Bonds aren’t built to win the race—they’re built to keep the ride smooth. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down what bonds are (and aren’t), how they pay you, and where they fit alongside stocks at any age. You’ll learn the basics—coupon, maturity, and yield—plus the major types (Treasuries, TIPS, munis, corporates, and bond funds), the real risks to watch (interest rate, credit, inflation, call, and liquidity), and why bonds act like portfolio “shock absorbers” when markets get bumpy. We also cover practical allocation ideas, rebalancing, and how to use bonds to support a steady retirement paycheck without sacrificing long-term growth.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your plan on course.

You’ve saved for decades—now it’s time to turn those savings into a sustainable retirement paycheck. In this episode, Ryan and Zane share how to create steady, reliable income from your investments while keeping taxes and risk in check. They discuss the ideal withdrawal rates for retirees, the best order for drawing from taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts, and how to manage RMDs, Social Security taxation, and Medicare IRMAA without derailing your plan.   Learn how to build a cash buffer, balance growth with safety, and design a withdrawal strategy that lets you spend confidently—knowing your retirement is built to last.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Pay now or pay later? That’s the central question of Roth conversions—and one of the most powerful levers in retirement tax planning. In this episode, Ryan and Zane unpack when conversions make sense, how to size them intentionally, and what rules you need to respect along the way.   Using real-life examples, they explain how to project your income, manage tax brackets, and avoid costly mistakes with Medicare IRMAA, Social Security taxation, and five-year withdrawal rules. You’ll also learn how Roth conversions can reduce lifetime taxes, improve flexibility in retirement, and create a tax-free legacy for your heirs.   Check out the episode show notes for the 2025 Roth Conversion Fact Finder and learn how to model your own bracket room before making a move.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about purpose. In this episode, Ryan and Zane reveal how to turn one of the most avoided parts of financial planning into your family’s greatest gift. Through Zynergy’s LEGACY Estate Planning Process, they break down how to align your assets, update your will and beneficiaries, and keep your plan alive as life evolves.   You’ll learn how to protect what you’ve built, eliminate stress for your loved ones, and even capture the stories, values, and memories that make your legacy unique. Because real wealth isn’t just measured in dollars—it’s in the clarity, compassion, and direction you leave behind.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement—and your legacy—on course.

Saving for a child’s or grandchild’s education can feel overwhelming—but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down how to make education planning simple, flexible, and tax-smart. They cover 529 plans, gifting strategies, superfunding, and even how to pay tuition directly without triggering gift taxes.   Learn how to make every dollar count toward your family’s future while keeping your own financial goals on track.   Feel free to explore different 529 plans at my529.org.   Subscribe to our podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Retirement doesn’t always mean lower taxes—in fact, many retirees pay more than expected once Social Security, pensions, and required withdrawals kick in. In this episode, Ryan and Zane share four key strategies to take control: bracket management, tax diversification, Roth conversions, and withdrawal sequencing. With real-life examples and simple metaphors, they show how smart planning can save thousands over a lifetime and keep more of your hard-earned money working for you.   Check out the updated 2025 Tax Bracket Chart to see where you stand today.   Subscribe to our podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Retirement isn’t just about growth—it’s about protection. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down the four biggest risks retirees face: long-term care, Medicare gaps, life insurance, and liability. With real stories and practical strategies, they show how the right safeguards can keep your retirement on track, even when life throws the unexpected your way.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on course!

Your 20s, 30s, and 40s are your biggest financial advantage. In this episode, Ryan and Zane cover how to maximize your 401(k), use Roth strategies, explore IRA options, and let compounding work for you .   Pair it with our presentation; Maximizing Your 401k Benefit for a clear roadmap to long-term retirement success.   Stay connected—subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more insights to help you stay intentional and on course toward retirement.

In this episode, Ryan and Zane introduce the Retirement Glide Path—a five-year framework designed to help you prepare for a smooth transition into retirement. From paying down debt and building emergency reserves to reviewing Social Security, estate planning, healthcare, and lifestyle goals, they share how to turn uncertainty into confidence as you approach the finish line.   We also walk through Zynergy’s Retirement Glide Path Checklist, covering essentials like debt payoff, long-term care planning, tax diversification, housing, income strategies, and lifestyle visioning. Whether you’re five years out or just beginning to plan, this guide helps you stay on course and avoid last-minute surprises.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your retirement on track.

Market dips feel different in retirement—because your money isn’t just growing anymore, it’s paying you. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak dive into how to invest with intention, not just for performance. Learn how to structure your portfolio into short-, mid-, and long-term “buckets,” why holding cash can protect you from panic, and how rebalancing keeps risk in check. Plus, discover the hidden threat of inflation and why purpose-driven investing creates confidence and clarity in retirement.   Subscribe to this podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more strategies to keep your retirement on course!

An emergency reserve is more than just cash in the bank—it’s the cushion that keeps your plan steady when life takes an unexpected turn. From medical bills to home repairs to market downturns, having the right amount of money set aside can mean the difference between peace of mind and panic. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak explain how to calculate the right reserve for your lifestyle, where to keep it so it’s safe but accessible, and how to build your emergency fund step by step without derailing your long-term goals.   Subscribe to this podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more strategies to keep your retirement on course.

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. In this episode, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak share how a clear spending plan and drawdown strategy can transform fear into confidence, helping retirees enjoy the life they’ve worked for without worrying about running out of money.   Plus, explore our Detailed Budget Template to put these strategies into practice.

In this episode of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak dive into the first GPS component—Goal Setting. They explain why defining your vision for retirement is the essential first step, and how Zynergy’s G.O.D.S. Framework (Goals, Opportunities, Dangers, Strengths) helps turn vague ideas into a clear, prioritized life plan. Listeners will learn how to set short-, mid-, and long-term goals that reflect their values and create the foundation for every financial decision that follows. Be sure to view our corresponding Goal Setting Supplement attached!

In the debut episode of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, and Zane Belcak introduce their 10-part Goal-Based Planning System (GPS) and share how integrating finances, lifestyle, and purpose can create a confident, fulfilling retirement.