Secure Your Retirement

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the important transition from W-2 to 1099 income and what it really means to become a 1099 contractor. Whether you're considering Consulting income as part of a career shift, semi-retirement, or exploring Consulting after retirement, understanding the differences between W-2 vs 1099 is critical. This shift impacts everything from how you receive income to how you handle Estimated taxes, Tax deductions, and overall Tax strategy—all essential components of effective Retirement Planning and Financial planning for retirement.
Listen in to learn about the key financial and tax implications of earning Consulting income, including Quarterly tax payments, Estimated taxes, and the realities of managing your own income stream. If you’re planning retirement or building a retirement checklist that includes self-employment, this episode will help you better plan for retirement, avoid costly mistakes, and create a path toward retiring comfortably and secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
The key differences between W-2 vs 1099 and what it means to become a 1099 contractor
How Consulting income impacts Estimated taxes, Quarterly tax payments, and overall Tax strategy
Common misconceptions about LLCs and why they don’t automatically reduce taxes
Important Tax deductions available to self-employed individuals, including the home office deduction
How Consulting after retirement fits into broader Retirement strategies and Self-employed retirement planning

Tweetable Quotes:
"An LLC is a legal structure for protection—not a tax strategy that changes how your Consulting income is taxed." – Radon Stancil
"When you move from W-2 to 1099, you’re not just earning income—you’re responsible for managing your entire tax strategy and financial future." – Murs Tariq
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss why risk management in retirement planning goes far beyond just investment risk. While markets and portfolios often dominate the conversation, there are multiple retirement planning risks that can derail even the most well-thought-out plan. From income risk and tax planning risk to estate planning risk, liability risk, and the challenges of long-term care planning, this episode expands your perspective on what it truly takes to secure your retirement.
Listen in to learn about how overlooking risks like longevity risk, inflation risk, and sequence of returns risk can impact your ability to retire comfortably. Radon and Murs break down practical retirement strategies, including the three-bucket strategy, to help you build a comprehensive approach to retirement income planning and financial planning for retirement. If you're serious about creating a solid retirement checklist and want to confidently plan for retirement, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, find out:
Why risk management includes more than just investment risk in retirement planning
How sequence of returns risk and income risk can impact your retirement income planning
The importance of addressing tax planning risk and coordinating withdrawals strategically
How estate planning risk and liability risk can affect your legacy and asset protection
Why longevity risk, inflation risk, and long-term care planning are critical to planning retirement successfully

Tweetable Quotes:
“When it comes to retirement, focusing only on investment risk can leave you exposed to the risks that matter most.” – Radon Stancil
“A successful retirement plan isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about protecting it from income, tax, and longevity risks.” – Murs Tariq

Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq discuss one of the most important decisions in retirement planning—when to take Social Security. Should you take Social Security early at 62, or should you consider delaying Social Security until age 70 to maximize your Social Security benefits? They break down the myths, the math, and the real-life scenarios that go into making the right Social Security decision as part of a well-rounded retirement financial plan.
Listen in to learn about how Social Security planning fits into your overall financial planning for retirement, and why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Radon and Murs explain how factors like longevity, income needs, spousal Social Security benefits explained, and your overall retirement checklist all play a role in deciding whether to take Social Security early or wait. If you want to plan for retirement, understand your options, and retire comfortably, this episode will help you move closer to confidently securing your future.
In this episode, find out:
The pros and cons of taking Social Security early at 62 versus delaying Social Security to age 70
How to evaluate the Social Security decision based on your personal retirement planning strategies
Why maximizing benefits isn’t always the best answer for your retirement financial plan
Key scenarios where delaying Social Security may make sense, including longevity and income planning
How spousal Social Security benefits and legacy goals impact your decision

Tweetable Quotes:
“The real question isn’t how do I maximize Social Security—it’s how does Social Security best complement my overall retirement plan.” – Murs Tariq
“If the math shows you can have the same or more money by taking Social Security early, many people choose flexibility and peace of mind over waiting.” – Radon Stancil
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq discuss emerging Medicare policy changes with Medicare specialist Shawn Southard, focusing on a new Medicare pilot program introducing prior authorization into Original Medicare. This important conversation highlights how Medicare prior authorization could reshape retiree healthcare, especially for those relying on Medicare and Medigap plans for flexibility and simplicity in their retirement financial plan.
Listen in to learn about how Medicare changes in 2026 may impact Healthcare in retirement, including new Medicare coverage rules and the evolving Medicare approval process. The discussion explains prior authorization explained in simple terms and explores how these changes may affect Medicare costs, access to care, and long-term retirement planning strategies for those looking to retire comfortably and secure your retirement.
In this episode, find out:
What Medicare prior authorization is and how it changes the current structure of Original Medicare
Details of the Medicare pilot program launching in select states and what it could mean nationwide
How Medicare and Medigap plans may be impacted by new Medicare policy changes
Which procedures may require approval under new Medicare coverage rules
How these changes could affect your retirement checklist and overall plan for retirement

Tweetable Quotes:
“Prior authorization is about checking before a procedure happens instead of paying first and reviewing later—and that’s a big shift for Original Medicare.” – Murs Tariq
“Even if this starts as a small pilot program, the writing on the wall suggests it could expand and impact how retirees experience Medicare nationwide.” – Radon Stancil
As Medicare for retirees continues to evolve, understanding changes like prior authorization is essential for building a strong retirement financial plan. While the goal of these Medicare policy changes is to reduce fraud, waste, and rising Medicare costs, they may also introduce new administrative steps, potential delays, and added complexity in accessing care.
For those focused on planning retirement, staying informed about healthcare in retirement is just as important as managing investments. Whether you rely on Original Medicare, supplement with Medigap plans, or are evaluating options, being proactive about these changes can help you better plan for retirement, update your retirement checklist, and continue retiring comfortably with confidence.
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.

In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss the latest economic update with returning guest Tom Siomades, taking a closer look at retirement and the economy during a season filled with uncertainty. From war and government shutdown concerns to inflation, interest rates, and market volatility, this conversation highlights how today’s headlines can influence a thoughtful retirement investment strategy. For anyone focused on financial planning for retirement, this episode offers perspective on balancing retirement risks with long-term confidence.
Listen in to learn about how the current market update and broader economic outlook may affect your retirement planning, your portfolio, and your peace of mind. Radon, Murs, and Tom explore the importance of retirement diversification, staying disciplined during uncertainty, and evaluating both retirement opportunities and near-term challenges. Whether you are building a retirement financial plan, reviewing your retirement checklist, or trying to plan for retirement in a changing world, this quarterly market update offers practical retirement tips to help you stay focused on what matters most and continue planning retirement with clarity.
In this episode, find out:
Why current events are shaping the conversation around retirement and the economy, including war, inflation, and government uncertainty
How interest rates, oil prices, and tariffs may impact the latest market update and overall economic outlook
Why retirement diversification remains essential when navigating market volatility and long-term retirement risks
What positive signs still exist in the economy and where potential retirement opportunities may be emerging
How a disciplined retirement investment strategy can support retirement income, help you retire comfortably, and ultimately secure your retirement

Tweetable Quotes:
“The simple question during times like this is: am I still on track? That’s what a strong retirement financial plan is designed to answer.” — Radon Stancil
“When markets feel uncertain, it’s not the time to make emotional decisions. It’s the time to lean on your plan, your diversification, and your long-term strategy.” — Murs Tariq
Resources:
If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary video course, Four Steps to Secure Your Retirement!
To access the course, simply visit POMWealth.net/podcast.