Episodes

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we dive into the complex world of 401k management. We kick off our journey by understanding the importance of not overthinking your 401k investments. We discuss the pitfalls of overtrading and the benefits of dollar cost averaging. Join us as we explore the potential risks of holding a significant amount of company stock in your 401k and the importance of having an overall investment plan. What You’ll Discover (time stamp included): 💼 [00:01] An...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we dive into the often misunderstood world of power of attorney. We start our exploration by understanding power of attorney and its importance in our lives. We discuss the different types of power of attorney, from the commonly known healthcare proxy to the broader general power of attorney. Join us as we navigate through the potential pitfalls and the importance of having a durable power of attorney, especially as we age or face health challenges...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we explore the world of trusts, specifically revocable living trusts, and their role in estate planning. We start by debunking common misconceptions about trusts, highlighting their importance for the wealthy and anyone seeking to simplify their estate planning. We also discuss the role of trusts in managing assets and the potential pitfalls of not having one. What You’ll Discover: 📜 [00:01] An introduction to trusts, the misunderstood tools of es...

Do the values of a company factor into your investment decisions? In the latest episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," I dive deep into the world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, a form of investing that considers a company's impact on the environment, its social responsibility, and its governance practices. We start by untangling the political implications of ESG investing and emphasize its importance beyond political leanings. We then explore the mechanics of ESG inve...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we dive into the murky waters of financial advising and the potential pitfalls that can endanger your assets. We start with a real-life story about a local firm fined $2.5 million by the SEC for not properly monitoring one of its brokers. This broker was involved in predatory sales practices, taking advantage of elderly people and nonprofits, charging excessive fees, and making trades just to earn commissions. Today, retirees have so much informati...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we embark on a time-traveling adventure through the world of wills and estate planning. We begin our journey in the stone halls of 13th-century England with the signing of the Magna Carta. This document established the principle that no one, not even the king, is above the law. Over the centuries, this principle evolved and led to the concept of personal property rights, which eventually gave rise to wills. Today, we find ourselves in the living r...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we explore the mantra "do the opposite" as a strategy for retirees to navigate financial crises and recessions. We journey back to the 2008 financial crisis, a time when panic and fear gripped the world. I share my personal experiences and insights from this tumultuous period, highlighting the importance of staying calm and making rational decisions in the face of market volatility. Today, we find ourselves in a world where talk of recessions is be...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we explore the world of side hustles, using the example of equine therapy to illustrate the pros, cons, and considerations of starting a side business. Join me and my guest, an equine therapist, as we discuss the realities of balancing passion, time, and financial commitments in a side hustle. What You’ll Discover: 🐴 [00:01] An introduction to side hustles and a deep dive into the world of equine therapy, a unique side hustle that combines passion ...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we explore the power of small, incremental changes in improving your financial situation. Drawing parallels from my personal experiences with dropping some pounds, we delve into strategies that can lead to significant financial progress over time. What You’ll Discover: 💰 [00:01] An introduction to the concept of small, incremental changes and their impact on financial habits 🍔 [03:36] Personal experiences with weight loss and how they relate to fin...

In this episode of "Your Telecom Retirement," we delve into the realm of cognitive biases, specifically focusing on the Dunning-Kruger Effect and its implications for investment and retirement planning. Join me as we explore how this psychological phenomenon influences our financial decision-making processes. What You’ll Discover: 🧠 [00:01] An introduction to cognitive biases and a deep dive into the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and its relevance in financial planning 🔍 [01:16] A discussion on the ...

This illuminating episode of “Your Telecom Retirement” delves into the complex world of 529 plans and college expenses. Join me as I break down the intricacies of state-sponsored plans, financial aid, and how to manage your funds for higher education effectively. What You’ll Discover: 🔎 [03:43] The importance of 529 plans and how they can be used for a broad range of educational pursuits 💪 [08:04] What expenses can be covered by a 529 plan, including tuition, room and board, and even computer...

In this episode of Your Telecom Retirement, get ready to uncover the truth about the modern college education system and how it has dramatically changed over the years. Join me as I sit down with my special guest, Justyn Coriander, who shares his unique journey and experiences as a recent college graduate. Together, we delve into the surprising revelations, benefits, and challenges of pursuing higher education in today's world. What You’ll Discover: 🔎 [01:52] Justyn's remarkable journey from...

On this episode of Your Telecom Retirement, we're taking an unfiltered look at the not-so-obvious truths that often get lost in the everyday noise. We'll unravel the realities of our lifestyles in comparison to our parents and grandparents, and debunk some of the most popular misconceptions about the state of the middle class and corporate taxes. Does it feel like life was simpler, less expensive, and overall better in the "good old days"? Ever wondered if there's more to the tax situation tha...

On this episode of Your Telecom Retirement, I unveil a little-known approach to maximizing your retirement wealth using Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s. Based on my 30 years of experience in retirement planning specific to telecom employees, I'll guide you through managing distributions effectively for a tax-free retirement. Join me as I share my insights on the five-year rule, navigating tax brackets, using Roth accounts as a "slush fund," and incorporating Roth accounts into your estate planning ...

The longer your career, the wider your trail of various retirement and financial accounts littered behind you. This and other financial clutter makes focused saving and investment difficult, and can lead to costly misunderstandings of our positions and can slow your overall retirement savings. In this episode, we dig into the importance of “spring cleaning” your finances, what it means, how to do it, and why your future self (and heirs) will thank you. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digi...

Whenever there’s talk of a recession, people wonder what they should be doing. But how do you prepare for a future nobody can predict? In this episode, we discuss the false belief that we know what’s going to happen, what this means for retirement planning, and how to ensure you don’t fall for the trap of “timing” your way to a huge nest egg. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://t...

Retiring today is 180 degrees from what it was in 1993, and there are huge implications for anyone who wants to enjoy a comfortable retirement. In this episode, we’ll examine how the shift from pensions and employer-paid healthcare has changed the game, and who you must depend on to ensure your money lasts as long as you need. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://theverizonguy.pag...

I love my Nana, but let’s just say her culinary adventures were trips to avoid. For her signature Mac & Cheese dish, she got a lot of things right — but missed some crucial details that would have transformed the results. In this episode, we look at a retirement planning error I’ve noticed in several people I’ve been talking to, and why getting this wrong isn’t something that can easily be recovered from. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right...

I Bonds are the current popular kid at the party. It seems like every financial news outlet and publication is pushing them. So are they REALLY a good deal? In this episode, I demystify I Bonds, including the benefits and limitations of these financial instruments — so you can judge for yourself whether they’re worth a place in your portfolio. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://...

Banks are the foundation of the financial system (and the recent turmoil reminds us how important banks are to all of us). Join me and our special guest and banking insider, Samantha, for a peek behind the curtain at banking institutions small, large, and local, and how to know which option fits your financial needs and temperament. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://theverizong...

George Constanza was many things, but an investment genius wasn’t one of them. In this episode, we discuss the myth of market momentum, the common mistake investors make when chasing returns, and why Costanza’s goofball antics have a lesson about staying focused in the face of a fluctuating market. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://theverizonguy.pages.ontraport.net/ebookoptin ...

Nothing like some CEOs on a tropical island complaining about their pay to steer the way toward a content retirement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of avoiding the comparison game, and how you can appreciate where you are and where you’re going without settling for less than you deserve. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://theverizonguy.pages.ontraport.net/ebookoptin...

When my college started capping the concrete stairs in granite at The Quad, we knew something was up. In fact, with tuition rising 10% a year at the time, the students protested. This was 36 years ago, and it’s only gotten more expensive to send kids to college. In this episode, we explore what happened to get us here, and what to consider when thinking about how to send your kids into the world. EPISODE LINKS You can download a free digital copy of Dennis' book “Retirement Built Right – The Es...

Markets often move based on government reports — good or bad. The problem is distinguishing between noise and signal. Too often the seasonal adjustments made with the intent of allowing investors to compare apples to apples completely miss the mark. In this episode, I’ll share some common sense ways to think deeper about the financial news, and help you make decisions based on reality — not on a faulty reporting adjustment that obscures what’s actually happening. EPISODE LINKS You can download ...