
Hosted by Tim Regan · EN
Retirement readiness is a phrase that can be defined differently by everyone, but we believe that it involves the idea of living with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to find purpose in retirement, this show is for you. Please see https://prairieviewwealthpartners.com/disclosures/ for important disclosures.

In this episode of The Retirement Readiness Project, we tackle an all-too-common financial pitfall: mentally spending your bonuses or pay raises before they hit your bank account. Hosts Katie Umland and Tim Regan offer sage advice on how to channel these financial windfalls strategically to build an emergency fund, pay down debt, and ultimately enjoy your earnings guilt-free.“If you think of money like time, it expands to fill what’s available,” Tim asserts, urging listeners to adopt a disciplined “pay yourself first” mindset for long-term financial health.Katie and Tim dive into practical New Year's resolutions for better money management, emphasizing the importance of setting achievable goals and starting new habits today, not tomorrow. They delve into the exciting world of personal financial management tools like Quicken, sharing how categorizing expenses and tracking net worth can simplify your financial life.The episode also highlights the value of communication in relationships when setting mutual goals. Katie shares her own experiences of balancing home projects with her partner, while Tim emphasizes aligning on aspirations to avoid friction.Click play to equip yourself for a financially savvy 2025, and be sure to explore our previous episodes for more insights!3 Key Takeaways: - Adopt a "pay yourself first" strategy to prioritize your financial well-being before other expenses. - Set realistic, incremental goals to steadily achieve long-term objectives without feeling overwhelmed.- Communicate financial and personal goals with your partner to ensure alignment and mutual support.

Curious about whether cryptocurrency has a place in your retirement portfolio? Tune in as Tim Regan and Katie Umland delve into this controversial yet fascinating topic! Together, they're breaking down the complexities of crypto and its potential implications on your financial future.Tim and Katie discuss the investment value of cryptocurrencies, the technology that underpins them, and whether it's too late to get on the crypto bandwagon. “The boat has sailed,” Katie suggests, noting that the meteoric rise in crypto values is unlikely to repeat. They also explore blockchain technology and its wide-reaching applications beyond currency.Plus, hear about Prairie View's exciting new developments as the team prepares for a big office move and the launch of their new services, including tax return assistance.Tune in to deepen your understanding of crypto and stay updated on Prairie View Wealth's latest offerings!3 Key Takeaways:- The major financial gains in cryptocurrency have likely passed, making it less attractive for new investors seeking high returns.- Blockchain technology extends beyond currency and has vast potential applications in securing digital transactions and data integrity.- Despite the hype, crypto is unlikely to replace traditional currencies in the near future due to issues of value stability and market readiness.----

Ever grappled with holiday spending and budgeting? This episode of The Retirement Readiness Project is here to help! Hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland walk you through practical tips and personal stories about navigating holiday expenses and setting up a budget that works for you.From the confusion of layaway programs to the pitfalls of credit card debt, Tim and Katie discuss why budgeting during the holiday season is essential. They share their experiences with spending awareness, end-of-year budgeting, and the importance of intentional gift-giving. "It's not just about what you can afford to give, but what you should give," Katie notes.Tune in as Tim recounts his preference for layaway over credit cards and Katie highlights the value of zero-dollar budgeting. They delve into modern spending challenges, including the evolution of subscription services and managing family gift expectations without breaking the bank.“You don't need to escalate your holiday spending each year just because you have financial means; set limits to prevent overspending,” Tim advises.Whether it's setting a holiday budget, understanding the long-term impacts of small expenses, or managing a family’s diverse needs, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Make sure to visit the PrairieView Wealth Partners' website for more resources and subscribe to our podcast for ongoing financial guidance.3 Key Takeaways:Set intentional goals for gift-giving to manage financial strain and avoid overwhelming loved ones with material items.Utilize the end of the year to review spending habits, evaluate automatic payments, and plan next year's budget.Consider zero-dollar budgeting to manage finances effectively, ensuring that spending aligns with true needs and not just wants.

This week, join hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland as they explore the rapidly evolving landscape of robo advisors and AI technology in the financial services industry. Are these technological advancements a threat to traditional financial advisors, or do they present new opportunities to enhance client services?Tim and Katie delve into how AI and machine learning are transforming everything from investment selection to tax planning. You'll hear concrete examples of how firms like Prairie View Wealth Partners are integrating AI tools to provide more tailored, efficient services without replacing the invaluable human touch.“The basic blocking and tackling is no longer going to be a value add,” Tim explains. “But the advisory side of that really starts to take off.”Discover how AI is already influencing the way advisors operate and what the future holds for integrating these technologies with human expertise. From app-driven solutions to the potential of virtual reality in financial planning, Tim and Katie paint a vivid picture of what’s to come.Click play to learn more, and be sure to check out our library of previous episodes!3 Key TakeawaysAI and robo advisors are augmenting, not replacing, the role of financial advisors by providing better tools for efficient client service.AI-driven tools can help streamline complex tasks like tax planning and investment selection, allowing advisors to focus on personalized advisory services.The future of financial services may include more app-driven solutions and even virtual reality experiences to offer tailored, engaging client interactions.

In this week’s episode, hosts Katie Umland and Tim Regan chat about the often-overlooked art of thoughtful decision-making and its impact on your financial future, particularly as the year comes to a close. They unpack valuable strategies for end-of-year tax planning and investment decisions, all while sharing a few personal anecdotes about holiday season chaos and recent family moves.The guest highlights concepts from the insightful book “The Road Less Stupid,” emphasizing the importance of taking time to think and plan rather than rushing into decisions. This episode also delves into how asking your brain questions can unlock your subconscious to find better solutions.“We often get caught up in doing things quickly and end up missing out on the best solutions.”Listeners will learn about the crucial distinction between financial advisors and accountants, and how to bridge the communication gap between these two roles for more holistic financial planning. There’s also a sneak peek at PrairieView Wealth Partners’ exciting upcoming tax service designed to streamline and enhance clients' financial and tax planning efforts.Whether you're planning your next Roth IRA contribution or thinking about making charitable donations, this episode provides invaluable tips on proactive financial planning, reminding listeners of the importance of timing and strategic decision-making.And don’t forget to explore our previous episodes for more financial wisdom!3 Key TakeawaysThoughtful, well-timed decision-making can significantly enhance financial outcomes.Effective end-of-year strategies involve tax planning to maximize deductions and smart contributions to retirement accounts like Roth IRAs.A holistic financial plan requires coordinated communication between financial advisors and accountants to optimize long-term strategies.

In this episode of The Retirement Readiness Project, we delve into the often neglected yet vitally important topic of involving family in financial decision-making. Hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland explore why it’s crucial to bring family members into conversations about financial planning and decision-making well before any end-of-life scenarios arise.From discussing the need to communicate with beneficiaries and those designated with power of attorney, to the importance of maintaining a "book of knowledge" for financial accounts and documents, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to ensuring your legacy is managed smoothly. “Financial discussions should ultimately help money be seen as a blessing, not a source of conflict,” Tim notes.Listeners will also learn about the benefits of regular family meetings with financial advisors, the role advisors play in mediating familial financial disputes, and how making these meetings more informal, such as over dinner, can ease tensions and foster openness.Katie also shares a personal update about her daughter Quinnie, who is nearly one and already active, while Tim reminisces about his fall traditions and the challenges of transitioning his children's wardrobes.Tune in for a practical, down-to-earth conversation designed to help you prepare for the future with clarity and confidence. 3 Key Takeaways- Involving family members in financial decision-making early on can prevent future conflicts and misunderstandings.- Maintaining a "book of knowledge" for financial documents and accounts is essential for smooth transitions in case someone else needs to step in.- Regular family meetings with a financial advisor can help build familiarity and trust, making financial discussions less daunting and more effective.

This week’s episode explores a crucial aspect of financial readiness: how to build strong financial foundations through effective college planning and money management strategies. Hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland tackle real-world issues associated with preparing for college costs, including financial conversations, planning timelines, and teaching kids about money management at an early age."Set a clear budget early to inform your college search and avoid unnecessary disappointments," emphasizes Tim Regan, highlighting the need for thorough planning to prevent financial pitfalls.Listeners will gain insights on how to align both parents on financial commitments before engaging children in discussions, the importance of exploring colleges within budget constraints, and practical advice on involving financial advisors. Tim and Katie also share their family experiences, such as using real-life responsibilities to teach credit management and employing tools to match college choices with individual interests.Tune in to uncover more about setting your child up for success as they take their first step towards higher education, and explore the steps you can take now to ease future financial burdens.3 Key Takeaways✔️ Begin financial discussions early in your child’s junior year to set realistic expectations and establish a budget.✔️ Parents need to align on financial contributions to avoid sending mixed messages to their child about funding college education.✔️ Introduce money management techniques and responsibilities early to help your child build a strong financial foundation before heading to college.

This week, we're diving into a question many people ask themselves: Do I really need a financial advisor – and if so, what should that relationship look like through the different phases of life?Often, your financial needs evolve through different stages of life – from early career to family life, pre-retirement, and into retirement. Hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland explain why it’s crucial to find a financial advisor who specializes in where you’re at right now, whether it’s managing student loans and setting up your first 401(k), or navigating stock options and estate planning later in life.“Get to the person that says, ‘You're exactly who I serve, this is my specialty, and this is where I can serve you well,’” Tim says.Plus, hear about PrairieView Wealth’s exciting new digital tools designed specifically for young professionals to jumpstart their financial planning in a modern, interactive way. Click play to learn more, and be sure to check out our library of previous episodes!

Have you ever wondered what life could have been if you'd pursued a different career?Today, hosts Tim Regan and Katie Umland dive into the exciting possibilities of working after retirement or embarking on an entrepreneurial journey as a retiree. They share real success stories to help inspire your "second act” – from a previous client who became a global tour guide to an RV-lover who’s spending their retirement as a campground landlord.“A lot of times people get to that age where they're like, ‘I feel like it's time for me to stop doing what I'm doing – but am I retiring from something or am I retiring to something?’” Tim explains. Listen in to hear why starting a new business, franchising, consulting, or transitioning to a part-time role in your previous industry could help you stay sharp and fulfilled in your golden years, or check out our library of previous episodes!

In this episode of the “Retirement Readiness” podcast, our hosts discuss the importance of having a financial advisor even after retirement, emphasizing that retirement is not an endpoint but an ongoing journey that requires guidance. With new complexities like tax planning and required minimum distributions, an advisor can help you take a whole-life approach to keep your goals and money on track. “Where we start to see the value in an advisor is in that forward-looking: Let's be really mindful and thoughtful about the Two Comma life you're trying to live, and how we can get the most out of your money to do it,” Tim explains. Tim and Katie also touch on the misconceptions surrounding retirement and how it's often not just about sitting back and relaxing but also embracing a new chapter filled with creativity, vibrancy, and abundance.Click play to learn more about the value of working with a financial advisor post-retirement, and browse our library of other podcast episodes to round out your retirement knowledge.