Planning Matters Radio
Planning Matters Radio
Richon Planning
An independent financial, investment, and retirement planner. Identifying opportunities and protecting what's important. We help you protect your paycheck through all walks of life and manage assets to help you achieve your retirement goals.
Retirement Spending Peaks Earlier Than You Think
Here's a number that should change how you think about retirement: 12. That's about how long a healthy 60-year-old has before mobility, energy, and independence begin to decline. Let that sink in. Too many financial plans are built around steady, flat income over 25–30 years. But real life doesn't work that way. As Peter Richon with Richon Planning explains to Erin Kennedy, spending tends to follow a pattern:  "Go-Go" years: Travel, experiences, living fully  "Slow-Go" years: Less activity, more time at home  "No-Go" years: Healthcare and essentials take priority In fact, research shows spending on travel and leisure often peaks around age 75, then declines… not because the money is gone, but because the ability to enjoy it changes. And here's the challenge: Most people are wired to save and be cautious… so they underspend in the years that matter most.  The takeaway: Retirement planning isn't just about how much you save… …it's about when you spend it. To create a retirement plan and spending plan that supports the life you actually want to live, please give Peter a call at 919-300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jul 25
14 min
Should You Tap Your Retirement Savings to Pay off Your Mortgage?
 Thinking about paying off your mortgage before retirement? Not so fast… Going into retirement debt-free sounds like the dream, but should you tap your retirement savings to make it happen? In this interview, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break it down  When it does make sense to pay off your mortgage  How to balance the numbers vs. peace of mind  Why pulling from retirement accounts could backfire  The hidden risks: taxes, reduced liquidity, and even higher Medicare premiums Bottom line: A paid-off house feels great… but the strategy behind it matters even more. Before you write that final check, give Peter a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jul 18
14 min
🚨 Nearing retirement? You're in the retirement red zone... and every decision counts.
The good news? A smart strategy now can make a BIG difference later. In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy lay out your 4-step action plan to retire with confidence:  Max out tax-advantaged accounts (don't forget catch-up contributions!)  Open & fully fund an IRA — and consider going Roth for tax-free growth  Leverage HSAs  (triple tax advantage + future healthcare funding!)  Understand RMDs — because taxes in retirement may NOT be lower  BONUS: Work with a financial advisor to tie it all together and avoid costly missteps Your future income, taxes, and lifestyle depend on the moves you make today. To put together your unique action plan, please call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com Act now to get ahead of the curve.
Jul 11
19 min
💡 IRMAA Explained: The Hidden Medicare Cost That Could Catch You Off Guard
When it comes to Medicare, most people focus on coverage… but not enough attention is paid to what you'll actually pay. As Peter with Richon Planning explains to Erin Kennedy, if you're considered a "high-income beneficiary" by the Social Security Administration, you could be hit with an extra charge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)… and it can significantly increase your Medicare Part B premiums. Here's what you need to know 👇 ✔️ How high is "high-income"? Even a modest increase in income can push you into a higher bracket. ✔️ It's a cliff, not a slope Go just $1 over the threshold, and you could pay hundreds more per year in premiums. ✔️ One-time events can trigger it Selling a home, taking an RMD, Roth conversions, or realizing large capital gains can unexpectedly spike your income. ✔️ Planning is everything Strategies like Roth conversions, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce or even avoid IRMAA. The bottom line: Without careful planning, you could end up paying more for Medicare than necessary. 📞 Want to make sure IRMAA doesn't catch you off guard? Call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com to put a plan together that could save you thousands in health insurance.
Jul 4
15 min
Social Security Insolvency Now Projected for 2032!
🚨 Social Security is facing a major deadline. A new report projects the trust fund could be depleted by 2032… which may mean benefit cuts of up to 22%. 📉 So what does that actually mean for you? In this conversation, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down: 👉 Is Social Security really "going away"? 👉 Should you claim early at 62? 👉 What changes could be coming from Washington 👉 How to plan now so you're not caught off guard The bottom line: Social Security isn't disappearing, but relying on it alone could leave a gap in your retirement income. To understand what's ahead, and how to prepare, give Peter a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jun 29
13 min
💔 Getting Divorced May Cost You More Than You Think
Divorce isn't just emotionally difficult... it can be financially overwhelming if you're not prepared. If you're considering a divorce, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy break down three major costs people often underestimate: ⚖️ Legal Fees The average divorce costs $15,000–$20,000, but contested cases can exceed $100,000. Planning ahead can make a big difference. 🏠 Cost of Living Going from one household to two can significantly increase expenses, often requiring tough lifestyle adjustments. 📈 Professional Development After divorce, many women see their income drop by around 20%, making it critical to reassess earning potential and career opportunities. The bottom line: Preparation is power. Understanding these costs now can help you protect your financial future later. To learn how to navigate this transition with confidence, call Peter at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jun 27
13 min
SpaceX Hype: Opportunity or Overpriced Rocket?
Everyone's talking about SpaceX... and for good reason. The innovation is real. The technology is groundbreaking. And under Elon Musk, it's become one of the most talked-about companies in the world. But is it a great investment? In this video, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy offer this reality check: • Nearly 60% of IPOs since 1980 delivered zero or negative returns over 3 years • Hype doesn't eliminate valuation risk • And even the most innovative companies can be overpriced If you'd like to talk through the hype and the opportunity with Peter, please call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jun 26
13 min
Retirement Readiness Checklist: 5 Steps to Prepare for the Next Chapter
Retirement readiness isn't just about how much you've saved... it's about how you want to live. In this conversation, Peter with Richon Planning and Erin kennedy break down a simple, 5-step checklist to help you prepare for your next chapter: ✔️ Define what retirement actually looks like for you ✔️ Take stock of your financial and personal assets ✔️ Prioritize your health (it affects more than you think) ✔️ Build a realistic retirement budget ✔️ Decide when to claim Social Security The earlier you start planning, the more freedom you have to actually achieve your goals. If you'd like to talk with Peter to start building a retirement plan that aligns with your life, not just your balance sheet, feel free to give him a call at (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jun 20
12 min
💸 Expecting a Windfall? How to Make Sure Your Inheritance Doesn't Disappear
 $133,000 — gone. So what's really going on here? And more importantly… how can families avoid it?  In this interview, @peter with @richonplanning and @erinkennedy break down: • Why inheritances are spent faster than other financial windfalls • The biggest mistakes families make when passing down wealth • Smart strategies to help ensure your legacy actually lasts Receiving an inheritance often comes with more than just financial decisions... it can carry real emotional weight. The best way to protect your family and make thoughtful choices is to have a plan in place ahead of time. Connect with Peter at xxx or visit www.RichonPlanning.com to start building a strategy that supports your family's future.
Jun 13
15 min
Claiming Social Security at 62: What You're Really Giving Up
It sounds like a smart move: claim your Social Security early, invest the checks, and get ahead. But for many high earners, that strategy can backfire… and cost far more than expected. As Peter with Richon Planning and Erin Kennedy discuss, claiming early and investing the benefit isn't as simple as it sounds. 🎯 We also break down: • How the Social Security earnings test can wipe out your benefit while you're still working • The true cost of claiming at 62 vs. waiting until full retirement age, or even 70 • The often-overlooked impact on your spouse, especially survivor benefits 💡 Bottom line: Timing when you claim Social Security isn't just about getting paid sooner, it's about maximizing income, protecting your spouse, and avoiding costly mistakes. It's one of the most important decisions you will make in retirement, and it's something Peter specializes in. To determine when you should claim, call (919) 300-5886 or visit www.RichonPlanning.com
Jun 6
12 min
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