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    The Retire Happy Podcast

    On Retire Happy Podcast, we will examine topics such as social security, Medicare, IRA's, Long Term Care, Life Insurance, Investments, taxes in retirement, to assist families in Retiring Happy and living happy all along the way. This both the science and art of retirement. We will break down all the complicated information, using real life examples, around retirement topics to make it easily understandable for everyone: from people who have been planning retirement for years to those who have just started. Join us in learning how to get retire and staying retired on the Retire Happy Podcast!”
    enJeremy Finger34 Episodes

    Episodes (34)

    Brewed Insights: A Coffee with Riverbend Chat

    Brewed Insights: A Coffee with Riverbend Chat

    Pull up a chair and pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee! You're about to join an enlightening conversation that's brewed to perfection, featuring a blend of market insights, personal finance strategies, and estate planning wisdom. Coffee with Riverbend is where your financial curiosities meet correct answers in a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

    📊 What's on the Menu? In this episode, we're diving deep into topics that touch the core of our financial well-being and future security:

    • Rate Cuts: Travis Smythe untangles the complex interplay between Federal decisions, market expectations, and what it means for your investments.
    • Inflation Trends: Discover whether inflation is cooling off or persisting, and how this impacts your purchasing power and savings.
    • Asset Protection in SC: Tripp Wiles shares his legal expertise on safeguarding your assets, highlighting the nuances of South Carolina laws.
    • Estate Planning Insights: Learn about common pitfalls in estate planning and proactive steps to avoid them, ensuring your legacy is secured.
    • Looking Ahead: Get ahead of upcoming changes in law and finance, preparing yourself and your estate for the future.

     

    📢 Meet Our Speakers:

    Travis Smythe, CFA®, CIPM Portfolio Manager & Committee Member

    📧 Email: tsmythe@stratosinvestmentmanagement.com

    📞 Phone: (440) 505-5702

     

    Tripp Wiles Attorney and Counselor at Law, Chief Executive Officer at Wiles Law 

    📧 Email: tripp@wileslawfirm.com

    📞 Phone: 843-718-0232

     

    📢 Meet The Host:

    Jeremy Finger Founder and CEO of Riverbend Wealth Management 

    📧 Email: jeremy@riverbendwm.com

    📞 Phone: 843-970-1049

    24 Inspiring Quotes From Charlie Munger (Ep. 24)

    24 Inspiring Quotes From Charlie Munger (Ep. 24)

    We all know about Warren Buffett's incredible success in investing, but have you heard of Charlie Munger? 

     

    He's been a major force behind the success of Berkshire Hathaway, and we've got some of his most inspiring quotes to share. 

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP® shares 24 inspiring quotes from the book Poor Charlie's Almanack, written by Charlie Munger. Listen in as Jeremy talks about the importance of avoiding impulsive investment decisions and being open to learning new things.

     

    Gain insight into:

     

    • The importance of waiting and avoiding impulsive investment decisions

    • Why you should avoid being a "know-it-all"

    • The importance of living within your means 

    • Why people should be cautious when considering investment opportunities

    • The dangers of envy, resentment, and self-pity, and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your actions to move forward in a positive way

    • And more!

     

    Resources

     

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    Saving for Retirement, Part 2: After You Plan (Ep. 23)

    Saving for Retirement, Part 2: After You Plan (Ep. 23)

    So you have your retirement plan, now what?

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger goes over some of the important things to think about when it comes to generating income and retirement to help you make the next right decision.

     

    Jeremy discusses:

     

    • Why calculating your longevity is so important when making retirement decisions

    • Why the 4% rule doesn’t work and how dynamic withdrawals can better suit your lifestyle

    • Why who you spend your time with matters more than what you spend your time doing

    • Why retirees need at least 12 months of emergency cash

    • How to take money out of your retirement accounts in a tax-efficient way

    • And more

     

    Resources

     

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

     

    Saving for Retirement, Part 1: Where to Start (Ep. 22)

    Saving for Retirement, Part 1: Where to Start (Ep. 22)

    When saving for retirement, the first step is making sure you have at least three to six months of emergency cash. 

     

    And then what?

     

    Discover the steps to planning your retirement on this episode of the Retire Happy Podcast as Jeremy Finger, CFP® shares the basics you need to know when starting your journey into retirement.

     

    Take notes and listen in to learn about: 

     

    • The importance of having an emergency cash fund in case of unexpected challenges

    • Why you should put your savings into an interest-accruing account 

    • How to benefit from contributing to a health savings account/401k through your employer

    • And more

     

    Resource:

     



    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     



    Why It’s Important To Have A Fiduciary Financial Advisor (Ep. 21)

    Why It’s Important To Have A Fiduciary Financial Advisor (Ep. 21)

    Fiduciaries have a legal obligation to act in your best interest. Today, we’re diving into why fiduciaries are so important in the financial world.

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, covers everything about financial fiduciaries. He explains what a fiduciary is, why it’s an important quality in a financial advisor, and how to tell if a financial advisor is a true fiduciary.

     

    Jeremy discusses:

     

    • What a fiduciary is and why it’s important to have a fiduciary financial advisor

    • What the 4 different types of financial advisors are

    • What to look for when choosing a financial advisor

    • Some questions to ask your financial advisor

    • And more

     

    Resources

     

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

     

    A Retirement Home Buyer’s Guide with Greg Harrelson (Ep. 20)

    A Retirement Home Buyer’s Guide with Greg Harrelson (Ep. 20)

    Many people want to downsize or buy a second home when they retire, but what things do they need to think about before they purchase real estate?

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, talks about things to consider when buying real estate in retirement with Greg Harrelson, the owner of Century 21 Harrelson Group.

     

    Greg discusses:

     

    • What questions he asks home buyers when assessing the next steps in the purchasing process

    • The available options for people moving from up north down to Myrtle Beach

    • How to overcome complications of buying a home in South Carolina when selling a home up north or in another state

    • How someone can develop a network when they’re new to the area

    • The drawbacks of searching for real estate online compared to working with an agent

    • And more

     

    Connect with Greg Harrelson:

     



    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     



    About Our Guest: 

     

    Greg Harrelson began his real estate career nearly 25 years ago. He and his dad started Century21 The Harrelson Group in Myrtle Beach in 1999. He has helped more than two thousand clients buy and sell homes in the Myrtle Beach area. Now he focuses on attracting agents into his office and developing them into top producers. Greg's team has consistently been ranked the #1 Sales Team in Myrtle Beach since its inception.



    The Retire Happy Podcast
    enMarch 07, 2023

    What The Secure Act 2.0 Means For Those 50+ or Retired (Ep.19)

    What The Secure Act 2.0 Means For Those 50+ or Retired (Ep.19)

    Have you heard of the Secure Act 2.0?

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, goes over the Secure Act 2.0 and focuses on the important changes that affect those over 50 years old and those who are retired.

     

    Jeremy discusses:

     

    • What the benefits are of the Secure Act 2.0 for retirees

    • The increased maximum for 401(k) catch-up contributions

    • What changes have been made to converting finances in 529 plans to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA

    • The different benefits between itemized deductions and a qualified charitable distribution (QCD)

    • And more

     

    Resources:

     

     

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

     



    Helping You Think About The Next Level Of Estate Planning With Tripp Wiles (Ep.18)

    Helping You Think About The Next Level Of Estate Planning With Tripp Wiles (Ep.18)

    Have you fully planned your estate, did you consider everything you need to? A lot of people overlook important aspects of their estate.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, speaks with Tripp Wiles, an Attorney, and Counselor at Law of a full-service Estate, Tax, and Business Planning firm, Wiles Law. Tripp shares how he helps people think about the next level of estate planning and discusses a number of considerations you should think about when the time comes to plan your estate.

    Tripp discusses:

    • How he helps people think about the next level of estate planning
    • What the spousal tax exemption is and how to make sure you don’t lose it
    • What a lifetime inheritor’s trust is and why it’s important to consider when planning your estate
    • Why so many people often lack the third thing estate planning revolves around, control
    • And more

    Resources:

    Connect With Tripp Wiles:

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

    About Our Guest: 

    M. Emerson “Tripp” Wiles, III was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and was raised in Tennessee. He graduated from The Citadel with a B.A. in Political Science and holds an M.A. from Hawaii Pacific University in Diplomacy and Military Studies. Tripp earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He is a former Army officer and served in Germany and Macedonia. After serving in the Army, Tripp worked as a research analyst for both the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory-Hawaii and the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office. Tripp authored the book Forgotten Raiders of ‘42. In December 2013, Tripp was appointed by Governor Nikki R. Haley to serve on the Charleston County School Board and was later elected for another term. Over the past decade, Tripp has assisted hundreds of individuals in protecting their families and preserving their legacies through customized estate plans. Tripp enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

    What You Need To Start Preparing For At Age 50 (Ep.17)

    What You Need To Start Preparing For At Age 50 (Ep.17)

    If you’re nearing 50, you need to start preparing for retirement.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, talks about how you can get started and what you need to get in order before you retire. He talks about the importance of making full use of the retirement plans you have available, health savings accounts, 401k matching, paying down debt, and living within your means.

    Jeremy discusses:

    • Why goal-setting is important when planning for retirement
    • Tackling debt before retirement
    • The 401k contribution being increased in 2023
    • The benefits of a health savings account
    • And more

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    The Value of Customer Service and Small Banks With David Anderson (Ep.16)

    The Value of Customer Service and Small Banks With David Anderson (Ep.16)

    Not many people know about the options available to them when working with a smaller local bank compared to larger financial institutions.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, speaks with David Anderson, president and CEO from the Anderson Brothers Bank in Mullins, South Carolina. He talks about the differences between small banks and other larger banking institutions from a consumer perspective. They discuss the crazy interest environment and what David thinks might happen in the near future. 

    David discusses:

    • The crazy interest environment we’re currently dealing with and what might happen in the future
    • Why retirees and business owners might prefer working with smaller banks
    • The history of the Anderson Brothers Bank and how they have avoided being purchased by larger financial institutions
    • The culture, community, mission, and values at Anderson Brothers Bank
    • And more

    Connect with David Anderson:

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

    About Our Guest: 

    David Anderson is the President and CEO at Anderson Brothers Bank. The Anderson Brothers Bank has been family owned since 1933 and David has worked there since the beginning of his career in 1979, for 43 years.

     

    Planning For Health Insurance Before You Retire With David Seiger (Ep.15)

    Planning For Health Insurance Before You Retire With David Seiger (Ep.15)

    If you’re approaching retirement or starting to think about retirement, finding the right health insurance has probably crossed your mind.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, and David Seiger, J.D., LTCP, discuss all things long-term care and health insurance. David shares the first thing he brings up to his clients when they are looking for health insurance, and what retirees need to think about when choosing the right provider and plan for themselves.

    David discusses:

    • The first thing he talks to his clients about when it comes to choosing health insurance or a Medicare plan
    • What retirees need to think about as they approach the age of 65 with regard to finding the right insurance provider and plan
    • The differences between Medicare and health insurance for retirees under the age of 65
    • The distinction between Medicare and long-term care insurance, and the decisions retirees may need to be aware of
    • And more

    Resources:

    Connect With David Seiger:

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

    About Our Guest: 

    David is the Vice President of Long Term Care Insurance marketing with Berson–Sokol Agency, Inc. A licensed agent, David has sold long-term care insurance for more than 17 years. David is a graduate of Touro College in New York and the University of Baltimore School of Law. David practiced law in Baltimore and concentrated his practice in the areas of Probate and Elder Law. David frequently writes articles and lectures about the need for Long Term Care Insurance.

     

    End-Of-Year Tax Planning (Ep.14)

    End-Of-Year Tax Planning (Ep.14)

    As we approach the end of the year, we head into crunch time for tax planning.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, shares some of the best methods to approach tax planning as well as some of the industry’s best kept secrets about taxes.

    Jeremy discusses:

    • A tax-efficient approach to quantified charitable distributions
    • Navigating the retirement tax valley as a retiree
    • Keeping your beneficiaries in order throughout the financial planning process
    • 529 plans and the different ways it can be implemented
    • And more

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    Estate Planning And Overcoming Obstacles With Meghan Barnes (Ep.13)

    Estate Planning And Overcoming Obstacles With Meghan Barnes (Ep.13)

    It’s not too early to begin getting documents in order for estate planning. Is your estate plan ready?

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, speaks with Meghan Barnes, an estate attorney, about the documents you should be thinking about when it comes to estate planning and ensuring your wishes are taken care of. Meghan goes over some of the common obstacles people face during estate planning and the available options to overcome those obstacles.

    Meghan discusses:

    • What documents you need to think about with regard to estate planning, to ensure your wishes are taken care of
    • Some of the common obstacles people face when planning their estate, and the available options to overcome them
    • What happens if someone passes away without completing any estate planning documents
    • Why it’s important to ensure there’s a balance of power among potential guardians in an estate plan
    • And more

    Resources:

    Connect with Meghan Barnes:

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

    About Our Guest: 

    Meghan McKoy Barnes represents clients in matters involving estate planning, probate, prenuptial agreements, and guardianship and conservatorship issues. She grew up in Boykin, South Carolina, and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a double major in Business Management and Marketing. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Meghan attended the Charleston School of Law where she focused on the area of family law. During law school, she clerked for a reputable firm and volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem for the Department of Social Services abuse and neglect cases. Meghan has been practicing since 2012 in the areas of estate planning, probate, and family law. Her experience in these areas of the law has given her a unique understanding of complex issues that can arise without careful planning.

     

    What You Need To Know About Our Crazy Current Investment Environment With John Nichol (Ep.12)

    What You Need To Know About Our Crazy Current Investment Environment With John Nichol (Ep.12)

    We are truly in a crazy investment environment right now where predicting what’s to come seems nearly impossible. Let’s take a look at the current state of the market and different investment strategies.

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger, CFP®, speaks with John Nichol, MBA, CFA, about the current investing environment. John shares his thoughts on the current environment and what to expect in the future, he compares the flexibility of SMAs and mutual funds, talks about some of the pros and cons of active vs passive investments in the current market, and how he makes sure he’s investing properly as a money manager.

    John discusses:

    • His thoughts on the current investment environment and what we can anticipate happening in the near future
    • The comparison of flexibility inside of an SMA and a mutual fund
    • The pros and cons of active vs passive investments
    • The processes and people that are in place to methodically make sure they’re investing money properly as money managers
    • And more

    Connect With John Nichol:

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

    About Our Guest: 

    John Nichol is a chief investment officer and senior portfolio manager at Fundamentum Investment Management. John has over 30 years of portfolio management experience and is a charter financial analyst.

    How To Be Tax Efficient In Retirement (Ep.11)

    How To Be Tax Efficient In Retirement (Ep.11)

    From the time you get your first job to the time you retire, tax planning is crucial throughout your entire life. 

    Being efficient with your taxes can help you to live your best life. 

    In this episode of the Retire Happy Podcast, Jeremy Finger discusses the importance of people being tax-efficient throughout life. He also explains the four forms of income and why they aren’t taxed the same way. 

    Jeremy discusses:

    • Why income isn’t taxed the same
    • The importance of being tax-efficient in retirement
    • The four forms of income
    • The importance of saving money in a health savings account
    • Why your Social Security should be as high as possible
    • And more

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    The information shared is not individualized and is purely informational/educational.

     

    Tax Planning For Retirement (Ep.10)

    Tax Planning For Retirement (Ep.10)

    A common surprise to many people is when they retire, they realize that they have to pay some taxes. Do you have a plan to help protect your retirement money?

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger discusses when it can be an accurate time to do a conversion. He also explains how to take advantage of your retirement tax valley to pay taxes that are on sale, and some tax planning opportunities to be mindful of.

     

    Jeremy discusses:

    • The basics of a Roth IRA
    • Why you want to pay your taxes when it’s on sale
    • The tax planning opportunity of tax loss harvesting
    • What to consider when it comes to required minimum distributions
    • And more

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    Do You Need Home Care Assistance? With Kelli Jayroe (Ep.9)

    Do You Need Home Care Assistance? With Kelli Jayroe (Ep.9)

    Over time as you get older your family might see a decline in your physical or mental health. 

     

    But how do you know when you or a loved one may need care assistance from a professional?

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger chats with Kelli Jayroe from The Key. She will talk a little bit about the aging process and the options that are available to help take care of your loved ones.

     

    Kelli discusses:

     

    • The difference between assisted living and community living
    • How ‘The Key’ is able to care for individuals based on their needs
    • How to know when it’s time to change the living arrangements for your loved one
    • Signs your loved ones may need extra care assistance
    • And more

     

    Connect with Kelli Jayroe:

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    About Our Guest: 

     

    Kelli Jayroe has been working in the healthcare industry since 2010.  She cares deeply about helping older adults and their families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system by providing them with resources and insights that support positive outcomes. She has worked in the senior living community setting, hospice, health education and now home care. Kelli is a Georgetown native and Coastal Carolina graduate. When she's not working, she enjoys camping, spending time on the water and of course family time with her husband and 2 small daughters. 

     



    Why The Meaning of Retirement Continues to Change With John Diehl (Ep.8)

    Why The Meaning of Retirement Continues to Change With John Diehl (Ep.8)

    Saying you were retired used to have a negative connotation because it meant you were no longer able to work, but now, it is something everyone works towards and dreams of.

     

    Why does the meaning of retirement change over time?

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger talks with John Diehl, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, to discuss how the changing landscape and meaning of retirement can affect you in the future and provides insight about how you can adapt to these changes as they arise.

     

    John discusses:

     

    • What he learned about retirement at the MIT age lab
    • Why the meaning of retirement has changed drastically over the past 100 years
    • How your family dynamic could look different than previous generations’
    • The most common myths about retirement and how you can avoid falling victim to them
    • And more

     

    Resources:

     

    Connect with John Diehl:

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

     

    About Our Guest: 

     

    John Diehl is senior vice president of applied insights for Hartford Funds. He and his team are

    responsible for engaging and educating financial professionals and their clients about current

    and emerging opportunities in the financial-services marketplace. These opportunities range

    from tactical strategies in areas such as retirement-income planning, investment planning,

    and charitable planning, to anticipating and preparing for long-term demographic and lifestyle

    changes. John also oversees Hartford Funds’ relationship with the Massachusetts Institute of

    Technology AgeLab. John joined the company in 1988 and was promoted to assistant vice president in 1991 and vice president in 1997. He was named senior vice president in 2007, while he led the Retirement and Wealth Consulting Group, which was responsible for building awareness and knowledge of retirement challenges and the latest planning strategies to address them. In 2012, John was named Senior Vice President, Applied Insights; in this role, he devotes his efforts to serving the needs of financial professionals and their clients.

    John has been widely quoted in consumer and trade publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning, and On Wall Street. He has also appeared as a featured guest on CNBC and Bloomberg Television to discuss his views on retirement-related topics.

    John attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor’s

    degree in economics. He has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) since 1991. In addition, he holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations. He is also FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 26 registered and holds a life and variable insurance license.



    Living A Better Life Through Mindset and Fitness With Maria Angelova (Ep.7)

    Living A Better Life Through Mindset and Fitness With Maria Angelova (Ep.7)

    Don’t get yourself wrapped up in how many calories you need to burn when you go to the gym.

     

    The goal is to establish healthy habits that you can sustain for the rest of your life. So what’s stopping you? Start moving!

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger talks with Maria Angelova, a body-mind coach, founder and chief executive officer of Rebellious Intl, to provide you with some guidance on how to incorporate good fitness habits into your lifestyle. She will also help you become more aware of potential limiting beliefs that may be stopping you from living a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.

     

    Maria discusses:

    • What kind of results you can get when experiencing her training
    • How you can take the first step towards fitness
    • Things to think about to become more happy and physically free
    • Why the type of physical movement matters and how to turn it into a enjoyable lifestyle
    • And more

     

    Resources:

     

    Connect With Maria Angelova:

     

    Connect With Riverbend Wealth Management:

     

    About Our Guest: 

    Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. Maria’s mission is to empower clients to live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment through the power of authenticity, a strong body and a calm mind. Maria’s multi-cultural upbringing, experiences in Corporate Finance and Entrepreneurship and her tremendous personal transformation position Maria uniquely as an effective mind-body coach as well as a dynamic motivator and educator. Maria firmly believes happiness and leadership start from within. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and the Insurance industries.Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom to her 11-year-old daughter, Sofia. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.



    Staying Optimistic During Times of High Inflation (Ep.6)

    Staying Optimistic During Times of High Inflation (Ep.6)

    Right now, it is nearly impossible to escape the constant conversations about inflation whether they be on social media, the news or within your family.

     

    In this episode, Jeremy Finger breaks down the concept of inflation and explains what is driving it, and how it could be affecting you.

     

    Jeremy discusses:

    • Looking at patterns of inflation from a historical point of view
    • What is driving the current influx of inflation
    • How retirees and soon-to-be retirees are being impacted by inflation
    • How families can maximize their financial freedom during times of high inflation
    • And more

     

    Resources:

     

    • Retire Happy Podcast: The Five Phases Of Retirement (Ep.5)

     

    Connect with Riverbend Wealth Management: