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Retirement Approved Podcast

Discover the roadmap to financial freedom with Retirement Approved, a podcast curated for your retirement planning journey. Led by the expertise of Certified Financial Planners Steven Paul, CFP® and Matt Paul, CFP®, this podcast is your compass through the intricacies of securing a comfortable retirement. From insightful investment strategies to navigating tax complexities and making thoughtful lifestyle choices, Steven and Matt bring decades of experience to the table, ensuring that every episode equips you with practical knowledge.

Explore a vast spectrum of topics in the realm of retirement planning – demystifying the financial landscape and empowering you to make informed decisions. With a dynamic and approachable style, Steven and Matt break down complex financial concepts, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background. This podcast is not just a source of information; it's your companion on the journey to financial independence.

Subscribe to Retirement Approved on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with the latest episodes. Join our community of like-minded individuals, connect with us on social media, and be part of the ongoing conversation. Your questions and feedback are not just welcome; they are an integral part of our mission to guide you towards a secure and fulfilling retirement.

33: Our New Retirement Resource for Ford, GM & Stellantis Employees

Matt and Steve share a brand-new free resource built specifically for Ford, GM, and Stellantis employees preparing for retirement. In this episode, they walk through their new website, explain the updated Auto Worker’s Guide to Lump Sum Pensions, and break down some of the biggest financial decisions auto workers face.

32: Financial Hot Takes Under the Microscope

Everyone’s got an opinion about money. Some of that advice is useful, and some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. The key is knowing which advice fits your life and circumstances and ignore the irrelevant stuff. Today, Matt & Steve put these popular financial opinions under the microscope.

31: Market Predictions for 2026: Hits, Misses, and Reality

Every new year brings bold market predictions and plenty of confident opinions. But how much of that noise actually matters for your retirement? In this episode, Matt & Steve look back at what forecasters said last year, what really happened, and what’s already being predicted for 2026.

30: New Year, New Rules: Social Security Changes for 2026

Did your Social Security check actually go up in 2026 or did Medicare quietly take some of it back? A new year brings new updates, and 2026 is no exception when it comes to Social Security. Today, we break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why Social Security decisions should never be made in isolation.

29: Are We in an AI Bubble?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything, but is the hype getting ahead of reality? In this episode, Matt and Steve will break down how today’s AI boom compares to past manias, why the fundamentals behind AI might make this time different, and tackle one of the biggest investor questions of 2025: Are we in an AI bubble?

28: The Truth About Risk Tolerance

When the market is strong, everyone feels like a confident investor—but true risk tolerance isn’t about how you feel when things are going well. In this episode, Matt and Steve dig into the emotional and mathematical sides of risk tolerance—how much risk you can handle versus how much you’re willing to handle.

27: Why Roth Conversions Matter in Retirement Planning

Roth conversions can be one of the most effective ways to reduce taxes in retirement, but only if you use them strategically. In this episode, Matt Dombrowski, CFP® joins the show to break down the Roth planning strategies retirees should use to manage taxes, avoid penalties, and maximize long-term wealth.

26: 5 Ideas to Consider Before the Fed Begins Cutting Rates

Your cash has been working overtime these past two years—but that high-yield honeymoon might be ending soon. With the Fed widely expected to start cutting interest rates in the coming months, now is the time to act. In this episode, Matt and Steve share five smart moves to consider before rates drop.

25: The Dollar Goes Digital: Stablecoins in 2025 and Beyond

Is the U.S. dollar about to go digital? In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve explore the rise of stablecoins- what they are, how they work, and why they could play a major role in the future of global finance.

24: The Psychology of Retirement: 5 Facts You Need to Know

Retirement isn’t just a financial decision. The transition can come with unexpected emotional challenges that many are not prepared for. Today we’re diving into the psychology of retirement by outlining five key psychological shifts retirees face and discuss how to prepare for them.

23: 2025 Tariff Reactions: Breaking Down The Data

With headlines dominated by tariffs, inflation fears, and wild market swings, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve break down the ongoing tariff situation, how markets have reacted, and what it means for your financial future.

22: Market Predictions & 1st Quarter Updates 2025

This week on Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve break down the latest market volatility, the first quarter’s performance, and what’s driving investor sentiment in 2025. With ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and the potential for more market pullbacks, what should investors expect in the months ahead?

21: The Future of AI: How Far Off is Judgement Day?

Is AI advancing faster than we can control? That’s what people are wondering as AI has dominated the conversation in tech for some time now. In this episode, Matt and Steve discuss the future of artificial intelligence, from large language models (LLMs) to agentic AI and the potential risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

20: Behind The Fulfillment Factor with Rich Paul

We’re excited to welcome the man behind our firm to share invaluable insights on what it means to find fulfillment in retirement. As we dive into the topic, it’s clear that retirement is not just a financial milestone but a significant life transition that requires thought and planning.

19: Bullish or Bearish: Market Predictions for 2025

As we step into a new year, the financial landscape is rife with forecasts from various analysts and institutions. But how reliable are these forecasts, and should investors base their strategies on them? In this episode, Matt and Steve will look back at how 2024 performed compared to predictions and share their predictions for 2025.

18: Bitcoin to $100K – Is It time to Be Bullish on Crypto?

The world of cryptocurrency has always been a rollercoaster, and the recent surge of Bitcoin to $100k has everyone talking. Is it a turning point or just hype? With a crypto-friendly administration, innovation may flourish—but what does it mean for your investments? Today we’ll explore why balance and diversification are key, especially for retirees.

17: 2024 Financial Planning Year-End Checklist

As the year draws to a close, it's time to take a closer look at your financial plans and ensure you're on track for a secure future. In this episode, Matt and Steve provide a comprehensive end-of-year financial checklist that covers everything from maximizing retirement contributions to exploring tax-saving strategies.

16: Should Gold Be in Your Investment Portfolio?

Tune in as Matt and Steve dive into the glittering world of gold investing. As gold prices reach new heights, we’ll explore the reasons behind this surge and what it means for investors. Gold has always been a hot topic in the investment world, often seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. But how should it fit into your retirement portfolio?

15: Social Security Essentials: What You Need to Know Heading Into 2025

Few things get as much attention in retirement planning as Social Security because of its importance and uncertain future. Today we’ll tackle some of the essential planning conversations you need to have about Social Security and clear up the questions people are asking as we head into a new year.

14: Is It Time to Start Timing the Market?

Everyone wants to get a leg up on the stock market and make shrewd investment decisions to grow their portfolio. In this episode, we’re going to tackle the age-old question: Is it time to start timing the market?  Listen in as Matt and Steve break down the complexities and risks of market timing.

13: Can I Retire with $1 Million Saved?

The age-old question in retirement planning is how much do I need to retire? For many years, people have made one million dollars their goal as if that’s a sure-fire amount to retire on. It’s a nice round number to aim for, but is it really going to be enough?

12: Market Update & 2024 Year-End Outlook

August has been a month of market volatility, leaving many investors feeling uneasy about their portfolios. There’s plenty of reason to believe that it will continue through the rest of the year. So let’s discuss the reasons behind this turbulence and provide our view on how to navigate the remainder of 2024.

11: 5 Retirement Risks to a Retirement Plan

Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can quickly become a period of stress if you haven’t addressed the biggest risks to your financial security. Today we’ll identify the five biggest risks that could derail your retirement plan and discuss ways to combat these risks through planning.

10: Roaring Kitty, Inflation Insights, Ethereum and the Mag 7

This week, we’re tackling the world of meme stocks, the rise of Ethereum ETFs, inflation and the latest CPI numbers, and Nvidia's phenomenal growth. Steve and Matt also discuss Keith Gill, known online as "Roaring Kitty", his recent success, and whether GameStop is still a good buy.

9: Understanding Annuities & Making the Most of High Interest Rates

When it comes to retirement planning, annuities often get a bad rap. However, they can be a powerful tool for ensuring financial security in your golden years. In this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of annuities, breaking down the different types and how they can benefit your retirement strategy.

8: 5 Big Questions to Better Understand Crypto

Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm, but for many, it remains a tangled web of complexity. Whether you're a retiree curious about adding crypto to your portfolio or a novice investor eager to understand the basics, this episode will break down the key information most people are asking about.

7: Economic Headlines: Inflation, Rate Hikes, Conflicts, & Bitcoin Halving

The news is never short of headlines and this year is certainly not devoid of big stories. In this episode, we’ll tackle why the Fed's next move could be a game-changer for your portfolio, how Middle East conflicts might affect market stability, and what Bitcoin's halving means for the future of cryptocurrency.

6: Taxes Suck: What Can We Do?

Taxes may suck, but your retirement planning doesn't have to! There are strategies that everyone should consider when it comes to taxes and wealth transfer. Don't let taxes derail your retirement—arm yourself with the knowledge to fight back and keep more money in your pocket.

5: <span>How should you invest your safe money?</span>

5: How should you invest your safe money?

Every investor has a unique risk profile, but no matter how you approach your portfolio, there’s always a place for safe money. It comes in all types of forms with varying levels of risk and return, but what are the best safe money options to consider?

4: <span>Things to Know for Younger Investors</span>

4: Things to Know for Younger Investors

The sooner you begin establishing strong financial habits, the better position you’ll be in for retirement. Today we’ll share some tips for younger investors to help ensure that you’re doing everything you can to set yourself up for success in the future.

3: <span>Protecting Yourself From Financial Scams</span>

3: Protecting Yourself From Financial Scams

Financial scams evolve rapidly with technology, becoming a year-round threat. Staying vigilant is crucial to safeguard your assets. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of financial scams, empowering you to stay one step ahead and preserve your financial well-being.

2: <span>You've Got to Know When to Hold 'Em</span>

2: You've Got to Know When to Hold 'Em

Achieving investment success means navigating through noise in a world where entertainment overshadows facts. Matt and Steve stress the importance of crafting solid financial plans to counter sensationalism, guiding listeners toward a secure retirement amid media distractions.