We'll teach you strategies on this show that'll help you gain financial independence and win the "game" of retirement. The show features financial advisor & coach Dale Tondryk of Tondryk Wealth Management in Minnetonka, MN and serving the Twin Cities.
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
Another round of retirement changes are on the way after President Biden signed a spending bill in December 2022 that included the SECURE Act 2.0. Retirees and pre-retirees need to understand what this new legislation means, how it might impact you, and what planning opportunities this could open up.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
- Pushing back the RMD age to 73. (0:55)
- Changes to catch-up contributions. (3:40)
- The 529 to Roth transfer option. (5:56)
- Company match to a Roth 401(k) (8:26)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Let’s look at some examples and explore the reasons why we have to be very careful from whom we’re taking this important financial guidance from. Even when the advice seems to be well-informed and logical, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be applicable to your plan.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
- Your family might have plenty of guidance, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow. (1:00)
- Your friends might not tell you about the losses as much as the successes. (3:30)
- Why the advice CPAs gives you might not be as effective for investing. (5:36)
- The experts in the media are there to entertain rather than inform. (8:12)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
People have different feelings when it comes to their desire to retire. We broke this concept down into five sections that we will explore today.
Our goal is to help you determine which category you fall into so you can be sure your financial plan aligns with your desire to retire.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Some people love what they do and don’t see themselves retiring, but should they still plan? (1:24)
- When you want to retire but continue to work, instead. (3:05)
- Many people end up hoping to retire early, so we plan ahead. (6:38)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Investor bias is a common phenomenon. It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture at times, specifically when your retirement is on the line.
In this episode, we will be learning about the different biases that tend to affect investors the most. Listen to see if you fall into any of these categories and how you can shift your perspective and invest smarter.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How confirmation bias can lead your astray. (0:44)
- Have you been burned by the market before? (4:39)
- When trend chasing goes awry…(6:56)
- Are you playing it too safe, or too loyal? (12:31)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
As you approach retirement, you might catch “Sudden Decision Syndrome”. It’s important to avoid making big decisions before retirement so you don’t mess up your plan.
In this episode, we will cover some of the things you want to avoid just before or right after retirement.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why you should take some time to process retirement before making big decisions. (0:34)
- Don’t jump into investments that you don’t understand. (3:40)
- How working with a professional can help you in your transition. (6:09)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Nov 17, 2022
Thursday Nov 17, 2022
You may have heard of Roth Conversions. Roth Conversions have been increasingly popular, so we wanted to share some important things to know before you decide if it is right for you. There are a few key points to consider, like how one would affect your tax bracket for example. Listen to learn the benefits of a Roth Conversion and how one could create a tax-free income in the future.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- What are Roth Conversions? (0:36)
- How Roth Conversions could save you on taxes. (2:26)
- Here are common mistakes people make with Roth Conversions. (5:24)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Oct 27, 2022
Thursday Oct 27, 2022
Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car, like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed.
On today’s show, we’ll explain why your net worth, view of retirement, and thoughts on nursing homes might be problematic.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why your guess of what it takes to fund your lifestyle is probably way off. (1:45)
- Why tracking net worth or account balance should not be the only thing you care about. (5:21)
- Why you need to have a different retirement plan than your parents. (8:17)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
At this time of year, you can find football on TV almost every night of the week. So, let’s take some concepts from the game of football and apply them to our retirement planning.
You might be surprised to see the correlation between football and finance, but then again, maybe not with the name of our show. Strap up and join us for a look at the lessons we can take away from the gridiron.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
- What is the Financial Red Zone and why is it critical? (1:51)
- Why taking on more risk to catch up is almost never the best way to fix the problem. (3:55)
- Sometimes you need to stop worrying about getting more money and focus on protecting your retirement instead. (5:53)
- The right coach can make all the difference when it comes to success. (8:04)
Read more and get additional financial insight here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
There are plenty of decisions that you’ll make in the retirement planning process that can’t be undone, so you want to make sure that you make the right call. In this episode, we’ll explain why these decisions are so important and can’t be undone.
While a few of these have slight caveats, you won’t want to miss your window of opportunity to make the choice that is right for you.
Listen to today’s episode to learn what steps you can take to better prepare yourself for these potentially life-changing decisions.
Key Points:
- Be careful not to start using your social security too early. (1:41)
- Should you select the spousal benefit option on a pension? (5:15)
- Why you should get life insurance early in life. (7:25)
- What happens if you retire….then change your mind? (9:40)
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Sep 08, 2022
Thursday Sep 08, 2022
Want to know the secrets to experiencing satisfaction in retirement? We’ve discovered five key situations in which your financial plan needs to lead you. If you can key in on these five points, you’ll have a high chance to achieve retirement satisfaction.
Wouldn’t it be great to retire knowing you’ll have enough to live off no matter what is going on in the government? Or knowing you have enough to care for yourself, so you won’t have to depend on the family?
Listen to today’s episode to learn the strategies we outlined for you so you can better prepare for financial roadblocks that may come your way.
Key Points:
- It’s important to have peace of mind that you can retire no matter how the economy may change. (2:53)
- Diversify your income so if one fails, you have something to fall back on. (4:10)
- Save enough so that you never lose confidence in having enough to live comfortably. (6:04)
- Prepare for total independence to eliminate potential stress in retirement. (8:58)
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Aug 18, 2022
Thursday Aug 18, 2022
Being a good advisor isn’t about winning a popularity contest or just saying the same things that everyone else in the industry says. It’s about giving the best advice that you can for each individual situation.
On today’s show, we’re going to peel back the curtain to discuss some areas where a good financial advisor’s opinions might go against the grain with mainstream ideas in the industry.
Investing always involves a certain amount of risk, but how much risk is right for you? For example, it could make sense to pay off your home, even if you use a large portion of your savings. Speaking of which- are you keeping enough cash in the bank?
The right financial advisor will tailor their advice to their client’s specific needs. Listen to find out if going against the grain could help you achieve your financial goals more successfully.
Key Points:
3:01- Should you pay off your house?
4:47- How to handle debt
7:12- Why you might want to repurpose your life insurance
9:13- Using annuities the right way
11:40- When it makes sense to keep extra cash in the bank
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Aug 04, 2022
Thursday Aug 04, 2022
You’ve most likely heard plenty of “rules” you’re supposed to follow to retire successfully. Some of these rules are stated so confidently, that you’d be crazy not to immediately accept them as fact.
But we don’t mind the threat of being called crazy, so let’s dive into some of the most popular retirement “rules of thumb” to see if they truly lead us down the path of good financial guidance or run a chance of leading us astray.
Join us on today’s episode as we break down these rules of thumb:
- The Rule of 100: A risk tolerance rule that tells us investors should have a percentage of investments that match 100 minus his or her current age. (3:25)
- The Rule of 72: You take 72 divided by the current interest rate and that’s how fast your money will double. (8:30)
- Rule of 5: On average we experience a bear market every 5 years. (9:49)
- The 4% Rule: You should be able to take out 4% of your portfolio each year of retirement without running out of money. (12:05)
So, are these rules really wise or is there a better and more customized approach to retirement planning out there? Times change and so does the advice we should listen to. Listen to today’s episode and find out!
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
We are going to discuss a tough topic today, divorce. Going through a divorce at any age is difficult but doing so close to or in retirement adds additional complications. There are a lot of little nuances that go along with splitting your assets and it can be an emotional investment as well.
If you’ve been married a long time and you’ve grown a family it can be easy to be emotionally attached to the house. But you want to consider other financial assets as well.
You also need to consider the tax implications of dividing those retirement accounts. So, if you find yourself going through this tough situation what missteps do you need to avoid and what should you look out for?
Key points:
1:18 – Do you often work with divorcees?
1:52 – Should you keep the house?
4:52 – Ignoring tax implications of accounts
6:56 – Rules around divorce and your accounts
8:11 - Working with an advisor to help you through
10:31 – Mailbag: Should I take money out of my retirement account?
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Can you get an A+ on this retirement planning pop quiz? Don’t worry too much about acing this quiz though, there’s always time to improve your grades.
At what age should people start saving for retirement?
- When you begin working
- When you buy your first home
- When you pay off all your debt
Definitely not when you pay off all your debt, it’s likely you’ll have debt on and off throughout your life. The best time is when you start working, especially if your job offers a 401(k) match.
Which of these is the best estimate of how much income you’ll need in retirement?
- 50% of your current income
- 85% of your current income
- 100% of your current income
- None of the above
Your retirement income is never going to be 100% because of deductions. It’s fair to say none of the above. Around 65% is going to be the most common estimate, but finding a customized and personalized number is important for your plan.
Join us today as we answer these retirement trivia questions and see how well you do with your financial knowledge.
Key points:
1:49 – At what age should people start saving for retirement?
3:36 – What is the best estimate of how much income you’ll need in retirement?
6:23 – Which of these do retirees fear the most?
8:04 – Which of these represent a diversfied retirement plan?
9:48 – To make sure you don’t run out of money, only take _____ out
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Do you like to take risks? Or would you rather play it safe and steady? When it comes to the market risk can come with great reward, but it can also be damaging if our risk tolerance is out of balance with our plan. Most people don’t realize how much risk they are taking on and have a much lower tolerance than their portfolio reflects.
When the markets are going up everyone feels good and when it goes down a lot of people panic. Why is this? Very often a client’s tolerance for risk doesn’t match their investments. If you’re having a hard time sleeping because you're stressed about the market, that’s a good sign you need to take on less risk.
On today’s episode, we’ll break down how risk plays into your retirement plan and what we need to do if it’s out of balance with your needs.
Key points:
0:50 – Do you take risk?
2:32 – Does your tolerance match your portfolio?
4:00 – What should you do?
5:03 – Ask your self how you’re going to feel
6:07 – Why do you think we are set up this way?
7:12 – You might not be de-risking as much as you think
8:32 – What options do we have?
10:40 – What’s the first step?
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
When it comes to financial debates, there are a few that we often hear. "You should always pay the house off before retirement“ or “Individual bonds are better than bond funds“ are some common ones you may encounter. But the reality of any financial debate is that the correct answer usually depends on your situation.
Paying off the house before retirement is a great goal, but if you have to compromise your retirement accounts to do so you may need to think about it twice. Individual bonds can be better than bond funds, but they can also be worse. Really it’s all about your goals and where you want your money focused. Join us today, as we explore these financial debates and more. Which side of the aisle do you agree with?
Key points:
1:07 – How are you doing?
1:26 – Always pay off your house
5:32 – Individual bonds vs. bond funds
7:15 – You don’t need life insurance in retirement
8:58 – Fee-based advisors instead of commissioned broker
9:58 – Annuities are always a rip off
12:17 – You’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement
15:07 – You should never use credit cards
16:42 – You should start Social Security as soon as possible
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday May 19, 2022
Thursday May 19, 2022
We’ve gathered some updated retirement statistics from across the country. It’s time to find out if these are encouraging or disturbing findings if they’re reflective of the average client, and what you can do to improve your own retirement preparedness based on this information.
Overall, it appears women have smaller retirement savings compared to men. Dale finds this disturbing but he has seen this trend in women who have gone through divorces. While experts are estimating we need about $1.4 million to retire, Dale thinks this may be a little high. It’s not always about the numbers but about the kind of lifestyle you want to lead. Join us today as we explore these statistics and what you can do to protect your financial future.
Key points:
1:46 – Women have smaller retirement accounts
4:19 – Experts are estimating you need $1.4 million
5:50 – It’s going to come down to your lifestyle
8:13 – 55% of workers plan to work in retirement
10:31 – 25% of Americans increased their savings during COVID-19
11:47 – More people are getting Social Security benefits
13:01 – How does retiring early impact your strategy?
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
Those days, months, and years leading up to retirement can start to fill with anxiety about what needs to get done. No one wants to make that transition without having their ducks in a row so today we’re going to tell you what you should be doing as you start approaching retirement.
If you’re able to create a checklist and start going through each of these things on your own and with your financial advisor, you’ll feel confident about retirement and that’s what we love to see.
Key points:
0:50 – Waiting for the weather change
2:17 – Getting healthy
4:25 – Plan for the free time
6:39 – Start focusing on something in advance
7:35 – Post Retirement Career
8:31 – Save more
9:33 – Paying off debt
10:30 – Reduce the risk
12:27 – Final thoughts
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
With the state of the housing market and rising interest rates, a lot of retirees have questions about their house and how it fits into their overall retirement plan. For many of us, we may feel our house is our biggest asset and is a big part of the financial equation.
With the Fed raising interest rates should you pay the house off as fast as you can or keep with your minimum payment? Dale recommends paying it off as soon as possible, you’ll save thousands in interest and you can enter retirement without that burden. Traditionally, a lot of retirees consider downsizing once their family moves out. But in our current market you may end up paying just as much for a smaller home. As with anything though, the answer to these questions will depend a lot on your situation and retirement plan. On today’s episode, we discuss these common housing questions and more.
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
What we discuss in this episode:
0:50 – Golf season!
1:09 – Should you pay the house off ASAP?
4:35 – Should you downsize?
7:28 – Using your home as an emergency fund
8:36 – Signing the house over to the kids
10:46 – How it fits into the estate plan
12:21 – Make your wishes clear
14:15 – Looking into a reverse mortgage
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Much like our physical health, we often find ourselves struggling to keep up our financial health despite knowing what we should and should not do. Eating healthy and exercise is critical to taking care of our body much like saving and budgeting are crucial to our financial future.
Even though we know what steps we should be taking, it doesn’t mean we always follow through. Cutting corners and taking cheat days with our money happens just as often as it does with our diet.
On this episode, we’re going to look at the many of the similarities between health and finance and discuss what we can do to fix those unhealthy habits.
Read more and get additional financial details here: http://retirementplaybookpodcast.com
What we discuss in this episode:
2:04 – Empty calories
4:40 – Too much sugar
7:30 – Trans fats
10:20 – Inflation
12:31 – Final thoughts