The Red Zone Retirement Program

Hosted by John Mears

Business Investing

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Episodes

111

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

In football, the Red Zone is where a team has to make small adjustments to ensure victory. As you approach retirement, you also need to make small adjustments to ensure success. Join John Mears of Mears Money Management each episode as he helps you understand the most important strategies that will help lead you to financial and retirement success. John has more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive planning services to families throughout the Santa Clarita, California area. On this show, he'll breakdown the essential facets of tax planning, investing, retirement concerns, and much more. If you have a 401(k), IRA, Roth, pension or any other type of retirement account or savings vehicle then this is the show for you. Understand your savings and have some fun along the way with John Mears! Contact John at http://mearsmoney.com or by calling 661-775-3704.

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60 recent

May 28, 202615 min

Protecting What You Care Most About

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Nobody likes talking about death, insurance, or estate planning, but avoiding those conversations can create even bigger problems later. John discusses why protecting the people and things you care about most goes far beyond just investing and retirement accounts. Having a clear plan in place can make life much easier for the people you love when the unexpected happens. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🛡️ Life Insurance: Protection creates financial stability 💰 Insurance Strategies: More than just a death benefit 📋 Beneficiary Reviews: Small mistakes become costly ⚖️ Estate Documents: Legal preparation matters deeply 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Protection: Planning reduces future burdens Get in touch: Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

May 14, 202622 min

From Intro Call to Full Retirement Plan: Inside John's Process

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net John pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to build a long-term relationship with a financial advisor. He walks through the process from the first conversation to creating an evolving retirement strategy built around your goals, values, and concerns. Tune in for a practical look at how thoughtful financial planning is designed to grow and adapt alongside your life. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤝 Relationships Matter: Strong planning starts with trust and communication 🗂️ Process Creates Clarity: A structured onboarding experience reduces confusion 📋 Planning Comes First: Investments should support goals—not drive them 🧩 Everything Connects: Taxes, income, investing, and lifestyle decisions all interact 📞 Ongoing Support Counts: Great plans evolve as life changes over time Get in touch: Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

April 23, 202619 min

My Investments Underperformed the Market - Should I Fire My Advisor?

We got a great question from a listener: "My investments didn't do as well in the last 12 months as the overall market has done. Should I be re-evaluating my advisor based on this lack of performance?" It's a question a lot of people ask at some point in their investing lives, and John breaks down the answer today. Turns out, if your portfolio is doing what it was designed to do, that's the scorecard that matters. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 "The market" isn't a single benchmark—comparison matters 🎯 Your portfolio's purpose matters more than performance ⏳ One year is not enough time to judge results ⚖️ Diversification means you won't match any one index 🛑 "Wait it out" is not a complete strategy Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

April 9, 202619 min

Volunteering: The Best Investment You Might Make In Retirement

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), let's talk about why volunteering is an important part of life, especially in retirement. Retirement isn't just about stepping away from work. It's an opportunity to step toward the things you've always cared about, with more time and freedom than you've had in decades. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🌟 Finding purpose after retirement through volunteering ⛹️‍♂️ Opportunities in sports (e.g., coaching, equipment management, and more) 🏠 Volunteering with organizations supporting youth aging out of foster care 🛠️ How you can use your talents, such as teaching or event planning, to give back 💰 Using your financial resources to support charitable causes Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

March 26, 202623 min

What People Really Google About AI and Retirement (and What's True)

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net AI headlines are everywhere right now, mostly bold predictions about how artificial intelligence will reshape the economy. Instead of reacting to the noise, John steps back and looks at what the data actually suggests about AI and the workforce. He also walks through the top questions people in their 50s and 60s are Googling about AI and retirement, giving clear, practical answers. The searches reveal what you're worried about, but John shares what you should actually do about it. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏈 Don't Panic: Headlines aren't a game plan ⚠️ Job Disruption Reality: Change is coming, but not overnight 📊 Portfolio Exposure: AI is already baked into markets 🧠 AI As A Tool: Great for data, not decisions 🎯 Planning Wins: Strategy beats fear every time Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

March 16, 202614 min

Tax Season Hits Different When You're Retired

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a few unwelcome surprises. The rules have changed, the income sources have shifted, and strategies that made sense during your working years may no longer apply. Today, John looks at some of the biggest tax mistakes retirees make as discussed in a recent Kiplinger article and whether these match what we see in the real world. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 RMD Rules: Required distributions can raise taxable income 🔁 Roth Conversions: Timing conversions can reduce future taxes 📈 Tax Bracket Strategy: Conversions must consider bracket thresholds 💰 Social Security Taxes: Benefits can become partially taxable 👫 Spousal Tax Planning: Surviving spouses often face higher taxes Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

February 26, 202618 min

Should You Sell Your Business to Retire?

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Selling a business is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. It's not just about finding a buyer, it's about structuring the deal correctly, minimizing taxes, and making sure the sale supports your next chapter of life. John coaches us through major considerations business owners need to think about before signing anything. A business sale can create tremendous opportunity, but only if it's handled with intention and strategy. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Installment Strategies 📈 Investing the Proceeds 🏠 Income & Lifestyle Planning 🤝 Using a Broker 📚 Final Takeaways Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

February 12, 202617 min

Inheriting a House? Here's What You Need to Know About Taxes

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Inheriting a home can feel like a blessing, until the tax questions start piling up. John walks through the playbook for handling inherited property the smart way. This big financial decision deserves careful thought and consideration, not quick reactions. When it comes to inherited real estate, you don't want to move without a game plan. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Step-Up in Basis: Resetting value at inheritance 💵 Fair Market Value: Why timing matters 🧾 Capital Gains Impact: Selling without surprises 🏘️ Rental Considerations: Income vs liability trade-offs ❤️ Emotional Attachments: Sentiment versus strategy Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

January 29, 202616 min

Would You Trade $600 a Month to Protect Your Spouse?

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net John tackles a listener question that feels like a red-zone moment: trade $600 a month now or protect your spouse for life. Using real-world examples and a coach's perspective, John breaks down the tradeoffs, risks, and emotional weight behind pension elections. When the stakes are this high, understanding your options before you choose can make all the difference. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Pension Tradeoffs: Income today versus certainty tomorrow 🏠 Survivor Reality: Why expenses don't drop as much as people assume 🛡️ Insurance Angle: Using life insurance as a possible planning tool 🔐 Locked-In Choices: Why pension elections often can't be changed ❤️ Emotional Factors: Balancing math, longevity, and peace of mind Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/

January 15, 202614 min

What's Changing in 2026 (And Why It Matters To Your Money)

🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net What's new in 2026 for retirees & pre-retirees? John covers several updates that could quietly impact your cash flow, taxes, and savings strategy. A quick review now can help make sure changes in 2026 work with your plan, not against it. Discover actionable reminders and why your next steps matter more than ever. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 2026 Overview – Key retirement-related changes for the year 📈 COLA & Medicare – Social Security increases offset by premiums 🧾 Social Security Taxes – Senior deduction impacts taxability 📊 Catch-Up Savings – Higher contribution limits for older workers 🔁 Secure Act 2.0 – Roth rules reshape contribution strategies Get in touch: Phone: 661-775-3704 Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net Get in touch with us: https://mearsmoney.com/ Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM Check out John's FREE Books: https://je9gekmc.pages.infusionsoft.net/