Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and the early half of Generation Z taking their initial steps into the career field, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. In today’s episode, we’ll s…

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today’s retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in…

March Madness is upon us, and as you fill out your bracket and watch the NCAA Tournament this year, there are a few retirement planning lessons that you can learn along the way… Visit us online: https://blackoakam.com/ Get in touch with the Black Oak team: https://blackoakam.com/contact-us/ Get more financial education on our YouTube Channel: https…

Every generation likes to talk about how much harder things used to be when they were kids. Like all of the people who used to have to walk five miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways. But they had at least one thing that was EASIER…and that was retirement planning. Let’s talk about why on today’s episode. Visit us online: https://blackoaka…

In this episode, we'll be answering some mailbag questions from listeners like you. One listener asks whether they should start receiving their Social Security benefits now, despite not planning to retire soon, or if they should wait. Another asks whether it's acceptable to have the majority of their 401(k) invested in their current company's stock…

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We’re going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected…

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today’s episode, we’re tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship. It's about getting clarity on how advisors work, what they specialize in, and how th…

Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards… The Psychology of Money: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-l…

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! Our gift to you is a new episode! Stupid Old Studios director and Gamey Gamey Game host Evan Munro-Smith stops by to chat about an early 2000's FPS gem. We also discuss Stupid Old's "Comedy Lab" campaign, weekend Simpsons marathons, and Evan's encounter with Red Dwarf and Robot Wars' Craig Charles. You can donate…

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? In this episode, we're exploring the surprisingly powerful world of simple financial adjustments. From overlooked savings tricks to smarter insurance choices, we're unpacking those seemingly small steps that can bring about big, positive ripples in your financial life. …

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Here’s some of what we discuss in t…

Ever wish you could foresee financial missteps before they happen? On today’s episode explore some real-life stories of regret and arm yourself with the essential dos and don'ts to ensure your money works for you, not against you. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What can go wrong when you withdraw money from your IRA early. Don’t le…

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. On this episode, we unearth and tackle these hidden, but essential questions about reti…

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. Here’s some of what we discuss in t…

PAX Aus has come and gone for another year, and with it comes a very special episode of One Perfect Game! Improv comedian, screenwriter and Twitch streamer Lena Moon stopped by on the Saturday night to talk a Rockstar classic. We also discussed working with the likes of Aunty Donna, the pandemic helping kick-start her Twitch channel, that one neigh…

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? Dive deep with us in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent a…

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often emotionally charged process of changing financial advisors. We'll discuss the telltale signs that it's time to consider a switch, the questions to ask your current advisor, and what to look for in a new one. Join us as we demystify the transition process and equip you with the knowledge you need …

In this episode, we cover topics ranging from poor expense planning to outdated beneficiary designations and family conflict triggers. We also shed light on some misconceptions about transferring real estate and explain the impact of tax implications on your estate. If you want to leave a legacy without regret or legal turmoil, this episode is a gr…

It’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer a bunch of financial questions that have come our way recently. We’ll tackle a wide variety of scenarios and planning items so there’s a good chance we’ll address something that could impact you in the future. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Is it a good idea to help out your daug…

In this episode, we'll uncover the secrets of guaranteed income versus the uncertain stuff and shed light on the consequences of retiring without a clear income plan. Don't worry if you're feeling lost - we've got your back with practical solutions and expert guidance. Tune in and take charge of your retirement cash flow! Here’s some of what you’ll…

Don’t get us wrong. In many cases, your 401(k) can be your best investment vehicle, offering numerous benefits and tax advantages and many times a 100% return on some of your contributions (also known as an employer match). However, it's important to recognize that it might not always be the optimal choice for everyone. Join us in this thought-prov…

Celebrate the spirit of July 4th with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of Financial Independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, we’re here to discuss what you’re striving to be independent from in your retirement. We’ll unveil the common foes you’ll face on the journey. And good news, no muskets requi…

From time to time, we like to look at issues faced by people in other professions outside of the financial world and see what kind of retirement planning lessons we can learn from these other professions. Today, we’re seeing what we can learn from teachers and the issues they face. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: …

In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 5 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. So, join us as we delve into these key issues and le…

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects everyone, regardless of age or financial status: how age and wisdom impact financial planning. No matter where you are in life, your financial goals and priorities will change over time, and it's important to have a plan that reflects your unique needs. In this episode, we'll explore the ways in which a…

Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this episode, we'll be debunking common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about. Get your Retirement Coach 360 s…

It's a real SPOOKY episode of One Perfect Game! PlayStation Access host and NoSleep Podcast contributor Ash Millman stops by, as we get philosophical with an indie horror masterpiece in the form of SOMA. We also discuss how working with PS Access has opened Ash's eyes to new games, the perfect viewing conditions for horror content, and how her fath…

Are you a golfer? Even if you're not, the game of golf can teach us valuable lessons about retirement planning. For example, hitting a hole-in-one might be thrilling, but it won't necessarily guarantee your overall success. And just like you need different clubs in your golf bag to play a round, you need a well-balanced approach to your investments…

Are you preparing for retirement but feeling confident that you have covered all the expenses? Well, think again... It turns out that many retirees overlook some crucial expenses that can leave them financially vulnerable. In this episode, we explore the retirement expenses that most people tend to forget, including skyrocketing medical bills, unex…

One Perfect Game returns for 2023! Australian voice actor and theatre performer Rhiannon Moushall (Age of Darkness: Final Stand, Loopmancer) stops by to discuss a series that helped her make a life-changing connection.We also talk about the preparation that goes into voice acting and voiceover artist roles, sharing PC gaming time with her siblings,…

We took an informal poll of listeners to find out what their biggest financial fears are. On this episode, we’ll explore the most common fears and talk about how they should be addressed in a retirement plan. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden

Retirement can come with a lot of tax questions and concerns. From understanding the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts to minimizing taxes on investment income, it can be overwhelming. On today’s episode, we’ll break down the top tax questions retirees are asking in 2023. Before you file your 2022 taxes and plan ahead fo…

It’s been said that if you don’t have an income plan, you don’t really have a retirement plan. We’ll tackle that mentality on this episode to see if it’s true and further explore why so many retirees and pre-retirees don’t understand the importance of an income plan, nor how to properly construct one. This is a foundational topic for anyone prepari…

Another year is upon us and it’s a great time to ask yourself 10 questions to assess how ready you are for retirement to kick off 2023. If you’re retiring this year, it’s essential to have some concrete answers to these questions. If you’re still a few years from the milestone, tune in so you can start thinking about these critical conversations. G…

Saving in your 401(k) can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But because it’s so easy and painless, it can also be easy to ignore for long periods of time, which often leads to mistakes. We’ll cover at least the top 5 mistakes people make in their 401(k)s. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website:…

Sometimes it might seem like talking to your financial advisor feels like talking to a therapist, and that’s ok. Let’s discuss some scenarios where it’s almost inevitable that a talk with your advisor seems like a counseling session. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/…

On this episode, we will be answering some mailbag questions that have come in. We will discuss if it's wise to pay off your investment properties, how much you should contribute to your child's college expenses, and how to split up assets during a divorce. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/…

Getting through retirement can be a lot like running a marathon. Let’s talk about some of the similarities of getting to the finish line in racing and retirement. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden

As we approach the end of the year, saving money on taxes becomes a bigger focus for many people. But let’s broaden the scope out for this particular episode and focus on some of the most common retirement planning questions about taxes. We’ll talk about mistakes to avoid and how a proper plan can make a significant difference in someone’s tax savi…

At this time of year, you can find football on TV almost every night of the week. So, let’s take some concepts from the game of football and apply them to our retirement planning… Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden

It’s been said that “the sales brochure giveth and the fine print taketh away.” On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the things we hear from people when they don’t pay enough attention to the fine print… Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden

We always talk about the money side of financial and retirement planning. But what about the mental aspect of that big life change? Today we’ll break down an article written by a Licensed Professional Counselor (Kate Schroeder) for Psychology Today, titled The Psychological Investment In Retirement. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-…

Being a good advisor isn’t about winning a popularity contest or just saying the same things that everyone else in the industry says. It’s about giving the best advice that you can for each individual situation. On today’s show, we’re going to peel back the curtain to discuss some areas where a good financial advisor’s opinions might go against the…

People have many reasons for procrastinating when it comes to putting a retirement plan together. Let’s explore some of those excuses and why they can be dangerous, and talk about how to overcome them… Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden

It’s no secret the stock market is in turmoil. We’re in a bear market and the R-word (recession) is getting thrown around daily. So, what can you do to survive bear markets like the one we’re in now? We’ve collected advice from various commentators and “experts” from across the country. You might have even heard some of this advice yourself. But sh…

Don’t dread this as much as you hated hearing these words as a kid, but it’s time for a pop quiz! We’re putting retirement planning preparedness under the microscope with 5 critical questions to which you need to know the answers. So sharpen those pencils and let’s see how ready you are for retirement. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 4…

In some ways, retirement planning was easier for past generations. Let’s explore how a good financial advisor helps people overcome the additional challenges of today. Our parents and grandparents may not have had to face these things, so just relying on the experiences of family members might not be enough to help us achieve our own financial succ…

On this episode, we’ll try to pick sides in some important financial debates. From bonds to life insurance, credit card debt to starting Social Security, we’ll propose several different topics to see which sides of the debates you and your advisor should probably fall on. Get your Retirement Coach 360 session: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://bl…

It's a mailbag edition of the show! We will be answering some listener questions that have come in. This time around, we will discuss the tax implications when you sell an inherited home, what true diversification is, and long-term care considerations. Show Notes: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/…

We’ve assembled a list of priorities to keep in mind as you count down the days to retirement. From getting healthy to thinking about a post-retirement career, what do we do as we count down the days to retirement? Show Notes: Call: 470-508-0508 Website: https://blackoakam.com/Av Ryan Ledden