Social Security: Answers From The Experts

Welcome to episode #39 of Social Security: Answers from The Experts with Martha Shedden: Using a Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning by Taking Risk off the Table with Paul Tyler Paul Tyler serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Nassau Financial Group where he leads the marketing strategy, direct-to-consumer channel and innovation activity. Paul drives the branding of the insurance companies and affiliated asset management companies. He built a direct-to-consumer channel for Nassau Financial Group. In addition, he launched Nassau Re/Imagine, an Insurtech-focused incubator based in Hartford. Prior to his role at Nassau Financial Group, he worked at Fidelity & Guaranty Life, MetLife in a variety of roles in strategy, marketing, operations, technology, sales, and compliance. He earned his A.B. from Princeton University and his J.D. from Cornell Law School. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: The intersection of disciplines in the retirement planning space. A generational look at investments and ROIs. Smart claiming decisions when factoring social security into your retirement plan. Learning about retirement savings early and getting smart about the process; or, finding someone to help you sooner than you think. The future of public policy on retirement planning. Relevant Links: https://nfg.com/ Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldtyler/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode #37 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden: The Social Security disability application process, a must listen episode from an SSDI attorney with Edward Guldi. Edward Guldi, Attorney at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.., is a distinguished New York lawyer who concentrates his practice on all aspects of workers' compensation and social security disability law for claimants. He has successfully represented thousands of workers' compensation claims before the New York Workers' Compensation Board to a successful resolution. He is also experienced in handling complex and serious legal matters involving injuries, including extensive work on the 9/11 cancer litigation. The Perecman Firm is a full-service personal injury law firm with offices in New York, New York, and Jericho, New York.Bottom of Form Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A developing taste for helping people in need. The application for Social Security Disability and the need for an expert attorney so nothing is missed. Why plenty of applications are denied and what consumers can do about it. The differences between claimants under and over 50 years old. Sliding scales for disability benefits and tax caps. The legal system surrounding Social Security and the Social Security Administration. Relevant Links: Connect with Edward: https://www.perecman.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fascinating insights from this economics trained financial software developer. Welcome to episode #35 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode, Martha sits down with Doug Carey, and have an in depth discussion about smart social security planning and the advantages of financial planning software. Doug Carey is the owner and founder of WealthTrace, a one webspace online solution for financial planning for both financial advisors and consumers. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), with over 20 years of experience in financial fields. Mr. Carey holds a master’s degree in Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and a B.S. degree in Economics, with an emphasis in Finance, from Ball State University. Impressively, even at the very roots of his career in 1997, he began managing money as a portfolio manager for National City Bank helping to oversee over $10 billion in assets. He had managed money for pension funds, 401(k) funds, mutual funds, large companies, and endowment funds. He has helped a tremendous number of families with their financial planning through the last 2 decades. Prior to building and launching WealthTrace, Mr. Carey helped build a financial software company where he designed and created software to help portfolio managers, as well as investment professionals analyze and manage portfolios and securities. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: How Doug got his start in financial planning and why he chose to revolutionize financial software. Who the target audience of financial planning software is. Benefits of financial planning through WealthTrace over other software and benefits of financial planning software in general. Reasons for hiring a financial planner and reasons to use financial software. Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA accounts. Couples social security planning through financial planning software. Value of planning social security. How what is happening now in social security planning will affect future generations. Misconceptions about social security planning. How past economic policies affect current social security planning. Relevant Links: https://www.mywealthtrace.com/ Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglascarey2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Unique Value and Experience of Being A Young RSSA (It’s not just for older professionals!) Welcome to episode #33 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Melissa Warren and Thomas Drapala and they discuss what it’s like to work at NARSSA, how they help financial professionals, and details about what their program offers. Melissa is a Senior Analyst at NARRSA, she works with clients to address their unique claiming situations. She also is a contributor to the coursework to earn the RSSA designation. Coming from a background in engineering, she is passionate about the problem-solving aspect of Social Security. She is a graduate of the University of Utah. Thomas Drapala is an RSSA Client Relations Manager at NARSSA and an expert at explaining Social Security rules and claiming options to clients. He is instrumental in creating and updating the many RSSA Resources available for registered members to help them succeed with their clients. Tom is a determined researcher on obscure Social Security rules. He is a graduate of Long Island University. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look at Tom & Melissa’s background and why they decided to work at NARSSA. A look at how Tom & Melissa help their clients, explained in a way anyone can understand. What does someone receive from investing in an education from NARSSA that couldn't be gained on their own? The advantages of Tom & Melissa’s youth, even though their job is related to retirement. What one should know about how Social Security and retirement planning work for those who are self employed. The advantages for financial professionals who work with one who is an RSA. What one has to go through to become accredited from NARSSA. Advice for retirement planning for younger people who haven’t really thought about it much yet. Relevant Links: https://rssa.com Connect with Tom, Melissa or RSSA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-drapala-rssa-878611207/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-warren-82a24395/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSSAnews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSSAnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RSSAnews/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This RICP Specializes In WEP & GPO – How Pensions Affect Your Social Security Benefit Welcome to episode #31 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Christopher Hensley and they discuss his views surrounding how to successful plan for retirement, how to handle Social Security decisions, and what the future of financial planning may look like in our ever changing world. Christopher Hensley is the President and CEO of the Houston First Financial Group, in addition to being a Financial Advisor. He chose to work in the financial services industry because his passion is helping people achieve their life goals. He is licensed by FINRA and holds his series 7, 66, 9, and 10. Christopher received his Retirement Income Certified Professional® designation from the American College of Financial Services. He has worked with such Fortune 500 companies as Merrill Lynch and UBS Financial Services, as well as the non-profit organization MMI- Consumer Credit Counselors Southwest. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look at what Chris is doing now and why exactly he chose to help people achieve their financial goals as his job. Chris’s thoughts on the current situation, concerning inflation and rate hikes. A look at Houston First Financials’ Retirement Roadmap System and ‘the 3 Ds’. Some of the effects of the pandemic upon the Social Security Administration. A glimpse of Chris’s view surrounding Social Security claiming decisions. What are the most common misconceptions Chris finds his clients have surrounding Social Security? How might the Ukraine – Russia conflict affect retirement planning? Relevant Links: https://www.houstonfirstfinancialgroup.com/ https://moneymatterspodcast.com/ Connect with Chris & Houston First Financial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hensley-9584449/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Christo17630449 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneymattersradio?pnref=story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health And Financial Wellbeing Are Connected - Learn About The Triple Tax Advantage Of Health Savings Accounts Welcome to episode #29 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Kevin Robertson and they breakdown everything you need to know about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and how this type of account can give you tax savings and come in handy for future health costs that you’re sure to face. Kevin Robertson serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer, where he is responsible for leading the growth strategy and organization at HSA Bank. Kevin has worked for HSA Bank since 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience in banking, insurance, and financial services. He is well versed in issues related to Social Security, health savings accounts, benefits, and retirement. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A breakdown of what exactly a Health Savings Account is and how it can offer you impressive tax savings. When exactly would you have had to join a HSA to see the best results for your money and why? How it is the HSAs cover close to 70 million Americans.- What age should pre-retirees start thinking about joining an HSA for themselves? How can one use an HSAs to build more savings through self directed investment options? What should employers know about HSA programs? The implications for people creating a HSA account for themselves in different personal situations. Where one can go to learn more about if an HSA is right for them, to do some quick personal financial calculations, and understand this unique retirement option fully. Relevant Links: https://www.hsabank.com/hsabank/homepage Connect with Kevin and HSA Bank: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-robertson-a8b3a57/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hsabank Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsabank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode #27 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Nicole Mayer and they discuss her approach to retirement planning and Social Security, and why her holistic, fee-for-service approach is something all retirees (and pre-retirees) should be aware of. Nicole is a Partner at Second Opinion Partners, where she focuses on providing mentorship to new Advisors who join the Team. She is also a sought-after speaker and an accomplished author. She is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) and has been nationally recognized for her knowledge and commitment and has been featured as a financial professional on Fox Business News, WGN Channel 9 News and CNBC. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look at Nicole’s background and exactly what her company, Second Opinion Partners, does regarding retirement financial planning. How Nicole’s approach to retirement planning is different, with education being central to her approach. What exactly the fee-for-service model is and why it’s usually the preferred method for clients looking to receive the best service. The types of assistance Nicole offers regarding Social Security and why. How should someone needing help with Social Security and retirement planning find the right financial professional? What exactly is “holistic” financial planning and why having it matters. Which transition in life is the most difficult to plan for and why. How can one approach retirement so as to ensure it’s the best time of their life and not a let down? Relevant Links: http://www.2ndpartners.com/ Connect with Nicole and Second Option Partners: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemayer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RPGPLAN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ndOpinionPartners Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2nd_Opinion_Partners/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RPGLTS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medicare Expert’s Unique Service To Maximize Savings & Benefits While Minimizing Complexity Welcome to episode #24 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Cory Metzman of Chapter and he gives a through breakdown of many issues surrounding Medicare, including tips and useful information if you are on Medicare or soon will be. Corey Metzman has spent his career focused on the healthcare industry. He started his early career at McKinsey & Company working with heath systems, insurance companies, and public health organizations. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder at Chapter, a technology-driven Medicare advisory organization that empowers older Americans to navigate Medicare. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Advice for people approaching 65 years old who want to simplify the Medicare process as they now receive mountains of mail about it. How is Cory’s company able to minimize cost and complexity surrounding Medicare for people. The types of Medicare policies that Chapter advises on and to who exactly. Why Medicare decisions are different than Social Security decisions and what this means for picking your plans. What are the most common misunderstandings about Medicare that have the most effect on people’s lives? A breakdown of many of the specifics of different Medicare plans and supplemental plans as well. Some tips for ways to save yourself money for different Medicare plans you may be on. Certain crossovers between Medicare and Social Security for Corey’s clients at Chapter. Relevant Links: https://askchapter.org/ Connect with Cory & Chapter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-metzman-a1a87243/ Co. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinchapter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChapterMedicare Phone: 855-900-2427 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social Security Legend Nancy Altman Shares Her 50 years + Of Experience With The Program. Welcome to episode #23 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Nancy Altman and they deliver a thorough breakdown of how Social Security works, why it’s so important, and what’s happening politically around it. Nancy has a forty-five year background in the areas of Social Security and private pensions. She is the president of Social Security Works and chair of the Strengthen Social Security coalition. She is also the author of The Battle for Social Security: From FDR’s Vision to Bush’s Gamble as well as The Truth About Social Security: The Founders’ Words Refute Revisionist History, Zombie Lies, and Common Misunderstandings. She is also the co-author on a few other books that address Social Security issues and concerns. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look at how Nancy became interested in Social Security topics, enough to make it her career. Information about the effects of the 1983 Social Security amendments and Nancy’s influence upon them. A look at who wants us to believe that Social Security will collapse and why (referring to the billionaire funded campaign behind this). A look at the most common lies and misunderstandings about Social Security (and specifically it’s effect on the national deficit). Why is it so hard for lawmakers to get anything passed as relates to Social Security? What exactly is FICA (the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and why is it so important? Multiple looks at the history of Social Security, it’s surpluses, and how it came to be such an efficient and useful tool for American society. What changes should happen for lower and middle class paychecks and how does that affect Social Security? A look at the state by state reports that Nancy puts out at Social Security Works. What would FDR think about the way we care for and think about Social Security as a society today? Relevant Links: https://socialsecurityworks.org/ Connect with Nancy & Social Security Works: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-altman-280b313a/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wearesocialsecurity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSWorks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RSSA Financial Professional Shares Social Security Expertise Stories Welcome to episode #21 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Brian Keith Moon and they talk about his experience, and knowledge, as an accomplished RSSA qualified financial advisor. Brian Keith Moon is a Wealth Manager and Chief Compliance Officer with Toro Bravo Investment Advisors. Brian Moon is a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) and has a Certificate for Financial Planning from Boston University. With over 20 years of financial industry experience he has previously worked with institutions such as AIG, Edward Jones, BrokersXpress, ISC Group, and SCF Investment Advisors Inc. Brian also carries the Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF) designation. This designation demonstrates a commitment to serving clients best interests. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A little information about Brian’s background in being a financial advisor. Why Brian first saw that being an RSSA financial professional would be a good idea. Why being RSSA certified is better than just taking other Social Security courses. What it’s like to work with clients after Brian became an RSSA (and why it’s such a helpful thing). How does Brian get the word out about what he does? The value of having an excellent understanding of Social Security as a financial advisor. How can people stop letting their emotions guide their financial decisions? Final advice for soon-to-be retirees who are starting to make financial decisions for their retirement. Relevant Links: http://www.torobravoadvisors.com/ Connect with Brian & Toro Bravo Investment Advisors: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-keith-moon-rssa-cff-677335b1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sEt4QY_6OKdALqoVSuZpg/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Torobravoadvisors Phone: 806-359-7766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailblazing Women Lawyers Adding “Lustre” To Image Of Retired Career Women Welcome to episode #19 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Karen Wagner & Erica Baird and they discuss what the Lustre movement is all about, which is basically a new way to think about retiring so that there is no loss of meaning and excitement. Erica Baird is a retired lawyer with a career spanning four decades. She was the first woman partner in the General Counsel’s Office of her then Big 6 accounting firm, working in the US and abroad on some of the major financial issues of the day. Karen Wagner was the first woman litigation partner at her global law firm in New York City. She practiced law for forty years at her global law firm. After they retired, Erica and Karen co-founded Lustre, a blog for retired career women who want to defy stereotypes and create a new paradigm for the next third of their lives. They also wrote a book, and have partnered with various entities offering goods or services of interest to their cohort. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look into Karen’s and Erica’s backgrounds and what drove them to both go into the law and be trailblazers as well. A look into why Karen & Erica decided to start Lustre, which was in reaction to retiring and feeling like they were again in an unseen group. The purpose of Lustre and the ways they are attempting to fulfill this purpose. Why this time was different, in that it was the first time that lots of working women were retiring en mass. The vast differences between the male and female experience of being retirement age and why this is important. The importance of community for women retirees, who often feel a loss after not working anymore, often times more so than men. The importance of finding meaning after retirement, which can affect one’s life in ways that you wouldn’t think possible. How what the baby boomers have been through, and the knowledge gained, can be used to help the younger generations. The type of Social Security related issues that are often talked about on Lustre. Advice for those who are approaching retirement and information about how to joint the Lustre movement. Relevant Links: https://www.lustre.net Connect with Karen & Erica and Lustre: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lustre-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelustrelife Twitter: https://twitter.com/lustre_life Instagram: http://instagram.com/lustre.life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understanding Behavioral Finance, The secret To This Advisor’s Success Welcome to episode #17 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Kris Flammang she picks his brain about many different topics related to financial planning, retirement planning, and how exactly he is able to service his clients so well. Kris is a co-owner of LPF Financial Advisors. Kris has been in financial services since 1999 after moving to Florida from his home state of Nebraska. He currently carries the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(CRPC) Accredited Investment Fiduciary(AIF) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designations. He has co-authored a book on personal financial planning as well. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Information about Kris’ background and the how being a scuba diving instructor eventually led him to become a financial planner. Why Kris decided to get his Behavioral Financial Advisor designation. How Kris evaluates the work vs life balance in his life and his advice for others. Information about the almost 1200 families that Kris gives financial advice to. A look at the demographics of the people that come to Kris for help in financial planning. A look at the philosophical reasons that led the U.S. to the financial crisis of ’08, which Kris talks about in a book he co-wrote. A story about how Kris was able to help a client to really help their financial life as they approached retirement age. Why being honest with someone trying to help you figure out your finances will lead to such better results for everyone. The role of trust in the client and financial planner relationship (it’s not as simple as it may seem). The most common questions regarding Social Security that Kris’ clients should be asking but unfortunately usually do not. Relevant Links: https://www.lpfadvisors.com Connect with Kris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-flammang-crpc®aif®bfa®-97857453/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kris.flammang Twitter: https://twitter.com/kflammang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A CFP’s Deep Dive Into Women-Specific Holistic Retirement Income Planning Welcome to episode #15 of Social Security: Answers From The Experts with Martha Shedden. In this episode Martha sits down with Nadine Burns and they discuss Nadine’s views on retirement planning, especially for women, and why they should think about the financiers of retirement differently then men do. Nadine is currently the President and CEO of A New Path Financial, LLC, a Financial Planning firm in Ann Arbor. Nadine is a Certified Financial Planning Professional who looks at your entire financial picture, where you are currently, and works with you on a roadmap to help achieve your goals and dreams. She deals heavily with people in retirement and soon-to-be retirees. Although she works with a wide variety of clients, Nadine has a special place for “Smart Women,”or those women who want to know more about their financial well-being. Women tend to have several balls in the air at once and appreciate someone who is looking into their full financial life, placing them first in priority and making sure that all financial bases are covered. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A look at Nadine’s background and why she decided to go into financial planning. Some of the ways that A New Path Financial actually customizes the experience their clients have so as to better serve them. How Nadine helps clients to decide when the correct time to collect Social Security is, as well as how she helps them to plan their monthly/yearly finances. How often Nadine reviews her financial plans with her clients. Some of the conversations that happen surrounding the taxability of Social Security benefits. How to think about the equity you’ve created in your home for your retirement. How Nadine defines success when it comes to Social Security and financial planning for retirement? Why women need to think about long term financial planning more so than men do. What changes would Nadine make to Social Security if she was in control. Relevant Links: https://www.anewpathfinancial.com Connect with Nadine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-burns-a288a71/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nadine.burns.58 Email: nburns@anewpathfinancial.com Nadine’s address & disclosure: 3003 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 4, Ann Arbor MI 48104 Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation, member FINRA (FINRA.org) and SIPC (SIPC.org). Investment Advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a Registered Investment Advisor. A New Path Financial, LLC is independent of Sigma Financial Corporation and Sigma Planning Corporation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices