Episodios

  • The Best-kept Secret in Retirement Income Planning
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode, host James Matthews speaks with Tom Wall Ph.D, author of the international best-seller 'Permission to Spend.' They discuss the fears retirees face regarding spending, the shift from defined-benefit to defined-contribution plans, and the importance of understanding risks in retirement planning. Tom introduces the concept of a 'permission slip' that allows retirees to spend more confidently.The conversation underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how retirement is approached, with a focus on guarantees and risk management.


    Key Takeaways

    • Retirees often fear spending due to uncertainty about longevity and market risks.
    • The shift from defined benefit plans to defined-contribution plans has placed the onus of retirement planning on individuals.
    • Default options in retirement plans significantly influence investor behavior and choices.
    • Sequence of returns risk is a critical factor that many retirees overlook.
    • The concept of a 'permission slip' can help retirees feel more comfortable spending their savings.
    • Retirement planning should focus on creating reliable income streams vs. accumulating wealth.
    • Financial Professionals play a crucial role in guiding clients through retirement planning decisions.
    • The definition of retirement is evolving, with many opting for continued work or engagement in different forms.


    Resources

    tomwalltalks.com

    Permission to Spend: Maximize Your Retirement with the Best-Kept Secret in Personal Finance

    Connect with Tom on LinkedIn


    Chapters

    00:00

    Tom Wall's Journey in Financial Services

    03:29

    Understanding the Fear of Spending in Retirement

    06:15

    The Shift from Defined Benefit to Defined Contribution Plans

    09:12

    The Impact of Default Options on Retirement Choices

    11:48

    Key Risks in Retirement Planning

    14:42

    The Best Kept Secret in Retirement Income Planning

    20:37

    The Misunderstanding of Whole Life Insurance

    24:38

    The Concept of the Permission Slip in Retirement

    33:54

    The Evolving Concept of Retirement




    This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

    All whole life insurance policy guarantees are subject to the timely payment of all required premiums and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Policy loans and withdrawals affect the guarantees by reducing the policy’s death benefit and cash values. Some whole life polices do not have cash values in the first two years of the policy and don’t pay a dividend until the policy’s third year. Talk to your financial representative and refer to your individual whole life policy illustration for more information. Dividends are not guaranteed. They are declared annually by Guardian’s Board of Directors.

    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered throughPark Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NewYork. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8023032.1 exp 06/2027.

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    46 m
  • Preparing to Face the New Risks of Retirement with Jamie Hopkins
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, renowned retirement speaker and author Jamie Hopkins joins host James M. Matthews to discuss the various risks associated with retirement, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, planning, and execution. They explore longevity risk, health care costs, family legacy planning, and the impact of public policy on retirement security. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in mindset from accumulation to decumulation, focusing on sustainable income and the importance of having difficult conversations about end-of-life planning.

    Key Takeaways

    • Risk in retirement is fundamentally different from accumulation risk.
    • Longevity risk can exacerbate other financial risks.
    • Adaptability is crucial for successful retirement planning.
    • Health care costs are unpredictable and should be planned for.
    • Family and legacy planning are essential components of retirement.
    • Behavioral and cognitive changes can impact financial decision-making in retirement.
    • Public policy changes can significantly affect retirement income planning.
    • Execution and follow-through are critical to effective retirement planning.
    • Retirement planning should focus on trade-offs rather than binary success or failure.
    • Self-insuring every risk can lead to a subpar retirement experience.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    11:59 Understanding Longevity Risk

    19:03 Health Care and Long-Term Care Risks

    24:10 Navigating Medicare and Healthcare Costs

    30:50 The Dynamics of Social Security

    32:28 Understanding Market, Inflation, and Tax Risks

    34:05 The Risk of Inaction in Financial Planning

    36:22 Rewirement: Shifting Mindsets for Retirement

    38:31 Living a Meaningful Retirement

    44:27 Investment Insights for a Secure Future


    Resources

    The 18 Risks Faced in Retirement

    ⁠Bryn Mawr Trust⁠

    ⁠Jamie Hopkins on X⁠

    ⁠Jamie Hopkins LinkedIn⁠

    ⁠ReWirement: Rewiring the way you think about retirement⁠

    ⁠Consolidated Planning⁠


    This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered throughPark Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NewYork. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8015344.1 exp 06/27.


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    52 m
  • Navigating Challenging Relationship Dynamics in Retirement with Ashley Quamme
    Jun 3 2025

    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, James M. Matthews is joined by marriage and family therapist, Ashley Quamme. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity shifts within relationships, particularly during transitional phases, like retirement. It highlights the psychological layers involved in the transition into retirement and the importance of communication in navigating these changes.


    Key Takeaways

    • Communication within families may lack a roadmap during transitions.
    • Identity shifts during life transitions can affect both individuals and couples.
    • Understanding who we are in new phases of life is crucial to navigating change.
    • Psychological layers play a significant role in identity changes.
    • Couples may experience shifts differently based on their circumstances.
    • Identity change can lead to questions about partnership roles.
    • Navigating these changes requires open dialogue.
    • Support systems are essential during identity transitions.
    • Recognizing individual and shared identities is important.
    • Embracing change can strengthen relationships.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introductions

    06:30 The Think, Feel, Do Model in Therapy

    09:02 Transitioning into Financial Therapy

    12:07 Navigating Retirement Transitions

    14:18 Identity Shifts in Retirement

    17:08 Common Familial Disputes During Retirement

    19:49 Legacy Planning and Communication

    21:38 The Importance of Ongoing Conversations in Legacy Planning

    25:27 Navigating Family Dynamics and Financial Conversations

    31:32 Challenges in Blended Families and Estate Planning

    34:44 Embracing Flexibility in Retirement Planning

    38:23 Finding Meaning and Joy in Retirement


    Resources

    Beyond the Plan

    Planning and Beyond Podcast

    The Wealthy Marriage

    Ashley Quamme on LinkedIn


    This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 7981006.1, exp 05/2027.





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    41 m
  • Retirement Income Styles & Implementation Preferences with Alex Murguia, Ph.D.
    May 28 2025

    In this episode, Alex Murguia, Ph.D., discusses the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from making financial decisions. He introduces the Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA) framework, which helps identify different retirement income styles and emphasizes the importance of implementation in financial planning. The conversation explores consumer awareness, financial literacy, and the role of behavioral finance in shaping financial decisions.


    Key Takeaways

    • Many people struggle with decision-making in retirement planning due to analysis paralysis.
    • Understanding one's retirement income style can facilitate better financial decisions.
    • Implementation is as crucial as identifying financial preferences in retirement planning.
    • Consumers often lack awareness of the various retirement income strategies available to them.
    • Behavioral finance plays a significant role in how clients approach financial decisions.
    • The transition from human capital to invested capital defines the essence of retirement.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning and Background

    05:55 Exploring Retirement Income Preferences

    08:28 Understanding the RISA Framework

    11:02 The Importance of Implementation in Financial Advice

    13:32 Behavioral Finance and Client Relationships

    15:50 Addressing Common Financial Biases

    18:39 Numeracy vs. Financial Literacy

    20:55 Advisor Usefulness and Client Self-Efficacy

    23:09 Identifying Client Types in Financial Planning

    25:52 The Role of Advisors in Client Education

    30:59 The Value of Collaboration in Client Relationships

    32:13 Adapting Service Models for Diverse Client Needs

    32:32 Transparency in Financial Advice

    35:00 Understanding Client Preferences in Financial Planning

    36:22 Red Flags When Choosing Financial Advisors

    37:20 The Need for Transparency in Business Models

    39:13 Exploring Behavioral Finance in Retirement Planning

    43:06 Defining Retirement: Freedom and Human Capital


    Resources

    Retirement Income Beliefs and Financial Advice Seeking Behaviors

    Advice That Sticks by Dr. Moira Somers

    McLean Asset Management

    Retirement Researcher

    Retirement Income Style Awareness (RISA)



    This podcast is for informational purposes only, andshould not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. James Matthews is a Registered Principal and FinancialAdvisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life InsuranceCompany of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 7946839.1 exp 05/ 2027.

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    47 m
  • Economics-based Retirement Planning with Robert Puelz, Ph.D.
    May 28 2025

    In this conversation, Robert Puelz discusses the concept of life cycle economics and its application in financial planning, particularly in the context of retirement. He emphasizes the importance of considering taxes, estate planning, and personal preferences when making financial decisions. The discussion also explores the importance of longevity and risk management in retirement planning, as well as personal reflections on retirement and the future of financial education.


    Key Takeaways

    • Life cycle economics involves comprehensive decision-making for financial planning.
    • Households should have a cap spend number to guide savings.
    • Tax implications are crucial in financial planning decisions.
    • Incorporating estate planning is essential for a comprehensive approach.
    • Understanding longevity is vital for retirement planning.
    • Financial advisors should facilitate discussions about legacy preferences.
    • Maximizing the value of resources is a key goal in financial planning.
    • An integrated team of financial professionals enhances client outcomes.
    • Flexibility in retirement can lead to continued engagement in work.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey to Academia and Financial Planning

    07:43 The Role of Technology in Financial Planning

    25:29 Investment Strategies and Risk Management

    26:03 Investment Strategies and Living Standards

    30:12 Understanding Human Capital and Economic Balance Sheets

    34:00 The Role of Financial Literacy in Economic Outcomes

    39:39 Integrating Taxes and Estate Planning in Financial Decisions

    45:18 Personal Reflections on Retirement and Future Plans


    Resources

    Finplan, LLC Substack

    Personal Finance Economics Book

    SMU Cox School of Business

    Maxifi Planner

    Consolidated Planning




    This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, [pauseweak] Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, a member of FINRA, SIPC. JamesMatthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 7946121.1 exp 05/2027.


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    52 m
  • Retire Smarter: A More Intelligent Retirement with James M. Matthews
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, James M. Matthews discusses the realities of retirement planning, emphasizing that retirement is an inevitable outcome rather than a goal. He highlights the importance of being prepared for retirement, addressing the complexities of financial planning, and avoiding common pitfalls associated with traditional retirement advice. Matthews advocates for a smarter approach to retirement income, grounded in empirical evidence rather than guesswork, to help individuals maximize their living standards in retirement.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Everyone has a plan for retirement, whether by design or default.
    • Retirement is an inevitable outcome, not just a goal.
    • More than half of people retire earlier than planned.
    • It's crucial to have a clear spending strategy for retirement.
    • The day you stop earning a paycheck is the riskiest day of your life.
    • Retiring smarter involves investing in your wealth, health, and relationships.
    • Most traditional retirement advice is based on guesswork.
    • A successful retirement comes down to avoiding common pitfalls.
    • There are alternative approaches to retirement income planning.
    • The podcast aims to help listeners retire with confidence and clarity.



    Chapters

    00:00 The Inevitable Reality of Retirement

    05:02 Understanding Retirement Planning

    07:21 The Pitfalls of Traditional Retirement Advice

    08:50 A New Approach to Retirement Income


    Resources:

    Transamerica Study

    Retirement Researcher

    myintelligentretirement.com


    This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian . 7833408.1 Exp. 04/27


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    12 m