RETIREMENT MADE EASY
Business & Finance
About
Finally, a retirement podcast in a language YOU can understand. Your host, Gregg Gonzalez, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CFP® is a Dave Ramsey Smartvestor Pro with the heart of a teacher. Listen as Gregg shares financial & retirement tips that are sure to keep you tuned in every episode. Check out our podcast website http://RetirestrongFA.com for FREE resources and to see how the RetireStrong team can help you plan for a successful retirement.
Episodes
- Retiring Soon? What 2026's Economic Landscape Means for Your Plans, Ep #210
What does it mean to retire in 2026, and how does today's retirement landscape differ from 10 or 20 years ago? With more retirees facing challenges such as rising healthcare costs, higher cost of living, concerns about Social Security, shi…
- Clearing Up Roth IRA Confusion, Ep #209
When it comes to retirement planning, understanding tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs, knowing how to select a trusted advisor, and making optimal income choices are key building blocks for long-term financial confidence. On this epis…
- Protect Your Retirement and Make Smarter Decisions in Uncertain Times, Ep #208
When markets feel unsettled, it can be hard not to worry. Headlines about war, inflation, falling retirement balances and political uncertainty can make even experienced investors feel uneasy. But as this episode of Retirement Made Easy hi…
- Demystifying HSAs, FSAs, and Social Security Benefits, Ep #207
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but understanding key benefits and strategies can help you make the most of your financial future. On the show this week, I tackle listener questions on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Sp…
- Avoiding Retirement Regrets: What Retirees Say They'd Do Differently Ep #206
On the show this week, I draw on real-world experiences from current retirees to uncover the surprises, challenges, and valuable lessons they wish they'd known before stepping into retirement. If you're curious about the realities of socia…
- Tax Planning Tactics and Life Insurance Questions, Ep #205
In today's show, I tackle two hot topics listeners have been asking about: tax planning in retirement and the role of life insurance in your golden years. Drawing from real questions and common scenarios. But that's not all: I also dig int…
- The 'What If' Scenarios of Retirement Planning, Ep 204
Retirement planning isn't just about crunching numbers and sticking to a tight budget—it's about envisioning what's truly possible for your future. These hypothetical scenarios, often overlooked by retirees, can do more than just safeguard…
- The Top Retirement Questions You Should Be Asking (But Might Be Missing), Ep #203
In this episode, I decided to do something a little different. Over the last two weeks, my team and I compiled a list of questions submitted by listeners and clients, some common, some obscure, and some that people simply don't know how to…
- 2026 Changes You Can't Ignore: Social Security, Tax Rules, and Withdrawal Realities, Ep #202
Welcome to 2026! A new year brings a fresh set of rules for your retirement savings, and not all of them are straightforward. With the turning of the calendar comes changes to contribution limits, Social Security adjustments, and new tax m…
- Making Your Money Last: A Smarter Approach to Retirement Income, Ep #201
How do you take the savings you've built over a lifetime and turn it into reliable income you can count on year after year? That's a question I've been hearing more and more, and it makes sense, without a clear withdrawal strategy, retiree…
- Retirement Realities: Tackling the Pain Points That Matter Most, Ep #200
In this 200th episode, I focus on the real pain points retirees face and the importance of planning ahead. Drawing from years of conversations with clients and listeners, today's discussion highlights how assumptions about retirement often…
- How Close Are You to Retirement? Listener Questions Answered, Ep #199
Today, in our 199th episode, I dive into some timely updates on Social Security and answered a batch of long-overdue listener questions. We kick things off with the newly announced 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security…
- The Ultimate 401(k) Guide Planning, Pitfalls, and Power Moves, Ep 198
In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I delve into 401(k)s: how they work, why they matter, and how to maximize their benefits. I break down the basics in simple terms, just like I always aim to do, because retirement planni…
- Six Things You May be Missing in Your Retirement That Can Cost You Big, Ep 197
Are you confident your retirement plan covers everything, or are there blind spots that could cost you down the road? In this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I reveal six commonly overlooked areas that can quietly sabotage eve…
- Retirement Questions You Didn't Know You Should Be Asking, Ep 196
In this episode, I tackled some of the most common and pressing questions I've received from listeners, prospective clients, and current clients at Retire Strong Financial Advisors . These questions are all centered around one big theme: p…
- Do you need Life Insurance in Retirement?, Ep 195
Over the past few weeks, I've had several clients and prospective clients ask me the same question: "Should I keep my life insurance in retirement?" Life insurance is something we all tend to think of as essential when we're younger (when…
- Why You May Not Retire on Time, Ep 194
Do you know if you'll retire on time? In this episode, I explore a question I often hear: Why do some people retire on time, confidently, and on track, while others keep pushing it off or feel like it will never happen? Additionally, I exa…
- Don't Ignore These Dangers to Your Retirement, Ep 193
Are you confident your retirement plan is built to last-or could there be a trap door waiting to open beneath your feet? In this episode, I shine a light on the hidden dangers that can derail your retirement. Have you ever considered what…
- Sinking Funds and Target Date Funds: What You Should Know, Ep 192
Retirement planning isn't just about investments and Social Security; it's also about how you budget and prepare for the expenses you know are coming. In this episode, I break down two essential but often misunderstood tools: sinking funds…
- Think You're Ready to Retire? 10 Overlooked Signs You're Not, Ep 191
Many people dream of retiring as soon as possible, but rarely stop to ask if they're truly ready. It's easy to assume you'll figure things out when you get there, but this episode challenges that thinking by revealing 10 overlooked signs y…
- The Social Security Surprises That Could Cost You Thousands, Ep 190
Most people treat Social Security as a fixed outcome, just another box to check when retirement arrives. Select an age, complete the form, and proceed. But the truth is, your choices around Social Security can unlock, or quietly erase, ten…
- What That New Tax Bill Really Means for Your Retirement, Ep 189
Most people nearing retirement aren't thinking about tax legislation; they're focused on their savings, Social Security timing, or making sure their lifestyle doesn't outlive their money. But what if a single bill quietly reshapes the rule…
- The Overlooked Truths About Your Retirement Paycheck, Ep 188
Most people heading into retirement think they've got it covered: a pension, some savings, maybe Social Security. But what if the things they're counting on are either misunderstood or dangerously overestimated? This episode sheds light on…
- Why Some Retirement Products Can Trap Your Savings (and What to Watch For), Ep 187
Most people who are gearing up for retirement are heads-down focused on building savings. But there's one important thing they don't consider: what happens to your money once it's "locked away" in certain retirement products. In this episo…
- How Real People Nail Retirement, Ep 186
Retirement doesn't come with a universal playbook, but you can learn a lot from people who've already been through it. Gregg shares stories from real clients that reveal what quietly sets the most successful retirees apart. These aren't su…
- The Questions Your Future Self Wishes You'd Asked Before Retiring, Ep 185
You may believe your retirement is all set, with savings secured and timelines mapped out, but then the questions start flooding in, shaking that sense of certainty. This episode reveals the questions people start asking as retirement gets…
- The Ins & Outs of Roth Conversions, Ep 184
Retirees usually think the tax decisions are done once they stop working. But the truth is, many are sitting on large pre-tax balances that can quietly lead to bigger tax bills later—especially when required minimum distributions kick in o…
- Why Your Retirement Savings Feels Unstable (And What to Do About It), Ep 183
Most people don't think about market swings until their retirement accounts take a hit. If your 401(k) balance is dropping or you're feeling uneasy, you're not alone. Recent shifts, fueled by tariff changes and global uncertainty, have lef…
- The Retirement Blind Spot: What Most People Overlook Before Leaving Work, Ep 182
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,…
- Retirement Pitfalls: Costly Money Moves You Don't See Coming, Ep 181
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'…
- Retirement Withdrawals: How to Make Your Money Last, Ep 180
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 mor…
- Listener Questions: Tips for a Smarter Retirement, Ep #179
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 r…
- Reflecting on 3 Lessons I Learned from Clients in 2024, Ep #178
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 t…
- Important Year-End Tax Planning, Ep #177
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…
- The Changes Coming to IRAs and 401Ks in 2025, Ep #176
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 I…
- Addressing Social Security's Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2025, Ep #175
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 comin…
- Calculating How Much You'll Spend in Retirement, Ep #174
One of the biggest questions people have about retirement planning is: "Will I have enough saved?" This episode of Retirement Made Easy dives into just that—how to determine the "magic number" you'll need to retire comfortably and securely…
- How Do You Tackle Healthcare Planning in Retirement? Ep #173
When it comes to retirement, healthcare planning isn't just an afterthought—it's one of the most important decisions you'll make. Will your current savings cover future healthcare expenses? How will you bridge the gap if you retire before…
- Listener Questions: Surviving Retirement Edition, Ep #172
Getting through retirement while being able to pay all of your expenses is the goal. But how do you make it happen? You'll have to make decisions before and during retirement that will impact whether or not it's successful. I answer some q…
- Listener Questions: Roth Conversions, Early Withdrawal Penalties, and Capital Gains, Ep #171
When are the best times for Roth conversions? Should you invest in a target-date fund? Can you avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty? These are just a few of the questions I'll tackle in this special Listener Questions edition of Retireme…
- The Truths About Social Security Part II, Ep #170
When should you claim your Social Security benefits? What do benefits look like for teachers who contribute to Teacher Retirement Systems? What is the survivor step-up strategy? In this episode of Retirement Made Easy, we'll dive into some…
- The Truths About Social Security Part I, Ep #169
Social Security can be difficult to understand. The rules can be difficult to decipher. Answers are nearly impossible to find. This leaves most people frustrated and confused. In this episode, I'm going to separate the truths from the many…
- 5 Retirement Lessons for 2024, Ep #168
2024 has already been full of many in-depth conversations with current and prospective clients. There have been some common threads among most of those conversations. From those common threads, I've pulled five lessons that we can all lear…
- 401K Loans: The Pros and Cons, Ep #167
Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions about 401K loans and whether or not they're worth it. People are asking things like, "How do you take out the loan? How does paying it back work? Should we ever consider it? What are our other o…
- Listener Questions: Clearing Up Confusing Retirement Topics, Ep #166
People often ask me where they should retire. Should they relocate to a new city or state? Most people assume when they retire that they need to move to make the most of their income. But the answer isn't clear-cut. Everyone has different…
- Can You Retire at 60 with $1 Million Saved? Ep #165
"I'm 60 years old and have $1 million saved. Do I have enough to retire?" I had a conversation with someone who had saved over $1 million and had been told he could retire. So he did retire—and completely regretted it. He wishes someone ha…
- 7 Steps to Retirement Security, Ep #164
Over the last two months, we've had close to 8 people contact us to put together a retirement plan because they're fearful of being downsized. If they got laid off, could they afford to retire? People are looking for peace of mind and a re…
- Avoid These 7 Retirement Mistakes (Or You'll Regret it Forever), Ep #163
I've been helping people plan for their dream retirement for the last 16 years. I've nearly heard it all. I've had to tell people they can't retire yet or that they have to save far more than they planned. The people who make these mistake…
- Greatest Hits: Retirement Made Easy's 5 Most Downloaded Episodes, Ep #162
I've recorded over 160 episodes since the Retirement Made Easy podcast launched. In this special "Greatest Hits" episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I'll share snippets from the 5 most downloaded episodes. They include some of my…
- How Election Years Impact the Stock Market, Ep #161
Do election years impact the stock market? If so, how? We know that election years introduce a rollercoaster of emotions for a variety of reasons. Those emotions tend to influence the stock market and the decisions individual investors mak…