We all make excuses from time to time for decisions we know might not be the best. Whether it's about our health, relationships, or finances, excuses can hold us back from achieving our long-term goals.

Very often, Lee sees people who know that the financial decisions that they’re making aren’t the best decisions, but they try to create excuses or explanations for why they’re doing what they’re doing. From making Social Security decisions based on fear to taking on too much risk to make up for lost time, he’ll address some common areas where he sees this happening. Let’s talk about why these excuses usually don’t hold water…

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

• Claiming Social Security at age 62 due to fears of it running out of money
• Taking too much risk to make up for lost time
• Holding onto too much cash to keep your money safe
• Investing in things you don’t understand
• Sticking with a financial advisor out of loyalty, even when you should switch

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

In this episode, host Lee Perkins sits down with Keith Dykes, the newest member of the JL Perkins Wealth Management team. Originally a Zoom call, this engaging interview explores Keith's background, family life, and journey to becoming a financial advisor. Learn about Keith's transition from agronomy to finance, his dedication to client service, and the values that align him perfectly with the team.

Keith joined the JL Perkins Wealth Management team in 2023 as a financial advisor. His background includes being a successful entrepreneur & business owner with additional experience in Tax and Insurance. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a BSA in Crop Science. When not at work, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and his two daughters Ashlyn and Avery. He spends his spare time golfing, watching UGA football, hiking, traveling, and experiencing different cultures around the world.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

• We've added another member to our wealth management team
• Lee and Keith have known each other for a dozen years
• More about Keith’s family and original education experience at the University of Georgia
• Keith’s early journey as a member of the JL team
• What Keith is looking forward to over the next year

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. These check-ins help catch potential issues early and allow you to adjust your plans as needed. By regularly reviewing your budget, goals, and progress, you can make informed decisions to stay on track financially.

Although financial wellness will look different for everyone, we’ll share some areas you should be paying attention to in today’s episode. Don't miss these valuable insights to ensure your financial health is in top shape! And if you have any questions about your financial health, be sure to reach out to Lee and his team for personalized guidance.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

• Monitoring budgeting and spending habits + keeping up with your credit score
• Maintaining an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses and emergencies
• The importance of diversification + being aligned with your risk tolerance
• Proactively planning for the unexpected + being involved in your finances
• How J.L. Perkins Wealth Management helps their clients stay on track

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Many people have preconceived notions about what retirement should look like. Oftentimes, TV commercials and retirement shows paint this as a time of life full of endless beach days and exciting vacations. The reality of retirement, however, can be quite different from our expectations.

Listen in as we explore why a realistic approach to retirement, inclusive of financial planning and the potential for unexpected challenges, is crucial. After all, life is full of surprises, and this phase of life is no exception. Luckily, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) plan for the “what ifs” alone.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

• Retirement is different for everyone, so it’s important to manage your expectations
• Many people underestimate how much they will spend once they retire
• You need to be ready to adjust your plans when unexpected changes occur
• Retirement planning is difficult, and it’s okay to ask for help

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Sometimes, the lessons we learn the hard way stick with us the longest. This is especially true when it comes to financial decisions. In today’s episode, Lee shares a personal story that serves as a stark reminder of how being cheap can end up being very expensive.

In this conversation, Lee recounts how his reluctance to invest in a security system for his new Dodge Ram 1500 TRX led to an expensive loss when the vehicle was stolen. Unfortunately, this led to weeks of stress and logistical nightmares like changing the locks to his house and dealing with insurance. Listen in as Lee talks about the financial and emotional implications of being penny-wise and pound foolish, and discusses the importance of seeing value in investments, whether it's for vehicle security or financial advisory services.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

• The story of Lee’s truck being stolen at the Atlanta airport
• Dealing with the aftermath of theft, including insurance claims, changing locks, and replacing stolen items
• How investing in quality advice and protection can save money and trouble in the long run

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult event that can leave one feeling lost and overwhelmed emotionally and financially. In today’s episode, Lee is going to take us behind the scenes and share the stories of two clients who faced the sudden loss of their husbands. He’ll offer insight into how each of them coped differently with their loss, and how the J.L. Perkins team helped them navigate this difficult transition.

Listen in as Lee shares why it is so critical to have a plan in place and a financial advisor in your corner in the wake of tragic circumstances. He also stresses the importance of couples being actively engaged in their finances with a clear understanding of their financial situation. While this is not a scenario anyone wants to face or think about, sharing these stories can help you prepare should you or someone you know ever find themselves in a similar situation.

Here are the questions we answer in today’s show:

• The stories of two women who lost their spouses + how they handled loss differently
• How being prepared, or lack thereof, affects widows and widowers
• Having a financial professional in your corner after loss
• Why it's crucial for both spouses to be involved in financial matters

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

In today's episode of My Retirement Clarity with Lee Perkins, we dive into a story of transformation, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph. Lee shares the journey of a client who, at 43, believed retirement was an impossible dream. Saddled with debt, family pressures, and a lack of financial direction, she was overwhelmed by the thought of mandatory retirement at 56 without a clear path forward.

Lee recounts how, through meticulous planning and disciplined action, they tackled her challenges step by step. From budgeting and debt elimination to maximizing her 401(k) contributions, her story is a testament to the power of a solid financial strategy and the importance of trust in your financial advisor.

As we follow her path to a debt-free life, fully funded emergency and leisure savings, and a growing retirement account, you'll witness the emotional turning point where the possibility of a fulfilling retirement becomes a reality. Lee's client's story is not just about financial planning—it's about the emotional journey from doubt to confidence that occurs when true planning takes place.

Remember, with the right plan and commitment, a joyful retirement is within reach. Tune in to get inspired and learn how you can apply these life-changing strategies to your own situation.

Here are some of the questions we answer in today’s show:

• How to get out of debt and save for retirement.
• Why some people fall back into debt if they take shortcuts to address the problem.
• Illustrating the true impact of having a solid emergency fund.
• How discipline leads to excellent outcomes.

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com

Each generation is currently navigating a unique part of the retirement planning experience. With many baby boomers preparing for the transition into retirement and Generation X starting to think more about their retirement savings, these major life events come with a handful of financial planning questions. In today’s episode, we’ll focus on some of the common questions that these age groups are asking.

While there’s no universal solution to these questions, this episode will provide some important considerations to keep in mind. By seeking personalized guidance, you can better prepare for your unique situation and set yourself up for a successful retirement. Tune in to see what you can learn from Lee!

Here are some of the questions we answer in today’s show:

• Baby boomers: "How do I manage the risks of market volatility as I approach retirement?”
• Baby Boomers: “What are the best ways to maximize my Social Security benefits?”
• Generation X: “How much do I need saved to actually retire?”
• Generation X: “What should I do with my 401(k) from previous employers?”

Want to set up a meeting with us? Visit us here: http://talkwithjp.com

Get more financial education at http://myretirementclarity.com