John H. Curry's Secure Retirement Podcast

Planning your retirement can be a maze, but knowing when to claim your Social Security benefits might just be the key to unlocking a secure future. Ready to make the most pivotal decision of your retirement journey?In this episode, April Schoen, dives into the intricacies of Social Security, outlining strategies to ensure your golden years are actually golden.You’ll discover…How to determine if you and your spouse qualify for Social Security benefits.Various timing strategies for claiming your benefits to maximize your income.The critical differences between spousal and survivor benefits.How your work history and earnings impact your Social Security payments.The often-overlooked tax implications of taking Social Security benefits.

Retirement planning can be overwhelming, but what if you could uncover strategies to secure a steady income and live stress-free?In this episode, April Schoen dives deep into various strategies to maximize your retirement income and ensure financial stability.You’ll discover…The key factors influencing the timing and strategy of claiming Social Security benefits.Different pension options and the impact of your choices on long-term financial health.Strategies to transform your retirement investments into a reliable income stream.The pros and cons of annuities and how they could fit into your financial plan.The significance of asset allocation and diversification for risk management and stable returns.

Drowning in paperwork and unsure how long to keep important documents? Don't let the clutter consume you! Learn the secrets to organizing your financial life and gain peace of mind.In this episode, Erika Bell, owner of Organize with E, shares her expertise on how to effectively manage paperwork, digitize documents, and communicate crucial information to loved ones.In this episode, you'll discover…A surprising tip for conquering the overwhelming feeling of paperwork buildupThe key to creating a personalized organizational system that works for your unique habitsA simple rule to prevent clutter from taking over your lifeThe critical conversations you need to have with family about important documentsThe one thing you must do to ensure your loved ones can access vital information when needed

Are you truly ready for retirement, or are you headed for a retirement disaster?In this episode, April Schoen and Matthew Wallat share their insights on creating a comprehensive retirement plan to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a worry-free retirement.In this episode, you'll discover…The surprising similarity between an adventurous trip and retirement planningThe crucial step that brings relief and excitement to clients nearing retirementHow to adjust your investment strategy as you approach your golden yearsThe key to unlocking a successful retirement through systematic savingThe often-overlooked aspects of retirement planning that could derail your dreams

Retirement planning can feel like a daunting jigsaw puzzle—where do you even begin? Discover the secrets to securing your financial future and achieving a lifestyle of freedom and fulfillment!In this episode, John Curry and April Schoen unravel the complexities of retirement planning for FRS members and beyond. Get insights into making informed and strategic decisions that ensure peace and stability in your golden years.In this episode, you’ll discover...How to create a clear vision for your retirement using a powerful jigsaw puzzle analogy.The vital role of Social Security timing in maximizing your benefits.Key considerations and strategies for Medicare selection and supplemental policies.The secrets to maintaining engagement and purpose to avoid isolation in retirement.Tax planning techniques that could save you from future financial headaches.

Are you making the right moves to secure your financial future?In this episode, April Schoen delves deep into how to construct a bulletproof retirement framework aimed at ensuring you won't outlive your money.In this episode, you’ll discover…The critical element you might be missing in your retirement spending plan. How to identify potential income gaps before it’s too late.The role of regular reviews and adjustments in a dynamic retirement plan.Why a retirement rehearsal could be the key to your financial success.Actionable steps to define your retirement goals and build a sustainable plan.

In this episode, April Schoen and John Curry dive deep into one of the crucial components of retirement planning: Social Security. They explore the significance of timing your Social Security benefits and how it impacts lifelong income, offering expert insights into making the most informed decisions.They’ll cover:Why the decision of when to take Social Security is critical and how it affects your and your spouse's financial security throughout retirementThe implications of early or delayed benefitsPotential changes to Social Security and common misconceptions about the impact of legislative adjustments on future benefitsTailored strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits based on individual circumstances, including considerations for health status, income needs, and marital historyAnd more

Welcome to another episode of "Ask April" on The Secure Retirement podcast. Today's episode is essential for anyone with questions about life insurance, its benefits beyond death benefits, and its role in ensuring financial security for you and your family. We'll be discussing real-life applications of life insurance at different stages of life, demystifying term and permanent life insurance, and exploring how to tailor life insurance to fit your current life stage.We’ll cover:Understanding the crucial role of life insurance in financial planning and how it fits into your overall strategy.How real clients have used life insurance to secure their financial future, protect their families, and plan for retirement.The difference between term and permanent life insurance.Strategies for tailoring life insurance to meet your unique needs and circumstances throughout different phases of life.Insights on using life insurance to enhance retirement planning, spend down assets wisely, and ensure a lasting legacy.And more

In this episode, April and John dive into the critical financial risks that individuals face as they approach or navigate through retirement, and share valuable strategies to avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a secure retirement.Listen to learn:The top five financial risks individuals face in retirementThe problem with traditional retirement planning methodsEffective strategies to mitigate risks associated with market volatility, inflation, taxes, healthcare costs, and longevityHow to build a balanced financial structureAnd more

Navigate through retirement with confidence as April Schoen addresses the silent thief, inflation, revealing strategies to protect your financial future.In this episode, we’ll dive deep into understanding inflation and its impact on your retirement dreams.Unpack the essentials of inflation and its direct impact on your retirement savings.Discover historical perspectives on inflation to better understand its cyclical nature.Explore strategic ways to combat inflation, from guaranteed income streams to growth assets.Gain insights into personalized inflation rates and how to calculate yours for precise retirement planning.Ready to secure your retirement against the eroding effects of inflation? Join April Schoen for invaluable insights and strategies on the Secure Retirement podcast. Available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Feeling overwhelmed by Social Security decisions for your retirement? Unravel the complexities of this critical component of retirement planning in today's episode.Join me, your guide in the maze of retirement planning, as I illuminate the often puzzling world of Social Security. From timing your benefits to understanding the system's history and strategizing for maximum returns, I offer a wealth of knowledge to help secure your financial future.Discover when to ideally start your Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.Dive into the fascinating history of Social Security with the story of Ida May Fuller, the first recipient.Learn about the critical role of work credits and average indexed monthly earnings in determining your Social Security benefits.Understand the unique strategies couples can employ to boost their combined Social Security benefits.Hear real-life stories of retirees who navigated Social Security decisions to enhance their financial stability.And moreReady to master the ar

How do you weather the storm during a financial crisis?—and not just weather the storm, but come out stronger?In this podcast, we show you how to prepare for a financial crisis, with actionable steps that allow you to face whatever comes your way.We’ll cover:The essential elements of financial resilienceThe early warning signs of a financial crisisCreating a comprehensive financial planEmergency fund essentialsProtecting your investments and retirement accountsAnd more

It’s the New Year Financial Kickoff…In this edition of Ask April, I will help you launch your financial year and set you on a path toward your goals.I’ll cover: Setting your financial aspirations for 2024 Building this year’s spending plan Debt paydown strategies Why your investments should align with your dreams And more

What can you do at the end of the year to set yourself up for financial success in 2024?In this edition of Ask April, I share a year-end checklist to help you start the new year on track toward your financial goals.I’ll cover: Why is an end-of-year financial review important? Setting goals for the next 3 years Assessing your spending plan Evaluating your investments Building a financial safety net And more

“How much should I save for retirement?” “When should I go into DROP?” “What about inflation?”If you’re preparing for retirement, chances are these questions have been swirling around your head…In this episode, guest host Steve Gordon asks us the most common questions about the Florida Retirement System.With decades of combined expertise, we have helped countless people answer these questions and plan for secure retirements.We cover: Is there a “magic number” to save for retirement? Recent changes to DROP Choosing a pension option The “retirement rehearsal” Inflation And more

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about what’s going on with the economy…Many people are wondering if we’re headed for a recession—and what they can do to prepare if we are.The good news is that even if we face economic uncertainty, it won’t be anything new…In this episode, we cover what past economic crises can teach us about how to weather difficult economic times.

“How much should I be saving for retirement?”We get this question all the time…In this episode, April will cover the basics of saving for retirement, including: Savings goals for different stages of life A helpful rule of thumb Saving in the right places How to make saving systematic And more This episode marks the first edition of “Ask April,” a new segment in which April will answer the most common financial questions from clients, share practical advice, and help listeners become aligned with their financial goals and dreams. Whether you’re starting out on your financial journey or looking to fine tune your existing strategies, April is here to help.

How can you deal with adversity?In this episode, we feature a recording of John’s inspiring Rotary talk, “Sweetheart, It’s Just Your Leg, Not Your Life.”John tells his incredible story of overcoming adversity after his amputation and shares his wisdom on: How to plan for unplanned life events Building support groups Creating an unbeatable mindset to get through anything And more

In this episode, I interview John about his fifty-year career helping clients and what he’s learned throughout his journey.It turns out that not much has changed in fifty years—people then and now share the desire to build a secure financial future for themselves and their families.John has seen thousands of clients’ stories unfold, and today he’ll share that wealth of experience with you.He’ll cover: What he’s learned about understanding clients’ unique needs and goals The importance of planning for mortality Helping clients get through tough times Getting confidence and clarity around a financial decision  How to balance short-term and long-term goals And more

We’re excited to announce that we’re relaunching the podcast…It’s our intention to share our knowledge on the world of financial planning so we can help others, and this next phase of the podcast will be focused on doing just that.In this episode, we’ll let you know what to expect from the show going forward and get new listeners up to speed on who we are and what we do.We’ll also tackle the question on everyone’s minds: “What’s happening with the economy?”—and share how you can make a plan for when times get tough.