How Are My Social Security Benefits Taxed? (Ep. 23)

How Are My Social Security Benefits Taxed? (Ep. 23)

How much of your Social Security Benefits do you keep after taxes? How can you better plan your taxes to reduce the amount taken from your Social Security during retirement? In this episode, Michelle Gessner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, dives into the nuances of how your Social Security benefits are taxed. She unravels the complexities and …

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Important Tax Mistakes to Avoid {That CPAs Wish You Knew} (Ep.22)

Important Tax Mistakes to Avoid {That CPAs Wish You Knew} (Ep.22)

In this episode, Michelle Gessner sits down with Madison Ross, co-founder of Ross & Connor LLP, a CPA firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they dive into why proactive tax planning and working with professionals is essential to avoid costly mistakes and optimize tax strategies. Madison, an expert in small business, real estate, and …

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Will Social Security Run Out of Money and Optimizing Your Benefits (Ep. 21)

Will Social Security Run Out of Money and Optimizing Your Benefits (Ep. 21)

If you want to make the most of your Social Security benefits, this episode is a must-listen! Join Michelle Gessner as she breaks down the facts behind the Social Security debate—will it run out, or is it just a myth? Plus, Michelle shares essential strategies whether you’re married, divorced, or a surviving spouse, to help …

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Behind The Curtain: What You Need To Know About Annuities (Ep.20)

Behind The Curtain: What You Need To Know About Annuities (Ep.20)

Are annuities a smart addition to your retirement portfolio?  Join Michelle as she breaks down different types of annuities—fixed, fixed index, and variable annuities—explaining how they can fit into a comprehensive financial plan. Understand the tax advantages and risks associated with each type, and learn why annuities might not be as bad as you think, …

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Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself (Ep.19)

Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself (Ep.19)

Are you ready for retirement? Let’s find out!  On today’s show, Michelle Gessner, CFP® shares a checklist that includes six questions to ask and answer before you decide to hang up your career hat. With her co-host, Michelle discusses the necessity of professional help with investments, the decision to retain money in an employer’s retirement …

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Long-Term Disability Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Ep.18)

Long-Term Disability Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Ep.18)

Are you undervaluing the importance of long-term disability insurance in your financial plan? This episode reveals the common myths and misunderstandings that could cost you and your loved ones dearly. Michelle dives into why even retirees need to grasp the nuances of disability insurance policies and how overlooking the benefits could expose gaps in your …

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Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement – Planning for Happiness in the Next Chapter of Your Life with Sue Mintz (Ep.17)

Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement – Planning for Happiness in the Next Chapter of Your Life with Sue Mintz (Ep.17)

While it’s widely acknowledged that retirement involves careful financial planning, its essence extends far beyond mere numbers – a facet often overlooked.  Today, Sue Mintz, a certified retirement transition coach, unravels the intricacies of crafting a comprehensive retirement strategy that embraces the full spectrum of considerations. Sue highlights that retirement should be viewed as a …

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Turning Your Hobby Into a Paid Passion with Lee Rathbun (Ep.16)

Turning Your Hobby Into a Paid Passion with Lee Rathbun (Ep.16)

“Find a job you’ll love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”’ But how? Michelle Gessner is joined by special guest Lee Rathbun, a part-time sports official who shares his journey of turning his hobby into a paid gig. They explore the theme of “What are you going to do in retirement,” emphasizing …

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Medicare: A Comprehensive Guide with Joanne Giardini Russell (Ep.15)

Medicare: A Comprehensive Guide with Joanne Giardini Russell (Ep.15)

After the successful release of “Understanding Medicare: A Guide for Beginners,” Michelle was prompted to ask Joanne Giardini Russell back to the show to provide a deeper look into Medicare. Let’s gain further knowledge about how to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare and insurance options as Michelle and Joanne discuss:  Recommendations to prepare for …

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Retiring Abroad: How Glenda Cole is Living Her Storybook Life in Portugal (Ep.14)

Retiring Abroad: How Glenda Cole is Living Her Storybook Life in Portugal (Ep.14)

A lot of us spend time planning for our retirement from a financial perspective, which I will never tell you is a bad thing. However, how much thought have you given to HOW you will spend your retirement? Everyone deserves to Retire to a Life You Love®, and today’s guest has done just that! Glenda …

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