The Get Ready For The Future Show

Can My Spouse Retire If I Still Work?

I love my job and want to keep working, but my wife wants to retire. Can she go ahead and do that while I keep working? On this week's Get Ready For The Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions!
How do you determine your contribution rate if your income is variable? If I got an inheritance, should I pay down house debt or invest more in retirement? What should I do if I have to take RMDs, but don't need the money yet? 
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 5/8/2024

(FF) What About Annuities?

The SECURE Acts have paved the way for annuities to be offered in employer retirement plans, and surveys show that American workers are interested in investing in them. In this week's Fastest Four, Scott explores the latest trends in annuity sales and the growing demand for guaranteed lifetime income, especially among pre-retirees. But also the complexities of annuities and why it's important to work with a financial advisor to determine if an annuity is even right for you.

Lower Income Taxes in Retirement?

How can I prevent my money from getting taxed again as added income? On this week's Get Ready For The Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions!
Will selling my business be enough to fund my retirement? How can I better understand my risk tolerance? How do we know if it's okay to retire early?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 5/1/2024

(FF) Could Stocks Sink?

Is the famous "Sell in May and Go Away" investing strategy worth following? Scott's taking a look at the historical performance of the markets in the May-October period in this week's Fastest Four and the question, "Is timing the markets like this a wise investment strategy?"

Order of Withdrawals?

In what order should we draw down accounts prior to Social Security and after work? On this week's Get Ready For The Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions! 
We are wondering how to decide which account to fund more? 401(k) or Roth IRA? What are your thoughts on Tax Rates and Standard Deductions changing in 2026? I'm nearing age 55 and am trying to decide if should I start paying down my mortgage more aggressively? 
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 4/24/2024

(FF) Earnings Are Still Going Strong!

In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, discover how robust earnings growth continues to drive the stock market's performance, defying fears over interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical instability. 

Do I Need Catch-Up Contributions?

Do I need to max out catch-up contributions, or will I be okay holding steady with my normal contributions? On this week's Get Ready For The Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions!
Would it be good for my savings to retire but keep working maybe part-time? Would I be ok in retirement if the only thing I do is max out my Roth IRA every year moving forward? I'm retired now and my wife will be next year. What’s the best withdrawal strategy for us? 
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 4/17/2024

(FF) Ride the Rollercoaster

Investing in stocks is a rollercoaster ride, and April's market turmoil serves as a timely reminder that pullbacks are inevitable. In this week's Fastest Four, Scott's drawing wisdom from market strategist Ryan Detrick as he explores the historical data that proves significant pullbacks are not only common but expected in an average year. 

Retiring Next Year? Do This!

I'm thinking about retiring next year, so what should I do before I leave work? On this week's Get Ready For The Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions! 
When should I claim Social Security? As early as possible? What should I ask when meeting a financial advisor? And what should I watch out for? Is it a smart play to invest in Variable Universal Life?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 4/10/2024

(FF) Is Inflation That Scary?

Inflation data for March sparked alarming headlines, but is it really as bad as it seems? In this Fastest Four, learn why the 0.4% monthly increase and 3.5% annual inflation rate aren't drastically higher than expectations!