This week we answer listener questions about investment selection and estate planning for grandkids as well as annuity vs. lump sum pension plans. How should you decide whether to annuitize a pension or take the lump sum? Unfortunately, "it depends" is the correct answer here. You are more likely to want to annuitize if you are risk averse and want to increase your fixed income to satisfy your spending needs. You want to consider the options present in the annuity component itself. Does it provide for inflation adjustment or survivor provisions? How does all of this align with your personal goals? If you would like us to discuss your specific scenario without providing financial advice, feel free to write to us at podcast@equilibriumfp.com. We will anonymize your personal information. Thanks!

Most of us dream about "the golden years", but without a plan, they can easily turn into the "broke years"! So how do you avoid spending your retirement on instant noodles? In this episode, we discuss how the reality is that with longer life expectancies and increasing costs, often times retirees may underestimate how long their savings need to last, underestimate potential healthcare costs, over-rely on Social Security, fail to adjust for inflation, and don't have a planned withdrawal strategy. Don't wing it with your golden years--let a solid plan help turn retirement pitfalls into smooth sailing! If you have a specific situation you’d like us to cover (anonymously), send your questions to us at podcast@equilibriumfp.com. We’re here to help guide you through these important discussions, without giving formal financial advice.

We all have a bucket list dream for retirement: maybe it's a world cruise, joining the Disney Vacation Club, or hosting the grandkids every summer. But there’s an essential question to ask—can your retirement fund make it happen? In this episode, we’re digging into a topic that often feels tricky: talking about finances with family members, whether it’s planning for your parents' future or helping loved ones think about their own financial security. These discussions can be awkward, but they’re vital for ensuring everyone is financially prepared for the future. We’ll share practical strategies to help make these conversations respectful and productive, while also focusing on the fun side of retirement planning—those big dreams and must-do experiences that make retirement special. If you have a specific situation you’d like us to cover (anonymously), send your questions to us at podcast@equilibriumfp.com. We’re here to help guide you through these important discussions, without giving formal financial advice.