"You can't change horses midstream", or so goes the old saying. In today's episode, Mike discusses when or if it makes sense to change, or surrender an annuity, and pay the penalty or fees. What situations are beneficial to include an annuity as part of your retirement plan? If you have one, and the rates drop, should I get out of it? Does paying the surrender penalty make sense to find a better one? What are the annuity bonuses all about? All of these questions are answered and more, in this episode of How to Retire on Time.

In today's episode, Mike gives tips and general advice for those planning their estate. There are many things to consider when planning your estate, from tax planning, IRS codes, legacy plans, gifting and legal issues. This is why it is very important to have a team helping you plan your estate: a tax professional, a financial professional, and an attorney when making these decisions.

In today's episode, Mike talks Social Security optimization. "If you file to early, your income could be hurting; if you file too late, you could be hurting your estate." Listen to find out the benefits and detriments of filing early, versus waiting until 70 to file. It may make sense for you to file early or late, depending on your lifestyle and legacy plans.

In today's episode, Mike lays out the case for the DIY investor, and also the benefits of working with a licensed financial professional. What kind of research can you do on your own? What does a licensed financial professional know, and have access to that you don't? Do you have a plan that's answering the questions that you may not know to ask?

On today's show, Mike breaks down some common retirement income strategies, and discusses the benefits and detriments of each. Some of the strategies mentioned in this episode include: cash value life insurance, universal life policies, CD's, Treasuries, Fixed Annuities, and Fixed Index annuities. Are you worried that your CD won't keep up with inflation if the Fed lowers rates? Listen to hear what Mike has to say about these income options, as retirees (or folks near retirement) try to balance principal protection with growth.