The Retirement Redzone

Hosted by Jason Bergey

Business Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

234

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202611 min

The Retirement Opportunities You Might Be Missing

The biggest retirement mistakes often happen when small opportunities are missed along the way. In this episode, Jason Bergey highlights key retirement “windows” that can impact your long-term plan—from Social Security timing to catch-up contributions and required withdrawals. He explains how overlooking these details can lead to missed income, higher taxes, or limited flexibility later on. The discussion also covers common pitfalls as you approach the retirement “red zone,” including misjudging expenses, taking on too much risk, and failing to shift toward income-focused strategies. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 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.

June 2, 202615 min

Best Of: If Retirement Were a Recipe, These Are the Ingredients That Matter

Political headlines can rattle markets overnight—but should they shape your retirement plan? In this episode, Jason Bergey breaks down how to think about political risk without letting fear drive financial decisions. He explains why durable trends matter more than daily headlines, how to build a retirement plan like a recipe with the right ingredients, and why sticking the landing is often harder than saving the money. Jason also discusses income planning, risk alignment between spouses, and why the “million‑dollar retirement number” misses the point for most families approaching retirement. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 26, 202611 min

A Conversation with Donald Trump Jr.

Jason got the chance to sit down 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.

May 19, 202615 min

Cleaning Up Your Finances Before Retirement Arrives

When was the last time you “cleaned up” your retirement plan instead of your inbox? In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why simplifying your portfolio, eliminating duplicate holdings, and organizing accounts can reduce confusion and improve clarity as retirement approaches. The conversation highlights the importance of diversification, creating distinct income and growth buckets, and avoiding the stress of scattered investments. Jason also discusses how unexpected life events—like rising healthcare needs—can disrupt retirement and why planning ahead, including long-term care considerations, may help you prepare for those moments. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 202616 min

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.

May 5, 202617 min

Why Your “Moderate” Portfolio May Be Riskier Than You Think

Ignoring rebalancing can quietly turn a retirement portfolio into a much bigger risk than you realize. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why many near‑retirees never rebalance their accounts—and how that oversight can magnify risk just as income becomes crucial. The discussion covers rebalancing basics, sequence‑of‑returns risk, misunderstood retirement jargon like RMDs, and why “moderate” portfolios are often far more aggressive than people think. Jason also breaks down how thoughtful adjustments can help align risk, income needs, and long‑term goals before retirement decisions become permanent. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 202624 min

Best Of: Are You Really Ready? The Retirement Checklist for 2026

A new $6,000 senior deduction is just the start—retirement tax planning in 2026 is more complex (and more important) than ever. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why tax planning isn’t just for April, how the “one big, beautiful bill” changes the game, and why your biggest retirement expense might not be healthcare, but taxes. Learn how to build a personalized income strategy, avoid common estate planning mistakes, and use a checklist to see if you’re truly ready to retire. Discover why it’s never too late—or too early—to get your plan in order. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 21, 202612 min

The Tax Traps That Catch Retirees by Surprise

Getting hit with a tax bill in retirement usually isn’t bad luck—it’s lack of planning. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why many retirees are surprised by taxes on Social Security, IRAs, and income timing, even after decades of saving. The discussion breaks down the difference between simply filing taxes and proactively planning for them, along with how different income sources are taxed in retirement. Jason also addresses confusion around annuities, guaranteed income strategies, and why understanding how money is withdrawn can make a meaningful difference over time. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 14, 202613 min

Best Of: The End of One-Size-Fits-All Advice

Old rules of thumb like the 4% withdrawal rate and retiring at 65 are fading fast as retirees face longer lives, rising healthcare costs, and unpredictable markets. In this episode, Jason Bergey explains why it’s time to rethink outdated strategies and focus on a plan tailored to your real needs. Learn how to balance income, growth, and flexibility, why supporting adult children can impact your future, and how to prepare for a retirement that could last 30 years or more. Discover the conversations and planning steps that help you retire on your terms—without unnecessary risk. Ready to connect with Jason?  Visit The Retirement Red Zone today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.