Tag Archives: Retirement Planning

Why Financial Planning for Women is Different (Ep. 68)

Finance, Financial, Retirement, , , , ,

Financial planning is not the same for everyone, and those differences are particularly distinct between men and women. Interestingly, according to Raymond James, more than 51% of the personal wealth in this country is controlled by women – and that number is growing. But women often feel less comfortable with their financial independence and even face financial challenges their male counterparts do not. In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith bring to light some of the unique considerations women may want to take into account for their financial and retirement planning, including:

  • Women tend to live longer than men, which may impact when they take Social Security
  • Women tend to earn less in their careers over their lifetime, which needs to be factored into financial and retirement plans
  • Women tend to be the primary caregivers of children and other family members, which can impact the types of financial decisions they need to make
  • Women who are widowed or go through a divorce have unique, specific needs that should be addressed quickly within a window of time
  • How working with a financial advisor versed in the unique needs of women, like Lauren Smith, can be incredibly beneficial for tailoring financial planning for women
  • And more…

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The Importance Of Setting Financial Resolutions (Ep. 64)

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In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren discuss the importance of setting simple yet effective financial goals and resolutions – including how to ensure you pick the ones that are right for you. Together, they discuss ways to:

  • Intentionally set aside and save more money
  • Leverage credit card points and benefits
  • Improve your credit score
  • Set and maintain a realistic budget
  • Consolidate debt (including credit card debt)
  • Rely on apps and technology to help you reach your goals
  • And so much more!

Resources

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Retirement Risks You Need To Know About (Ep. 58)

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Your retirement is one of the most important things you’ll ever plan for. And because of that, the thought of any risks can weigh heavily on our minds. Do you know the top risks to consider as you approach retirement?

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss what they feel are the top six financial and retirement risks that folks need to think about – and have a plan for addressing. Together, they discuss:

  1. Inflation
  2. Longevity Risk
  3. Health & Long-Term Care Risk
  4. Stock Market & Home-Price Market Risk
  5. Tax Policy Risk
  6. Policy Risk

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Retirement FAQs: How Do I Think About Money In Retirement? (Ep. 56)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, , , , , ,

The years you spend in retirement are supposed to be your “golden years.” A time to fulfill your dreams. Relax, travel, study, volunteer, or hang out with your family. Basically, a time to do whatever you want to do. But the first step is getting there. Do you have a plan?

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith cover some of the most frequently asked questions they get about strategic planning for retirement, including:

  • Can I afford to retire?
  • What does retirement look like for me?
  • Where will my money come from in retirement?
  • How do I grow my money when I’m retired?
  • And more!

Resources

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Find Your “Why” With The Birkman Assessment (Ep. 55)

Finance, Financial, Retirement, , , , , , ,

Do you know what motivates you? Do you know what fulfills you? Do you know what your “why” is?

These are big questions, but the Birkman Method can help you answer them with confidence (and it’s backed by 70+ years of data). This 30-minute assessment helps individuals understand their motivation, self-perception, social perception and mindset – and how to leverage each of these things to find more satisfaction in their lives.

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman International, for an in-depth and eye-opening discussion on how Birkman can help us plan for a fulfilling future – especially with retirement in mind. They discuss:

  • The fascinating origin story of Birkman International
  • What the Birkman Assessment is and how it’s different from others, such as DISC and Myers Briggs
  • How the Assessment is used with companies and individuals
  • How you can use the Birkman to plan for a fulfilling retirement centered around your “why”
  • And more!

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the services of Sharon Birkman or Birkman International.

Resources


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About Our Guest: Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman International

As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon Birkman cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.

Sharon, CEO of Birkman International, has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President’s Organization’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award.

In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks.

Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951.

The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today.

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The Ultimate Car-Buying Experience: LeasePro (Ep. 54)

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Most folks would agree the car buying and leasing experiences leave a lot to be desired.  The sales spiel, the haggling, the game-playing… it can just feel like such a hassle.  But what if it doesn’t have to be?

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith sit down with Matt McGuire, Owner of LeasePro, an independent auto sales and lease company that provides a truly customer-driven experience.  Together, they discuss:

  • How LeasePro has disrupted the auto sales market to bring cars straight to the buyers
  • The advantages and disadvantages of leasing versus buying
  • How Covid affected the auto sales industry and what ripple effects we’re still seeing today, including the skyrocketing prices and supply chain issues
  • And more!

Note: Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the services of Matt McGuire or LeasePro.

Resources

 Connect with Matt McGuire

 About Our Guest

LeasePro was established in 2010 by Matthew McGuire who is a licensed dealer and auto facilitator in the State of Texas. Matt started this independent auto lease company to provide an experience based entirely on the principles of customer service and value.  As a hands-on owner, Matt has been recognized as a top salesperson throughout his career and has received numerous sales and customer service awards. Matt’s 23 years of experience in sales, leasing, and finance of both new and pre-owned vehicles helps solidify LeasePro as an expert in the automotive sales and leasing arena. Matt and his wife Melissa reside in Friendswood and treasure cheering and supporting their 3 active children in various sporting activities.

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Focusing On The Good Amidst The Doom & Gloom (Ep. 53)

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These days, it feels like everywhere we look, we see messages of doom and gloom.  We are constantly being told by the media that the markets, politics and even our safety are at risk.  But instead of letting yourself go down a rabbit hole of negativity, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith want to encourage you to remember this: America is still the greatest country in the world.  And good things are happening every day, even if they don’t make the headlines in the news.

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff and Lauren discuss:

  • Why it’s easy to get overwhelmed with negativity and what we can do to combat it
  • How America’s contentious politics are at the core of who we are as a country
  • What Plenty and SpaceX have to do with their positive outlook on the future of our nation

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The Results of a Strategic Retirement Plan (Ep. 52)

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Even in turbulent financial times, the one thing you can always count on is a sound financial plan – and advisors who help you pivot with and understand the ever-changing market. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith talk about the importance of financial planning today with tomorrow in mind.

Jeff and Lauren share:

  • The true story of a real financial planning client
  • How the right type of financial planning now can yield results later
  • Why it’s important to know your retirement goals and values – even if you’re years away

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What to Think About To Live Your Dream Retirement (Ep. 36)

Finance, Financial, Investing, Retirement, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

“A goal without a plan is just a dream.”

You will not be able to live your dream retirement without a proper financial plan in place.

In this episode, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith discuss the important things to think about as you plan for retirement. They recommend what actionable steps you could be taking now to plan for your dream retirement in the future.

Jeff and Lauren discuss: 

  • The value of using a bucket list to live out your dreams in retirement
  • The factors you need to consider when you decide when to start taking Social Security
  • The importance of planning when deciding on your retirement date
  • Why you should use your time before retirement to focus on your budget and cashflow
  • And more

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