The Get Ready For The Future Show

GRFTFS: Okay if Most of OUR Retirement Assets are in MY Accounts?

"We have around $900,000 saved, but most of it is in my accounts — not my spouse’s. Should we try to even that out, or does it not matter come retirement?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! ✅ I’m 60 and was recently offered a consulting role that pays well but has no benefits. Should I take it and delay retirement, or walk away and enjoy life now? ✅ I’m 52 and work in tech, which is volatile. I’ve saved around $350,000. What’s the best move if I get laid off before I’m ready to retire? ✅ My spouse wants to move closer to the grandkids, but the cost of living is higher there. We’re 65 and planning to retire this year — how do we know if we can afford it? All this straight talk and more LIVE, Wednesday at 11:30!🎙️ - ❓ Have your own questions? Call or text us at 501.381.5228 or email show@getreadyforthefuture.com. We're here to help you navigate the journey to true financial independence. See you there!
 
Originally Aired: 2025.07.23

Fastest Four: Trump vs Jerome Powell

President Trump wants Fed Chair Jerome Powell out—and markets are watching closely. In this episode of the Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the legal battle brewing, and why firing Powell may not have the impact Trump hopes.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Whether a president can fire the Federal Reserve Chair—and under what conditions
Why Trump’s frustration stems from interest rate policy, not misconduct
How Powell could fight back with a lawsuit
Why removing Powell might not lower interest rates
The potential market volatility if Trump follows through
What LPL’s Chief Economist says about political pressure and rate cuts

GRFTFS: Mortgage is Paid Off! Now What?

"We’re 61 and 62 and just paid off our mortgage. Should we keep aggressively saving or start shifting toward preserving what we’ve already built?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’ve got $500,000 in a 401(k), but I’m burned out and considering a career break. I’m 53 — can I step away for a while without wrecking my future? I’ve saved $600,000 and I’m 59, but I still have $25,000 in credit card debt. Should I use savings to wipe it out or keep plugging away with payments? We’re 66 and retiring next year. Do we need to keep emergency savings in retirement, or will our investment accounts cover any surprises?
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 7/16/2025

Fastest Four: Takeaways from the Big Beautiful Bill

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” just became law—and it’s already shaking up the financial landscape. In this episode of the Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the 6 most important takeaways from the 869-page legislation.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why the national debt is expected to increase despite $1.2 trillion in spending cuts
How permanent 2017 tax cuts could save middle-class families billions
The surprising new deductions you might qualify for—like tips, overtime, and U.S.-made car interest
Major changes to SALT deductions and estate tax thresholds
The phase-out of clean energy credits and EV tax breaks
How new business deductions could drive economic growth
Want more insights? Read the full LPL Research breakdown here: https://www.lpl.com/research/blog/one-big-beautiful-bill-act--six-takeaways.html

GRFTFS: Budgeting for Premiums and Medical Expenses?

"We’ve got around $750,000 saved, plan to retire in 8 years, but we’re really unsure about healthcare costs. How do we budget for premiums and unexpected medical expenses?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 47, single, and own a small business. What’s the easiest way to get started on a retirement plan without feeling overwhelmed? We’re 64 and just paid cash for a camper to travel in retirement. Did we just sink too much of our liquid savings into something that won’t pay us back? We've got about $1.1 million saved, but nearly all of it is in traditional IRAs. How do we keep from getting crushed by taxes in retirement?
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 7/9/2025

Fastest Four: Inflation Coming in Hot

The market isn’t crashing—it’s just catching its breath. But if you’re tempted to sit on the sidelines until things “feel safe” again, this episode of The Fastest Four Minutes in Finance is your wake-up call.
John Shrewsbury breaks down new research from J.P. Morgan showing how missing just the 10 best days in the market can cut your long-term returns nearly in half. And here’s the kicker—most of those best days come right after the worst ones.

GRFTFS: Smartest Way to Use an Inheritance?

"We’re in our early 50s, and my wife is inheriting around $200,000. What’s the smartest way to use an inheritance in your prime working years?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
My husband and I are considering buying long-term care insurance, but the premiums are steep. Is there a point where it no longer makes sense? I’m 45 and just now getting serious about retirement with very little in savings. Is it too late to catch up and still retire in my 60s? My spouse is retired and I’m still working. Where do we even begin with coordinating withdrawals, Social Security, and taxes?!
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 7/2/2025

Fastest Four: The Midyear Answer You Need

As we head into the second half of 2025, volatility remains the norm, but what lies ahead for the markets and the economy?
In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman discusses:
The major questions LPL Research is addressing in its Midyear Outlook—from recession probabilities to Fed rate cuts.
Why short-term volatility is no reason to lose sight of long-term gains.
How the "stock market escalator" analogy can help you keep perspective amid uncertainty.

GRFTFS: Asset Rich & Cash Poor in Retirement?

"We’re 55 and have about $500,000 saved, but most of it’s in real estate. Should we be worried about being 'asset rich, cash poor' in retirement?"
We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! We’re thinking about retiring abroad. Is that financially wise, or are we missing some big risks? I’m 49 and recently remarried. How do we build a financial plan that protects both of us fairly if I've saved for retirement and my new spouse has saved very little? My wife wants to retire at 60. I’d prefer to work until 68. Can we plan for two timelines — or are we asking for trouble?
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 6/25/2025

Fastest Four: About the Middle East…

Worried about your retirement in today’s uncertain world? In this week’s Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, John Shrewsbury explains how to navigate market volatility—whether you're building wealth or already retired.
Learn why staying invested during turmoil can be a long-term win
Discover the “bucketing strategy” to protect against inflation, timing risk, and outliving your money
See why dollar-cost averaging still works in a shaky market
Whether you're 10+ years from retirement or already drawing income, this episode lays out a clear, proven investment strategy designed to remove emotion and create financial confidence.