The Retirement Redzone

Hosted by Jason Bergey

Business Education

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Episodes

246

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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About the show

When you’re in the retirement redzone, it’s time to get serious about your game plan. Jason Bergey of Pennsylvania Wealth Management has been helping people get to the goal line for more than 20 years. Jason credits his dad, pro football legend Bill Bergey, with passing down great financial lessons and a tough work ethic. And as a husband and father to 4 sons, he’s passing on those lessons to them as well. Have a question for Jason? Drop him an e-mail at www.retirementredzoneradio.com.

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60 recent

September 8, 202612 min

Retirement Success Starts With a Paycheck That Doesn't Come From Work

A large nest egg may not bring peace of mind if you're unsure how to turn it into reliable income. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why guaranteed income can serve as the foundation of a retirement plan and how flexibility can help retirees adapt to changing expenses, healthcare costs, and evolving goals. Jason also discusses the importance of planning for life's pivots, learning from financial mistakes others have made, and creating a strategy designed to support both everyday needs and the retirement lifestyle you've worked hard to build. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 1, 202613 min

Why a Million Dollars Isn’t Always a Million Dollars

Simplifying your life may be trendy—but simplifying your retirement plan could matter even more. This episode explores why many people enter retirement with scattered accounts, unclear income expectations, and unexpected tax surprises. Jason Bergey discusses the difference between “paper wealth” and usable income, why a million dollars isn’t always what it seems, and how taxes, timing, and asset sales can quickly change the picture. The conversation also looks at reducing complexity, consolidating accounts, and planning for both the financial and lifestyle side of retirement. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 202613 min

A Buyout Offer Sounds Great, But What's the Real Cost?

A buyout package may look attractive at first glance, but what happens after the money arrives? In this episode, Jason Bergey discusses the key factors to consider before accepting a severance or buyout offer, including healthcare costs, retirement timelines, long-term income needs, and tax implications. He also shares insights on Social Security timing, staying active in retirement, and why planning for future health and lifestyle changes is just as important as managing your finances. A thoughtful conversation for anyone facing career transitions or preparing for retirement. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 18, 202615 min

Are You Stuck in a Retirement Planning Roundabout?

Could retirement planning be more like navigating a roundabout than following a straight road? In this episode, Jason Bergey discusses why waiting for the "perfect" time to retire, invest, or create a financial plan can lead to costly delays. He explores the importance of budgeting, evaluating retirement income sources, preparing for estate planning decisions, and addressing factors that can affect wealth transfer, including healthcare costs, longevity, and taxes. Learn why a personalized strategy may matter more than chasing a specific retirement savings number. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 11, 202610 min

Retirement Is Just the Beginning—Now What?

What happens after you reach retirement may matter even more than getting there. In this episode, Jason Bergey outlines why focusing only on the retirement date can leave major gaps in planning for the years that follow. The conversation explores the importance of having a purpose, managing lifestyle transitions, and preparing both financially and emotionally for retirement. Jason also highlights how lack of planning can lead to unexpected challenges, from boredom to stress, and why building a clear vision for how you’ll spend your time is just as critical as building your savings. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 4, 202613 min

The Retirement Budget Mistake That Can Change Everything

Could continuing to save money in retirement actually work against your financial plan? In this episode, Jason Bergey explores the balance between enjoying retirement today and preparing for future expenses. He explains why building a realistic budget is the foundation of a successful income strategy, how investment allocations can drift over time, and why mid-year reviews are critical for staying on track. Jason also discusses common planning blind spots, including taxes, insurance coverage, estate documents, and portfolio risk, helping listeners understand how small adjustments today can impact their long-term retirement goals. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 28, 202617 min

Are You Chasing a Savings Goal Instead of a Retirement Plan?

A million dollars sounds like the retirement target everyone should chase—but what if that number has nothing to do with your retirement success? In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why income, spending needs, and adaptability matter far more than an arbitrary savings goal. He discusses how retirement plans should account for inflation, healthcare costs, long-term care expenses, and unexpected life events. Jason also shares why reacting emotionally to market headlines can create costly mistakes and how a flexible, regularly reviewed plan can help retirees navigate changing economic conditions with greater clarity. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 21, 202614 min

Why AI Advice Can Miss the Mark in Retirement

Free financial advice from AI might sound tempting—but it can quietly create bigger problems near retirement. In this episode, Jason Bergey discusses why relying on headlines, market noise, or computer‑generated guidance can lead to costly missteps. The conversation covers inflation, healthcare costs before Medicare, market volatility tied to global conflict, and the limits of AI when it comes to real‑world planning. Jason explains why retirement decisions require context, accountability, and a human perspective—especially when income, taxes, and long‑term stability are on the line. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 14, 202616 min

Best Of: Preparing for Retirement Before It’s Forced on You

Planning to work longer doesn’t always mean you’ll get the chance. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why nearly half of recent retirees left the workforce earlier than expected—and how health issues, layoffs, or caregiving can quickly change even the best‑laid plans. The conversation explores building backup income strategies, preparing for forced early retirement, reducing fixed expenses ahead of time, and avoiding rushed Social Security decisions. Jason also discusses why retirement happiness depends on more than money, including structure, purpose, and realistic expectations for life after the paycheck stops. Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 7, 202611 min

Best Of: A Conversation with Donald Trump Jr.

With the celebration of Independence Day, we brought back Jason's conversation with Donald Trump Jr. at Mar-a-Lago. Hear what the President's son had to say in this exclusive conversation! Ready to connect with Jason? Visit The Retirement Red Zone today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.