Podcast
roadmap to RETIREMENT
Hosted by Alex Neri · EN
roadmap to RETIREMENT
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP79: Affording College Debt
2w ago00:13:28Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast! During this episode, I explain how parents can decide if college is the right path by making the economics real: estimate a child’s starting salary, subtract savings and taxes, then build a post-graduation budget including student loan payments, rent, and car costs. I use nursing as an example and show how big loans can strain cash flow, influencing school choices like scholarships, state school, or two years of community college. I also urge applying for scholarships, working in college, and understanding loan responsibility. Come back soon for a new episode with a returning guest!
Transcribe →EP78: Avoiding Credit Card Traps
4w ago00:19:40Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Roadmap to Retirement, this episode I will be answering recent client questions: What to do if you’re spending more in retirement (first verify if it’s sustainable, then budget, cut expenses, or add part-time income) How to help an elderly mom after a pension ends (consider selling the home or a reverse mortgage) Ways to tackle credit card debt (lower-rate loans, possibly a 401(k) loan and fixing the underlying income/expense or emergency-fund issue) Planning a “retirement” that’s really a second full-time career (adjust investments, taxes, and health insurance) When to involve adult children (beneficiary meeting sooner is better) How much cash to keep (about 3–6 months’ expenses, start small if needed). Come back soon for another episode!
Transcribe →EP77: Geopolitics & Retirement Plans
Apr 2200:14:45Tap to summarizeOn the Roadmap to Retirement Podcast, I talked with Jason Grover from Grover Financial Services about how geopolitical conflicts like the current Iran situation can spark fear and tempt investors to make drastic moves. Our core message was that “this time isn’t different”: if your goals haven’t changed and you still own great companies, the plan shouldn’t change just because of headlines you can’t control. For clients still accumulating, market drops can mean buying more shares while prices are down; for retirees taking income, we discussed setting aside a two-to-five-year “war chest” so lifestyle doesn’t have to change during volatility. We also covered how anxiety often peaks around retirement, why experience through past downturns matters, and how advisors add value through behavioral management, including using systematic, pre-committed strategies when emotions run high. Come back soon for another episode!
Transcribe →EP 76: What Are “Trump Accounts”?
Apr 800:07:35Tap to summarizeIn this Roadmap to Retirement episode, I break down what “Trump accounts” are and when they may make sense for parents and grandparents. The account lets you contribute up to $5,000 per year and works like a non-deductible, after-tax IRA: your contributions come back tax-free, but any growth is taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. The big draw is the federal $1,000 seed deposit for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028, so if you’re eligible, I recommend taking the free money, investing it in a U.S. equity fund/low-cost ETF, and letting it grow. Beyond that, I generally see 529 plans as better for most people due to tax-free education withdrawals and possible state tax deductions, though a Roth conversion strategy could benefit affluent families aiming for long-term wealth. Sign-ups may happen via trumpaccount.gov or through tax filing, starting July 4. Come back soon for a new episode with a returning guest!
Transcribe →EP 74: Client Q&A
Mar 2500:13:54Tap to summarizeIn this solo Roadmap to Retirement mailbag, I answer five listener and client questions: how to retire early by building a liquid, non-retirement investment pool to bridge the years before penalty-free access to retirement accounts (while still enjoying life); whether to buy a whole life policy for a friend, where I stress starting with your financial plan rather than a product; whether to buy silver, where I caution against chasing what’s been hot and suggest only a small, diversified allocation if any; how to handle being overconcentrated in one stock, where I argue that paying capital gains taxes can be worth it to reduce risk and note options like spreading sales across tax years; and whether it’s “stupid” to move and give up a low 2020-era mortgage rate, where I weigh lifestyle needs and mention refinancing if rates fall. Thanks for listening and come back for new episodes and returning guests soon!
Transcribe →EP75: Four Pillars of Retirement
Mar 2500:26:28Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I talked with Jon Sheldon, founder of BelleauWood Coaching LLC in Rochester, NY, about the non-financial side of the FIRE movement—especially the purpose gap that can hit when someone retires around 45 and suddenly loses the structure and meaning work provided. Jon explains his coaching framework built on four pillars: Purpose (separating personal purpose from business purpose and spotting misalignment) Vision Motivation Ecosystem (the people, places, and tools—especially technology—that shape your best self). We discussed how redefining success can shift priorities, and how ecosystem changes often mean adding the right relationships, not just cutting toxic ones. Jon closes with his “briefs and battle plans” approach to quicker decision-making: clarity, condition, cost, align, act, and adapt.
Transcribe →EP 73: From Debt to Dreams
Feb 2500:24:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Roadmap to Retirement, I sat down again with Jason Grover to talk about how financial planning shouldn’t only revolve around the vague idea of “retirement someday,” especially for younger people who need more motivating, near-term goals. We discussed common “pipe dream” goals like buying a cottage or lake house and even retiring early, and why those goals are often achievable if you’re willing to make the sacrifices and turn them into a date-specific, dollar-specific plan. Jason emphasized that retirement planning still has to come first, particularly for young parents who want to prioritize their kids’ education. The key point: if you neglect your own retirement, you risk becoming financially dependent on your children later. We talked about how some families get into trouble by financially supporting adult children—sometimes without the adult kids realizing the debt or financial strain it creates—and how bringing multiple generations into the planning conversation can improve transparency and behavior. Jason and I explored why “I want to retire” isn’t enough—asking “why” helps uncover what someone actually wants, whether that’s purpose-driven work, more freedom, time with family, travel, or passion projects. When it comes to early retirement and the FIRE movement, Jason framed it as less about the size of your portfolio and more about the lifestyle you choose and how you’ll sustain it over decades, including inflation. We discussed the broader issue of limited financial education and how debt can set people up for long-term challenges. To end the episode, there was the idea that goals are achievable when you’re serious: write them down and stay flexible enough to pivot when reality requires it. Come back soon for another episode.
Transcribe →EP 72 Should Retirees Spend or Save More?
Feb 1200:15:18Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Roadmap to Retirement podcast. In this solo episode, I discuss two key topics. First, the challenge some retirees face of having ‘too much money,’ a situation often resulting from decades of diligent saving and conservative spending habits. I explore strategies for making meaningful use of these funds, such as gifting to adult children or supporting charities, and also suggest indulging in personal bucket list experiences. Second, I address the temptation and pitfalls of debt, particularly low-interest debt, urging listeners to be cautious of lifestyle creep and to consider the true cost of financing items like cars. Finally, I propose a crucial question for anyone meeting a financial advisor: ‘How long have you been an advisor, and how long do you plan to continue?’ This helps ensure you find a knowledgeable advisor who can support you long-term. Tune in for practical financial tips and strategies to supercharge your retirement savings. Thanks for listening, come back soon for another new episode!
Transcribe →EP 71: Accountant or Advisor?
Feb 600:40:29Tap to summarizeIn our latest episode of Roadmap to Retirement, we dive into the interplay between accountants and financial advisors with Jordan Stealey, EA at Redwood Tax and Accounting. We discuss the importance of collaboration in financial planning and tax preparation, especially around tax season. Topics include the misperceptions surrounding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), the nuances of handling RMDs, and strategies for business owners to save effectively for retirement. Jordan also shares insights on recent changes in tax law, including the senior enhanced deduction and new rules around social security and tax deduction on car loans. We touch on the practicalities of budgeting and how financial behavior plays a critical role in retirement planning. The episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you streamline your financial future by leveraging the unique strengths of both your accountant and financial advisor. Come back next week for another episode!
Transcribe →EP 70: Financial Success in 2026
Jan 2800:20:09Tap to summarizeWelcome to The Roadmap to Retirement, this episode I am flying solo. As a way to kick off the new year, let’s talk about financial planning best practices, tips and smart money moves. Learn about the Mexican fisherman story, and the importance of financial goals aligning with one’s desired lifestyle rather than merely accumulating wealth. I want to caution against relying on market predictions, and stress the importance of a well-thought-out investment philosophy that can withstand market fluctuations. Practical advice for managing your investments includes aligning risk with your life stage, adopting a conservative approach for short-term goals, and avoiding the pitfalls of frequently checking investment performance. This episode is also a discussion towards the emotional impact of losing money through different scenarios like gambling, stock investments, and accidental loss, highlighting the psychological aspects of financial decision-making. Lastly, I want to introduce the concept of our client communication schedule to ensure proactive and meaningful interactions between financial advisors and their clients, helping to stay ahead of any issues and making informed decisions. Tune in to secure your financial future and enable a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. As always, thank you for listening. We have exciting plans for 2026 – more solo sessions and some with new topics and guests!
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