In a world filled with so much uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you can’t control. Volatile markets, shifting tax laws, and political noise don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. But when it comes to retirement planning, there are things you can control, and they’re far more powerful than most people realize. In this episode, Lee walks through the four key areas retirees should focus on to build clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

He shares how his “financial house” model helps retirees decide how much risk they’re comfortable with, and why flexibility is the key to effective income planning. You’ll also hear why it’s worth paying attention to future tax exposure and how to plan around Social Security instead of depending on it. Rather than obsessing over political gridlock or looming program changes, Lee shows how to reduce reliance on government promises and build a retirement plan that stands strong regardless of what’s happening in Washington or on Wall Street.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

📉 Managing how much risk you take

💰 Designing income streams in retirement

💼 Avoid future tax-time surprises

🚫 Not letting Social Security be your only plan

🧠 Why obsessing over headlines can undermine your retirement confidence

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? In this episode, Lee explores the deeper reality behind this rule change and why your withdrawal rate should depend on more than just a headline number.

While a higher number might feel like a green light to spend more, Lee emphasizes that real retirement planning requires a personalized approach, not just a rule of thumb. From sequence-of-returns risk to changing needs over time, this conversation helps unpack why no single rule fits everyone.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

📢 What the new 4.7% rule actually means

🧩 How your spending needs shift across retirement phases

💬 What to consider before adjusting your retirement income

🛠️ How Lee’s team stress-tests your plan for long-term success

Resources for this episode:

Read the full Investor’s Business Daily article here: https://www.investors.com/etfs-and-funds/retirement/four-percent-rule-for-retirement-new-withdrawal-rate/

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

You’ve always been told to save for retirement, but can you go too far? Is it actually possible to over-save for the future? In this insightful episode, Lee answers a compelling listener question about what happens when saving becomes so aggressive that it starts to limit your lifestyle today. He dives into the emotional and practical downsides of over-saving, the dangers of comparing yourself to others, and how to strike a balance for long-term fulfillment.

If you’re maxing out your retirement accounts and feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck, this conversation is for you. Lee offers practical insights for building a financial plan that includes your bucket list, not just your retirement date. Financial security isn’t just about having enough money later, it’s also about making the most of your life now. Life is short. Let’s make sure your plan reflects that truth.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

💸 Why “saving more” isn’t always the right answer

📅 The emotional cost of deferring joy until retirement

📉 Warning signs you might be sacrificing too much today

🏖️ How to build a plan that supports both now and later

📊 Why financial planning should include your bucket list

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com