Retirement Results

As prices continue to challenge household budgets, finding practical ways to save money has never been more important. In this podcast extra, Retirement.Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Stephen Perrine, executive editor of AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, to discuss AARP's annual 99 Great Ways to Save guide. The conversation covers: Smart grocery shopping strategies that can help reduce impulse spending. Creative ways to use AI as a money-saving tool, from negotiating fees to planning travel. Easy travel tips that can help lower fuel costs on your next road trip. Online shopping tricks that could unlock discounts before you click "buy." Resources from AARP that can help you stretch your dollars throughout the year. Whether you're preparing for retirement or simply looking for practical ways to make your money go further, this interview is packed with actionable tips you can start using today. -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford Stokes, a Registered Social Security Analyst, walks through everything pre-retirees need to understand about Social Security as we flip the calendar into 2026. Ford explains how Social Security benefits are calculated, common mistakes people make when claiming, and why timing matters so much when it comes to maximizing your lifetime benefits. He also discusses strategies designed to help individuals and couples get the most out of what they have paid into the system over their working years. The conversation highlights why Social Security should be coordinated with the rest of your retirement plan – considering your investments, taxes, and income needs – rather than treated as a standalone decision. Ford also explains how personalized Social Security maximization reports can help clarify your options and identify the claiming strategy that may be best for your specific situation. If you are approaching retirement or thinking about when to claim Social Security, this episode provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions with confidence. See the video with the presentation here: https://youtu.be/nDt7NlqtcCE Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam dive into the wave of layoffs hitting companies across the United States this year — from tech and manufacturing to financial services, retail, and transportation. With economic uncertainty lingering and several major employers reducing headcount this year, many Americans are wondering what they should do if they’ve already been laid off or fear they may be next. Ford and Sam break down the latest economic data, explain why these layoffs are happening, and provide a clear set of steps workers can take immediately if they’ve recently lost their job. They also discuss how a smart financial plan can help shield families from financial shocks during uncertain times. Whether you’re currently employed, recently laid off, or simply want a stronger plan in place, Ford and Sam share actionable guidance to help you stay confident, informed, and financially secure. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

In this interview, Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure speaks with Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products at Bank of America, about holiday shopping trends. A major focus is how inflation and tariffs influence consumer behavior. The discussion also explores how dupe culture is emerging as a popular trend among younger generations who seek affordable alternatives to high-end branded items, while highlighting generational differences in gift-giving preferences and shopping habits. Mary emphasizes practical strategies for managing holiday expenses, including budgeting, using rewards cards, and taking advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities to maximize value during the holiday season. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam address some of the most frightening financial mistakes retirees and pre-retirees make and how to avoid them. They discuss longevity risk and the real danger of outliving your money, why healthcare costs are one of the biggest threats to retirement security, and how planning for taxes and inflation can make all the difference. ✅ The biggest mistakes that can derail your retirement ✅ Strategies to minimize taxes and fight inflation ✅ Why a strong financial plan provides peace of mind -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam tackle one of the most important and often overlooked questions facing pre-retirees today: are you taking too much risk as you approach retirement? They explain why now – with markets at or near all-time highs – may be the perfect time to protect your gains, rebalance your portfolio, and focus on income stability. The conversation also covers what it really means to “keep more of what you earn,” and how a comprehensive retirement plan can help you transition smoothly and confidently into your next chapter. ✅ How to tell if your portfolio has too much risk and internal fees ✅ Why “it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep” truly matters for retirees ✅ The checklist for a smooth transition into your golden years -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam discuss how to retire smarter — not harder. They share smart withdrawal strategies, income planning tips, and tax-efficient moves that can make a big difference in your retirement success. From structuring your retirement income plan to making the most of Roth conversions and Social Security, this episode is packed with practical insights for those in or approaching retirement. You might be closer to financial independence than you think — and with the right plan, you can enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard for! ✅ Smart withdrawal and income strategies ✅ How to get more out of your Social Security benefits ✅ Why you might already have what you need to retire confidently -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam take a closer look at one of the biggest concerns facing retirees today: the longevity challenge – making sure your money lasts as long as you do. The conversation highlights why longevity risk is often underestimated, and explores practical ways to address it, including strategies to create guaranteed income streams that can provide financial security throughout retirement. We also explain why it’s so important to have your plan reviewed by a licensed professional and fiduciary, and share some fascinating facts about life expectancy and retirement planning that might surprise you. ✅ How to build guaranteed income into your plan ✅ Why working with a fiduciary can help safeguard your future ✅ Surprising facts about life expectancy and retirement planning Retirement isn’t just about saving — it’s about making sure your plan supports you for a lifetime. Tune in this week to learn how to prepare wisely and retire with confidence. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- Listen to the show every weekend on your favorite Atlanta news-talk stations & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts: WGKA AM 920 Saturdays Noon-1pm & Sundays 11am-Noon WDUN 102.9 FM & AM 550 Sundays 7am-8am About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.