Save Your Retirement With Pat Strubbe

It’s the number one fear of Americans as they get set for retirement, and there are many factors as to why that is, including longevity, inflation and taxes among others. Pat discusses these and other areas and how planning for them as best as possible can help alleviate some of the fears and help better set people up for their post working years.

Cooling inflation sounds like good news, but for millions of retirees, it could mean a much smaller Social Security check increase next year. Early estimates predict the smallest COLA since 2016, while costs for essentials like groceries and utilities are still climbing. In this episode, Melissa and Pat reveal what a small COLA really means for your budget and why your retirement income plan is more important than ever.

A recent survey shows nearly three-quarters of those questioned are not confident Social Security will run out of funding during their lifetime. Pat talks about the survey results, possible changes which could be made, and what people can do to make sure they have enough savings to cover any shortfalls just in case benefits may be reduced in the future.

Pensions are pretty much out, and individual responsibility for retirement saving is the new norm. Throw in longevity risk and the uncertainty of Social Security in the coming years and things can get out of whack in a hurry. Pat takes a look at what has changed and what continues to change in retirement planning and what you can do to help make sure you not left behind.

The Federal Reserve recently made a big decision: they’re keeping interest rates steady for now. But what does this really mean for you, especially if you’re retired or thinking about retirement? In this episode, Pat talks about why the Fed’s moves matter, what’s going on with inflation and politics, and what savvy retirees could do right now to feel more financially confident.

Talking to family about inheritance and legacy planning is difficult for many families, but avoiding the conversation can lead to family rifts and financial mismanagement. Pat takes some time to discuss why communication can be the missing piece in many legacy plans.

Pat revisits the topic of how money affects people emotionally, and how their behavior can play into the decisions they make with their investments, and not always for the better.

known tax and estate planning authority Bob Keebler about the changes and what you can do to help determine the best ways to make them work for you.

Income is the key to any retirement plan because without it, retirement isn’t very realistic. Pat takes a look at ways to develop streams of income to go along with Social Security that can bring you what you need for your regular expenses, and form the basis of a solid economic retirement plan.

Inflation is a top concern for many retirees, but is it the biggest threat to your financial future? This week, Pat shares the real risks inflation poses to your retirement and ways to preserve your purchasing power for the long run.

After looking at a theoretical privatization of Social Security and whether it could benefit Americans or not, Pat looks at the complex issue of taxes in retirement. This includes why rates are higher than what most people expect and how planning for the future can help you from paying more to Uncle Sam than is absolutely necessary.

Can People Rely On Social Security? by Patrick Strubbe

Pat takes another look at the national debt problem, which has been building up in Washington for decades, as well as revisiting certain financial habits you would be better off breaking, as well as signs you may need a new advisor for the retirement phase of your life.

This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up more than turkey and stuffing — we’re dishing out a full plate of retirement planning tips! Pat will help you build your “Retirement Thanksgiving Plate,” where every dish represents a key ingredient for working towards a successful retirement. Let’s dig in!

Pat begins by looking back at financial bad habits to try and break when getting close to retirement, then gets into how to build a five star retirement plan that covers all five major areas to be accounted for, including income, taxes, growth, health care and legacy planning.

The Fed finally decided to cut rates by a quarter percent earlier this week, but it has been a long battle between President Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell over the direction of the economy and how rates should be conducted. Pat takes a look at these financial headlines, and also looks back at various things we don’t completely know when we retire that could affect our futures in that regard, such as tax rates, inflation and health care costs.

Pat takes another look back at the history of taxes and how they have played a role in our country’s history, both distant and recent past. He also looks at how planning for the future as a family can help make sure everything passes smoothly when the time comes for the next generation to inherit estates from their parents or other older family members.

With tariffs and trade policy making headlines, it’s time to ask: Are your investments and financial plans prepared? Pat breaks down what these changes could mean for your portfolio and ways you can stay ahead.

After taking a look at some habits to break when preparing for retirement, Pat looks at ways you can help make your retirement money last, including having a written plan to follow to help you stay on track.

Today, we're diving into what the Big Beautiful Bill could mean for your taxes, your future, and your retirement plans.