Podcast
Retire Stronger
Hosted by John Foard and Bill Kearney · EN
Retirement planning strategies discussed in easy to understand language. The Retire Stronger Podcast will teach you how to reduce taxes, invest smarter, and make work optional in retirement.
Nationally recognized financial experts, John Foard & Bill Kearney, tackle topics such as IRA's, 401(k)'s, retirement income strategies, insurance, retirement risks, investments, social security and more.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Lessons We've Learned - [Ep. 49]
Mar 300:28:29Tap to summarizeIn this reflective episode, Bill and John look back on 49 episodes of Retire Stronger and revisit the core principles that drive their philosophy: behavior over returns, guardrails over guesswork, purpose over probability, and tax planning over tax deferral.They discuss the dangers of chasing a “lawnmower number,” why retirement isn’t about beating the S&P 500, and why the real risk isn’t market volatility — it’s your behavior and the structure of your plan.Plus, a special announcement about the future direction of the podcast.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Behavior matters more than returns01:06 – Episode 49 reflection & big announcement tease03:36 – Core retirement principles that don’t change05:10 – Tax planning vs. tax deferral (and the IRS as your “partner”)07:00 – Purpose over probability in retirement09:10 – The biggest risk investors take11:30 – What retirees misunderstand about financial planning17:33 – The danger of the “lawnmower number”19:33 – What retirement should really be about24:27 – Major announcement: shifting the podcast formatIf you’re within 5–10 years of retirement (or already there), this episode will challenge how you think about risk, income, and the true goal of retirement.Schedule a Complimentary Assessment: crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot com Website: https://crownadvisorgroup.com#RetireStronger #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #BehavioralFinance
Transcribe →A Century of Data: What 100 Years of Markets Actually Teach Retirees - [Ep. 48]
Feb 2400:25:55Tap to summarizeMost retirees fear one bad market crash will ruin everything.But history tells a very different story.In Episode 48 of Retire Stronger, Bill Kearney and John Foard zoom out nearly 100 years to uncover what actually threatens your retirement — and why volatility isn’t the real enemy. Learn how market expansions, bear markets, recoveries, and investor behavior shape long-term success — and how to build a retirement plan designed to survive reality, not headlines.If you’re over 40 and thinking about retirement income planning, this episode is for you.🔎 Topics Covered:• Are current markets “too strong”?• Is this bull market overdue for a crash?• Can one bear market ruin retirement?• Sequence of return risk explained• Guardrails & income buffer strategies• The real risk: investor behaviorPodcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCcfolySGMpxTDXzie5YvKawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crown-advisors-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetireStrongerWIthCrownPhone: 704-469-0200 Website: https://www.crownadvisorgroup.com Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dotcom Meet: https://crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/Timestamps:00:00 – What Really Threatens Your Retirement?01:04 – Episode Introduction & Today’s Big Questions02:40 – 100 Years of Market History in Perspective04:40 – Expansions, Downturns & Recoveries Explained06:00 – Volatility Is Structural, Not Abnormal07:00 – Is This Rally “Too Strong”?09:40 – Is This Bull Market Too Old?12:20 – Can One Bear Market Ruin Retirement?15:45 – Sequence of Return Risk & Structural Planning18:30 – Guardrails, Income Buffers & Real Retirement Risks21:10 – What Actually Derails Retirement (Behavior & Emotion)23:00 – Final Takeaways & How to Prepare IntelligentlyCrown Advisors, LLC is not aregistered investment adviser, nor an insurance company, but is the LLC thatholds both Crown Private Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser, andCrown Insurance Advisors, LLC., an insurance provider. Important disclosuresregarding the business, conflicts of interests, and other pertinent informationis found on the specific entity website along with required regulatorydocuments and disclosures. Crown Advisors, LLC is separate but affiliated withCrown Private Wealth, LLC and Crown Insurance Advisors, LLC. All three entitieshave a similar ownership structure. Crown Private Wealth, LLC is a registeredinvestment adviser located in North Carolina. Advisor may only transactbusiness in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for anexemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Our firm is registeredin the following states NC, SC, & WV. Advisor’s website is limited to thedissemination of general information pertaining to its services, together withaccess to additional investment-related information, publications, and links.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Besure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or taxprofessional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Pastperformance is not indicative of future performance.#RetirementPlanning#SequenceOfReturns#RetireStronger#FinancialFreedom
Transcribe →You Might Be Able to Reitre, But You Might Not Like The Life You Created [Ep. 47]
Feb 1700:21:58Tap to summarizeYou can have no debt, a $2M portfolio, optimized Social Security, and still feel unfulfilled in retirement. In this episode, John and Bill unpack why financial planning software answers “Can I retire?” — but rarely asks, “What am I retiring into?” If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or approaching retirement, this conversation could change how you think about the finish line.Timestamps:00:00 – Financially ready… but personally miserable?02:00 – The question planning software doesn’t ask03:16 – What work secretly provides (structure, identity, purpose)05:30 – The “honeymoon phase” of retirement06:51 – Mark’s story: $2M saved… and bored08:10 – The myth of the “lawnmower number”09:50 – The 3 invisible risks of retirement12:00 – Relationship strain after leaving work14:52 – How to stress test your life (not just your portfolio)16:10 – 4 keys to a fulfilling retirementBefore you ask, “Can I retire?” — ask, “Will I like what life looks like on the other side?”📞 Work with Crown Advisors: Schedule a Complimentary Assessment Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot com Website: https://crownadvisorgroup.comSubscribe for more conversations that help you Retire Stronger.Crown Advisors, LLC is not a registered investment adviser, nor an insurance company, but is the LLC that holds both Crown Private Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser, and Crown Insurance Advisors, LLC., an insurance provider. Important disclosures regarding the business, conflicts of interests, and other pertinent information is found on the specific entity website along with required regulatory documents and disclosures. Crown Advisors, LLC is separate but affiliated with Crown Private Wealth, LLC and Crown Insurance Advisors, LLC. All three entities have a similar ownership structure. Crown Private Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser located in North Carolina. Advisor may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Our firm is registered in the following states NC, SC, & WV. Advisor’s website is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to itsservices, together with access to additional investment-related information, publications, and links. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.#RetirementPlanning #RetirementLifestyle #RetirementPurpose #RetireStronger
Transcribe →2 Most Common Retirement Mistakes [Ep. 46]
Feb 1000:25:15Tap to summarizeMost retirement portfolio mistakes don’t come from reckless investing — they come from doing what used to work.In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney break down the two most common retirement portfolio mistakes they’re seeing right now — mistakes being made by disciplined, successful investors who believe the strategies that got them to retirement will also carry them through it.Using real-world case studies, they explain why retirement portfolios must be built differently once paychecks stop, how sequence-of-return risk quietly destroys income plans, and why cookie-cutter portfolios often leave millions of dollars on the table over a 25–30 year retirement.If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will challenge how you think about risk, returns, and what your portfolio is actually supposed to do.📞 Questions about your portfolio? Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot comWebsite: https://www.crownadvisorgroup.comMeet: https://crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/00:00 – Why “what got me here” often fails in retirement01:10 – The two retirement portfolio mistakes we see most often02:20 – DIY investors vs. advised investors: different paths, same flaw03:20 – Why retirement planning is harder now than ever04:10 – The dangerous assumption successful investors make05:30 – Average return vs. real-world retirement math07:20 – Why average returns can completely mislead retirees09:50 – Case Study: John and the hidden damage of early losses14:20 – Sequence-of-return risk explained in plain English16:50 – Case Study: Lisa and why a 60/40 portfolio missed the mark19:30 – The long-term cost of cookie-cutter portfolios23:10 – How to design a portfolio around your life, not your age🎧 Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.👍 If this episode helped, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit.Retire Stronger — clarity beats chaos.#RetirementPlanning #RetireStronger #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome
Transcribe →Should I Tinker With My Portfolio - [Ep. 45]
Feb 300:31:06Tap to summarizeMarkets move. Headlines get loud. And when volatility hits, the temptation to “do something” with your portfolio can feel overwhelming.In Episode 45 of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney break down why frequent portfolio tinkering often works against investors, how emotions quietly erode long-term returns, and what actually justifies making changes. You’ll learn the difference between being engaged with your plan versus reactive to noise — and why boring, rules-based investing is often the strongest strategy.If you’ve ever wondered “Should I be making changes right now?” — this episode is for you.📞 Questions about your portfolio? Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot comWebsite: https://www.crownadvisorgroup.comMeet: https://crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/ Chapters:[00:00:00] Why market headlines create the urge to tinker[00:02:00] Emotional decisions vs. disciplined investing[00:03:32] Not all portfolios should be treated the same[00:05:01] How financial media fuels fear and urgency[00:06:39] Why bad portfolio decisions feel smart at the time[00:07:00] Legitimate reasons to change a portfolio[00:09:00] What systematic rebalancing really means[00:11:20] Reasons that do NOT deserve portfolio changes[00:14:00] The real cost of market timing and missing key days[00:22:40] How often you should actually touch your portfolio🎧 Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.👍 If this episode helped, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit.Retire Stronger — clarity beats chaos.#RetirementPlanning #RetireStronger #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome
Transcribe →Hidden Retirement Risks [Ep. 44]
Jan 2700:24:28Tap to summarizeMost people judge their retirement plan by one number: their account balance.If it’s going up, they assume everything else must be fine.But some of the most dangerous retirement risks never appear on a statement.In this episode of Retire Stronger, Bill Kearney and John Foard break down the hidden risks that quietly derail otherwise successful retirement plans—often years after the decisions were made. From tax concentration and required minimum distributions to sequence-of-return risk, income timing mistakes, healthcare blind spots, and misleading performance metrics, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what really matters once work ends and income begins.If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—this episode will challenge how you evaluate your plan and help you understand why retirement success is about coordination, not just performance.📞 Have questions or want to explore your own plan?Call us at (704) 469-0200, email info@crownadvisorgroup.com, or visit crownadvisorgroup.com to schedule a conversation.Chapters(0:00) The retirement risks you’ll never see on your statement(1:17) Why checking only your account balance creates blind spots(2:06) Peeling back the onion: what really threatens retirement plans(3:20) Tax concentration risk and the “silent IRS partnership”(5:20) Taxable vs. tax-deferred vs. tax-free: why balance matters(7:40) Sequence-of-return risk and why accumulation math breaks in retirement(10:00) Average returns vs. real returns: the most misunderstood metric(13:20) Income strategy gaps: income sources ≠ income strategy(16:40) Taxes, Social Security timing, and permanent income decisions(19:10) Healthcare, long-term care, and protection blind spots(21:10) Retirement success isn’t beating the market—it’s coordination(23:20) Final takeaways and next steps
Transcribe →Insurance & Estate Review - 2026 Planning Part 4 - [Ep. 43]
Jan 2100:29:31Tap to summarizeMany retirees focus on investments and taxes but fail to plan properly for Medicare decisions, healthcare costs, long-term care risks, and insurance gaps. One mistake in these areas can undo decades of smart financial decisions.In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard and Bill Kearney conclude their 2026 retirement planning series by focusing on one of the most critical—and commonly overlooked—areas of financial planning: healthcare and protection planning.Chapters:(0:00) Episode Overview & Why Healthcare Planning Matters(2:05) Protection Planning vs Pessimism(4:15) Medicare Enrollment Timing & Lifetime Penalties(6:45) Prescription Drug Coverage & Annual Medicare Reviews(8:55) IRMAA: How Income Impacts Medicare Premiums(11:45) Long-Term Care Planning: The Real Risk(14:10) Cost of Nursing Homes & In-Home Care(16:50) Long-Term Care Insurance vs Self-Funding(20:10) Insurance, Umbrella Coverage & Retirement Risk(24:00) Estate Planning, Beneficiaries & Final Takeaways📞 Work with Crown Advisors:Schedule a Complimentary Assessment: crownadvisorgroup.com/complimentary-assessment/Phone: 704-469-0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup dot comWebsite: https://crownadvisorgroup.com
Transcribe →Your Investments Have A Job To Do - 2026 Planning Part 3 [Ep. 42]
Jan 1300:24:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Retire Stronger, John and Bill explain why investing in retirement isn’t about beating the market—it’s about funding your lifestyle with intention. They break down purpose-based investing, the “now, soon, later” bucket strategy, and how proper risk alignment, disciplined rebalancing, and tax-aware planning work together to protect income, reduce emotional decision-making, and improve long-term outcomes. The key takeaway: if you don’t tell your money what its job is, the markets will decide for you—and that’s a risk most retirees can’t afford.#RetireStronger #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #InvestWithPurpose #IncomePlanning #WealthManagement #FiduciaryAdvisor #FinancialEducation #TaxAwareInvesting #TaxPlanning #AssetLocation #TaxEfficientInvesting #SmartTaxPlanning
Transcribe →Your CPA Is Not Handling This - 2026 Retirement Roadmap - Part 2 - Taxes [Ep. 41]
Jan 600:23:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Retire Stronger Podcast, John Foard and Bill Kearney explain why tax planning is one of the most overlooked—and most impactful—parts of retirement planning.Most people assume taxes are handled by their CPA, but your retirement income depends on how your money is spread across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. In this conversation, we break down how these tax “buckets” work together and how proactive planning can help reduce lifetime taxes and increase flexibility in retirement.You’ll learn:Why not all retirement income is taxed the sameHow strategic Roth conversions can reduce future tax riskThe hidden danger of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)How the SECURE Act changed inherited IRA rulesWays charitable strategies can lower taxes and Medicare premiumsTax planning isn’t about paying less this year—it’s about keeping more of your money for the rest of your life.00:00 – Why tax planning is not just your CPA’s job 01:40 – What does “keeping more of your income” really mean? 02:30 – The three tax buckets explained: taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free 04:00 – Why not all income is taxed the same 06:00 – Why you don’t want everything in a Roth IRA 07:30 – Strategic Roth conversions and low-tax windows 10:10 – The multi-generational IRS relationship 12:00 – How the SECURE Act changed inherited IRAs 14:30 – Partial Roth conversions and tax bracket control 16:00 – Medicare IRMAA and hidden healthcare taxes 17:20 – RMDs and the future tax bomb 19:00 – Using planning to reduce forced distributions 20:40 – Charitable strategies and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) 22:10 – Final thoughts and how to get help📞 Schedule a strategy call: 704-469-0200🌐 Learn more at: crownadvisorgroup.com📧 Email: info@crownadvisorgroup.com👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 🔁 Share#retirement tax planning#tax buckets retirement#roth conversion strategy#required minimum distributions#rmd planning#retirement income taxes#secure act inherited ira#ira tax planning#roth ira vs traditional ira#medicare irmaa explained#charitable giving tax strategy#qualified charitable distributions#retire stronger podcast#financial planning retirement#tax planning for retirees
Transcribe →Retirement Income Should Be Engineered, Not Improvised | Build Your 2026 Retirement Roadmap [Ep. 40]
Dec 2300:25:52Tap to summarizeAre retirement plans failing because of bad investments—or bad income plans? In this episode of Retire Stronger, John Foard, CFP® and Bill Kearney break down why the most common reason retirements go off track is mismanaged income, not markets. This Part 1 of our 2026 Retirement Roadmap series focuses on crafting a durable, flexible income plan—what we call your retirement “paycheck”—and previews key tax planning moves we’ll cover next.“Retirement income should be engineered, not improvised.”We cover:• Inventory your income sources: Social Security, pensions, annuities, portfolio withdrawals, RMDs, and Roth income • Guaranteed vs. variable income: How to decide the right mix for your comfort and cash flow needs • Early retirement sequencing: Bridging the gap before Social Security/Medicare start • RMD realities: Don’t want them? The IRS does—build them into your plan • Longevity risk: Why planning to 95–100 can create real peace of mind • Front loading lifestyle goals: Travel and “go go years” spending without derailing the plan • Stress testing: Inflation, down markets, and keeping your paycheck steadyTimestamps0:00 Why retirement plans really fail (it’s income, not investments)0:54 Welcome to Retire Stronger Ep. 40 + series setup2:00 Building your 2026 income plan: where the paycheck comes from3:40 Guaranteed vs. variable income sources5:45 Comfort with percentages and when annuities may help6:50 Early retirement, Social Security timing, and Medicare considerations8:45 Pension choices: lump sum vs. lifetime income10:20 Social Security at 62 vs. FRA vs. 70—portfolio tradeoffs11:20 Bridging the income gap and the tax angle (Roth, IRAs)12:30 Sustainability: inflation and bear‑market stress tests13:10 Aiming for expenses covered by guarantees (pros/cons)14:58 The money quote: “Engineered, not improvised”16:40 Longevity risk and planning to age 95–10018:45 Don’t die rich with regrets: front‑load meaningful experiences20:30 Case example: adding $24k/year travel with minimal impact22:20 Turn your wishlist into a cash‑flow plan23:10 What’s next in the series: taxes, investments, and protection/healthcare24:40 How to get help + subscribeSeries roadmapPart 1: Income Plan (this episode)Part 2: Tax Plan — Roth conversions, QCDs, RMD strategy, tax‑aware withdrawalsPart 3: Investment Plan — purpose‑based, tax‑aware, income replacement readinessPart 4: Protection & Healthcare — pre‑Medicare coverage, LTC as asset protectionCrown Advisors sprcializes in retirement income planning and tax optimization strategies that help retirees avoid running out of money while minimizing lifetime tax burdens.Contact the Crown Advisors teamPhone: 704‑469‑0200Email: info@crownadvisorgroup.comWebsite: crownadvisorgroup.com (click “Schedule” to meet with us)Helpful remindersThis video is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial, tax, or legal advice.Consult your professional advisors before making decisions specific to your situation.#RetireStronger #RetirementIncome #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurity #RMDs #RothConversions #TaxPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #CrownAdvisors #2026Roadmapretirement income plan, guaranteed income, variable income, annuities, social security timing, pension lump sum vs annuity, RMD strategy, Roth conversion strategy, inflation and retirement, longevity risk, retirement sequencing, 2026 retirement plan
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