Podcast
Clearwater Retirement Podcast
Hosted by Michael Masor · EN
Is your retirement plan clear as mud? Need a cleanse from all the noise in the financial world? You’re in the right place – with the Clearwater Retirement Podcast.
From Michael Masor and Clearwater Financial Group, the Clearwater Retirement Podcast gets to the heart of the retirement information you need, right from the sources you can trust. Tune in for robust financial analysis, sharp portfolio insight, and entertaining conversations you can’t afford to miss!
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
One Costly Tax Decision & Retirement Planning Before Year End | Why 59 and a Half is an Important Age & Common Tax Traps
2d ago00:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Could one overlooked tax decision today cost you thousands in retirement tomorrow? Michael Masor discusses why retirement planning should start well before year-end and how small decisions can create long-term ripple effects. Learn how longevity, healthcare expenses, and long-term care costs can impact retirement income. Discover why age 59½ is an important milestone for retirement account planning. Michael explains common retirement tax traps, including Social Security taxation, RMDs, Medicare surcharges, and inheritance planning. Plus, why every retirement plan should reflect your unique financial goals, not someone else’s. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Retirement Danger Zone & Risks of Timing the Market | Asset Growth vs. Income Reliability & Life Changes, Volatility, etc. Reshape Retirement Planning
1w ago00:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: One bad market decision near retirement can change everything. Why the five‑to‑seven‑year window before retirement is the real danger zone. The risks of trying to time the market as income replaces paychecks. How emotional decisions can derail long‑term retirement plans. The difference between asset growth and income reliability. Why guaranteed income strategies matter when pensions are disappearing. How life changes, volatility, and longevity reshape retirement planning. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The Retirement Number You've Been Chasing May Not Matter Most & Unexpected Retirement Changes Everything? | Are You Planning or Just Saving? & Hurdles You Need to Be Aware Of
2w ago00:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Clearwater Retirement: Is the retirement number everyone talks about sending you in the wrong direction? Michael Masor explains why retirement planning is more about creating income than reaching a specific savings goal. Learn how annuities may fit into a broader retirement strategy, why losing a spouse can create unexpected tax challenges, and how early retirement can happen sooner than planned. The conversation also covers inflation, emergency funds, healthcare costs, Social Security, and common retirement blind spots that can affect long-term financial decisions. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Not About a Magic Number & Stability in Your Plan | Investment Growth Isn't Everything & Customization is Key
3w ago00:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Retirement planning isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about creating income that matches your lifestyle. This episode explores how annuities can provide stability, predictable income, and protection from market volatility. It highlights why relying solely on investment growth can create stress without a clear income strategy. The conversation also covers key risks, including tax surprises after losing a spouse and retiring earlier than planned. You’ll hear why building a customized plan—based on your income sources, expenses, and goals—is critical to navigating retirement with clarity. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The "Magic Number" may not be the Number that Matters & Understanding Expenses | Factors that Shape Retirement & Creating Multiple Streams
Jul 1800:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode with Michael Masor: Chasing a retirement “magic number” may be distracting you from the numbers that actually matter. In this episode, Michael explains why retirement planning starts with understanding your expenses, income sources, and lifestyle goals—not a one-size-fits-all savings target. He discusses how Social Security, pensions, healthcare costs, market volatility, and inflation can shape retirement outcomes. The conversation also highlights the importance of creating multiple income streams, preparing for unexpected life events, and building a plan that supports both everyday needs and bucket-list goals. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The Biggest Mistake & Roles in Retirement Readiness | Outdated Financial Plans are a Risk & Timing, Income Streams and Checkups
Jul 1100:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode with Michael Masor: The biggest retirement mistake may be focusing on a number instead of having a plan. Market performance, Social Security, taxes, healthcare costs, and income strategies all play a role in retirement readiness. Michael discusses how outdated financial plans can leave retirees exposed to changing market conditions, tax rules, and unexpected life events. The conversation also covers retirement timing risk, planning for the loss of a spouse, creating dependable income streams, and why annual financial checkups matter. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Retirement Planning Isn’t Set It and Forget It & When Old Plans Meet New Risks | The Hidden Mistakes That Appear Late in Retirement & Balancing Offense and Defense
Jul 400:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Michael Masor explains why “set it and forget it” investing doesn’t work as retirement gets closer. Retirement plans can quietly drift out of sync when they’re left on autopilot too long. Learn how inflation, healthcare costs, taxes, and market swings can reshape portfolios over time. The show explores why dipping into retirement accounts is often a short‑term fix with long‑term consequences. Michael also discusses managing political risk, balancing offense and defense, and navigating the shift from saving to spending before a misstep becomes costly. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Not About a Magic Number & Stability in Your Plan | Investment Growth Isn't Everything & Customization is Key
Jun 2700:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Retirement planning isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about creating income that matches your lifestyle. This episode explores how annuities can provide stability, predictable income, and protection from market volatility. It highlights why relying solely on investment growth can create stress without a clear income strategy. The conversation also covers key risks, including tax surprises after losing a spouse and retiring earlier than planned. You’ll hear why building a customized plan—based on your income sources, expenses, and goals—is critical to navigating retirement with clarity. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →What Happens After Retirement? & No Plan = Stress | Details are Important & Factors that Reshape Retirement Outcomes
Jun 2000:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Most people plan to escape work—but not what happens after they get there. This episode explores why retirement without a plan can create stress, uncertainty, and loss of purpose. Covers the importance of income strategies, diversification, and preparing for risks like market downturns and longevity. Discusses Social Security uncertainty and why multiple income streams matter more than ever. Highlights how health costs, taxes, and delayed planning can reshape retirement outcomes. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Small Steps Go A Long Way & Common Gaps in Retirement Planning | Regular Practices for Your Portfolio & Proactive Planning is Key
Jun 1300:54:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode: Small financial oversights today can quietly grow into major retirement challenges. This episode explores common planning gaps, including tax exposure, income timing, and overlooked risks that can impact long‑term outcomes. You’ll hear why diversification, regular plan reviews, and aligning investments with income needs play a critical role as retirement approaches. The conversation also highlights how market volatility and delayed decisions can affect flexibility later on. It’s a practical look at how thoughtful, proactive planning can help create a clearer picture of retirement. Head down your Clear Path to Retirement with Michael today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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