Retirement Success Blueprint With Michael Stewart

Hosted by Michael Stewart

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179

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Financial and retirement planning guidance from Michael Stewart of Crystal Lake Tax & Financial.

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June 11, 2026Episode 17816 min

Maverick, Goose, and the Financial Danger Zone

It's summer- and nothing says summer quite like Tom Cruise as Maverick soaring across the sky in Top Gun. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original film, and with Tom Cruise's birthday on July 3rd, we figured it was the perfect excuse to revisit some of the most iconic quotes from the franchise and see what they have to say about your financial life. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 28, 2026Episode 17714 min

Three Questions From People Thinking About Retiring In 2026

We're doing something a little different today. Three listeners wrote in with variations of the same question — am I ready to retire in 2026? Same question, three very different situations, three very different answers. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

May 14, 2026Episode 17615 min

From First Conversation to Long-Term Plan — Here's How We Work

A lot of people think working with a financial advisor is just about picking investments. But a great planning experience is much more than that. Today, we’re walking through what it actually feels like to work with a firm- from the first conversation to ongoing guidance- so you know what to expect. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

April 30, 2026Episode 17519 min

You've Managed Your Own Money Successfully - Why Would You Need an Advisor Now?

We heard from a listener who has managed their own money for years and done well. So why would they need an advisor now that retirement is around the corner? Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

April 16, 2026Episode 17412 min

A New Proposal Might Cap Your Social Security Payments

A new proposal out of Washington is adding a fresh angle to the Social Security solvency debate. Today, we're breaking down what's proposed, if it might cost you money in the future, and what questions it raises for anyone planning around Social Security right now. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

February 19, 2026Episode 17318 min

The Gray Areas That Actually Matter in Retirement

Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

February 5, 2026Episode 17218 min

Reacting To Controversial Financial Takes

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Let’s break it down. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

January 22, 2026Episode 17121 min

10 Retirement Myths Too Many People Still Believe

There’s no shortage of financial advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is good. Some of the most damaging retirement mistakes don’t come from reckless behavior, but from ideas that sound reasonable and get repeated often enough to feel true. Today, we’re busting some of the most common retirement planning myths and explaining why believing them can quietly derail an otherwise solid plan. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

January 8, 2026Episode 17014 min

Is the Economy Set Up For A Better 2026?

After a year marked by volatility, uncertainty, and more than a few economic curveballs, it’s understandable if optimism doesn’t come easily. But at least one economist is arguing that the outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many people expect. Allison Schrager's Article: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/five-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-2026-economy-85324.html?section=68 Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092

December 18, 2025Episode 16917 min

Am I Behind In My Retirement Savings? What To Do If You Are

Nothing will mess with your financial confidence faster than comparing your savings to your brother, your coworkers, or that guy on YouTube who claims he retired at 35. Your retirement number isn’t a competition. Let’s talk about what really matters when you’re trying to figure out if you’re behind on your savings goals…and what to do if you actually are. Contact Info: Website: https://crystallaketax.com/ Phone Number: 815-526-3092