My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins

Financial information has never been more accessible, yet many people are more confused than ever about what to do with their money. Lee explores why having access to endless opinions, headlines, podcasts, videos, and AI tools doesn't necessarily lead to better financial decisions. He also explains how retirees can cut through the noise and avoid getting stuck in a cycle of constant research without action. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💡 Information Overload: Knowledge doesn't equal wisdom 📱 Social Advice: Bad information spreads fast 🤖 AI Reality: Helpful tool, imperfect guide 🧠 Bias Bubbles: Algorithms reinforce beliefs 🧊 Analysis Paralysis: Research delaying decisions 🚫 DIY Danger: Don't do it alone 🎯 Stay Focused: Prioritize goals over headlines Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday… until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner or cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime. How do you pick the right strategy? Let’s break down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🕒 Why many retirees choose to claim Social Security at 62 📊 The trade-offs between early filing and full retirement age 💼 How working impacts Social Security through the earnings test 💍 Spousal and survivor benefit considerations 💡 Using Social Security strategically to enhance your retirement lifestyle Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com We've all heard the saying there is no such thing as a bad question, but in retirement planning, some questions are definitely better than others. In this episode, Lee explains the five questions smart investors ask and explains how reframing each one leads to better decisions, stronger strategies, and more confident planning. The smartest investors don’t just look for answers. They learn to ask better questions. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📰 Office News: team update and new advisor announcement 💰 How Much Do I Need? Reframing savings into income needs 🏥 Long-Term Care: exploring all coverage options instead of rolling the dice 💸 Fees vs. Value: understanding what you truly get for the price 🧾 Taxes: shifting the conversation from “this year” to lifetime tax savings 📉 Market Fear: building a portfolio that works in every market—not timing the chaos Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com The mail’s here! Today, Lee answers listener questions about life, money, and retirement planning. Each scenario highlights the unique challenges people face as they approach or live through retirement, and the importance of making confident, well-coordinated decisions along the way. Most times, the best advice doesn’t come from Google, it comes from experience, wisdom, and planning. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💰 Income Boost: how to handle a sudden increase in earnings 👵 Parents’ Financial Health: addressing concerns and planning for their future 📆 Social Security Choices: deciding when and how to claim benefits 🏡 Vacation Home Dilemma: the pros and cons of buying property with family Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com The mailbag is open! In this episode, Lee tackles real-world listener questions that hit on some of the most common dilemmas retirees face. First up: should you buy that RV with debt, or withdraw from your IRA and take the tax hit? Then, how do you know if a life insurance “investment” pitch is a smart opportunity or just a sales tactic to avoid? Next, Lee addresses a common concern: what should you do with a large 401(k) balance when you don’t fully understand investing? He explains why saving is great, but strategy is essential. He also breaks down when it makes sense to use a Roth 401(k) option at work. From there, the focus shifts to retirement psychology: what if you’re afraid of running out of money? Do you need to cut back or go back to work? Lee explains why neither is ideal and what to do instead. Finally, we hear from a listener who received a surprise inheritance and wants to know how to navigate IRAs, stocks, and property the right way. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🚐 RV dilemmas – buy with debt or tap your IRA? 🛡️ Life insurance sales – smart questions to ask before saying yes 📊 401(k) reality check – saving isn’t enough without a strategy 🔄 Roth 401(k) choices – when shifting contributions makes sense 💸 Running out of money – how to calm the fear of going back to work 🏡 Getting a surprise inheritance – how to manage it wisely Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Meet with us: http://talkwithjlp.com 📚 Looking for more financial education? Check out 👉 http://myretirementclarity.com If your parents or grandparents passed away young, it’s natural to wonder: Should I grab Social Security as early as possible? It sounds simple, but the truth is far more nuanced. In this episode, Lee unpacks why longevity isn’t just about family history. Advances in medicine, modern lifestyles, and the kind of retirement you envision all play a huge role in when (and how) you should claim benefits. Lee explains what early filing actually does to your benefits, why spousal considerations matter, and how delaying benefits can increase overall lifetime income for you and potentially for a surviving spouse. Instead of making this decision in a vacuum, Lee shows how Social Security fits into your broader financial plan alongside pensions, savings, and other income sources. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🧬 Family history vs. actual longevity factors 💵 How delayed credits can boost your benefit ❤️ ‍What happens to Social Security if a spouse passes away first 🔄 Trade-offs of using your own assets vs. claiming early 📊 Using Social Security in a comprehensive plan Check out our upcoming workshops: https://jlperkinswealth.com/attend-an-event/

Today, Lee dives into an important topic for federal employees: the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). While the TSP is a powerful accumulation tool, it may lack the flexibility needed in retirement. Lee explains why reaching age 59½ is a critical turning point and how rolling over TSP funds into an IRA can provide greater control, investment options, and tax planning strategies. He highlights both the strengths of the TSP- like low fees, simplicity, and automatic payroll deductions- and its limitations in terms of withdrawal rules and lack of integration with broader financial planning. Lee also shares a client story to illustrate how a personalized plan can make a big difference. If you’re approaching retirement and want to make smart, strategic decisions with your TSP, this episode is a must-listen. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💼 TSP has ultra-low fees, but few options 🎯 Age 59½ opens rollover opportunities 🔄 How rolling over to an IRA offers flexibility and options 🧾The benefits of a personalized tax strategy Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjlp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

In a world filled with so much uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you can’t control. Volatile markets, shifting tax laws, and political noise don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. But when it comes to retirement planning, there are things you can control, and they’re far more powerful than most people realize. In this episode, Lee walks through the four key areas retirees should focus on to build clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. He shares how his “financial house” model helps retirees decide how much risk they’re comfortable with, and why flexibility is the key to effective income planning. You’ll also hear why it’s worth paying attention to future tax exposure and how to plan around Social Security instead of depending on it. Rather than obsessing over political gridlock or looming program changes, Lee shows how to reduce reliance on government promises and build a retirement plan that stands strong regardless of what’s happening in Washington or on Wall Street. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 Managing how much risk you take 💰 Designing income streams in retirement 💼 Avoid future tax-time surprises 🚫 Not letting Social Security be your only plan 🧠 Why obsessing over headlines can undermine your retirement confidence Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com