You are the first “ retirement advisor that I can watch and listen over and over again, your way of explaining things, your expertises delivered with such humbleness, great material keep it coming , bring it!!!! I’m learning a lot and sharing it with my wife and children!
Our investment did double within the last 5-6 years before retirement (2021). Of course the market did really well then; not so much now. Kids were all outbid the house; no more private school tuition. During that time our financial advisor reeled back in the equity investments to make less adverse to market risk. Collecting 5% dividends plus SS. Taking home more cash now than when working. Also 5-6 years out purchased two new cars so we had reliable transportation to start retirement. Now spend days walking, hiking, playing pickleball, time with grandkids. All good.
@@kevind8752 I am wondering which stock and how you selected it. I selected two dividend stocks I consider aggressive and they're paying about 4%. I've had bad experiences in the past where I chose a dividend stock with a high yield and the stock price fell. This time I tried to find stocks from the dividend aristocrats or dividend kings, I don't remember, that pay monthly, that had a history of increasing value, with business models that seem to be very viable in our current economy. So far they've held value pretty well and I try to spend my vast $2 or $3 monthly income carefully.
@@PeterJames143 I left the selection of investments to our financial advisor. While my career was in accounting/finance, I was not in the investment industry.
Azul, great videos. You emphasize physical health and financial health. Please don’t overlook the mental health aspects of retirement. Loneliness and the loss of purpose are serious issues. I’m not retired yet, but these are things we’ll all wrestle with from time to time, if not all the time.
Thank you for the reminder Jack. You’re absolutely correct. Look for me to mention this more often and future videos. Thanks for watching and taking the time to share. Important thoughts like these. 😎Azul
Hi Jack. Just wanted to circle back and let you know I shot a video on mental health tonight. And, I'll work to weave investing in your physical AND mental health in future videos. Thanks again for reminding me and encouraging me to include this important topic in my videos. I appreciate you being part of our community! 😎 Azul
More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.
The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.
This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.
"Izella Annette Anderson" is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment
I’d argue 90% kitchen, 10% gym. It’s what we shove in the hole in the middle of our face. Cannot exercise your way to success if eating fake man made crap foods.
Azul - you’re putting out some of the most important content on UA-cam that anyone with any financial sense should take to heart. In the fall I will be about 5 years away from retirement so this video is timely. Keep the sound advice coming!
In theory, we are in our last 5 (ish) years of work, but like everyone, the last 2 years our investments have gone down even though we are consistently adding to them. So depressing. We are debt free, thankfully, and are working on our health up as much as possible. Thank you for your content.
Retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement.
Interesting Roger. I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.
I retired in September 10-years ago because I had reached the maximum tax deferred 401K contribution for the year at that time. When I retired, my pension plan payout was based on what I made during my 5-highest paying years. I did my best to work as much extra and even did midnight shift as much as possible to get what I made as high as I could for the 5 to 6-years before retirement.
Thank you for your insights. I'm 61 and having been working for 39 years as a math teacher. I am planning on retiring but not sure when. I really enjoy my job and it is part of who I am. I will be watching your videos. You really seem like the regular guys I grew up with.
I’m 49 and just finishing year 24 of teaching. I know many teachers that retire at 50 if they can at a reduced pension; it seems to be a popular trend in the last five years. I’m hoping to retire with full pension which will be age 55. I’m just wondering if you have any advice or insights into how you are able to keep going until your 60s? Isn’t there a point where you are almost working for free in terms of best five years and tax brackets? Take care!
Build friendships, build hobbies, and look after your health- start a fitness program and eat well. No point in having plenty of money and not being able to enjoy it or leave it to someone else to spend. Investing in your health is so important.
Enjoy the framework of walking and talking. I'm a walker and, yes, enjoy a good chat while I stroll. Also, like the idea of the retirement trial run to get your "mindset" ready for that next phase. Thanks.
This video resonates strongly with me. I’m 53, have about 10x my income in investments, but that includes having taken a cash value for a pension, and my wife and I together would get about 36% of current income in social security at 62 if I retired now. Given all that, there is a powerful pull between knowing we have security of basic needs if I got out, and contemplating a robust retirement if I can keep my head down, but also knowing that retirement today would still require a less stressful job of some sort until 62, which is its own little inconvenience. I was just pondering the lifestyle possibilities if I push through all the way to 65, but was put off a bit by the reality of how many years of my life that would still consume, which gets at the heart of the final bonus, which itself was a brilliant note (no spoilers!). Thanks for posting a video that stirs the pot of ideas already floating around my mind!
I appreciate your channel, Azul. I am 55 and my lovely wife is 59. We have saved well over the years. She stayed home with our two boys who are out of college, debt free. With degrees that will keep from moving back home. LOL! We have 4 cars, but no car payments for 18 years. Only debt is mortgage of $250,000. Our retirement savings is $1.8M, we would be set if it doubled in 6 years when I retire at 61!! I am lucky I work for a company who pays for a fee only advisors for everyone in our 25K company. I have worked with them for 12 years. They helped us save for college while saving for retirement and helped with estate planning needs with a lawyer. The information in your videos is priceless.
You’re an optimistic man, Azul! The way I’m reading the tea leaves, I don’t see any sign that we’re going achieve anywhere close to “market average” returns over the next 4-5 years! Have you seen the current crowd in DC - hellbent on punishing achievers and doling out “candy” to the slacker class! Not exactly a formula for market success…….🙄 I would be DELIGHTED to increase my portfolio 50% over the next 3-4 years through a combination of growth and my normal contributions, which would put me in a VERY strong position to give my long awaited upraised middle finger to the corporate grind! I just don’t see that as being a realistic expectation right now and am mentally preparing myself for the likelihood that I will need to extend my stint on the hamster wheel for another year or two…….☹️ If only I had a rich uncle…….😂
I had to remind a lady on Facebook the other day who said she was for “free” education and “free” healthcare that nothing is free. Someone,sooner or later, has to pay.
I genuinely mean it when I express my stress and concern regarding the market crash and high inflation, particularly in relation to my retirement. I have been experiencing losses for quite some time, and while some may argue that crises can present opportunities, I am feeling overwhelmed. However, I understand that investing is a long-term endeavor, and it is crucial to maintain focus on the bigger picture and the long run.....
My wife is debt free at 50. I am 60 so 10 years late...lol. Blessed that she is a teacher who loves her career, and I am a pastor of a rural church and CPA who has a few awesome clients. I make my own schedule and only answer to God and my wife...lol. My 2 or 3 cents don't overcomplicate it. Live below your income, become debt free, have a 1 year emergency fund in a high yield savings or brokerage account, rest in a tax advantaged "retirement" account, focus on health (physical, spiritual, and emotional), and retire to something. Don’t overcomplicate investing. An S&P 500 index fund and let it ride! My grandparents and parents worked to retire at 65 and all but one died within 5 years of retirement. This may not work for everyone, but it works for me and many of my friends.
Excellent video. I am vegan for the animals first but I was very pleased to discover all the added benefits like good health, no medications (so common for Americans to take - where I live anyway) and a healthy weight. Of course, I recommend healthy whole foods plant based. (Ya know, because coke and Oreos are vegan too, lol) . I am about 5 years from retirement and 100% agree with everything you state. It's actually quite enjoyable to plan for a new adventure when you're healthy physically, financially and mentally 😊
I’m 53 and in the process of paying down debt I accumulated while wife was home raising our 4 daughters. Now 3 in college and one doing her last year of HS. I’m really enjoying you videos and am learning a lot . Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.❤
Just wanted to say thank you Azul. I just came across your retirement videos and have now seen two. Really well put together and delivered and very helpful! 👍👌
You need to determine if you need to pay your house off or not. I have a 2.7% mortgage. I invest long before I pay off the mortgage. If my mortgage becomes a problem the rest of my investments will be worse off.
I too am plant based, I don’t consider myself a vegan because if you want to eat a steak or harvest wild game, go for it, I really stay away from sugar and watch my oil intake. i’ve been plant-based for about six years now never felt better. I believe our stomach is our second brain. Just my opinion.
when you have a good skill, it is normal that you can go global and your name is recommended to so many people and from what i've heard about Mr. Brian Nelson, his strategies must be really good .
I enjoy your videos- I think I'm about 3 years out from retirement; trying to do most of these things. My investments aren't where I'd like them. (Who's are?) But fortunately, I also have a defined benefit pension plan, in addition to investment and social security.
I hear ya about investment performance lately. You're fortunate to have a defined benefit pension. I heard something interesting on another video (not one of Azul's) recently. They said that you can treat guaranteed income sources, such as social security and defined benefit pensions, as "bonds" in your asset mix since the point of bonds is to behave as guaranteed income and not be correlated with the stock portion of your portfolio. With that in mind, and if you know your risk tolerance, you might consider taking a more stocks-biased approach with your other investments, especially when the markets are down. Perhaps Azul will chime in with an opinion!
The multi-bucket advice is a good one, however, if you have been in a regular 401k plan for 25-30 years with substantial savings, you don´t really have the option of flipping it to a Roth 401k unless you are prepared to shell out heavily at tax time. If you are past 59 1/2 you can dump $7k a year into a Roth IRA and enjoy the tax paid status when you get out. Most likely you will be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, so the withdraws will be at a lower rate. It makes good sense to have a solid stash of cash when you retire. Don´t depend directly on drawing down your 401k right way. If you have a pension or have saved cash, T-Bills, Bonds etc, it may help to use them first. If you are healthy and have some savings, avoid taking SS right away. Many will argue for taking it up front, but avoiding the hassle of penalties and fear of earning too much in the early years after retirement can ease some of the stress. The added bonus is that if you live long enough, the payout will be better at your full-retirement age. Additionally you will have drawn down and paid the tax on more of the 401k savings. The idea of doubling your 401k in the last 5 years may be a bit of a pipe dream. In general if you double your money every 10 years, you are doing very well. In today´s volatile market and perhaps your last 5 years I would not throw risk out the window and get greedy - you are very likely to get burned. If you make 5-7% on your money in the last 5 years, and keep what you earned, the compounding will make up some of the difference and you will sleep better at night. As Daddy always said, ¨Ït´s not what you earned son, it´s what you keep¨ He was largely right about that.
Azul... thanks for your well researched financial advice. You should also encourage retirees to come and invest in Africa. We have alot of resources that need to be exploited and labor is still cheap.
$750,000??? I am a physics tech earning approximately $80,000 per year. My wife has always wanted to nurture our children in the home. We are a tithing family in addition to my providing safe, comfortable housing, insurance, transportation, quality clothing and nutrition to our three children who are all home schooled, since we cannot afford to pay for a private school education, the public schools in our area being a woke disaster. If I end my working career with $50,000 in savings that will be much more than many of my lab coworkers unless their children are given over to others for the majority of their developmental lives. In our community, the result of children being exposed to the public schools is that they end up being guided by the worst, principle free individuals imaginable.
My wife and I have watched a few of your videos and have enjoyed them. Tonight, both of us lit up when you said you’re vegan! Always great news from someone I liked in the first place! ❤
New to your channel and really enjoying the videos ! Curious if you’ve ever talked about retiring from say… a high-pressured 9 to 5 job and just picking up part-time work so you can offset some of what you need to pull out of your savings and or Social Security.
The one other bucket I would add is a position in Gold. Should congress continue to have issues resolving the budget and managing the debt ceiling, it will mean more defaults and eventually a monetary crisis which will put the whole country in crisis. A position in Gold will protect you against such crises and ultimately against a skyrocketing inflation rate which is synonymous with countries who cannot manage their budget and rely more heavily on printing money.
@Azul, I'm 61 but my wife is 50. I'd like to not necessarily stop earning income but at least control my time a little more, even as she continues to work for a few more years. How should I factor her earning potential over the next, say, 10 years, into when I can take my foot off the gas a little more? Would this be something I should get a good answer from a fee-only financial adviser?
Hi Gary. Yes, perfect example of where a fee-only adviser can help. They can easily factor in something like this for you. If you are in the USA www.NAPFA.org is a great place to find fee only advisers. It is the USA association for fee-only advisers. Hope this helps ... 😎 Azul
I was so glad to head you today i having been doing the buckets for a while not knowing if it was right or not but i did not want all my eggs in one basket eather. i have 5 years left retirement so i am going to do some traveling now so i can pay as i go because i am still working
Azul, love your videos!! Could you do one on JEPQ & JEPI i invest in both ETF’s and they pay excellent dividends each month. The good, the bad and the ugly about them.
Ageism is illegal, but real. It's a race, you against time. Pay off your debt ASAP, especially your home. So true, asset location, not asset allocation, is very important in retirement. For those with means, retirement becomes a tax game. Pay (legally) less in taxes is better.
Why pay off your home, if you're locked in at a low interest rate ? Your decision should be based on rate of return received. Reduce your expenses, as you can, and move forward in life... Try and become debt free but, if your investments return more, figure it out ! 😊😊😊😊
I would to retire early and my husband and I have been told we have plenty of money by an advisor. But I’m stuck on the idea of access to healthcare prior to getting on Medicare.
Your videos speak to me, love the perspectives and delivery, thank you. Am I right or wrong with this… the ACA subsidy can be substantial, we are planning to keep our income as low as possible so to take full advantage of it during the GAP years. Thus we are planning to use Roth IRA funds firsts when our savings are depleted… we are 58 and 61, retired 18 months ago and loving life. Is this reasonable?
you have to show some taxable income to use ACA , you have to be somewhere between your states poverty level and around 75k i think...but if you use all roth or cash savings without taxable income shown , theyll try to stick you on medicaid instead ...which you dont want...look up the limits for your county/state to be sure where to keep the taxable income
Hey Azul - I know you are well -ntentioned but to tell folks that they can double their assets in 5 years ( going from $750K to $1.5MM in 5 years ) would require putting sizable assets at risk to obtain that level of return. Do you think that is a smart move so close from retirement? You would know, working in the fin industry, how fickle clients can be when a market turns sour - and it is bound to take a sizable dip in any 5 year period. Paying off debt, esp. credit cards, cars and specifically home, makes sense but not sure that that alone would double the cash flow of most folks.
Hi Azul. Thanks for what you do. It's like listening to a friend. In each video you recommend finding a "Fee Only' advisor. For the last 4 years I use a wealth advisor from a large international bank/investment company in NYC and have been on auto-pilot. They charge me about 1% on the money they manage for me excluding 529 plans for my kids. It's really unclear as to what the fees actually costs because of the fluctuations in the market and the actual amount is deducted along the way. Is it okay to stick with this type of advice? The only sites that I get on a google search have generic surveys that will end up putting me on a list that provides my contact info to 100 advisors that have nothing to do but chase leads. How can I find someone that is independent and trustworthy without being hounded? Keep up the good work.
Wow! The only thing that would bother me, is say you allow them to 'Manage" $500k, and the market goes down like last year. You lose because of Macro economic conditions, you lose a butt load of money, yet they're changing you $5k if they make you money or not!
Thanks Azul. I retired once but bidenomics sent me back to work. I didn’t want start liquidating assets while the market was down. I have been back to work for almost two and a half years. My estimate now is to go another two years. Hopefully that works. I’m now 64 1/2 so I will go to 67 and not a day longer!
By my 63rd birthday, I will be bringing in enough income from other streams, that I will be able to max out my Roth TSP and my HSA, which will take my entire check, and then live off those streams. I love the idea of investing my whole paycheck.
Give the U.S. SS income statement projection assumes future contributions before collecting, how can we calculate the impact on SS income if we retire early? We have tried to plan for retirement assuming no SS income, but I am now more concerned with the impact of the cost of medical insurance. Thanks in advance.
You should really consider copying a list of books that you mention and paste them below the video"s. I was actually looking for one of the books you as well as several other people mentioned. I think the title was "Die With Zero" or similar. I stopped at the warehouse club for a couple of things and last year I saw a book that was a NYT best seller for 26 weeks that I was interested in, so I bought it. They don't have a large book section, but i thought I might see it there. The last one was a little cheaper than the going price and no shipping! I used Audible a couple of years ago until I couldn't really find anything that interested me available anymore.
Facts right here. It's like off grid and van life.. you should practice the life you think you want to live before you jump in. Still working here at 55 though I can get out any time , but I've not been able to take more than 3 consecutive days off since 2019 and often checking in on the early morning and night even when off. Okay with it in exchange for remote work, flexible schedule and enough job security.
Just getting my tent ready for tent city and my shopping cart that I got from the store so that I can store my goods in five years before I retire cause no one hired me before
Question for anyone who knows: If my wife and I were retired, filing jointly, and receiving $100K in social security per year together, and we had a long term capital gain of say $90K, what would be our tax ? (wondering if the $90K adds to AGI and provisional income causing more of the social security to be taxed, and assuming the long term gain has 0% tax, but not positive). Assume there is no other income and standard deduction
Amazing video, A friend of mine referred me to a financial adviser sometime ago and we got to talking about investment and money. I started investing with $150k and in the first 2 months, my portfolio was reading $274,800. Crazy right!, I decided to reinvest my profit and get more interesting. For over a year we have been working together making consistent profit just bought my second home 2 weeks ago and care for my family.
@denielalipp However, if you do not have access to a professional like JUDITH ANN PEACE, quitting your job to focus on trading may not be the best approach. It is important to consider all options and seek guidance from reliable sources before making any major decisions. Consulting with an AI or using automated trading systems can also be helpful in managing investments while balancing other commitments
HI Azul I really appreciate your videos and love how you consistently discuss the importance of health....as a nutrition professional I couldn't agree more! Just like you continue to recommend a financial advisor for health, I recommend people work with a holistic nutrition professional or naturopathic doctor to tailor their diet to their health goals. My experience and education has taught me the benefits of a vegan diet come from increasing the amount of plant-based foods, which many people are desperately needing more of. However,I think their is an argument to include small amounts of high quality animal based protein, which can increase the amount of key nutrients (EPA/DHA, B12, zinc, iron, ect.) that are lacking in vegan diets. Vegans are known to have micronutrient deficiencies in these areas, and while you can technically supplement these nutrients, I personally believe most of our nutrition should come from food. A small amount of animal based proteins can easily balance out what you might be missing. Similar to asset allocation for financing, asset allocation is important for nutrition too. Most of the negative press from consuming animal proteins is including studies of people consuming high quantities of poor quality protein (eg fast food burgers, fried chicken wings, ect.). A small amount of organic pasture-raised eggs, or 100% grass-fed beef might be just what you need to balance out your nutritional asset allocation :). Cheers to health!
To Azul or anyone who may know: I have to make a decision rather soon and I’m trying to get as many perspectives/as much info as I can. I have to decide whether to take a pension of more $$ or take a smaller pension (@$3000 less/month) but take a check (DROP) for @ $490k. In either scenario I’ll be 62 yrs old. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what and why I should go one way or the other.
Hi Peter. I just punished my video on these 5 books. I hope you find it helpful. 😎 Azul. 🔥 📚 5 Must Read Books: Money, Happiness & Thrive 🚀 ua-cam.com/video/m60hrtx58iQ/v-deo.html
I hope I will be ready for retirement. I'm debt free and aggressively saving, will hit age 64 in 8 years with $450k and Social Security payment of $3200, but I know nothing of investing. Do you have a video on the different cash-flow options you mention in this video? I seriously need some help and good advice figuring this out
How the hell can someone have $700,000 saved by age 50. Doesn't seem possible, at least not anyone working for wages. My average annual salary for the past 40 years is around $25k after tax. That's $1m total, and I had to live off of that for 40 years. Doesn't add up. Didn't pay off my mortgage until 10 years ago.
I lost over $70K when everything started to tank. Not because I was in an exchange that went belly up. I was just stupid to hold and because that's what everyone said. I'm still responsible. It just taught me to be a better investor now that I understand more of what could go wrong. It took me over two years of being in the market, I'm really grateful I find one source to recover my money, at least $9k profits weekly. Thanks so much Mrs Ann Elizabeth Messer
Doubling in 5 years? So that means investing super aggressively during a time when you should be preserving wealth? Not sure I agree with this strategy.
Speaking of compounding, I’m wondering if it’s better to have all my retirement funds together under one brokerage firm or split it up amongst maybe 2 or 3. I feel like one big balance will make more than multiple smaller ones?
it doesnt matter how many custodians/firms you use ...all that matters is how youre invested ... 400k at one place or 100k at four places all make the same money if its invested the same
You are the first “ retirement advisor that I can watch and listen over and over again, your way of explaining things, your expertises delivered with such humbleness, great material keep it coming , bring it!!!!
I’m learning a lot and sharing it with my wife and children!
That means a lot to me Walter. You honestly just made my day. Thank you! 😎 Azul
Agreed. I love your videos Azul!
I took a “retirement test drive” last year and it was great!! 3 weeks, travel, photography, fishing
Our investment did double within the last 5-6 years before retirement (2021). Of course the market did really well then; not so much now. Kids were all outbid the house; no more private school tuition. During that time our financial advisor reeled back in the equity investments to make less adverse to market risk. Collecting 5% dividends plus SS. Taking home more cash now than when working. Also 5-6 years out purchased two new cars so we had reliable transportation to start retirement. Now spend days walking, hiking, playing pickleball, time with grandkids. All good.
Living the dream congratulations, good for you🎉
5% is pretty good for dividends
@@PeterJames143 dividends actually increased to 6% for 2023 but we are withdrawing less than 5% so investment balances are increasing.
@@kevind8752 I am wondering which stock and how you selected it. I selected two dividend stocks I consider aggressive and they're paying about 4%. I've had bad experiences in the past where I chose a dividend stock with a high yield and the stock price fell.
This time I tried to find stocks from the dividend aristocrats or dividend kings, I don't remember, that pay monthly, that had a history of increasing value, with business models that seem to be very viable in our current economy. So far they've held value pretty well and I try to spend my vast $2 or $3 monthly income carefully.
@@PeterJames143 I left the selection of investments to our financial advisor. While my career was in accounting/finance, I was not in the investment industry.
Azul, great videos. You emphasize physical health and financial health. Please don’t overlook the mental health aspects of retirement. Loneliness and the loss of purpose are serious issues. I’m not retired yet, but these are things we’ll all wrestle with from time to time, if not all the time.
Thank you for the reminder Jack. You’re absolutely correct. Look for me to mention this more often and future videos. Thanks for watching and taking the time to share. Important thoughts like these. 😎Azul
Jack - I agree. And yes, I also encourage Azul to make some videos to discuss these aspects that you mentioned. Thanks
Hi Jack. Just wanted to circle back and let you know I shot a video on mental health tonight. And, I'll work to weave investing in your physical AND mental health in future videos. Thanks again for reminding me and encouraging me to include this important topic in my videos. I appreciate you being part of our community! 😎 Azul
More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.
The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.
This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.
@@sloanmarriott5 That does make a lot of sense, unlike us, you seem to have the Market figured out. Who is this consultant?
"Izella Annette Anderson" is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment
"The battle is won as much in the kitchen as it is in the gym." --Azul
Wow, powerful words to live by. :) thanks Azul
Could not agree more.
I’d argue 90% kitchen, 10% gym.
It’s what we shove in the hole in the middle of our face. Cannot exercise your way to success if eating fake man made crap foods.
Azul - you’re putting out some of the most important content on UA-cam that anyone with any financial sense should take to heart. In the fall I will be about 5 years away from retirement so this video is timely. Keep the sound advice coming!
I’m about 20-25 years away from retirement. I get alot of value from your videos. Thank you
In theory, we are in our last 5 (ish) years of work, but like everyone, the last 2 years our investments have gone down even though we are consistently adding to them. So depressing. We are debt free, thankfully, and are working on our health up as much as possible. Thank you for your content.
Retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement.
Interesting Roger. I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.
I retired in September 10-years ago because I had reached the maximum tax deferred 401K contribution for the year at that time. When I retired, my pension plan payout was based on what I made during my 5-highest paying years. I did my best to work as much extra and even did midnight shift as much as possible to get what I made as high as I could for the 5 to 6-years before retirement.
Good plan, I’m about to enter my final phase 8-9 years out and am employing the same strategy.👍
Hi Azul. Thank you for the great information on UA-cam! The health message at the end is spot on! Thanks again! 🏄🙏🤘
Gov work.
Azul! Thanks again for your life experience. I’m 34 and it brings me joy to know I’m doing things that my older self will really appreciate.
Thank you for your insights. I'm 61 and having been working for 39 years as a math teacher. I am planning on retiring but not sure when. I really enjoy my job and it is part of who I am. I will be watching your videos. You really seem like the regular guys I grew up with.
I’m 49 and just finishing year 24 of teaching. I know many teachers that retire at 50 if they can at a reduced pension; it seems to be a popular trend in the last five years. I’m hoping to retire with full pension which will be age 55. I’m just wondering if you have any advice or insights into how you are able to keep going until your 60s? Isn’t there a point where you are almost working for free in terms of best five years and tax brackets? Take care!
Some people let the job define who they are, and find it difficult to do anything else.
You don’t have to retire if you don’t want to
Loving your channel. 49 and looking to get out before 55. Lots of little nuggets in your vids to get me thinking
Build friendships, build hobbies, and look after your health- start a fitness program and eat well. No point in having plenty of money and not being able to enjoy it or leave it to someone else to spend. Investing in your health is so important.
Enjoy the framework of walking and talking. I'm a walker and, yes, enjoy a good chat while I stroll. Also, like the idea of the retirement trial run to get your "mindset" ready for that next phase. Thanks.
This video resonates strongly with me. I’m 53, have about 10x my income in investments, but that includes having taken a cash value for a pension, and my wife and I together would get about 36% of current income in social security at 62 if I retired now. Given all that, there is a powerful pull between knowing we have security of basic needs if I got out, and contemplating a robust retirement if I can keep my head down, but also knowing that retirement today would still require a less stressful job of some sort until 62, which is its own little inconvenience.
I was just pondering the lifestyle possibilities if I push through all the way to 65, but was put off a bit by the reality of how many years of my life that would still consume, which gets at the heart of the final bonus, which itself was a brilliant note (no spoilers!).
Thanks for posting a video that stirs the pot of ideas already floating around my mind!
Thanks Azul, I'm in Australia and really enjoy your videos, I'm 56 and planning my retirenment at 60. Great tips and insights.
Azul I am now following your videos, very helpful. Love from Canada 🇨🇦
I appreciate your channel, Azul. I am 55 and my lovely wife is 59. We have saved well over the years. She stayed home with our two boys who are out of college, debt free. With degrees that will keep from moving back home. LOL! We have 4 cars, but no car payments for 18 years. Only debt is mortgage of $250,000. Our retirement savings is $1.8M, we would be set if it doubled in 6 years when I retire at 61!! I am lucky I work for a company who pays for a fee only advisors for everyone in our 25K company. I have worked with them for 12 years. They helped us save for college while saving for retirement and helped with estate planning needs with a lawyer. The information in your videos is priceless.
You’re an optimistic man, Azul! The way I’m reading the tea leaves, I don’t see any sign that we’re going achieve anywhere close to “market average” returns over the next 4-5 years! Have you seen the current crowd in DC - hellbent on punishing achievers and doling out “candy” to the slacker class! Not exactly a formula for market success…….🙄
I would be DELIGHTED to increase my portfolio 50% over the next 3-4 years through a combination of growth and my normal contributions, which would put me in a VERY strong position to give my long awaited upraised middle finger to the corporate grind! I just don’t see that as being a realistic expectation right now and am mentally preparing myself for the likelihood that I will need to extend my stint on the hamster wheel for another year or two…….☹️
If only I had a rich uncle…….😂
If the election goes a certain way the market will go up 5 percent overnight.
Unless you have a flying Delorean, you have no idea.
I had to remind a lady on Facebook the other day who said she was for “free” education and “free” healthcare that nothing is free. Someone,sooner or later, has to pay.
I genuinely mean it when I express my stress and concern regarding the market crash and high inflation, particularly in relation to my retirement. I have been experiencing losses for quite some time, and while some may argue that crises can present opportunities, I am feeling overwhelmed. However, I understand that investing is a long-term endeavor, and it is crucial to maintain focus on the bigger picture and the long run.....
how do I get in touch with this consultant that assist?....
Thanks for the info . Found her website and it really impressive,,
My wife is debt free at 50. I am 60 so 10 years late...lol. Blessed that she is a teacher who loves her career, and I am a pastor of a rural church and CPA who has a few awesome clients. I make my own schedule and only answer to God and my wife...lol. My 2 or 3 cents don't overcomplicate it. Live below your income, become debt free, have a 1 year emergency fund in a high yield savings or brokerage account, rest in a tax advantaged "retirement" account, focus on health (physical, spiritual, and emotional), and retire to something. Don’t overcomplicate investing. An S&P 500 index fund and let it ride! My grandparents and parents worked to retire at 65 and all but one died within 5 years of retirement. This may not work for everyone, but it works for me and many of my friends.
Really enjoy watching your videos, advice and knowing I’m on track
Yes doubled my pension with overtime...and investments roth ira...bought a vacation condo...get set up before retirement
Excellent video. I am vegan for the animals first but I was very pleased to discover all the added benefits like good health, no medications (so common for Americans to take - where I live anyway) and a healthy weight. Of course, I recommend healthy whole foods plant based. (Ya know, because coke and Oreos are vegan too, lol) . I am about 5 years from retirement and 100% agree with everything you state. It's actually quite enjoyable to plan for a new adventure when you're healthy physically, financially and mentally 😊
I love how you talk and walk.
This is the first channel where I actually loose focus on what is being said due to reading all the comments.
I’m 53 and in the process of paying down debt I accumulated while wife was home raising our 4 daughters. Now 3 in college and one doing her last year of HS. I’m really enjoying you videos and am learning a lot . Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.❤
As I get close to retirement I find your video's great and useful... Thanks so much
Just wanted to say thank you Azul. I just came across your retirement videos and have now seen two. Really well put together and delivered and very helpful! 👍👌
Atomic Habits is the best book ever! I'm looking forward to retiring end of the year! Love your channel it's full of so much information...
You need to determine if you need to pay your house off or not. I have a 2.7% mortgage. I invest long before I pay off the mortgage. If my mortgage becomes a problem the rest of my investments will be worse off.
I too am plant based, I don’t consider myself a vegan because if you want to eat a steak or harvest wild game, go for it, I really stay away from sugar and watch my oil intake. i’ve been plant-based for about six years now never felt better. I believe our stomach is our second brain. Just my opinion.
Plant based diet with no SOS, salt oil sugar. Has been known to cure cancer. Plus B12 weekly, and maybe Vitamin D.
I love your shows. Very critical information for a lot of folks!!!
Thanks! great info Azul! Can you suggest bucket allocation percentages?
Good advice, buy low and sell high
Do you have a video of those 3 buckets? I have all three and I realize the tax on the 401 is ridiculously high...
Love your videos. Thanks Azul for your sharing your insights and experience.
I just found your videos and have been looking into retirement or trying to figure out what my retirement will look like.
Making money is an action. Keeping money is behavior. Growing money is knowledge..
Expert Brian Nelson never seems to surprise me 😄 i also trade with him, his strategies are top notch and i don't joke with him.
when you have a good skill, it is normal that you can go global and your name is recommended to so many people and from what i've heard about Mr. Brian Nelson, his strategies must be really good .
He's on TELE GRAM 👈🏿 with the username below.....
@Briancnelson66
@Derek Donnell Where can I find Brian Nelson?
I enjoy your videos- I think I'm about 3 years out from retirement; trying to do most of these things. My investments aren't where I'd like them. (Who's are?) But fortunately, I also have a defined benefit pension plan, in addition to investment and social security.
I hear ya about investment performance lately. You're fortunate to have a defined benefit pension. I heard something interesting on another video (not one of Azul's) recently. They said that you can treat guaranteed income sources, such as social security and defined benefit pensions, as "bonds" in your asset mix since the point of bonds is to behave as guaranteed income and not be correlated with the stock portion of your portfolio. With that in mind, and if you know your risk tolerance, you might consider taking a more stocks-biased approach with your other investments, especially when the markets are down. Perhaps Azul will chime in with an opinion!
Genius the idea of the 30 days away from work… I would never come back hahaha. Tks for the great video!
The multi-bucket advice is a good one, however, if you have been in a regular 401k plan for 25-30 years with substantial savings, you don´t really have the option of flipping it to a Roth 401k unless you are prepared to shell out heavily at tax time. If you are past 59 1/2 you can dump $7k a year into a Roth IRA and enjoy the tax paid status when you get out. Most likely you will be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, so the withdraws will be at a lower rate.
It makes good sense to have a solid stash of cash when you retire. Don´t depend directly on drawing down your 401k right way. If you have a pension or have saved cash, T-Bills, Bonds etc, it may help to use them first. If you are healthy and have some savings, avoid taking SS right away. Many will argue for taking it up front, but avoiding the hassle of penalties and fear of earning too much in the early years after retirement can ease some of the stress. The added bonus is that if you live long enough, the payout will be better at your full-retirement age. Additionally you will have drawn down and paid the tax on more of the 401k savings.
The idea of doubling your 401k in the last 5 years may be a bit of a pipe dream. In general if you double your money every 10 years, you are doing very well. In today´s volatile market and perhaps your last 5 years I would not throw risk out the window and get greedy - you are very likely to get burned. If you make 5-7% on your money in the last 5 years, and keep what you earned, the compounding will make up some of the difference and you will sleep better at night. As Daddy always said, ¨Ït´s not what you earned son, it´s what you keep¨ He was largely right about that.
The SS issue has allot to do on family history and health.
What do they say “2 birds are worth more than 1 in the bush”.
Azul... thanks for your well researched financial advice. You should also encourage retirees to come and invest in Africa. We have alot of resources that need to be exploited and labor is still cheap.
$750,000???
I am a physics tech earning approximately $80,000 per year. My wife has always wanted to nurture our children in the home. We are a tithing family in addition to my providing safe, comfortable housing, insurance, transportation, quality clothing and nutrition to our three children who are all home schooled, since we cannot afford to pay for a private school education, the public schools in our area being a woke disaster. If I end my working career with $50,000 in savings that will be much more than many of my lab coworkers unless their children are given over to others for the majority of their developmental lives.
In our community, the result of children being exposed to the public schools is that they end up being guided by the worst, principle free individuals imaginable.
Great video! Can you make a video about health insurance planning if a person retires before Medicare kicks in. Thanks!
He already did
Great video could you do a similar one about when you are 10 years out from retirement?
Nice sunset!
My wife and I have watched a few of your videos and have enjoyed them. Tonight, both of us lit up when you said you’re vegan! Always great news from someone I liked in the first place! ❤
New to your channel and really enjoying the videos ! Curious if you’ve ever talked about retiring from say… a high-pressured 9 to 5 job and just picking up part-time work so you can offset some of what you need to pull out of your savings and or Social Security.
The one other bucket I would add is a position in Gold. Should congress continue to have issues resolving the budget and managing the debt ceiling, it will mean more defaults and eventually a monetary crisis which will put the whole country in crisis. A position in Gold will protect you against such crises and ultimately against a skyrocketing inflation rate which is synonymous with countries who cannot manage their budget and rely more heavily on printing money.
Part of the investment matrix ???
Thanks!
@Azul, I'm 61 but my wife is 50. I'd like to not necessarily stop earning income but at least control my time a little more, even as she continues to work for a few more years. How should I factor her earning potential over the next, say, 10 years, into when I can take my foot off the gas a little more? Would this be something I should get a good answer from a fee-only financial adviser?
Hi Gary. Yes, perfect example of where a fee-only adviser can help. They can easily factor in something like this for you. If you are in the USA www.NAPFA.org is a great place to find fee only advisers. It is the USA association for fee-only advisers. Hope this helps ... 😎 Azul
I’m using 4% as a return calculation. I don’t see 7 or 8 as an average for the next 5 years.
Why so low Mary, you can make 5%+ on Gov. Securities currently. Trajectory shows higher are coming. Don't place all of your eggs in one basket 🎉😊🎉
I was so glad to head you today i having been doing the buckets for a while not knowing if it was right or not but i did not want all my eggs in one basket eather. i have 5 years left retirement so i am going to do some traveling now so i can pay as i go because i am still working
Azul, love your videos!! Could you do one on JEPQ & JEPI i invest in both ETF’s and they pay excellent dividends each month. The good, the bad and the ugly about them.
Ageism is illegal, but real. It's a race, you against time. Pay off your debt ASAP, especially your home.
So true, asset location, not asset allocation, is very important in retirement. For those with means, retirement becomes a tax game. Pay (legally) less in taxes is better.
Why pay off your home, if you're locked in at a low interest rate ? Your decision should be based on rate of return received. Reduce your expenses, as you can, and move forward in life... Try and become debt free but, if your investments return more, figure it out ! 😊😊😊😊
I would to retire early and my husband and I have been told we have plenty of money by an advisor. But I’m stuck on the idea of access to healthcare prior to getting on Medicare.
Your videos speak to me, love the perspectives and delivery, thank you.
Am I right or wrong with this… the ACA subsidy can be substantial, we are planning to keep our income as low as possible so to take full advantage of it during the GAP years. Thus we are planning to use Roth IRA funds firsts when our savings are depleted… we are 58 and 61, retired 18 months ago and loving life. Is this reasonable?
you have to show some taxable income to use ACA , you have to be somewhere between your states poverty level and around 75k i think...but if you use all roth or cash savings without taxable income shown , theyll try to stick you on medicaid instead ...which you dont want...look up the limits for your county/state to be sure where to keep the taxable income
@@70qq correct we have a pension that takes care of that, but it has us at under 200% of the poverty line, maximizing the subsidy.
earlier is better. last 5 is way late for savings, planning, and especially health.
How about a video on what to do in the first five years that you are retired as far as investing and helping your money to last.
Hey Azul - I know you are well -ntentioned but to tell folks that they can double their assets in 5 years ( going from $750K to $1.5MM in 5 years ) would require putting sizable assets at risk to obtain that level of return. Do you think that is a smart move so close from retirement? You would know, working in the fin industry, how fickle clients can be when a market turns sour - and it is bound to take a sizable dip in any 5 year period.
Paying off debt, esp. credit cards, cars and specifically home, makes sense but not sure that that alone would double the cash flow of most folks.
100%
Just building wealth, others will spend. Why wait...
I’m still working on building up $100,000
Hi Azul. Thanks for what you do. It's like listening to a friend.
In each video you recommend finding a "Fee Only' advisor. For the last 4 years I use a wealth advisor from a large international bank/investment company in NYC and have been on auto-pilot. They charge me about 1% on the money they manage for me excluding 529 plans for my kids. It's really unclear as to what the fees actually costs because of the fluctuations in the market and the actual amount is deducted along the way. Is it okay to stick with this type of advice? The only sites that I get on a google search have generic surveys that will end up putting me on a list that provides my contact info to 100 advisors that have nothing to do but chase leads. How can I find someone that is independent and trustworthy without being hounded? Keep up the good work.
Check the video description under "NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?" Azul gives a link for where to look.
Wow! The only thing that would bother me, is say you allow them to 'Manage" $500k, and the market goes down like last year. You lose because of Macro economic conditions, you lose a butt load of money, yet they're changing you $5k if they make you money or not!
Atomic Habits is a fantastic book!
How do you know how much to put into each of the retirement account types?
Thanks Azul. I retired once but bidenomics sent me back to work. I didn’t want start liquidating assets while the market was down. I have been back to work for almost two and a half years. My estimate now is to go another two years. Hopefully that works. I’m now 64 1/2 so I will go to 67 and not a day longer!
I think life in Australia is significantly more costly than the States. We just keep working as long as possible to build our superannuation.
By my 63rd birthday, I will be bringing in enough income from other streams, that I will be able to max out my Roth TSP and my HSA, which will take my entire check, and then live off those streams. I love the idea of investing my whole paycheck.
Give the U.S. SS income statement projection assumes future contributions before collecting, how can we calculate the impact on SS income if we retire early? We have tried to plan for retirement assuming no SS income, but I am now more concerned with the impact of the cost of medical insurance. Thanks in advance.
You should really consider copying a list of books that you mention and paste them below the video"s. I was actually looking for one of the books you as well as several other people mentioned. I think the title was "Die With Zero" or similar. I stopped at the warehouse club for a couple of things and last year I saw a book that was a NYT best seller for 26 weeks that I was interested in, so I bought it. They don't have a large book section, but i thought I might see it there. The last one was a little cheaper than the going price and no shipping! I used Audible a couple of years ago until I couldn't really find anything that interested me available anymore.
Facts right here. It's like off grid and van life.. you should practice the life you think you want to live before you jump in.
Still working here at 55 though I can get out any time , but I've not been able to take more than 3 consecutive days off since 2019 and often checking in on the early morning and night even when off. Okay with it in exchange for remote work, flexible schedule and enough job security.
Just getting my tent ready for tent city and my shopping cart that I got from the store so that I can store my goods in five years before I retire cause no one hired me before
Question for anyone who knows: If my wife and I were retired, filing jointly, and receiving $100K in social security per year together, and we had a long term capital gain of say $90K, what would be our tax ? (wondering if the $90K adds to AGI and provisional income causing more of the social security to be taxed, and assuming the long term gain has 0% tax, but not positive). Assume there is no other income and standard deduction
I'd think a debt goal by 50 or whatever would be a % of net worth. For many there is no value in getting to 0.
I had a mini retirement during a covid furlough... it changed my life to know that I am ok, I am who I am, like popeye, I can be me on my own terms.
ive been tracking multiple investments in multiple plans, and they are pretty much break even for the last 5 years...
Amazing video, A friend of mine referred me to a financial adviser sometime ago and we got to talking about investment and money. I started investing with $150k and in the first 2 months, my portfolio was reading $274,800. Crazy right!, I decided to reinvest my profit and get more interesting. For over a year we have been working together making consistent profit just bought my second home 2 weeks ago and care for my family.
@denielalipp However, if you do not have access to a professional like JUDITH ANN PEACE, quitting your job to focus on trading may not be the best approach. It is important to consider all options and seek guidance from reliable sources before making any major decisions. Consulting with an AI or using automated trading systems can also be helpful in managing investments while balancing other commitments
@denielalipp Judith Ann peace is her name
Lookup with her name on the webpage.
@denielalipp You are welcome
Would it be better to begin taking Soc. Sec. Or take 4% from retirement accounts? The amount would be about the same. I am 62.
However, taking SS at 62 greatly limits your tax/penalty free earning potential...
HI Azul I really appreciate your videos and love how you consistently discuss the importance of health....as a nutrition professional I couldn't agree more! Just like you continue to recommend a financial advisor for health, I recommend people work with a holistic nutrition professional or naturopathic doctor to tailor their diet to their health goals. My experience and education has taught me the benefits of a vegan diet come from increasing the amount of plant-based foods, which many people are desperately needing more of. However,I think their is an argument to include small amounts of high quality animal based protein, which can increase the amount of key nutrients (EPA/DHA, B12, zinc, iron, ect.) that are lacking in vegan diets. Vegans are known to have micronutrient deficiencies in these areas, and while you can technically supplement these nutrients, I personally believe most of our nutrition should come from food. A small amount of animal based proteins can easily balance out what you might be missing. Similar to asset allocation for financing, asset allocation is important for nutrition too. Most of the negative press from consuming animal proteins is including studies of people consuming high quantities of poor quality protein (eg fast food burgers, fried chicken wings, ect.). A small amount of organic pasture-raised eggs, or 100% grass-fed beef might be just what you need to balance out your nutritional asset allocation :). Cheers to health!
To Azul or anyone who may know: I have to make a decision rather soon and I’m trying to get as many perspectives/as much info as I can. I have to decide whether to take a pension of more $$ or take a smaller pension (@$3000 less/month) but take a check (DROP) for @ $490k. In either scenario I’ll be 62 yrs old. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what and why I should go one way or the other.
Can you talk about how to find a fee only advisor?
Good video
750K...........Sheeeeet, I will be lucky to have saved $750..lol
within three minutes,. you hear three times, this is a commercial
best advice ever : Practice retirement
what do you mean by double the asset base?
where are you located with that great background?
Does the 4.5% rule take SS into account?
Seems like you forgot to mention a Super Roth IRA?
What are the five books you referred to as must reads prior to retirement
Hi Peter. I just punished my video on these 5 books. I hope you find it helpful.
😎 Azul.
🔥 📚 5 Must Read Books: Money, Happiness & Thrive 🚀
ua-cam.com/video/m60hrtx58iQ/v-deo.html
I hope I will be ready for retirement. I'm debt free and aggressively saving, will hit age 64 in 8 years with $450k and Social Security payment of $3200, but I know nothing of investing. Do you have a video on the different cash-flow options you mention in this video? I seriously need some help and good advice figuring this out
How the hell can someone have $700,000 saved by age 50. Doesn't seem possible, at least not anyone working for wages. My average annual salary for the past 40 years is around $25k after tax. That's $1m total, and I had to live off of that for 40 years. Doesn't add up. Didn't pay off my mortgage until 10 years ago.
I lost over $70K when everything started to tank. Not because I was in an exchange that went belly up. I was just stupid to hold and because that's what everyone said. I'm still responsible. It just taught me to be a better investor now that I understand more of what could go wrong. It took me over two years of being in the market, I'm really grateful I find one source to recover my money, at least $9k profits weekly. Thanks so much Mrs Ann Elizabeth Messer
Mrs Messer changed my life because of the huge profits I got from investing with her.
@AnnmesserFX
Doubling in 5 years? So that means investing super aggressively during a time when you should be preserving wealth? Not sure I agree with this strategy.
Speaking of compounding, I’m wondering if it’s better to have all my retirement funds together under one brokerage firm or split it up amongst maybe 2 or 3. I feel like one big balance will make more than multiple smaller ones?
it doesnt matter how many custodians/firms you use ...all that matters is how youre invested ... 400k at one place or 100k at four places all make the same money if its invested the same
That’s not how math works.
Your videos are so helpful. We are in our 5 years before retirement and all your videos are applicable for us👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
What is a fee only financial advisor? Is it a fee charged off the total amount you have or a flat fee for advice?
The latter is what you want. They work for you by the hour just like an accountant would. Most offer a "retirement plan" package for a fixed fee.