John H. Curry's Secure Retirement Podcast

When they reached retirement, Phil and Betty Ashler were finally ready for some travel. They say anybody can – and should – do it too, even if you don’t have much experience. Phil and Betty are keeping busy in other ways, including some very unique volunteer work. It was a lifetime of discipline in following a financial plan that got them to the point where they can do the things they enjoy most. And they’re living life to the fullest, finding fun everywhere they go.

With the precision of a military operation, Honor Flight Tallahassee takes 75 local veterans to Washington, D.C. each year – free of charge. They stop at the major war memorials in the nation’s capital, as well as Arlington Cemetery. It’s a time of intense emotions… memories… and gratitude.

You can have all the money in the world in retirement. But if you don’t have your health… well, you really can’t enjoy it. Part of that, says Bill Kepper, a physician for 40+ years, is being a good patient throughout your life, following doctor’s orders. But as important is making sure you can get the medications, procedures, and other things you need as you get older… while you’re depending on your retirement income and retirement accounts to pay for it.

As a senior analyst with CNBC and pioneering financial journalist, Ron Insana has seen a lot of ups and downs in the markets and how that impacts the average investor. And over the years he’s identified some key factors that separates those who do well… and those who fall behind. Ron shares the two most important things you must be doing right now to invest in your future. And he has some specific advice for what to do when you have a “winner” in your portfolio – it might not be what you think.

When you’re talking about financial planning, you can’t leave out healthcare, says Peter Stahl, author of Top of the First: The Convergence of Healthcare and Financial Planning. It’s one of the most important parts of your retirement, after all. And it’s one of the biggest expenses, too. Medicare is one element here that confuses a lot of people. Peter has some solid advice for navigating that program. He also highlights three things you can do to maximize your health care funds when you retire.

Financial and retirement planning – most important issues in our lives, in fact – are often made too complicated. The best plans… the best ideas… are actually the simplest, says Steve Harvill, founder of Creative Ventures. You can also take an active role by using easy-to-use tools to work towards your most important goals one step at a time.

When is the best time to start eating right, exercising, and working on reducing the impact of stress in your life? Right now, says Ellen Berkowitz. As a doctor specializing in psychiatry, Ellen has seen the impact of a lack of proper “self-care” in herself and her patients. She shares some simple techniques and practices you can use for your own self-care plan at home.

When it comes to retirement planning, what you want can be very different than what you really need. The same goes for many things in life, says Dr. Jim Murdaugh. We get into the nitty-gritty of that philosophy. Since this week’s guest is president of Tallahassee Community College, we also cover his first-hand experiences in how the college experience is changing.

Many people think they are taking all the right steps toward a long retirement full of time with family, travel, and relaxation. Unfortunately, there are many financial threats to your retirement plans – some you can see, some that are invisible until they take away income and assets. To make matters worse, too many folks have assumptions about their current retirement plan that are just plain false. But you can plan and prepare for these threats to protect your retirement funds.

You’ve done the planning you need for your ideal retirement… or have you? There are several factors outside your control that will impact your savings and payments from Social Security, a pension, or retirement plans. But you can prepare for these issues so the effect is less drastic. And you can make sure you’re not making critical mistakes right now with your pension, healthcare, and more that could sabotage your retirement dreams.

Retirement not just about money. Physical fitness is also key. My personal trainer Jason Harville shares easy ways you can stay fit, no matter how old you are… especially if you have any issues, conditions, or injuries. This is not about becoming a bodybuilder. Rather it’s achieving a standard of fitness that incorporates flexibility, cardio and strength for better overall body function. That’s key to truly enjoying a long and healthy retirement.

Trial lawyer Gary Anton had a tough – but rewarding and very accomplished – career in the legal profession. It taxed his personal life, but he had some good times along the way. At the height of his career a serious but unexpected near-death medical emergency changed Gary’s outlook on life and how he did his job. Not to mention it compelled some serious action with end of life planning. Gary shares how he adapted professionally and financially to his new reality.

Marylin Stallworth’s husband, Bill, died unexpectedly in October 2014. The couple had been enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement thanks to following through on sound financial planning. But they had left a few key parts out of their plan that made a traumatic time for Marylin even worse. She shares what she would have done differently, what she’s doing to improve her end of life planning, and what actions she says you should take right now to make your loved ones’ lives easier when you pass

You’re stuck. Perhaps in your job or business. Or you can’t seem to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Maybe your finances are a mess. Modern life throws a lot at us. But whatever is holding you back… you don’t have to go it alone. Connie Clark, of Striving Forward Coaching, is a life coach. And she shares how professionals like her help clients get from wherever they are now to where they want to be in their lives.

For Bill and Donna Elliot, their dream retirement was a once-in-a-lifetime trip in a motorhome… a voyage that had them zigzagging across the U.S. full-time for two years and 24,000 miles. Bill, a retired architect, and Donna, who had worked in the legal field, were ready for a break after long successful careers. And they had a lot on their bucket list. They explain how they prepped for the trip… but also how they were able financially to make it work.

Most people aren’t looking for an extravagant lifestyle. They want to buy a nice home, own a reliable car, save money for their kids’ – even grandkids’ – educations, and put away enough money for a comfortable retirement. That’s a good life. To ensure that happens you need to prepare now for the biggest financial danger to your retirement. It’s a danger that many suffered from in the 2008 economic crisis… and the problem hasn’t gone away.

For members of The Florida Retirement System, the decisions you must make to optimize your retirement income can be complicated and confusing. In this interview, John Curry breaks down the key considerations and decisions that are unique to FRS members.

This is a fascinating interview with WWII veteran, pioneer of population study at Florida State, and now a master his own retired life, Dr. Charlie Nam. Charlie shares his keys to staying engaged and excited about the future, even in retirement.

In this deep interview, one of my clients grills me and I share the four big threats to your Secure Retirement, I explain the four options under the Florida Retirement System, and I share our approach to structuring a Secure Retirement Plan.

Listen as Betty Hodges shares her experience with the benefits of life insurance that she's enjoyed while she's still alive.