Retirement Results

April is National Financial Literacy Month. It started back in the early 2000s when Congress realized too many Americans were leaving school without the first clue about how to manage a paycheck, a credit card, or a financial future. Fast-forward to 2026, and the problem hasn’t gone away. Nearly half of U.S. adults still give themselves a C-minus or worse on money knowledge…Key Points Covered: Review one monthly bill and see if you can cut, renegotiate, or cancel it Set one small savings goal — even twenty bucks a paycheck counts Learn just one new money concept — like how compound interest works for you instead of against you Sit down with your partner or your kids and have one honest conversation about money. No judgment, Just real talk Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Spring has arrived, and while your home gets its annual refresh, your finances might be collecting their own quiet clutter… First, clean up your accounts - If your money is scattered across multiple banks, and brokerage firms, it can feel chaotic. Next, declutter your debt - Multiple credit cards, loans with varying interest rates, and different due dates can create unnecessary pressure. Organize your income and expenses - Take a hard look at where your money actually goes each month Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, we tackle a critical question: how would your portfolio respond if the market dropped tomorrow? As you move closer to retirement, managing risk becomes just as important as generating returns. Ford Stokes and Sam Davis explain why understanding your true exposure to market volatility is essential and how stress-testing your retirement plan can reveal vulnerabilities before they become costly mistakes. The discussion focuses on minimizing unnecessary risk, protecting income, and aligning your investment strategy with your timeline. Because when you are approaching or living in retirement, you do not have the same margin for recovery that younger investors may have. At Active Wealth, we believe retirement planning should be proactive, measured, and built to withstand uncertainty — not dependent on market optimism. Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than ever — and for older workers, that shift can feel both exciting and intimidating. Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Carly Roszkowski, VP of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP, to unpack how AI is reshaping the job market and what it means for workers over 50. They explore new research showing that many older workers are worried about job security and finding new employment — and why AI is becoming both a challenge and a powerful opportunity. Carly shares practical ways job seekers can use AI tools to research companies, tailor resumes, prepare for interviews, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce. The conversation also highlights the growing value of multigenerational workplaces and why experience still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, Carly points listeners to AARP’s free resources designed to help older adults navigate career transitions with confidence.If you’re thinking about career longevity, job security, or how technology is reshaping the future of work, this episode offers timely insights and practical guidance you can use right now. Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, we discuss why retirement should never be a guessing game. Instead of hoping things work out, what if you could see your retirement results in advance? In this episode, Ford Stokes & Sam Davis explain the importance of building a “results in advance” retirement plan — one that helps you understand your income, investments and overall financial picture before you step into retirement. By doing the work upfront, you can identify potential gaps, stress-test your plan, and make informed decisions with clarity and confidence. The conversation highlights how coordinating your investments, income strategy and Social Security decisions creates a more predictable and measurable retirement outcome. Rather than reacting to surprises, you can proactively adjust your plan to align with your goals. As fiduciaries, the Active Wealth team is committed to helping individuals, families and small business owners make data-driven decisions designed to support long-term retirement success. Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Recession talk is back for 2026—it may not be in every headline, but the odds aren’t at zero percent. You need to be prepared for the scenario of a possible recession. Key Points Covered: Emergency Funds --- Start by building (or topping off) an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. Picking the Right Budgeting System – Whether old or new, using a budgeting system can help consolidate while keeping stress away. Configure your Financial Portfolio – Strategies to ensure your financial portfolio remains in a strong position. Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Retirement.Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, for a practical and timely conversation about emergency savings. With rising living costs, recent holiday spending, and ongoing debt repayment putting pressure on household budgets, many Americans struggle to set money aside for unexpected expenses. Matt and Rod break down common emergency fund guidelines—ranging from three to six months of expenses or more—while emphasizing that the most important step is simply getting started. Rather than focusing on intimidating savings targets, the discussion highlights the value of small, consistent contributions that build momentum over time. The conversation also explores actionable strategies for freeing up cash flow, including tracking expenses, reducing recurring bills, and using available tools to identify unused subscriptions or high-cost credit options. Matt and Rod wrap up by connecting emergency savings to long-term financial stability, stressing the importance of automation, protecting credit health, and taking full advantage of employer-matched retirement contributions. Host: Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClureGuest: Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer of Jackson Hewitt, to break down what taxpayers need to know heading into the 2026 tax season. They discuss some of the biggest changes on the horizon, including an estimated $300 billion in refunds expected for millions of Americans — and why filing early and accurately can make a real difference. Steber walks through several new tax benefits, including deductions for tipped and overtime workers and a new tax break for seniors age 65 and older. The conversation also covers practical tips on getting organized, choosing a trusted tax professional, and avoiding common tax scams. It’s a timely, practical discussion designed to help listeners feel informed, prepared, and confident as tax season approaches. Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford Stokes, a Registered Social Security Analyst, walks through everything pre-retirees need to understand about Social Security as we flip the calendar into 2026. Ford explains how Social Security benefits are calculated, common mistakes people make when claiming, and why timing matters so much when it comes to maximizing your lifetime benefits. He also discusses strategies designed to help individuals and couples get the most out of what they have paid into the system over their working years. The conversation highlights why Social Security should be coordinated with the rest of your retirement plan – considering your investments, taxes, and income needs – rather than treated as a standalone decision. Ford also explains how personalized Social Security maximization reports can help clarify your options and identify the claiming strategy that may be best for your specific situation. If you are approaching retirement or thinking about when to claim Social Security, this episode provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions with confidence. See the video with the presentation here: https://youtu.be/nDt7NlqtcCE Schedule your complimentary Social Security and retirement consultation:www.activewealth.com/plan -- Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam focus on how to make 2026 your year by starting the new year on the right financial footing. As a new year approaches, many people are thinking about resolutions — but when it comes to retirement and long-term financial security, the most important step is understanding where you are today. Ford and Sam walk through several simple, practical changes you can make to your portfolio and overall plan that can have a meaningful impact over time. They also discuss how better management of risk, fees, and taxes can help retirees and pre-retirees keep more of what they have worked so hard to save. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam dive into the wave of layoffs hitting companies across the United States this year — from tech and manufacturing to financial services, retail, and transportation. With economic uncertainty lingering and several major employers reducing headcount this year, many Americans are wondering what they should do if they’ve already been laid off or fear they may be next. Ford and Sam break down the latest economic data, explain why these layoffs are happening, and provide a clear set of steps workers can take immediately if they’ve recently lost their job. They also discuss how a smart financial plan can help shield families from financial shocks during uncertain times. Whether you’re currently employed, recently laid off, or simply want a stronger plan in place, Ford and Sam share actionable guidance to help you stay confident, informed, and financially secure. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam share the story of Ed Bambas, an 88-year-old veteran who lost his pension, his wife, his home, and his financial security — forcing him back into the workforce at a local supermarket. Ed’s experience is a powerful reminder of why today’s retirees must take steps to protect their income and diversify their retirement plan. Ford and Sam explain how personal pensions, income-producing assets, and modern annuity strategies can help prevent the kind of retirement disaster Ed experienced. They also discuss how pensions offered by highly rated insurance companies can provide benefits, guarantees, and flexibility that most corporate and government pensions do not. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

In this interview, Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure speaks with Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products at Bank of America, about holiday shopping trends. A major focus is how inflation and tariffs influence consumer behavior. The discussion also explores how dupe culture is emerging as a popular trend among younger generations who seek affordable alternatives to high-end branded items, while highlighting generational differences in gift-giving preferences and shopping habits. Mary emphasizes practical strategies for managing holiday expenses, including budgeting, using rewards cards, and taking advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities to maximize value during the holiday season. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

In this piece, brought to you by Retirement.Radio's Jim Tarabocchia, we explore the basics steps to take – and break them down – for further clarity on preparing for retirement. Key Points Covered: The importance of saving for retirement – NOW Balancing your investments – How a healthy mix of riskier investments can help weather the market’s uncertainty especially as you get closer to retirement. The importance of seeking professional guidance when planning financially for the future. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford and Sam address some of the most frightening financial mistakes retirees and pre-retirees make and how to avoid them. They discuss longevity risk and the real danger of outliving your money, why healthcare costs are one of the biggest threats to retirement security, and how planning for taxes and inflation can make all the difference. ✅ The biggest mistakes that can derail your retirement ✅ Strategies to minimize taxes and fight inflation ✅ Why a strong financial plan provides peace of mind -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

In recognition of RSV Awareness Month, Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Dr. Leonard Friedland, Vice President and Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health for GSK North America, and Carole, a National Senior Games athlete, to discuss how RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) affects older adults and why prevention matters. Dr. Friedland explains that RSV is far more than a seasonal nuisance — it leads to an estimated 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths each year among adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. Carole shares her personal story of contracting RSV despite her active lifestyle, detailing how the illness sidelined her and reshaped her approach to health and wellness. Together, they highlight the importance of awareness, vaccination, and simple preventive steps to help older adults stay healthy through the respiratory virus season. Learn more and access helpful resources at SidelineRSV.com. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam tackle one of the most important and often overlooked questions facing pre-retirees today: are you taking too much risk as you approach retirement? They explain why now – with markets at or near all-time highs – may be the perfect time to protect your gains, rebalance your portfolio, and focus on income stability. The conversation also covers what it really means to “keep more of what you earn,” and how a comprehensive retirement plan can help you transition smoothly and confidently into your next chapter. ✅ How to tell if your portfolio has too much risk and internal fees ✅ Why “it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep” truly matters for retirees ✅ The checklist for a smooth transition into your golden years -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam talk about one of the biggest concerns retirees have today – the possibility of having to “un-retire.” They share why so many Americans worry about going back to work and what you can do to create income that lasts for life. The conversation covers new Social Security updates amidst the government shutdown, the value of guaranteed income sources and smart adjustments you can make to get your money working harder for you in retirement. ✅ Creating income that lasts through market ups and downs ✅ Social Security updates you should be aware of ✅ Why now is the time to start a personal pension -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

This week on Retirement Results, Ford & Sam discuss how to retire smarter — not harder. They share smart withdrawal strategies, income planning tips, and tax-efficient moves that can make a big difference in your retirement success. From structuring your retirement income plan to making the most of Roth conversions and Social Security, this episode is packed with practical insights for those in or approaching retirement. You might be closer to financial independence than you think — and with the right plan, you can enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard for! ✅ Smart withdrawal and income strategies ✅ How to get more out of your Social Security benefits ✅ Why you might already have what you need to retire confidently -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.

Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure talks with Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, about why tax planning should be a year-round priority—not just something to think about around Tax Day. Steber explains that there are still several months left in the year to make meaningful changes that can impact the 2025 tax return, emphasizing the importance of reviewing last year’s return, correcting any mistakes, and adjusting for life changes or new tax law updates. He also highlights some of the significant tax code changes coming in 2025, including a potential increase in the child tax credit and higher deductions for seniors—and much more. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation with a fiduciary advisor: www.activewealth.com/plan Call us now: (770) 685-1777Catch up on past episodes: retirementresults.com/podcastsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetirementResults -- About Retirement Results:Welcome to Retirement Results! Each week, Ford Stokes and his team of fiduciary advisors help educate pre-retirees, retirees and business owners on ways to better protect and grow their hard-earned money. With $37 trillion in national debt and counting, many economists believe that taxes are likely to increase in the future, affecting retirees for decades to come. Ford and his team will help you build a smart plan that is TAX-efficient, FEE-efficient and MARKET-efficient.