Episodes

Planning for retirement is about more than just finances—it’s about protecting your future, your health, and your peace of mind. In this episode of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, host Paul Brock welcomes Aaron Love, Elder Care Attorney at Love Law Group, to discuss what it truly means to age well and prepare for life’s uncertainties. Together, they break down the critical difference between legacy planning (death planning) and incapacity planning (living planning), while highlighting the...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Cook, owner of Right at Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare administration, Brian offers valuable insight into aging, long-term care, and how families can support loved ones in staying at home safely and comfortably. As financial advisors, we understand that one of the biggest threats to a retirement plan is the rising cost of long-term care. Brian’s work directly supports families in managing that risk — not ju...

Are you prepared for the “Silver Tsunami”? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Christina Wilkins, Chief Operating Officer of Advocates for Seniors, who reveals how their unique paralegal firm helps seniors navigate the complex challenges of aging. From managing finances when a spouse passes away to coordinating medical care during life transitions, Christina shares how their team provides critical “boots on the ground” assistance for seniors who either don’t have children nearby or ne...

If you’re like many Americans, the bulk of your retirement savings likely sits in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. But when tax rates rise—as many experts predict they will—how much of your hard-earned money will you actually get to keep? With the national debt growing at an unsustainable pace and entitlement programs placing increasing pressure on the federal budget, significant tax increases appear inevitable. In this episode, we’re honored to welcome David McKnight—nationally re...

Stephen Stricklin, Founder and President of Wise Wealth, LLC is joined by COO, Paul Brock to answer frequently asked questions from clients and podcast listeners. They cover common concerns such as: How often do you make changes or rebalance my portfolio? Do you watch the market and move assets out based on short-term volatility? How does my savings or retirement plan compare to others at this stage of life? Stephen and Paul discuss the importance of rebalancing portfolios, which they typi...

In this episode, Stephen Stricklin, Founder & President of Wise Wealth, is joined by Paul Brock, Vice President. They discuss the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan, focusing on key components such as a liquid plan, an income plan, and a growth plan. One major risk for retirees is long-term care, which should always be addressed in any financial plan. Additionally, the concept of short-term care is becoming increasingly relevant in retirement planning. Paul Brock, an insurance...

In this episode of The Blockchain Breakdown: Understanding Cryptocurrency, we explore the importance of understanding digital assets and cryptocurrency as they become mainstream. Digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, are emerging as a new asset class with unique risks and opportunities for diversification. Tune in as we discuss key terms such as Bitcoin, tokens, NFTs, and share our insights on how to incorporate digital assets into a well-diversified portfolio While investing in digital ...

Today, we’re joined by Starla Hendricks, Vice President of Intermediary Sales at KEEP by Stone Castle. With over 30 years in financial services, Starla works closely with RIAs and wealth managers to help them navigate the cash and deposit landscape, providing solutions like KEEP—a high-yield, FDIC-insured cash account that offers protection and a better rate than typical savings accounts at local banks. We’re excited to dive into how KEEP can provide clients with a secure, higher-yield alternat...

The conversation continues with guest, Samantha Tiller who focuses on eight key areas where retirees need to be intentional in order to achieve peace of mind during their retirement. If you missed the last episode, be sure to go back and watch & listen to the first three areas of the “Retire Wellthy Framework” – financial wellness, occupational wellness, and social wellness. Continue watching or listening this episode and learn the final 5 dimensions of the Retire Wellthy Framework: Emotional ...

In this podcast conversation, our guest is Samantha Tiller, the owner and founder of Lumina Coaching. She is a life transition coach specializing in helping people navigate significant life changes, particularly retirement. With her expertise, she helps clients find meaning, purpose, and direction after they retire, addressing the common fear of becoming aimless or disconnected. She emphasizes the importance of not only filling time with activities but also exploring deeper questions about ident...

“Every client deserves the right to invest according to their values.” This is a quote from one of our guests, Mark Reifer. He’s a financial advisor, and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), with a long history of managing portfolios and experience in biblically responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, strategy, and moral screening in portfolio management. Along with Mark, we are joined by Ben Malick: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor ...

In this special edition of the Simplify Your Retirement Podcast, Stephen Stricklin, CFP® President of Wise Wealth, and Vice President Paul Brock discuss the recent 2024 U.S. election and its immediate impact on the stock market. The episode focuses on three key questions people have about investing during election years and the broader economic outlook. 1. Why did the stock market respond favorably to Donald Trump’s second-term win? 2. Why didn’t the advisors change investment strategies befo...

In this episode, Stephen Stricklin and Paul Brock discuss the importance of providing clients with a balanced approach to investing, focusing on portfolio construction that aligns with both financial goals and values. Guests Ben Malik and Mark Riefer offer their experience and expertise. Ben Malik: A chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA), Ben focuses on buildingbiblically responsible portfolios under Bright Portfolios, which balance good returns with ethical inv...

Many people dismiss reverse mortgages based on misconceptions. Watch & listen to this episode to learn more about the benefits of using a reverse mortgage as a part of your overall financial plan. Meet our guest: HARLAN ACCOLA, National Reverse Mortgage Director, Author of the book, Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages. Harlan Accola has been in the mortgage industry for more than 20 years and is widely recognized as an authority on reverse mortgage loans and retirement finance issues. The most ...

Guest Phil Graham | CEO @ The Beneficiary Liquidity Plan® Phil Graham is the driving force behind the development and innovation of The Beneficiary Liquidity Plan®. Phil brings more than 25 years of financial services experience, with a focus on designing and distributing products through financial advisors. With the Beneficiary Liquidity Plan®, you can help ensure your loved ones have quick, easy access to the funds they need to settle your estate. Many people have faced the burden of paying ...

People often research financial products after hearing about them through various channels, but they may be swayed by either overly positive or negative information. This can lead to risky decisions, as news often highlights sensational or negative stories to attract readers and sell ads. Algorithms amplify confirmation bias by continuously showing users articles that align with their previous clicks, which is why we advocate for principles-based financial planning—principles remain constant ev...

It’s often said that people spend more time planning vacations than they do for retirement. But just as you wouldn’t wing a vacation, retirement planning requires careful consideration. With potential decades ahead, the time invested in planning is relatively short. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach retirement seriously, laying out all your desires to ensure they align with your vision. A common mistake is solely focusing on the day you can stop working. While reaching this milestone is sign...

In the pursuit of financial freedom, retirement planning often revolves around achieving a specific nest egg or net worth target. However, true fulfillment in retirement extends beyond mere financial security. It encompasses a holistic approach that addresses uncertainties, unforeseen circumstances, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy. In this episode, we discuss the multifaceted aspects of retirement planning, highlighting the importance of proactive decision-making, essential documents, ...

Tax Planning: A Lifetime Approach to Minimize Your Taxes In today’s episode, we dive into the topic of taxes, drawing inspiration from Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “There are only two things certain in life, death and taxes.” Considering the uncertainty surrounding taxes and the fear it can evoke, we emphasize the importance of having a plan in case of tax increases. While your current tax rate forms the basis of our strategy, we also incorporate a contingency for potential future tax rate...

In this insightful conversation, Stephen Stricklin discusses the complexities of financial planning, focusing on the contrasting viewpoints regarding investments in the stock market and insurance planning. Leveraging his extensive industry experience, Stricklin underscores the significance of crafting a comprehensive plan that seamlessly integrates both aspects. There is an imperative need for objective advice, especially from a firm like Wise Wealth which can objectively navigate the intricac...

Investment Planning: The 2 Key Ingredients to Success Ever wondered what it takes to be a successful stock market investor? In this episode, Stephen Stricklin from Wise Wealth breaks down the two essential ingredients for success: time and discipline. 🔍 Key Takeaways: • Time & Discipline: The foundation of successful stock market investing. • The Three-Bucket Approach: Learn how to allocate your assets strategically. • #GSEL Mission: Discover Wise Wealth’s mission—Give, Serve, Enjoy Life. ...

Income Planning: Smart Investment Allocations for Maximum Peace of Mind We understand that when retirees have a well-thought-out plan, they are more likely to experience true freedom. The ultimate goal of our retirement planning efforts is to achieve this freedom, enabling individuals to give, serve, and enjoy life without constraints. Once a plan is established for each of these six areas: liquidity, income, growth, tax, legacy, and insurance, true freedom becomes attainable. Our concept of ...

In planning for retirement, creating a budget is crucial for ensuring financial security and making work optional. The simplified approach involves dividing assets into three buckets: one for liquid expenses, another for income, and the third for growth. The budget, a formal plan for managing monthly income, helps avoid overspending and provides the freedom to enjoy retirement. Key points on budgeting for retirement: Living Expenses vs. Lifestyle Expenses: Distinguish between essential living...