Financial Confidence In: Four Common Mistakes Made in Early Retirement | Episode 36

Financial Confidence In: Four Common Mistakes Made in Early Retirement | Episode 36

The early years of retirement matter more than most people realize—and the mistakes made during this window can be difficult to reverse. In this episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike Schuster breaks down four of the most common mistakes people make early in retirement—and what you can do to avoid them. From claiming Social Security too early to underestimating healthcare costs, these decisions can have a lasting impact on your long-term financial confidence   In this episode, we cover: * Claiming Social Security too early * Over Spending in the Early Years and the Different Stages of Retirement * Ignoring Sequence of Return Risk * Poor tax and withdrawal planning These aren’t small decisions—they can affect your financial future for decades. The good news: with the right strategy and planning, they’re avoidable.   🔗 Learn More: schusteranderson.com

Financial Confidence In: Understanding AI’s Limits: 3 Considerations for Your Plan | Episode 35

This week on The Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike sits down with Herson Castaneda, Financial Advisor and Director of Business Retirement Plans at Schuster Anderson Wealth Advisors, for a thoughtful conversation about artificial intelligence and its limitations through the lens of financial planning. Together, they explore where AI can be useful, where it falls short, and why human guidance still matters—especially during major financial decisions and life transitions. They also discuss the risks of relying on independent AI platforms for personal financial planning and share a few key considerations to keep in mind. 0:26 Herson’s Introduction 1:11 3 Biggest Mistakes We’re Seeing in AI 1:28 Putting Personal Financial Data into Public AI 2:12 Secure AI vs Non-Secure AI 2:50 Rising Concerns Falling for AI Deepfakes and Voice Scams 3:53 Why Dual Authentication is Important 4:13 Is AI Going to Replace Your Financial Advisor? 4:41 HI + AI = ROI 5:06 Different Levels of Risk Using AI for Financial Planning/Decision Making 5:45 Herson’s Life Updates 6:17 What is Herson Listening to/Reading Currently? 7:13 Conclusion Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content!  🔗 Learn More: schusteranderson.com

Financial Confidence In: The AI Boom Through a Long-Term Lens | Episode 34

In this episode of The Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike is joined by John Schonberg CFA®, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge Capital Advisors, for a grounded discussion on today’s economic landscape. They explore AI investing, the rising energy demands supporting AI growth, and how interest rates and government spending factor into long‑term market positioning. The conversation cuts through the noise to focus on economic fundamentals, disciplined thinking, and key considerations investors should keep on their radar as technology and markets continue to evolve. 0:27 John Introduction 1:57 John’s Background  3:02 AI Investing in Today’s Markets 6:01 AI + HI = ROI 6:09 Energy Aspect of AI — What Happens to Low-Cost Energy? 7:21 How Can we Grow AI Effectively?  8:34 Milton Friedman Quote 9:00 Interest Rates and Positions  11:06 Are their Concerns with Government Spending Levels and the Effects on Long-Term Interest Rates?   13:17 What is John Listening to/Reading Currently? 14:35 Conclusion Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content!  🔗 Learn More: schusteranderson.com

Financial Confidence in: Market Volatility: Stop Fearing It, Start Using It | Episode 33

Market volatility can feel unsettling—but it can also create opportunity. In this episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Assistant Vice President of Client Solutions Matthew Guba joins Mike in conversation to unpack the emotional reality of market swings, why volatility matters, and how thoughtful planning can play a role during uncertain times. They explore bracket maximization, mindset shifts that help build confidence, and how staying focused on long-term goals can matter more than reacting to headlines. A steady, grounded conversation for anyone navigating uncertain markets. 0:29 Matthew’s Introduction 1:49 The Emotional Reality of Market Volatility 3:21 Volatility Leads to Opportunity 5:43 Bracket Maximization 7:15 How to Build Confidence During Volatility? 9:05 What Is Matt Reading/Listening To? 10:51 Conclusion Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content!  🔗 Learn More: schusteranderson.com

Financial Confidence in: Cybersecurity in an AI Driven World | Episode 32

In this week’s episode of the Financial Confidence Podcast, Mike sits down once again with Kevin Denney, Police Chief of the Grand Island Police Department, to talk about a growing concern impacting individuals, families, and communities: AI‑driven fraud. Chief Denney shares how artificial intelligence has evolved over the past year, how criminals are using it to increase both the volume and quality of fraud attempts, and what local law enforcement is seeing firsthand. He also offers practical, preventative measures the community can consider, along with insights into how officers are being educated to keep up with cybercrime trends. This conversation is an important reminder that awareness and education play a key role in prevention. 0:32 Kevin’s Introduction  1:35 How Has AI Changed Within the Last Year? 1:42 AI-Generated Fraud & Criminal Activity Increasing 2:04 Criminals are looking for Quantity and Increased Quality of Crimes 2:44 What Calls GIPD Are Handling?   4:48 Use of Trusted Contacts 5:11 Educating Officers About Cybercrime 5:53 Preventative Measures   8:14 What Does Kevin Listen to or Read Up On? 10:00 Remarks To GIPD 10:23 Conclusion Stay informed and connected with our community by tuning in to each episode of Financial Confidence Podcast. Don’t forget to comment and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all our latest content!  🔗 Learn More: schusteranderson.com