Why Retirees Need a Tax Strategy: So You Don’t Feel Like You’re Trick-or-Treating with the IRS
As a kid, trick-or-treating was one of the best parts of Halloween. You’d knock on doors, hold out your bag, and hope for candy. But sometimes, you’d get an apple instead of chocolate or worse — someone would hand out raisins. Now, imagine if your retirement tax planning felt like that. You work hard to […]
How a Presidential Election Could Affect Your Retirement
Presidential elections bring the potential for major policy shifts, and if you’re a retiree or approaching retirement, understanding how these changes might affect your financial plans is crucial.
Lafayette, LA Lands On Two Top 100 Lists of 2024!
We’re only a full month into this new year and our incredible city has already been chosen as a Top 100 city on TWO U.S. News Top 100 Lists for 2024: #89 Best Place to Live#97 Best Place to Retire This should be zydeco music to your ears, whether you’re already a resident or considering […]
Optimizing Wealth Through Tax Strategies
In a recent Retirement Roux podcast, John Blanchard shared his game-changing Deferred Tax Strategy for individuals looking to sell highly appreciated assets like small businesses or real estate. Taxes can often pose a significant hurdle in such transactions, but this innovative tax strategy offers a way to potentially defer all capital gains taxes, allowing sellers […]
Unraveling the Mystery of Annuities
Retirement planning can be both exciting and overwhelming. As you aim to secure your financial future, you’ve likely come across the term “annuities.” These financial instruments often evoke mixed feelings, with some praising their benefits and others warning of potential pitfalls. In our conversation with John Blanchard, Acadiana’s retirement strategist, we aim to demystify annuities, […]
Navigating Recent Financial Challenges
In recent times, the unexpected failures of financial institutions such as Silicon Valley Bank have reverberated through the investment landscape, prompting investors to reconsider their strategies. This article delves into the key takeaways from these events and explores how individuals can apply these insights to their retirement planning. John Blanchard, Acadiana’s retirement strategist, shares his […]
Value of Seeking Second Opinion
Picture this: you’re sipping on your favorite coffee, and your financial advisor presents you with a brilliant investment plan. Your gut says it’s a great idea, but wait, before you jump on board, have you considered getting a second opinion? Not only can a second opinion save you from financial disasters, but it can also […]
The Hidden Realities of DIY Retirement Planning
In a world brimming with financial advice and opportunities, the allure of managing one’s own retirement can be appealing. However, financial strategist John Blanchard, reveals the hidden truths behind the concept of do-it-yourself (DIY) retirement planning. Contrary to popular belief, playing the market like a game or attempting to time it isn’t necessarily the key […]
Unveiling the Unique Approach of Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management
In the realm of financial planning, finding a unique and effective approach can often be challenging. However, Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management stands out from the crowd with its distinctive approach that combines education, tax optimization, risk assessment, and comprehensive retirement planning. In a recent podcast interview, John Blanchard, Louisiana’s Retirement Strategist™ of Matthew […]
Retirement Planning: The Anti-Bucket List Approach
When we think about retirement, we often envision the fulfilling moments and experiences we hope to achieve before we kick the bucket. But have you ever considered an “anti-bucket list”? This concept revolves around the things we aim to avoid or never repeat in our retirement years. These are the experiences that can derail our […]
Understanding & Calculating the Retirement Income Gap
What is the Retirement Income Gap? The retirement income gap refers to the difference between the amount of money you will need to sustain your desired lifestyle in retirement and the income you expect to receive from guaranteed sources like Social Security and pensions. To determine the retirement income gap, you must first establish your […]
Key Elements of Successful Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is a significant phase in life that requires careful consideration and strategy. Let’s explore essential insights from a recent Retirement Roux™ podcast featuring Louisiana’s Retirement Strategist™, John Blanchard. He discusses critical factors, such as fees in small company 401Ks, the importance of investment flexibility, and finding fulfillment in retirement. Let’s delve into the […]