How I help my clients calculate their retirement number... or how much in investments they'll need in order to confidently quit working for good.

Great music—and a great life—both take time, patience, and presence. In this episode, John Cunningham of Zuwalla School of Music joins me for a conversation about music education, creativity, and the surprising ways learning an instrument mirrors building wealth. Whether you're raising kids, starting lessons, or planning your future, this one’s a reminder to trust the long game.

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this episode of Plan The Retirement You Want, I share lessons I learned during a recent trip to Las Vegas. From pulling the lever on a slot machine to reflecting on risk tolerance, emotional decision-making, and the differences between gambling and investing, this trip sparked important insights about money and mindset. Tune in to hear about my $1 slot machine story, why diversification matters, and how to separate play money from real investments. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways for aligning your investments with your goals—and avoiding costly mistakes. 📌 Key Topics Covered: * The $1 slot machine story and what it taught me about risk and reward. * Why investing isn’t gambling—and the key differences between the two. * Emotional decision-making: how outside influences can derail your financial plan. * The importance of diversification and understanding your risk tolerance. * Why it’s crucial to separate play money from your investment portfolio. Do your investments match your financial goals and risk tolerance? If you’re unsure, let’s talk! plantheretirementyouwant.com/coffee 🗓️ Schedule a virtual coffee with me today: 👉 PlanTheRetirementYouWant.com/coffee Together, we’ll review your portfolio, clarify your goals, and ensure you’re set up for long-term success. 🔔 Stay Connected: 💌 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for exclusive retirement planning tips and first access to webinars: melissamoss.co/newsletter 🎧 Follow the podcast for more insights on preparing for retirement with confidence. Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might find it helpful. Let’s keep planning the retirement you want—one step at a time. 🎉

Retirement's a little different when you're single than when you're married. Here are some planning considerations for thinking through preparing for a solo retirement. And, of course, I include a little too much personal info about myself. Happy planning!

Questions to ask yourself and your prospective advisors when you're interviewing for a new one.

Welcome to Plan the Retirement You Want, the podcast where we help the guys and gals next door build lasting wealth for their families. Whether you're balancing career and kids, running a business, or entering your peak earning years, this show is your guide to turning financial concerns into clear, actionable strategies. In today’s episode, host Melissa Moss, Certified Financial Planner™ professional with Main Street Advisors, gets personal about why she chose a career in financial planning. She shares stories from her past work with StopAfib.org, a nonprofit supporting people with atrial fibrillation, and reflects on the impact of financial preparedness when it comes to accessing life-changing opportunities. Melissa highlights the power of saving, investing, and planning for what truly matters—creating a future where financial stress doesn’t hold you back from opportunities to improve your life and those of your loved ones. You’ll hear a heartfelt perspective on handling life’s unexpected challenges and staying focused on what you can control. What You’ll Learn Today: Why Melissa switched from working in nonprofits to financial planning The importance of having discretionary income for opportunities that matter How planning and investing early can transform your financial future Why “nothing goes according to plan” and what to do about it Resources Mentioned: Learn more about atrial fibrillation and patient resources at StopAfib.org. Sign up for Melissa’s newsletter for exclusive retirement tips and event invitations: melissamoss.co/newsletter. Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps others discover the show and makes Melissa’s day! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Melissa: Schedule a virtual coffee: plantheretirementyouwant.com/coffee Follow Melissa on social media for daily retirement planning insights. Disclaimer: Melissa Moss is a registered representative with and securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in the show are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Listen in to an insightful conversation with Georgia attorney Brandi Sluss on the Plan the Retirement You Want podcast. A dedicated advocate for families and individuals, Brandi brings her wealth of experience in family law and estate planning to help you understand how to protect your legacy both during your lifetime and beyond. We explore essential estate planning strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure your wishes are properly documented. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or looking to update your existing plans, Brandi's practical insights will help you take concrete steps toward securing your family's future. Brandi, who founded Brandi Sluss Law in 2022, combines her extensive background in family law with her passion for estate planning to offer a unique perspective on protecting what matters most. Don't miss this valuable discussion about one of retirement planning's most crucial yet often overlooked aspects.

When a high school classmate was struck by a car during a training run for a charity race, it highlighted just how quickly life can change – and how crucial proper insurance coverage is for protecting your family's future. n this episode, Certified Financial Planner Melissa Moss shares a powerful personal story and breaks down the essential insurance coverage that mid-career professionals need to protect their wealth-building journey. In This Episode: - A real-life story of how quickly circumstances can change - Why most health insurance coverage isn't enough, and what to look for in your policy - The disability insurance gap that could devastate your wealth-building plans - How to calculate the right amount of life insurance for your family - Why successful professionals need umbrella coverage (and how much) - Critical coverage gaps that most people don't discover until it's too late Key Insurance Types Covered: Health Insurance and HSAs Disability Insurance (both short and long-term) Life Insurance Umbrella Liability Coverage Notable Quotes "Life can change in an instant. One moment you're training for a charitable cause, the next, your family's entire future hangs in the balance." "Your ability to earn an income is your biggest asset. For someone earning $200,000 a year in their mid-30s, we're talking about millions in future earnings potential. That's an asset worth protecting." Take Action Now Ready to protect your family's future? Here's what to do next: -->First, pull out all your insurance policies. Yes, right now. Schedule an hour this week to review: 1. Your health insurance summary of benefits 2. The declaration pages of your disability policies 3. Your life insurance coverage details 4. Your liability coverage limits on auto and home insurance 5. Your umbrella policy (or lack thereof) Email: melissa@melissamoss.co Website: melissamoss.co Note: This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as specific insurance advice. Please consult with qualified insurance and financial professionals regarding your individual situation.

In this episode of Plan the Retirement You Want, host Melissa Moss, CFP®, dives into the costly mistakes investors make when they react to fear-driven financial headlines. From the "faux recession" of 2022 to the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes, Melissa uncovers how media sensationalism can mislead even seasoned investors into sabotaging their portfolios. Learn how ignoring the headlines and sticking to a solid investment plan can save you from costly mistakes. Plus, Melissa shares three key lessons to help you avoid fear-driven investing and offers a practical strategy for resisting the urge to act on scary news. If you're ready to take control of your financial future, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to keep your portfolio on track and your retirement dreams intact. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with Melissa at https://plantheretirementyouwant.com/coffee.

Feel behind when it comes to saving for retirement? You're not alone.

In this special holiday episode, Melissa Moss shares thoughtful perspectives on holiday spending, giving, and what truly matters during the festive season. Holiday Spending Statistics - Average US consumer plans to spend $1,063 on holiday purchases in 2023 - Up 7.9% from $985 in 2020 - Increased from $1,006 in 2022 Key Tips & Insights - Consider being a shareholder in businesses where you shop - Support local businesses - $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in your local economy - Don't feel pressured by Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales Charitable Giving Information - Holiday season accounts for 30% of annual charitable donations - Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) opportunity: - Available for those 70½ or older - Up to $100,000 annually from IRA - Can reduce taxable income - Must go directly to qualified charities Alternative Holiday Activities - Family game night instead of doorbusters - Walking with friends rather than online shopping - Focus on creating memories with loved ones Stay Connected - Subscribe to Melissa's newsletter: melissamoss.co/newsletter - Leave a rating and review - Subscribe to never miss an episode Legal Disclaimer Melissa Moss is a registered representative with securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA SIPC. The opinions voiced in the show are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

In this special bonus episode from the Remarkable Retirement Event, host Melissa Moss interviews Dr. Lee Baucom, PhD, a marriage expert who shares crucial insights about the rising phenomenon of "gray divorce" and how couples can strengthen their relationships before and during retirement. Key Statistics - Gray divorce has increased from 8.7% to 36% of all divorces for couples 50 and older (1990-2019) - One in ten divorces now occur among couples 65 and older - Second, third, and fourth marriages have significantly lower success rates than first marriages The "Pause Button Marriage" Phenomenon Dr. Baucom explains how couples often: - Put their relationship on hold while focusing on kids, careers, or other life events - Plan to "get back to us" after various life milestones - Don't realize they're growing apart during these paused periods - Wake up to find they've become disconnected from their partner The Three C's for Marriage Success 1. Connection - Physical: Loving touch, proximity, holding hands - Emotional: Understanding each other, responding to "bids" for connection - Spiritual: Sharing values, deep conversations, future planning 2. Change - Embrace personal growth - Adapt consciously - Choose positive changes together 3. Create a New Path - Focus on being a "we" instead of competing - View resources as shared rather than "yours" and "mine" - Work as a team toward common goals Key Takeaways - Relationships require active work and attention - One person can initiate positive change in the relationship - Quality of relationships is the primary determinant of happiness (Harvard 65-year study) - Connection can be rebuilt even after significant disconnection Resources Mentioned - Get Dr. Baucom's free book "The Marriage Fail Point": savethemarriage.com/remarkable - The Connection Compass: theconnectioncompass.online - Save The Marriage program: savethemarriage.com Stay Connected - Subscribe to Melissa's newsletter: melissamoss.co/newsletter - Leave a rating and review - Subscribe to never miss an episode Legal Disclaimer Melissa Moss is a registered representative with securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA SIPC. The opinions voiced in the show are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

In this episode, we explore the increasing phenomenon of "gray divorce" and its significant impact on retirement security. Host Melissa Moss discusses how late-life divorces are becoming more common and provides strategic advice for protecting your retirement plans. Key Statistics - Divorce rates for couples over 50 have doubled since the 1990s - For those over 65, divorce rates have tripled - Women who divorce after 50 see their standard of living drop by 45% on average - Men experience a 21% drop in standard of living post-divorce Resources Mentioned - Schedule a consultation: plantheretirementyouwant.com/coffee - Newsletter signup: melissamoss.co/newsletter Legal Disclaimer Melissa Moss is a registered representative with securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA SIPC. The opinions voiced in the show are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Connect & Subscribe - Leave a rating and review - Subscribe to never miss an episode - Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive tips and resources