Worried whether the stock market is too risky for your retirement money? You’re not alone! We’re going to help you decide how to sleep at night and still invest so you’re money’s working for you. Tune in as the Friends Talk Money team chats with Jim Stack from InvesTech Research to uncover smart strategies for navigating your retirement journey.

• InvesTech Research: "Safety-First" Investment Analysis
• Jim Stack's "Safety-First" Outlook (MoneyShow)
• Breaking Down The Future – Your Retirement Roadmap (Wealthramp)
• Terry Savage: What's in YOUR retirement plan? (Chicago Tribune)
• Are you planning for retirement all wrong? (MarketWatch)

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Thinking about a Roth conversion but not sure if it's the right move? The Friends Talk Money team breaks down six key things you need to know before making a decision! From tax implications to future benefits, we've got you covered. Curious about how a Roth conversion could impact your financial future?

• Six Things You Should Consider Before Doing a Roth Conversion (PDF)
• Larry Kotlikoff’s Maxifi Planner Tool (Larry Kotlikoff)
• Wall Street Is Getting Roth Conversions Terribly Wrong (Larry Kotlikoff)
• Roth Conversion Advice (Terry Savage)
• Is Now the Time for a Roth Conversion? (Wealthramp)

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The Friends Talk Money team is here to help you start 2025 off right!

From organizing your important documents to aligning your investments with your goals, we've got the tools and tips you need for a successful financial year! What financial goals are you going to cross off your list this year?

• • Your 2025 Column (Terry Savage)
  • Quicken Life Hub (Terry Savage)
  • Kickstart Your 2025 Estate Planning: Tax Breaks and Essential Strategies (Pam Krueger)
  • Annual Credit Report 

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Debra Whitman Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP joins the Friends Talk Money crew to give us a glimpse into her latest book, ‘The Second Fifty’. Dive into the conversation as Richard, Pam, and Terry discuss the big questions about health, wealth, and longevity in midlife and beyond. What’s the biggest question you have about navigating this new chapter? Listen to learn more!

• The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond (Amazon)
• 'The Second Fifty' Helps You Navigate Second Half of Life (AARP)
• Good genes are nice, but joy is better (Harvard Gazette)
• How to Make Your Second Half of Life Its Best (Next Avenue)

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1. Unlock Your Financial Future - Begin by consolidating all your year-end IRA statements and harness the power of an online RMD calculator to determine your 2025 minimum distributions. This crucial step ensures you’re setting aside the right amount for a secure future.
2. Refresh Your Records - Keep your IRA beneficiaries up-to-date to safeguard your legacy.
3. Optimize Your Portfolio - Align your investment allocations with your 2025 goals by reviewing your retirement portfolio.
4. Explore Secure Investments - Consider securing a 4% CD, available online, to bolster your financial safety net.
5. Seek Expert Insight - Gain a fresh perspective on your financial strategies by consulting a trusted professional.
6. Enhance Your Security - Use a password manager to protect your personal information and investments.
7. Guard Against SIM Fraud - Contact your phone provider (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) to establish a password-protected process, shielding your SIM from fraudsters.
8. Prepare for Tax Season - With potential tax changes on the horizon, start organizing now to navigate the upcoming tax season smoothly.
9. Reimagine Retirement - As retirement landscapes evolve, envision your future with flexibility, considering the trend of working into later years.

• RMD Calculator
• Password Manager
• SIM Swap
• Tax Witholding Estimator

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