Retire Sooner Team

19/03/2024

Hey, thanks for finding us on Facebook. We no longer post here often, for the most up-to-date information we'd love for you to join us in our vibrant community over at the "Retire Sooner Facebook Group"! 🎉

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Click the link below to join the group and stay connected with us on your retirement journey:
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06/03/2024

Johnny Hiles just completed his rookie year of retirement, and his stats are lookin’ really good. He plays pickleball 4-5 times per week and works out even more. He attends a weekly men’s Bible study and volunteers as a greeter every other week at church. He and his wife just took their first trip to Greece and Turkey, with their sights set on taking a big trip at least every other year.

After a full career, Johnny has no regrets about retiring, and he’s hoping his story will help others decide the right time in their own lives.

As a professional, he went by John. Now, more and more people call him Johnny. In a way, retirement has recreated his identity. John had to get up every day and go to work. Johnny gets to explore the world, enjoy his family, and even tackle that honey-do list.

John had to act like a grown-up. Johnny’s far too happy for that.

After a year in the retirement game, it’s safe to say Johnny is well on his way to a promising career of happiness.

Johnny Hiles just completed his rookie year of retirement, and his stats are lookin’ really good. He plays pickleball 4-5 …

05/03/2024

On today’s episode, Wes is joined in the studio by Connor Miller, Chief Investment Officer for Capital Investment Advisors. They analyze Warren Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders and what Berkshire Hathaway’s abundant cash reserves might signify about market confidence. They also discuss housing prices, the confusion about Wendy’s new pricing announcement, meat thermometers, personal consumption expenditures (PCE), and the positive earnings news.

On today’s episode, Wes is joined in the studio by Connor Miller, Chief Investment Officer for Capital Investment Advisors. They …

29/02/2024

On today’s episode, Wes explains the generosity component of the Retire Sooner podcast and welcomes Chris Anderson to the show. Chris is the curator of TED, a nonprofit media organization that leverages the power of ideas to make a better future, perhaps more well-known for its TED Talks Series. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller TED Talks and has overseen the introduction of TEDx, TED-Ed, TED Fellows, and the Audacious Project, a new form of collaborative philanthropy.

Chris describes his new book, Infectious Generosity, as his way of fighting against the increasingly divided world and how the internet and social media platforms have contributed to it. He makes his case for shifting the conversation from a negative outlook to one that dreams about positive possibilities. He wants people to look for and amplify the good in online interactions. Wes then describes how Chris’s lessons can help give people an enduring sense of gratitude and guidance in finding outlets for it.

29/02/2024

This week on Forbes.com Wes Moss shares the 5 money secrets of the happiest retirees!

Securing retirement happiness often requires fighting against financial tunnel vision. Having enough in the bank is the starting point, not the finish line. That said, you can’t win the race without starting it. Money doesn’t generate automatic happiness, but living your best life without it often proves challenging. Learning the Five Money Secrets Of The Happiest Retirees can be enormously helpful.

Having enough in the bank is the starting point, not the finish line. Retirees have 5 financial habits that increase their likelihood of happiness in retirement.

27/02/2024

On today’s episode, Wes is joined by Jeff Lloyd, Wealth Management Analyst for Capital Investment Advisors. They tackle the news about Walmart’s earnings announcements, Capital One agreeing to buy Discover Financial, Nvidia as a juggernaut, a rare change in the Dow Jones, and a thought experiment about airline monopolies. They then analyze the FED trying to get to the coveted 2% inflation rate before shifting to an in-depth look at Morgan Housel’s top money lessons from his bestselling book, The Psychology of Money.

On today’s episode, Wes is joined by Jeff Lloyd, Wealth Management Analyst for Capital Investment Advisors. They tackle the news …

22/02/2024

Social Security is an absolutely crucial element of many retirement plans across the United States. Understandably, people want to know how to maximize their earnings, but wading through the dense rules and regulations can be overwhelming. I wanted to cut through the red tape and get some straight answers, so I brought in a ringer.

Mary Beth Franklin is one of the country’s foremost voices on Social Security. An award-winning journalist and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, she’s literally written the book on Social Security.

Let’s dig into a few key takeaways in this first installment of Maximizing with Mary Beth.

Social Security is an absolutely crucial element of many retirement plans across the United States. Understandably, people want to know how to maximize their earnings, but wading through the dense rules and regulations can be overwhelming.

22/02/2024

NEW EPISODE!

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the words of best-selling author Morgan Housel to help discuss the positive and negative psychological effects money can have on retirees. Wes then uses his own “Bucket System” analogy to explain income investing and how three keys can help folks sleep well at night.

On today’s episode, we ponder the question, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer might surprise listeners, and Wes borrows the …

21/02/2024

Penny Martinez started saving money at six and investing at 18. Her goal was to retire early, be debt-free, and find opportunities to give back to her community. She accomplished all three and has never looked back.

Penny volunteered for service throughout her life, but retirement allows her to pursue it full-time. She reads to children in elementary schools, works in the kitchen at an emergency shelter, writes holiday cards to care facility residents, picks up trash, supports a pregnancy center, fights human trafficking, organizes blood and clothing drives, coordinates a local veterans group and community neighborhood watch, puts wreaths on veteran graves, and even dabbles in politics.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, one could argue she’s earned the right to spend more time pampering herself. But that’s not Penny. Oh, she definitely has fun, but she insists that the true joy of life can be found in serving others.

Penny Martinez started saving money at six and investing at 18. Her goal was to retire early, be debt-free, and …

20/02/2024

Capital Investment Advisors’ Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes in the studio on today’s podcast. They lament the end of football but get straight into financial news. They explain the dynamic of a “Larry David Economy” and discuss what it could mean for the Fed’s future interest rate decisions. They analyze energy behemoth NVIDIA, delve into concepts from Morgan Housel regarding behavioral finance, and offer tips for how to sleep well at night.

Capital Investment Advisors’ Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes in the studio on today’s podcast. They lament the end of …

15/02/2024

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Steve Tarr, a Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to discuss how difficult the retirement transition can be for busy and successful people. Using the SOAR Program as a guide, they analyze the positive effects of discovering new pathways to meaning, community, and purpose and how they can lead to retirement happiness.

On today’s episode, Wes sits down with Steve Tarr, a Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to discuss how …

15/02/2024

Wes moss is now a contributor to Forbes check out this weeks article on What Retirees Need To Know About The Hidden Power Of Dividends.

Dividends are a way for companies to return a portion of their profits to shareholders. Call it a cash reward for being an investor—each allotment is often paid out as small amounts per share.

I like to explain the concept by sharing a story about my eight-year-old son. One day, he noticed a dollar coin on the ground. Lying next to it was a lonely old beat-up penny. He bent down but only picked up the dollar. “What about the penny?” I asked. “Dad, a penny doesn’t even buy a piece of candy these days,” he scoffed.

My son’s catch-and-release treasure hunt was a wake-up call for me—the youth have no love for the coin of the realm. Instead, it’s all about the Benjamins. Or, at least, the Washingtons. Dividends, however, make the counterargument: cents make sense.

Dividends are a way for companies to return a portion of their profits to shareholders. They often protect purchasing power.

14/02/2024

Congrats to Happiest Retirees podcast alumna Jill Smith Entrekin for holding the biggest book event in the history of 'A Novel Experience' book store in Zebulon, Georgia! Buy her latest book, "Bonnie Mac's Cafe!"

https://hubs.ly/Q02l4ZVc0

13/02/2024

We're thrilled to share that Nancy Kruh, a recent guest on the Happiest Retirees Podcast, has curated a wonderful Spotify playlist for us featuring some fantastic female country music artists. Don't miss out – give it a listen now!

Nancy Kruh's Women of Country · Playlist · 25 songs · 4 likes

13/02/2024

This week on Money Matters, Wes Moss and Capital Investment Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller kick off the show by discussing the economics of the Super Bowl on and off the field and the Taylor Swift effect.

You’ll hear about the preeminent technology company that recently announced it would pay out $5-billion in dividends. Wes and Connor compare the history of companies that kept their dividends the same, companies that didn’t pay a dividend, and companies that initiated a dividend and look at how those companies performed over time historically.

Plus, an update on the happy retiree financial checkpoint on liquid retirement savings adjusted for 40% inflation.

Wes Moss and Capital Investment Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller kick off the show by discussing the economics of …

08/02/2024

Today on Retire Sooner Podcast, Capital Investments Advisors Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to discuss the excitement around the market finally recouping its 2022 losses and forging into bull market territory. Then, they delve into the hidden market strength of dividends and what retirees need to know about the opportunities they can provide.

Capital Investments Advisors Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to discuss the excitement around the market finally recouping its 2022 …

08/02/2024

Nick Saban, one of the most storied and successful coaches in the history of college football, recently retired. His career took him from the University of Toledo to the Cleveland Browns to Michigan State, and then to LSU, where he won his first national championship. After a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins, he landed at the University of Alabama, where he coached the last 17 seasons, winning nine SEC and six national championships.

In other words, the person who builds his trophy cases has been gainfully employed for decades.

In 2023, Saban was the highest-paid coach in college football, earning $11.1 million. By retiring now, he walked away from a contract that would’ve extended through 2030, making him another estimated $71.8 million. To choose retirement over that kind of paycheck typically reflects financial security. Having the basics covered and then some, perhaps Saban is looking for more freedom and fewer limitations.

Capital Investment Advisors is an Atlanta-based fee-only investment management firm that specializes in retirement income planning.

07/02/2024

Nancy Kruh didn’t realize she was retired until we asked her to be a guest on the Happiest Retirees podcast. She never really liked the label “retired,” and she certainly doesn’t fit neatly within it.

Nancy’s not the first person to struggle to accept and embrace retirement. And, to be fair, it’s not like she isn’t still out there, doing impressive work. She covers country music for People Magazine. But unlike during her 25-year career at the Dallas Morning News, she’s not tied to the grind. She works for fun and creative fulfillment. She only writes about the topics that interest her.

Nancy says people call her a dabbler, but she prefers “dilettante.” She’s not afraid to try all sorts of new tricks: oil painting, knitting, video editing, home renovation, playwriting, screenwriting, fiction writing, life drawing, singing in a choir, photography . . . you get the point.

But she’s also not afraid to quit the pursuits that don’t bring her a sense of purpose.

It’s slowly dawning on Nancy that she’s in a new phase of life that allows for more freedom. She’s driven to feel relevant, purposeful, and creative. She doesn’t expect to change the world, but she does want to matter.

I’d say that’s a fairly ambitious retirement plan for a dilettante.

BONUS: Check out Nancy’s curated Spotify playlist featuring some fantastic female country music artists!

Nancy Kruh didn’t realize she was retired until we asked her to be a guest on the Happiest Retirees podcast. She never …

06/02/2024

In today's episode of Money Matters, Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd update folks about inflation numbers and interest rates, comment on Elon Musk’s tendency to make headlines, and lay out the case for Walmart announcing a good old-fashioned stock split. They refresh listeners on the evergreen concept of market perfection vs. participation, analyze some welcome housing news, and examine how retirement planning can incorporate long-term capital gain and dividend taxes.

Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd update folks about inflation numbers and interest rates, comment on Elon Musk’s tendency to make …

01/02/2024

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes welcomes back Mary Beth Franklin. This time, she takes on the herculean task of simplifying Medicare. They get into the differences between Medicare A, B, C, D, Advantage Plans, Gap Plans, and Supplemental Coverage. Mary Beth lays out which options might suit which people, depending on their lifestyles. She flags when it could be ideal to pay for the more expensive plan and when the cheaper selection could suffice. She gets into the weeds on age, tax requirements, and how to avoid penalties. She tells Wes what Medicare looks like for American citizens living abroad, sets the record straight on Medicare vs. Medicaid, and explains why paying F**A payroll taxes all those years doesn’t make your retirement coverage free. As always, Mary Beth keeps Wes on his toes. Listen and find out why.

On today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes welcomes back Mary Beth Franklin. This time, she takes on the herculean task …

30/01/2024

This week on Money Matters, Wes is joined in the studio by Jeff Lloyd, Wealth Analyst for Capital Investment Advisors. They discuss the economics surrounding NFL playoff excitement, with a quick nod to Taylor Swift and the Kelce brothers. They praise the patience of the Detroit Lions waiting thirty-two years for a conference championship game, and examine if patience might help folks build wealth over time. They share the concept of solo vacations and describe what a recent Wall Street Journal article said it could mean for a happy marriage. Finally, they mention the hidden market strength of dividends and what a new bull market possibly means for retirees.

Wes is joined in the studio by Jeff Lloyd, Wealth Analyst for Capital Investment Advisors. They discuss the economics surrounding …

26/01/2024

On today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes welcomes Happiest Retirees podcast host Ryan Doolittle to discuss college football legend Nick Saban’s recent retirement. They delve into his famous coaching process, looking for helpful financial and life-planning tips. Using Saban’s specific principles, they lay out the case for focusing on the process rather than the outcome to achieve a happy retirement. What are Coach Saban’s own chances for a happy retirement? Listen and find out.

On today’s episode of Retire Sooner, Wes welcomes Happiest Retirees podcast host Ryan Doolittle to discuss college football legend Nick Saban’s recent retirement. …

25/01/2024

Wes Moss is now a Forbes .com contributor. Check out his first article on The Army Of American Productivity and Retirement!

Understanding How The Army Of American Productivity Can Improve Your Retirement

24/01/2024

Dave Hogan’s favorite core pursuits are writing and cycling.

Whether it’s his fingers on the keyboard or his feet on the pedals, Dave Hogan is on the move. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and former journalist, the now semi-retired author of E-BIKES – Putting the FUN Back into Cycling (and Life) at Any Age is passionate about riding e-bikes and spreading retirement joy.

He runs two blogs: one about retirement and one about e-bikes. If you don’t know what an e-bike is, you’re about to get a crash course. By the end of this interview, you’ll be ready to strap on your helmet and hit the open road.

Dave is nowhere near ready for the rocking chair, and I’m guessing you aren’t, either. What tips does he have for making your retirement years one of the best stages of life? Listen and find out.

Dave Hogan’s favorite core pursuits are writing and cycling. Whether it’s his fingers on the keyboard or his feet on …

23/01/2024

This week on Money Matters, Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller to break down the “wait and see” mentality investors and Wall Street professionals seem to have about the seesaw start to the year, with all three major indices moving up and down. They look at certain areas of the market and examine how decelerating inflation and low unemployment have raised hopes about a possible soft landing. Finally, they react to college football legend Nick Saban’s recent retirement announcement and analyze whether or not he’ll be a happy retiree.

Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller to break down the “wait and see” mentality …

22/01/2024

Wes Moss recently made a captivating appearance on The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, delving into finances in retirement. The episode goes beyond the surface, engaging in a much deeper discussion with Wes about what he thinks a happy retirement looks like and some key things that may help you work toward a satisfying retirement life. You can find the episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

18/01/2024

Social Security can be an essential stream of income for retirees on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the seemingly endless rules and regulations can overwhelm even the most informed applicants. In today’s Retire Sooner episode, Social Security ace Mary Beth Franklin joins Wes to bring listeners the most up-to-date information and context about avoiding pitfalls and maximizing benefits.

In a dynamic conversation, Wes channels the questions of many Americans. He even puts Mary on the hot seat about whether or not Social Security funds will last for future generations. You may be surprised by her opinion.

Social Security can be an essential stream of income for retirees on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the seemingly endless rules …

18/01/2024

Drive about 90 miles north of Los Angeles along U.S. Route 101, and you’ll find yourself in the stunning coastal city of Santa Barbara, California. With a Mediterranean climate and scenic maritime vistas, it’s not too far from Point Conception, the natural dividing line between Southern and Central California. Visitors marvel at the Spanish architecture, overspend at the upscale boutiques, and imbibe the local wines.

Wedged between the freeway and East Beach are thirty acres of “lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Andree Clark Bird Refuge, and Santa Ynez Mountains” that comprise the Santa Barbara Zoo. My wife and I took our one-year-old son this past summer and had a blast.

Wedged between the freeway and East Beach are thirty acres of “lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Andree Clark Bird Refuge, and Santa Ynez Mountains” that comprise the Santa Barbara Zoo.

17/01/2024

Missed the radio show on Sunday? Catch the week’s episode now as a podcast! Search ‘Money Matters with Wes Moss’ on all platforms.

Since its debut in 1992, Money Matters was created to deliver objective and timely financial advice on WSB, Atlanta’s legendary, award-winning news/talk radio station. Now, in addition to airing weekly on WSB, Money Matters is available as a podcast, tailor-made for both modern retirees and those still in the planning stages.

On today’s episode of the Money Matters podcast, Capital Investment Advisor Wealth Analyst Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to delve into …

11/01/2024

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller. They discuss the possibility of 2024 ushering in “A Whole New World” for markets, investors, and retirees.

They reiterate that purchasing power is a perennial goal for the happy retiree. Inflation lay nearly dormant from 2009 to 2020 as if it were a prehistoric beast frozen deep inside an Arctic glacier. Unfortunately, the government’s post-pandemic monetary tidal wave reawakened it. Because of that, folks may need to adjust in 2024 to stay ahead of the curve.

Wes and Connor run through recent and long-term history and search for the clues that could determine what’s to come in the year ahead.

In today’s episode of the Retire Sooner podcast, Wes is joined by Capital Investment Advisors Chief Investment Officer Connor Miller. They …