Planning for retirement isn't just about saving—it's about building a predictable, dependable stream of income that lasts a lifetime. 🏖️ Overwhelmed by interest rates, bond yields, annuities, and market volatility? We're here to cut through the financial jargon. Join us for actionable, easy-to-understand strategies on retirement fixed income , wealth preservation, and smart risk management. 📲 Subscribe now to start building a stable, worry-free financial future! 🎯📊
August 9, 2026Episode 80816 min
Understanding Your 401(k): Pros, Cons, and Maximizing Your Retirement Growth 💰📈
Is your 401(k) working as hard for your future as you are? In this episode of Protect and Grow Chicagoland Retirement , certified financial planning professional Tim Stearns, CFP (founder at TJ Stearns, Inc.) joins host Peter to dive deep into one of the most powerful—yet often misunderstood—tools for retirement planning. While a 401(k) is often a person's largest single asset outside of their home, it is not a complete retirement plan on its own. Tune in as Tim breaks down how to optimize this account during your working years and how to properly transition it when you're ready to retire! What You'll Learn in This Episode: 💡 The Power of Automation: Why setting your contributions on "autopilot" and automating annual increases builds long-term wealth. 💵 Free Money on the Table: How to ensure you're capturing your full employer match so you never leave money behind. 📊 2026 Contribution Limits & Catch-Ups: What you need to know about the latest IRS limits, including standard contributions, catch-up limits for those 50+, and special SECURE Act provisions for ages 60–63. 🔄 Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): How to evaluate whether taking tax deductions now or enjoying tax-free growth later aligns with your retirement timeline. 🎯 Smart Investment Allocation: Tips for avoiding over-concentration in company stock, aligning risk tolerance with your age, and reviewing investments annually. 🚪 When & Why to Exit Your 401(k): Why a 401(k) is built for accumulation, but may be an imperfect tool for distribution—plus how to utilize in-service distributions at age 59½ or the Rule of 55 . ⚠️ Top 401(k) Mistakes: Common pitfalls to avoid, from unnecessary loans to failing to update beneficiaries or delaying income planning.
August 1, 2026Episode 80115 min
Stress Test Your Portfolio
Markets don't move in a straight line — so how would your portfolio actually hold up if things got rocky? In this episode of Protect & Grow, Tim Stearns, CFP®, walks through what it means to stress test your investment portfolio: looking at risk exposure, volatility, and how prepared your money really is for a downturn. Rather than reacting after a market drop, this episode is about proactively identifying where your portfolio may be vulnerable — so you can make adjustments on your terms, not the market's. 📌 In this episode: What it means to "stress test" a portfolio How to identify hidden risk and overexposure The role diversification plays in weathering volatility Questions to ask to know if your portfolio matches your risk tolerance This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a licensed professional regarding your specific situation before making financial decisions. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com
July 25, 202612 min
The Great Wealth Transfer
Retirement brings a new chapter in how people think about money and what comes next. This video explores some of the ways money is managed after working years are over, and how people consider what happens to their finances down the road. There are no promises or specific advice here—just an overview of common themes around money, legacy, and planning for the future. If you're interested in understanding more about this stage of life and the choices involved, this video may offer some useful perspectives. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com
July 18, 2026Episode 71810 min
Mid Year Financial Tips
In this episode, Tim Stearns shares a set of mid-year financial check-in tips to help listeners see where they stand before the year winds down. He covers reviewing budgets and spending patterns, checking progress on savings and retirement contributions, and looking at tax withholding or estimated payments to avoid surprises in the spring. The episode also touches on reassessing investment allocations after the first half of the year's market moves. It's meant as a practical mid-year checkpoint rather than a full financial overhaul. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
July 11, 2026Episode 71111 min
Financial Freedom & Independence
What does financial freedom and independence mean to you? In this video, we explore the concepts of financial freedom and financial independence, along with the habits and planning considerations that can support your long-term financial goals. We'll discuss topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and preparing for retirement, while highlighting how these elements can work together as part of an overall financial plan. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
July 4, 2026Episode 70227 min
The Great Wealth Transfer
Retirement brings a new chapter in how people think about money and what comes next. This video explores some of the ways money is managed after working years are over, and how people consider what happens to their finances down the road. There are no promises or specific advice here—just an overview of common themes around money, legacy, and planning for the future. If you're interested in understanding more about this stage of life and the choices involved, this video may offer some useful perspectives. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
June 27, 2026Episode 62713 min
Annuity Misconceptions & Mistakes
Many people have heard strong opinions about annuities, but not all of them are accurate. In this video, we discuss some of the most common misconceptions and mistakes people encounter when evaluating annuities, including how they work, potential benefits, limitations, fees, liquidity considerations, and the role they may play in a broader retirement strategy. Understanding these topics can help you ask informed questions and make more confident financial decisions based on your own goals and circumstances. This video is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Every individual's situation is unique, and whether an annuity is appropriate depends on personal objectives, risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and other factors. Be sure to consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. If you found this video helpful, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who may benefit from learning more about retirement planning and financial education. the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
June 20, 2026Episode 62014 min
Roth Strategies
Roth accounts can play an important role in retirement planning, but the right approach depends on your individual financial situation. In this video, we discuss a variety of Roth tactics, strategies, and planning considerations, including Roth IRAs, Roth conversions, tax diversification, and factors that may influence when these strategies are appropriate. The goal is to provide educational information to help you better understand how Roth accounts fit into a broader retirement plan. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decision. This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
June 13, 2026Episode 61312 min
Annuity Education
In this video, we provide a straightforward overview of annuities and the role they can play in financial planning. We cover basic annuity concepts, common terminology, and key considerations to help viewers better understand how these products work. Whether you're new to the topic or looking to expand your knowledge, this educational content is designed to offer general information in a clear and accessible format. This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. For more information contact Tim Stearns, CFP® and his team at TjStearns at (800) 640-2256 and visit the website at www.tjstearns.com/.
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