a trusted financial partner. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256

In this episode, we take a broad look at how to think about and organize your long-term financial future. The video offers general perspectives on approaching retirement planning and invites you to consider what a sustainable path might look like for your own situation. If you're interested in preparing for the years ahead, this overview can help you get started. Remember to like and subscribe if you find it helpful.For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com

Giving money can be nice, but giving a financial head start is even better. In this video we explore smart ways to give meaningful financial gifts such as 529 college savings plans, custodial Roth IRAs, and other long-term options that can grow over time. You will learn how these accounts work, the tax benefits they offer, and how to choose the right one based on your goals and the recipient's age. This video is perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants their gift to keep on giving. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the w...

In this episode, we discuss how taxes influence retirement planning and explore strategies to manage their impact. The conversation covers how different retirement accounts are taxed, the role of Roth conversions, and the timing of withdrawals and income. It also considers how Social Security and investment decisions fit into a broader tax-aware approach to building a sustainable retirement plan. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at TjStearns.com