The Retirement Solution

Hosted by Jon Hicks

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Episodes

405

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

The Retirement Solution podcast with Jon Hicks is your irreverent, in-your-face, and inspiring guide to retirement planning. Jon, the author of "The Retirement Solution," covers the financial headlines and helps listeners focus on ways to reduce fees, taxes, and squeeze every available penny out of their retirement portfolio. Whether you're just starting to plan for retirement or you're already in the thick of it, The Retirement Solution has something for you. Jon's unique approach is designed to help you find the retirement solution that's right for you, so you can retire with confidence. Subscribe today and empower yourself to make smart financial decisions for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Connect with Jon and his team online at J Hagan Capital or on social: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and YouTube .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 10, 202610 min

When Stocks Feel Risky, Are Bonds Really the Answer?

Jon Hicks explores how elevated interest rates, shifting bond values, and high stock market valuations may challenge the traditional approach to managing retirement risk. He discusses the relationship between interest rates and bonds, along with alternatives such as money markets, CDs, fixed annuities, and buffered strategies. Plus, learn why reviewing the role each investment plays in your portfolio could be an important part of preparing for market volatility in retirement. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 3, 202611 min

Roth Conversions: Pay Taxes Now or Later?

Could paying taxes now change the tax picture you face later in retirement? Jon Hicks explores the math behind Roth conversions and why timing, tax brackets, IRMAA surcharges, and future income needs all deserve consideration. Using examples comparing traditional IRA savings with Roth conversions, he explains how taxes can affect retirement assets over time. He also discusses potential implications for surviving spouses and heirs, while emphasizing that Roth conversions require careful calculations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 27, 202611 min

What Financial Opportunities Disappear After December 31st?

Could a few financial moves before December 31st have a bigger impact than you realize? In this episode, Jon Hicks discusses year-end retirement planning opportunities, including maximizing 401(k) contributions, catch-up contributions, Roth accounts, Roth conversions, and capital gains strategies. He explains why the final months of the year can be an important time to evaluate income, tax brackets, and retirement savings decisions. The conversation also explores how different tax strategies may fit different situations as retirement approaches. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 20, 202613 min

Are These Retirement Rules Costing You More Than You Think?

Are the retirement rules you've followed for years quietly steering you in the wrong direction? In this episode, Jon Hicks examines several long-standing retirement rules of thumb, including the 4% rule, the belief that your home is your retirement plan, and the idea that the market always comes back. He explains why retirement planning looks different today and discusses the importance of aligning income, risk, spending, and long-term goals with a personalized strategy rather than relying on one-size-fits-all guidelines. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 13, 202611 min

Will Your IRA Help Your Heirs or Create New Challenges?

Could the inheritance you leave behind create tax headaches your family never expected? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores how inherited IRA rules have changed under the SECURE Act and what that could mean for children and grandchildren who inherit retirement accounts. He discusses the role of trusts, wealth transfer strategies, gifting while living, tax considerations for beneficiaries, and why leaving assets to loved ones may require more planning than many families realize. Learn how different approaches may impact the legacy you hope to pass on and the people who receive it. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 11, 202638 min

Have You Saved Too Much for Retirement?

Could your biggest retirement challenge be the success you've already achieved? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how market uncertainty, rising account balances, and large tax-deferred retirement accounts can create unexpected decisions in retirement. He explores balancing growth, income, and protection, how required minimum distributions can affect taxes and Medicare costs, and why a clear retirement checklist may help simplify complex financial choices. The conversation also covers risk management, Roth conversion strategies, and the importance of prioritizing key retirement planning goals. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 6, 202612 min

Turning 70 – Don’t Miss These 3 Retirement Planning Moves

Think retirement planning ends once you reach your 70s? Think again. In this episode of the Retirement Solution Podcast, Jon Hicks discusses key financial moves retirees should consider after age 70, including qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), Roth conversions before required minimum distributions (RMDs), long-term care planning, and estate and legacy strategies. The conversation explores how these decisions may affect taxes, healthcare costs, and wealth transfer, highlighting why retirement planning remains an ongoing process well beyond your working years. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 4, 202634 min

Scared of the Market? Here's the Question Most Retirees Aren't Asking

What if the biggest threat to your retirement plan isn't the market, but the decisions you make when fear takes over? In this episode from this past weekend's radio show, Jon Hicks discusses investor anxiety despite strong markets, strategies for managing risk, the importance of tax-smart planning, and why asset location can matter as much as asset allocation. He also explores a key retirement question: not just what you're retiring from, but what you're retiring to, and how purpose can play a vital role in retirement. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 29, 202613 min

When Stocks Look Too Expensive, What Should Investors Do?

What do you do when stocks look expensive, bonds seem less appealing, and cash is sitting on the sidelines? In this episode, Jon Hicks explores the challenge investors face in today’s market environment and discusses alternative strategies that may balance growth opportunities with risk management. The conversation covers market valuations, interest rates, historical market comparisons, principal protection concepts, and the importance of understanding your options when planning for retirement and long-term investing. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 27, 202636 min

Are Hidden Retirement Costs Draining Your Future Income?

Could inflation, taxes, and missed retirement opportunities be quietly costing you more than you realize? In this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Jon Hicks discusses how rising interest rates and inflation can affect retirement income, why age 70 can unlock important planning opportunities, and how strategies like qualified charitable distributions and Roth conversions may fit into a broader retirement plan. Jon also explains why managing investments and creating retirement income are two very different challenges, and what retirees should consider when transitioning from saving money to spending it. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: RetirementSolutionShow.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.