May 2025 – The Retirement Engineer

Feeling The Market Jitters? Here’s How To Take Control (Ep. 39)

By TheRetirementEngineer | May 27, 2025

When markets drop, most people freeze or flee. But what if the smartest move isn’t to retreat, but to go on offense?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unpacks why volatile markets can be a gift to strategic investors who know how to capitalize on short-term fear for long-term gain.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, walks listeners through how understanding market patterns, managing risk, and applying proactive investment tactics can turn turbulence into opportunity. Whether you’re accumulating wealth or distributing it in retirement, this episode explains why downturns don’t need to derail your plan—in fact, they might be just what your portfolio needs.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

Why market volatility is not only normal, but expected, and how understanding this can help you avoid emotional decisions
Why downturns can create ideal conditions for Roth conversions and how to execute them strategically
Why rebalancing during market declines can improve long-term returns by systematically buying low and selling high
Why dollar-cost averaging and front-loading investment contributions can turn volatility into an advantage
And more!

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5 Signs You Should Ditch DIY Retirement Planning (Ep. 38)

By TheRetirementEngineer | May 13, 2025

What are the clear signs it’s time to stop DIYing your retirement planning?

Here are the five indicators that call for professional guidance.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the complexities of retirement planning. With his wealth of experience, he explores when it’s best to transition from self-management to professional advice.

This episode offers universal insights for anyone considering a DIY approach to retirement planning.

Key discussion points include:

The complexities of growing income and savings [00:01:21]
The challenge of managing time as life grows busier [00:04:09]
Emotional influences on financial decisions [00:08:32]
Understanding the unknown pitfalls in planning [00:12:27]
The value of getting professional help as you approach retirement [00:16:14]
And more!