Tag: Retirement
Do Our Loved Ones Need Extra Support? The Value of Family Connection — Part I with Becky Eizen (Ep. 20)

Do Our Loved Ones Need Extra Support? The Value of Family Connection — Part I with Becky Eizen (Ep. 20)

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Are you or a loved one facing the realities of aging?

This week on The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Becky Eizen, founder and CEO of the Eizen Consulting Group. 

Together, they navigate the often-overlooked aspects of elder care. They explore the critical role of geriatric care managers and how to identify the early signs of aging while shedding light on the significance of involving loved ones in care discussions. 

By offering a deep look into the various forms of dementia and clarifying the difference between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), this episode aims to empower you with the necessary tools for thoughtful planning and informed decision-making, guiding you to honor and fulfill the wishes of our aging loved ones with dignity and respect.

Jim and Becky discuss: 

  • The role and responsibilities of geriatric care managers
  • The distinction between ADLs and IADLs
  • How to find a geriatric care manager
  • Signs of aging and decline in elderly loved ones and how to approach professional help 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Becky Eizen:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

About our Guest: 

Becky Eizen received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Becky has always had a passion for helping others. She began her career in the field of geriatrics over 20 years ago. She developed and implemented a program for older adults seeking to house people and assist them so that they can remain in their homes as independently as possible.

As a Geriatric Care Manager, Becky has worked closely with clients and their families to make the best decisions possible. She understands the importance of geriatric care management and knows that it can truly have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life. She is also keenly aware of the stress that caring for older adults can have on a family. 

Becky is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and a Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Disease Trainer (CADDCT). She is passionate about caring for the aging population and their families and speaks frequently to groups about the aging process. 

In 2020, she established Eizen Consulting Group, LLC,  to continue to serve clients and families as they navigate the aging process. She also became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) in May 2021.

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Integrating Charitable Giving Into Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 19)

Integrating Charitable Giving Into Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 19)

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Charitable giving not only feels good and leaves a positive impact on the world, but it can also provide financial advantages for retirees.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, uncovers multiple strategies to weave charitable giving into your retirement and estate planning. Whether you want to maximize your tax benefits or leave a lasting legacy, get ready to learn how to make the most of your contributions and amplify your impact.

Jim discusses:

  • Biggest motivations to integrate charitable giving into retirement planning
  • Commonly used giving strategies (charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and more)
  • Ways to create a consistent income stream for yourself while giving to charity
  • The importance of philanthropic due diligence
  • Implications of gifting assets or stocks instead of cash
  • And more

Resources:

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Warm Hearts & One Warm Coat with Beth Amodio (Ep. 18)

Warm Hearts & One Warm Coat with Beth Amodio (Ep. 18)

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Are you passionate about making a difference?

In light of Giving Tuesday and our 10th annual One Warm Coat Drive, we are taking a break from financial topics to discuss how to create a positive impact on people’s lives!

In this heartwarming episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Beth Amodio, president and CEO of One Warm Coat. They shed light on the importance of charitable giving, the joy it brings, and how One Warm Coat is driving nationwide impact — sharing warmth one coat at a time.

Beth discusses:

  • How One Warm Coat’s inspiring mission has led to 50,000 coat drives and 8 million coats distributed across 50 states
  • Creative coat drive ideas that have emerged post-Covid 19
  • Underrated benefits of operating a “cloud-based” nonprofit organization
  • One Warm Coat’s contribution to a green future with the Zero Waste Initiative
  • Kaydan Wealth Management’s commitment to sharing warmth
  • And more

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Beth Amodio has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Weather Channel, and Martha Stewart Living. She has been a featured guest on multiple podcasts including Giving Connected, Non-Profit Minute, Madness Café, and The Impact Collective.

Since 2018, Beth has served as President & CEO of One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1992, One Warm Coat has facilitated the collection and distribution of 8 million coats to people in need across all 50 states, while keeping over 19 million pounds of textiles out of landfills. As a virtual nonprofit with no physical headquarters, employees and Board Members reside in and represent all regions of the country. In part due to its unique operating model, One Warm Coat achieved 100 out of 100 points from Charity Navigator, GuideStar Platinum Medals each year, and has been named one of 2023’s Top Nonprofits by Great Nonprofits.

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Podcast Image showing the title "Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Episode 17)"
Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

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Between 50 and 72, there are significant birthdays that can impact your retirement finances.

These age-based milestones can help you grow your retirement nest egg, avoid financial penalties, withdraw your retirement funds early, and more!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights seven legislative birthdays that every retiree or soon-to-be retiree should circle on their calendars. By the episode’s end, you’ll realize why planning your retirement cash flows is crucial before these milestones creep up on you!

Jim discusses:

  • Benefits of turning 50, including catch-up contributions and early retirement for qualified public safety workers.
  • How to make penalty-free withdrawals at 55 and 59.5 (from eligible plans)
  • The difference between taking Social Security at 62, 70, and anywhere in between 
  • Medicare’s 7-month enrollment window to avoid penalties
  • The impact of Secure Act 2.0 on the required minimum distribution age
  • And more

Resources:

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Podcast Image showing the title "Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Episode 16)"
Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)

Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)

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Imagine a retirement where you’re free from the fear of rising, and sometimes unexpected, medical bills.

In a world of ever-rising healthcare costs, a solid understanding of Medicare is a necessity!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the intricacies of Medicare and paves the path for a more simplified Medicare experience. Whether you’re a decade away from retirement or just around the corner, you’ll learn actionable insights to save stress, time, and money.

Jim discusses:

  • The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
  • Core components of Medicare (parts A, B, C, and D)
  • How the ‘Donut’ hole may unexpectedly increase your prescription drug costs
  • Important enrollment deadlines to avoid hefty penalties
  • The financial impact of Medicare on your retirement plan
  • And more

Resources:

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Getting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)

Getting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)

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Picture this: You’ve crafted the perfect retirement plan. You’ve dreamt about it, and it’s finally here. But then, life throws you a curveball. Suddenly, your well-laid path takes an unexpected detour!

Even the most carefully crafted plans must adapt to changing circumstances.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares practical strategies to get your retirement back on track.

Jim discusses:

  • Signs that your retirement may be off track
  • Budgeting strategies to cut unnecessary expenses without sacrificing quality of life
  • How “safe withdrawal rates” can guide portfolio adjustments
  • How to weather market downturns by using debt strategically
  • And more

Resources:

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Top 5 Social Security Filing Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 14)

Top 5 Social Security Filing Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 14)

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“When should I start taking Social Security?”

“Can I claim spousal benefits? If yes, how much?”

“How will my Social Security income be taxed?”

These are some of the questions that many retirees (and soon-to-be retirees) struggle with!

In this eye-opening episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explains the top five Social Security filing mistakes to avoid and how to make well-informed decisions that can potentially make or break your retirement!

Jim discusses:

  • Benefits of delaying Social Security until age 70 (and what happens if you file early)
  • Eligibility criteria for spousal benefits and the ideal time to claim them
  • The “earnings test” you should know about before filing for Social Security
  • How to maximize survivor benefits
  • How to minimize the potential tax burden on Social Security
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Podcast Image showing the title "7 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) (Ep. 13)"
7 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) (Ep. 13)

7 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) (Ep. 13)

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Do you know what makes or breaks your retirement?

The assumptions and financial choices that might seem trivial at first, but have a significant impact later down the road!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights 7 common retirement planning mistakes, drawing on decades of experience as a financial advisor. He also shares actionable ideas to avoid those mistakes.

Jim discusses:

  • How to budget for retirement without giving up the little joys in life
  • Why you should never underestimate healthcare costs
  • Considerations for pension planning, including age, health, and spousal benefits
  • The “set it and forget it” mentality that can potentially jeopardize your retirement
  • The importance of seeking professional financial guidance
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Podcast Image showing the title "How Much Money Do You Need To Retire?"
How Much Money Do You Need To Retire? (Ep. 12)

How Much Money Do You Need To Retire? (Ep. 12)

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How can you save for retirement if you don’t know how much money you’ll need?

It’s time to calculate your financial finish line so you don’t run out of money during retirement!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares easy-to-follow methods and rules of thumb to estimate your retirement expenses and income — and what to do if you have no idea where to begin.

Jim discusses:

  • Key points to discuss with your spouse about your “dream retirement”
  • Why you should categorize your retirement expenses into needs, wants, and wishes
  • How to account for major lifestyle adjustments and rising healthcare costs
  • Rules of thumb to quickly check if you’re on track
  • And more

Resources:

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About Your Host: 

Balancing the responsibilities of Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor puts Jim in a unique position at Kaydan Wealth Management. As the Founder, Jim is responsible for guiding the direction of the firm’s moral compass and ensuring the entire team is advancing its mission statement. As Senior Wealth Advisor, he manages the firm’s largest and most complex client relationships and is also hands-on with the development of comprehensive, process-driven wealth solutions.

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