Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet

Breaking Down the Retirement Equation (Ep 38)

Welcome to another insightful episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet! This week, host Alec Quaid, Certified Financial Planner ™ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2122.png] dives deep into the essential components of retirement income planning. Retirement is about more than just financial projections—it’s about living your best life with confidence and clarity. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the Retirement Equation, a framework designed to help you plan for a financially secure future. Alec breaks down critical variables like spending rates, inflation, and tax planning, offering actionable advice to create a personalized retirement strategy that works for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ● Spending in Retirement: How to estimate your future lifestyle costs and adjust for changes like hobbies, travel, or health care. ● Inflation Impact: Why a 2.5% inflation assumption is conservative yet practical for long- term planning. ● Tax Strategies: The importance of minimizing your lifetime tax bill through Roth conversions and other innovative techniques. ● Income Stability Ratio: Discover why a 70–75% stable income target is key to a worry- free retirement. ● Asset Withdrawal Order: Insights on spending down assets efficiently to maximize growth and minimize taxes.

Breaking the Cycle: Financial Planning, Family Influences, and Building Trust (Ep 37)

Have you ever wondered how your financial habits were shaped? This episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet unpacks the profound impact of family influences on financial decisions and how to navigate the complexities of building your financial future. Host Ryan Poterack of Poterack Capital Advisory shares personal insights, real-life stories, and practical advice for overcoming generational patterns and fostering financial literacy. In this episode, we explore: ● The role of family upbringing in shaping financial habits and decision-making. ● Why young people often lack role models in financial planning and how to change that. ● The importance of trust and relationships in seeking financial guidance. ● Real strategies for introducing financial literacy to children and grandchildren. ● Insights into estate planning and having those tough but essential family conversations.

Behavioral Finance and Custom Solutions for Retirement (Ep 36)

Are you ready to rethink how you plan for retirement? This episode of Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet dives deep into why your unique story, values, and objectives matter more than cookie-cutter financial advice. Join host Ryan Poterack of Poterack Capital Advisory as he challenges traditional financial planning and explores how behavioral finance and personalized strategies can empower your golden years. In this episode, we cover: ● The pitfalls of “one-size-fits-all” financial advice and why your story matters. ● Behavioral finance: How life experiences, biases, and fears shape financial decisions. ● Choosing between buying and leasing cars: A nuanced look at cash flow, flexibility, and long-term goals. ● Real-world examples of tailoring investment strategies to individual needs, from risk tolerance to portfolio design. ● The importance of asking the right questions to uncover your true financial objectives. Gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you approach retirement with confidence. Whether you're an executive, soon-to-be retiree, or a goal-oriented professional, this episode is packed with advice that breaks away from traditional approaches to financial planning.

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage? (Ep 35)

Being unsure whether to pay off your mortgage or not — that’s a good problem to have! It means you’ve built up significant savings and have options. While being debt-free is appealing to many, there are practical reasons to consider keeping your mortgage. Let’s take a look at both sides. Paying Off Your Mortgage Paying off your mortgage can offer peace of mind, a sense of accomplishment, and a guaranteed return equivalent to your mortgage interest rate. It may also reduce financial risk by lowering your monthly obligations, which may be especially beneficial as you approach retirement. Keeping Your Mortgage Keeping your mortgage might allow you to pursue higher returns through investments, maintain liquidity for emergencies, and enjoy potential tax benefits. If you’ve locked in a low interest rate, you may prefer to keep that money working for you elsewhere. Ultimately, your decision depends on your goals and comfort with debt. PCA is in the business to help and would love to discuss your unique situation with you!

Having a Purpose-Filled Routine in Retirement (Ep 34)

This will be a deeper-dive into an essential but often overlooked part of retirement planning — how you’ll spend your time. Financial security is important, but having a purpose-filled routine is just as vital. Things to Consider: * Before you take the leap, try some “test drives” to find your ideal retirement routine. * Unstructured Days: Try vacation days with no plans; reflect on how you feel about the flexibility. * New Hobbies and Interests: Experiment with hobbies to find meaningful activities for retirement. * Social Life Evaluation: Think about how you’ll stay connected post-retirement; consider new groups or clubs. * Routine Adjustments: Try different daily routines to find what’s energizing. * Emotional Reflection: Assess your mental state without work obligations to prepare emotionally for retirement. * Coordinate with Your Spouse/Partner: Plan for both individual and shared time (if part of a couple). Retirement is more than just free time. Set yourself up for a fulfilling, joyful retirement filled with purpose!