Retirement Your Way

AmeriLife Retirement.Radio Network

Bradley and Madison Hardin share valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am and WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Give us a call: 386-320-6406 Learn more: PlanRetirementYourWay.com Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

  1. 8H AGO · BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Emergency Savings Strategies—Building a Safety Net Without Feeling Overwhelmed

    Retirement.Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, for a practical and timely conversation about emergency savings. With rising living costs, recent holiday spending, and ongoing debt repayment putting pressure on household budgets, many Americans struggle to set money aside for unexpected expenses. Matt and Rod break down common emergency fund guidelines—ranging from three to six months of expenses or more—while emphasizing that the most important step is simply getting started. Rather than focusing on intimidating savings targets, the discussion highlights the value of small, consistent contributions that build momentum over time. The conversation also explores actionable strategies for freeing up cash flow, including tracking expenses, reducing recurring bills, and using available tools to identify unused subscriptions or high-cost credit options. Matt and Rod wrap up by connecting emergency savings to long-term financial stability, stressing the importance of automation, protecting credit health, and taking full advantage of employer-matched retirement contributions. Host: Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure Guest: Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

    8 min
  2. 4D AGO

    Healthcare, Longevity, and Social Security: Building a Retirement Plan That Lasts

    On this episode of Retirement Your Way with AmeriLife of Central Florida, host Bradley Hardin is joined by co-host Matt McClure for an in-depth conversation about three of the most important forces shaping retirement today: healthcare costs, longevity, and Social Security planning.  The episode begins with a discussion on why retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—and why confidence comes from having a clear, personalized strategy. From there, the conversation dives into healthcare planning, including Medicare decisions, common enrollment mistakes, and the often-underestimated cost of medical care in retirement. The episode also explores longevity planning, highlighting the reality that retirements are lasting longer than ever. Finally, Bradley and Matt address Social Security planning, clarifying what Social Security was designed to do, what it was not designed to do, and how retirees can coordinate benefits with pensions, personal savings, and guaranteed income strategies. The episode wraps up with a practical list of common retirement mistakes to avoid in 2026, including overestimating Social Security increases, under-planning for healthcare, delaying key decisions, and failing to regularly review a retirement plan. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

    30 min
  3. 6D AGO · BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Important Tax Changes for the 2026 Filing Season

    Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer of Jackson Hewitt, to break down what taxpayers need to know heading into the 2026 tax season. They discuss some of the biggest changes on the horizon, including an estimated $300 billion in refunds expected for millions of Americans — and why filing early and accurately can make a real difference. Steber walks through several new tax benefits, including deductions for tipped and overtime workers and a new tax break for seniors age 65 and older. The conversation also covers practical tips on getting organized, choosing a trusted tax professional, and avoiding common tax scams. It’s a timely, practical discussion designed to help listeners feel informed, prepared, and confident as tax season approaches. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Tax Season 2022(00:00:34) - Tax Filing Season 2018(00:01:20) - The New Tax Law for Americans 2018(00:06:26) - Tax Tips for 2018

    8 min
  4. JAN 23

    Guaranteed Income, Lower Taxes, and Fewer Fees: Retirement Planning Done Right

    On this episode of Retirement Your Way with AmeriLife of Central Florida, Bradley Hardin and co-host Matt McClure break down what it really means to build a results-in-advance retirement plan—a plan built on clarity, guarantees, and confidence. Instead of relying on “hoping the market cooperates,” this episode focuses on strategies that can help retirees: Reduce unnecessary taxes Eliminate hidden portfolio fees Create predictable, guaranteed income they can’t outlive Bradley explains the three key steps behind results-in-advance planning, including tax-efficient strategies like Roth conversions, identifying fee drag inside investment portfolios, and using tools such as fixed indexed annuities to create personal pensions.  The show also covers an important new rule affecting 401(k) catch-up contributions for higher earners, plus common retirement red flags to avoid as you approach the finish line.  If you’re nearing retirement and want more certainty—not more speculation—this episode delivers practical insights designed to help you retire your way. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Retirement Your Way(00:01:12) - Retirement Your Way: What You Need to Know(00:02:43) - Plan Retirement Your Way(00:04:41) - The Money Talk: Building a Retirement Plan(00:05:41) - Yogi Berra(00:07:48) - How to Manage Your Taxes in Retirement(00:13:56) - Roth IRA: Step 1(00:15:42) - Bradley and Madison Hardin: De-Allocate Portfolio(00:19:22) - Retirement Income: Fixed Index Annuity(00:26:05) - Bradley and Madison Hardin: 401K Catch Up Contributions

    30 min
  5. JAN 16

    Retirement Planning in a Volatile Market: Creating Predictable Income When the Headlines Won’t Cooperate

    Market volatility, election-year uncertainty, and constant headlines can make retirement planning feel overwhelming — especially when you’re close to making the transition from saving to spending. On this episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin of AmeriLife of Central Florida is joined by co-host Matt McClure for an in-depth conversation about how pre-retirees and retirees can build predictable, reliable income even when the markets are anything but predictable. Bradley breaks down why volatility affects retirees differently than younger investors, how emotional investing can quietly erode long-term results, and why having a solid income foundation matters more than chasing returns. If you’re approaching retirement or already there and wondering whether your plan is built to last, this episode will help you think differently about income, risk, and peace of mind. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Retirement Your Way(00:01:11) - Retirement Your Way(00:02:16) - Plan Retirement Your Way(00:03:54) - Retirement: The Challenge of Preparing for Your Retirement(00:05:03) - Fool's Advice for Floridians(00:05:50) - Retirement Planning in a Volatile Market(00:08:50) - Planning for Retirement With Money That Will Last(00:11:18) - The 3-Bucket Income Strategy for Retirement(00:15:31) - Retired Money: Predictability and Safety(00:17:40) - Pensions and Personal Retirement Income(00:25:06) - election year volatility

    30 min
  6. 12/20/2025

    Social Security, Medicare & Market Volatility: Your Retirement Action Plan for 2026

    In this episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin and Matt McClure dive into the upcoming Social Security changes for 2026, including cost-of-living adjustments, higher taxable wage limits, Medicare premium increases, and a brand-new tax deduction for seniors. They break down how these changes impact retirees, pre-retirees, and workers still paying into the system—and why many of these updates may mean less income in your pocket than expected. Bradley and Matt also explore one of the biggest questions listeners have: “Can I trust that Social Security will still be there for me?” Their answer: yes, but not necessarily at today’s benefit levels. And that means every retiree must build a plan that can stand on its own two feet—Social Security should be the cherry on top, not the whole sundae. The episode continues with strategies for budgeting during the holidays, preparing for market volatility, managing sequence-of-returns risk, and creating guaranteed lifetime income through personal pensions like fixed indexed annuities. Matt and Bradley also issue an urgent reminder for anyone age 73 or older: RMDs must be taken before December 31, with no exceptions. Packed with practical action steps, retirement income insight, and truly listener-friendly explanations, this episode helps you begin 2026 with clarity and confidence. -- Schedule your complimentary consultation today: 386-320-6406 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

    30 min
  7. 12/12/2025

    Your First Year of Retirement: The Surprises Nobody Warns You About

    Your first year of retirement is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, Matt McClure and advisor Bradley Hardin break down the five biggest adjustments retirees face, including emotional challenges, healthcare surprises, lifestyle shifts, tax complexity, and why spending often increases after you leave the workforce.  Bradley also explains why having a SMART vision for retirement matters, what goes into a SMART inspection of your financial accounts, and how market volatility and sequence-of-returns risk can impact retirees more than they realize. Whether you’re months away from retirement or already navigating those first twelve months, this episode will help you build confidence, stay flexible, and create a plan that supports the lifestyle you’ve earned. Schedule your complimentary consultation today: (386) 977-9684 PlanRetirementYourWay.com -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

    30 min
  8. 12/04/2025

    Podcast Extra—Inflation, Tariffs, and Dupe Culture: How We’re Shopping This Holiday Season

    In this interview, Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure speaks with Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products at Bank of America, about holiday shopping trends. A major focus is how inflation and tariffs influence consumer behavior. The discussion also explores how dupe culture is emerging as a popular trend among younger generations who seek affordable alternatives to high-end branded items, while highlighting generational differences in gift-giving preferences and shopping habits. Mary emphasizes practical strategies for managing holiday expenses, including budgeting, using rewards cards, and taking advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities to maximize value during the holiday season. Schedule your complimentary consultation today: (386) 977-9684 PlanRetirementYourWay.com  -- About the Hosts: Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am ️WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Holiday Spending Up a Mile(00:00:47) - Holiday Shopping Forecast(00:01:52) - What Is The Dupe Culture?(00:03:40) - Are Generations More Likely to Hold On to Holiday Spending Trends?(00:05:13) - How to Manage Your Spending This Holiday Season(00:06:09) - Holiday Spending With a Reward Card(00:06:47) - Mary Hines Drosch on Small Business

    7 min

About

Bradley and Madison Hardin share valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Bradley serves as an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Social Security Analyst. Madison is a licensed life and health insurance agent and also a Registered Social Security Analyst. Tune in each week: ️WNDB, News Daytona Beach, FM 98.5 & AM 1150 – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 10am and WAPN, Word and Praise, FM 91.5 – Sundays at 9:30am Give us a call: 386-320-6406 Learn more: PlanRetirementYourWay.com Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and AmeriLife are separate companies but are affiliated through common ownership. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Not affiliated with the United States government. Bradley and Madison Hardin do not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict future performance of any product. All information provided is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any statement. This information is intended to be educational in nature and does not provide a guarantee or a specific result. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AmeriLife assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of this message. The information contained herein is provided on an as-is basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.