140 episodes

A top retirement podcast dedicated to helping you: Reduce Taxes | Make Work Optional | Maximize Retirement Income | Invest Confidently | Optimize Stock Compensation | Help Future Generations

Scott Sierens, financial advisor at Sierens Financial Group, will provide thoughts, strategies, and ideas on each episode to help you thrive in life, wealth and retirement. The goal is to take complex financial subjects and make them simple and easy to understand so you can feel confident to take action, enjoy life, and eliminate financial stress and anxiety.

Scott, along with guests from across various industries, will cover topics such as tax savings strategies, investments and wealth management, IRAs, 401(k)s, retirement planning, retirement income strategies, pensions, estate planning, social security, healthcare, and much more.

Retirement isn't an age or number. It's finding the balance between living life today and feeling financially confident about YOUR tomorrow.

Ask Scott your questions by calling 847-235-6989 or check out our podcast website at https://lifemoneyshow.com for more resources.

The Retirement Show: Your Life, Your Money with Scott Sierens Scott Sierens

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 5 Ratings

A top retirement podcast dedicated to helping you: Reduce Taxes | Make Work Optional | Maximize Retirement Income | Invest Confidently | Optimize Stock Compensation | Help Future Generations

Scott Sierens, financial advisor at Sierens Financial Group, will provide thoughts, strategies, and ideas on each episode to help you thrive in life, wealth and retirement. The goal is to take complex financial subjects and make them simple and easy to understand so you can feel confident to take action, enjoy life, and eliminate financial stress and anxiety.

Scott, along with guests from across various industries, will cover topics such as tax savings strategies, investments and wealth management, IRAs, 401(k)s, retirement planning, retirement income strategies, pensions, estate planning, social security, healthcare, and much more.

Retirement isn't an age or number. It's finding the balance between living life today and feeling financially confident about YOUR tomorrow.

Ask Scott your questions by calling 847-235-6989 or check out our podcast website at https://lifemoneyshow.com for more resources.

    Market Risks, Generational Wealth & Happiness in Retirement

    Market Risks, Generational Wealth & Happiness in Retirement

    In this episode, Scott is going to share some of the wisdom he gained from AE Wealth Management’s Wealth Elite Symposium he recently attended in Nashville, Tennessee. This event featured esteemed speakers from Schwab, former writers for the Wall Street Journal, experts from Fidelity, and more. Listen in as Scott shares his takeaways on market risk, recessions, interest rates, generational wealth, and happiness in retirement.
     
    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
    0:00 - Intro
    3:23 - Market risks, recessions, and the unpredictability of economic events
    10:41 - Having an investment strategy that aligns with your timeline, tolerance, and income plan
    12:48 - The impact of Fed interest rates on the market + accounting for inflation in your retirement plan
    17:56 - How the potential decline in interest rates affects online savings accounts
    20:48 - Items to keep in mind during this election year
    23:30 - Normalizing conversations around wealth + being transparent with your beneficiaries
    31:31 - Bringing happiness into your morning routine
     
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

    • 37 min
    Market Highs, Elevated Interest Rates & Your Retirement

    Market Highs, Elevated Interest Rates & Your Retirement

    In today’s financial landscape, the market has been hitting new highs and interest rates remain at elevated levels. You might have even heard some of the buzz surrounding the Federal Reserve and interest rate adjustments. We’re here to bring some clarity to the question on many investors’ minds: What does all of this mean for my investments and retirement plans? Is all of this exciting or cause for concern?
     
    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
    0:00 – Intro
    3:20 – Understanding S&P 500 + Recent Market Highs
    7:36 – Impact of Economic Indicators on Market Performance
    9:56 – Analyzing Historical Returns + Being Cautious of Market Noise
    15:12 – Market Performance Impact on Your Retirement
    19:40 – Understanding the Federal Funds Rate
    25:18 – Interest Rates Impact on Your Retirement
    32:06 – Listener Question: Financial Indecision
     
     
    Resources for this episode:
    JP Morgan Chart – Investing during all time highs
    https://www.jpmorgan.com/content/dam/jpm/securities/documents/cwm-documents/Is-it-worth-considering-investing-at-all-time-highs.pdf
    Additional Information
    https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2024/01/new-all-time-highs-after-a-bear-market/
    https://ofdollarsanddata.com/should-you-invest-in-stocks-at-all-time-highs/
     
    Interest Rates
    USA Today Article - https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/01/31/january-federal-reserve-meeting-live-updates/72409059007/
    Nasdaq.com article - https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/wall-street-banks-readjusts-2024-interest-rate-predictions-after-feds-dovish-turn
    Bankrate – Biggest Winners & Losers - https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/fed-interest-rate-decision-biggest-winners/
    https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/federalfundsrate.asp
     
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

    • 36 min
    The Retirement Hazard Zone

    The Retirement Hazard Zone

    In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the retirement hazard zone. This is the 10 years leading up to retirement and the first decade of retirement itself. Listen in Scott compares this period to driving through a construction zone, focusing on the need to slow down, think differently, and be prepared for the unexpected.
    Before we jump in, Scott will discuss the top 5 financial scams targeting retirees and pre-retirees and share some essential tips to help you avoid financial fraud.
     
    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
    0:00 – Intro
    0:58 – Scams targeting older adults + prevention
    14:50 – Thinking differently in retirement
    19:00 – Preparing for the unexpected
    21:56 – Slowing down
    25:39 – Listener question on Social Security
     
    NCOA Article on Scams
    https://www.ncoa.org/article/top-5-financial-scams-targeting-older-adults
     
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

    • 32 min
    Max out your 401k for Retirement First? Or, Consider Other Investment Options First?

    Max out your 401k for Retirement First? Or, Consider Other Investment Options First?

    Are you considering maxing out your 401(k) but unsure what to do next? We face this question all the time at the Sierens Financial Group so today we’ll explore if it’s wise to max out your 401(k) before investing anywhere else.
     
    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
    0:00 – Intro
    2:44 – What’s on today’s show
    4:33 – What’s in the news right now? Spot Bitcoin was just approved by the SEC.
    8:40 – What should you know about Spot Bitcoin?
    10:50 – An 85-year study from Harvard reveals the one simple element that is the key to happiness.
    14:26 – Should you max out your 401(k) first, or consider other options before contributing the max?
    16:13 – Reasons you might want to max out your 401(k).
    19:23 – Reasons you might NOT want to max out your 401(k).
    23:08 – Exploring your options and how taxes play a role.
    27:00 – Jacob’s question: Should you start Social Security at 67 if you’re still working?
     
    References for this episode:
    https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/gensler-statement-spot-bitcoin-011023 https://scoop.upworthy.com/harvards-85-year-study-reveals-the-number-one-key-to-happiness?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/personalfinance  
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

    • 33 min
    2024 Tax/Retirement Changes & Strategies

    2024 Tax/Retirement Changes & Strategies

    In today’s show, we’re going to share some crucial changes and strategies that will help you navigate your financial landscape in 2024. Scott will break down the latest adjustments you need to be aware of, from increased standard deductions to updates in Social Security and Medicare. We’ll also share some strategic tips and tactics to position your tax and retirement plans for success in the coming year. 
     
    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
    0:00 – Intro
    3:52 – What’s new in 2024?
    12:01 – Is your money in the right bucket?
    16:30 - Starting HSA contributions
    17:34 – Reviewing your investments
    19:45 - Considering QCDs
    20:35 - Reevaluating tax withholdings
    22:32 - Automation
    24:31 - Get a plan in place
     
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 
     

    • 28 min
    Tax Loss and Tax Gain Harvesting, Roth 401K Rules, Federal and State Tax Withholdings - Mailbag

    Tax Loss and Tax Gain Harvesting, Roth 401K Rules, Federal and State Tax Withholdings - Mailbag

    We’re sharing this month’s mailbag episode a bit early, but we have 3 great listener questions lined up for today’s show! Miyuki asks if Scott can explain more about tax harvesting and how to take advantage of a stock loss. Lauren asks about the tax consequences of withdrawing from the Roth side of her 401(k) after 2023. Click play to see what you can learn!
     
    Here are the questions we discuss in this episode:
    Can you explain more about tax harvesting? I sold two individual stocks last month. Both are a loss, but I don’t know how I can take advantage of this loss. I was just laid off. I am past full retirement age and the Roth side of my 401k hits 5 years on the 1st of 2024. Can I withdrawal from the Roth 401K side without tax consequences after 2023? The 401k plan has pre-tax and post-tax (Roth). Is withholding required on post-tax Roth 401k money?  
    Want to get in touch?
    Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/
    Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 847-235-6989
    Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 
    Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 
     

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

davey48723 ,

Good stuff!

I’ve enjoyed listening to Scott. Very good content for those looking to retire. Solid content with practical application.

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