Mason Street Retirement Insights

The Hidden Fees Eating Your Retirement

What’s quietly draining your retirement account every month without your notice? This episode takes a closer look at hidden fees inside retirement portfolios, from management costs to internal fund expenses that don’t always appear on statements. Sean Mason explains why understanding your “all-in” cost matters and how overlooked fees can impact long-term returns. The conversation explores how to evaluate whether fees align with the value of services like income planning, tax strategies, and retirement stress testing, and why reviewing your statements—and asking the right questions—can reveal more than expected. Schedule your complimentary retirement plan discussion with the Mason Street Wealth Management team at 559-892-0002 or go to MasonStreetWealthManagement.com. Tune into Sean on News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ  [https://www.kmjnow.com/]Saturday at 3pm. Sean is also teaching a Retirement Planning Class at CSU Fresno that is open to the public. Go to the events page to learn more and call the office, if you want to attend. https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/ [https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement [https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is Inflation Already Built Into Your Plan?

Inflation may be invisible, but it can quietly erode a retirement plan if left unchecked. Sean Mason breaks down why inflation remains a major concern, even when markets appear stable, and explains how it impacts long-term income and expenses. The conversation explores practical ways retirees think about outpacing inflation, from diversification to inflation-linked investments like TIPS. Sean also shares how financial plans can be stress-tested using conservative assumptions to account for rising costs and shifting economic conditions. Schedule your complimentary retirement plan discussion with the Mason Street Wealth Management team at 559-892-0002 or go to MasonStreetWealthManagement.com. Tune into Sean on News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ  [https://www.kmjnow.com/]Saturday at 3pm. Sean is also teaching a Retirement Planning Class at CSU Fresno that is open to the public. Go to the events page to learn more and call the office, if you want to attend. https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/ [https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement [https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Turning Savings Into a Paycheck for Life

Annuities are making a comeback and today’s retirees are taking a second look at a once-controversial strategy. In this episode, Sean Mason explains how rising interest rates, shifting retirement priorities, and evolving product designs are changing the role annuities can play in a modern income plan. He breaks down why guaranteed income is top of mind for many investors, how different types of annuities behave, and where they might fit into a broader strategy. From replacing a missing pension to supporting Roth conversions, this conversation highlights the growing importance of income-focused planning in today’s economic climate. Schedule your complimentary retirement plan discussion with the Mason Street Wealth Management team at 559-892-0002 or go to MasonStreetWealthManagement.com. Tune into Sean on News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ  [https://www.kmjnow.com/]Saturday at 3pm. Sean is also teaching a Retirement Planning Class at CSU Fresno that is open to the public. Go to the events page to learn more and call the office, if you want to attend. https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/ [https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement [https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

When “New” Investments Don’t Belong in Your 401(k)

New investment options are creeping into 401(k)s, but they may not belong in every retirement plan. This episode explores the growing presence of alternatives like crypto, private equity, and IPO access in retirement accounts. Sean Mason breaks down the trade-offs, including higher fees, limited transparency, liquidity concerns, and the importance of understanding what you own. Timing, purpose, and risk tolerance all play a role, especially for those nearing retirement. The conversation also highlights how hype and fear of missing out can lead to unnecessary complexity, and why a strong foundational strategy still matters. Schedule your complimentary retirement plan discussion with the Mason Street Wealth Management team at 559-892-0002 or go to MasonStreetWealthManagement.com. Tune into Sean on News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ  [https://www.kmjnow.com/]Saturday at 3pm. Sean is also teaching a Retirement Planning Class at CSU Fresno that is open to the public. Go to the events page to learn more and call the office, if you want to attend. https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/ [https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement [https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Retirement Paycheck Myth Hiding in Plain Sight

Many retirees expect spending to rise forever, yet real-life behavior often tells a different story. This episode explores how retirement spending actually changes over time, why inflation doesn’t always lead to higher monthly withdrawals, and how “comfort” can mask shifting priorities. Sean Mason breaks down the role of spendable income, inflation assumptions, and annual paycheck check-ins, illustrating how retirees adapt through different phases of life. A real family travel example shows how flexible planning can absorb unexpected joys without derailing long-term income strategies. Schedule your complimentary retirement plan discussion with the Mason Street Wealth Management team at 559-892-0002 or go to MasonStreetWealthManagement.com. Tune into Sean on News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ  [https://www.kmjnow.com/]Saturday at 3pm. Sean is also teaching a Retirement Planning Class at CSU Fresno that is open to the public. Go to the events page to learn more and call the office, if you want to attend. https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/ [https://masonstreetwealthmanagement.com/events/seminars/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement [https://www.facebook.com/masonstreetwealthmanagement] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.