It’s hard to believe it’s already October! This time of year is not only breathtakingly beautiful up here in northern Michigan, it’s also a good time to slow down and review important financial details. On a national level, considering that both the Democrats and Republicans have spent a lot of money to stimulate the economy, it’s important to understand why the U.S. deficit matters as well as how this spending will eventually affect you.

We’ll also discuss the multiple investment  deadlines you need to be aware of, cover the Coronavirus-related distributions from the federal government, and review how the CARES Act has affected your investing strategies (like waiving required minimum distributions deadlines).

Bob Simpson, District Manager of the Traverse City Social Security Administrative office, wants to be clear: “There are NO secrets when it comes to Social Security despite what the headlines say.” After 35 years on the job, one would think he’d would know a thing or two about that. On today’s show, Bob will join Heidi and Shea to talk about how to schedule an appointment with one his office’s 17 representatives who are working remotely. He will also give you the ins and outs of some more complex issues related to collecting Social Security and how to avoid scams.

Remember, the Social Security office is there to provide you with options, not give you advice. After you’ve collected the facts, consider meeting with your financial advisor and CPA to decide on your income strategies in retirement.

Doug Godbe worked for himself as an estate planning attorney in California. He began the retirement planning process at the age of 30, always running the numbers and calculating the outcome. It wasn’t until his late 50’s that the deadline became more important. He witnessed his friend (another attorney) decide mid-litigation to put in his two weeks’ notice because he wanted to collect his pension. But for Doug it wasn’t an easy task … he had a business to transfer to his son as well as his wife’s retirement to consider.

I sat down with Doug and he shared his retirement success, fails and surprises. We talked about everything from careers, empty nesting, marriage, health, remodeling houses and taking on professional projects after the fact. Lastly, over the years as he observed and handled the estate plans of his clients, he saw firsthand what made them successful in retirement.