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. FEB 28

    The Truth About Annuities: Clearing Up Confusion, Fine Print & Misconceptions

    Have you ever looked at your annuity statement and felt completely confused? You're not alone—and that's a problem that needs solving. In this essential episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin with AmeriLife of Central Florida tackles one of the most misunderstood retirement planning tools: annuities. Despite being widely used and highly effective for the right purposes, annuities are often surrounded by confusion, misconceptions, and even fear-mongering from people who don't understand them (or who want to sell you something else). Bradley's goal is simple: create clarity through education. He breaks down exactly what annuities are, how they work, and where they belong in a well-structured retirement plan. Whether you already own an annuity and don't understand it, or you're considering adding one to your plan, this episode delivers the education you need to move forward with 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.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Retirement Your Way(00:01:12) - Retirement Your Way(00:03:18) - Retirement Income: Annuities(00:06:05) - What is an Annuity? (Fixed and indexed)(00:11:39) - Be Warned of Annuities(00:13:05) - An Annuity: The Ins, The Outs, The Fine Print(00:20:38) - Where Annuities Fit in a Retirement Plan(00:25:10) - Plan Retirement Your Way with AmeriLife Financial

    30 min
  2. FEB 25 · BONUS

    Podcast Extra: How AI Is Reshaping Work for Older Americans — Insights from AARP’s Carly Roszkowski

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than ever — and for older workers, that shift can feel both exciting and intimidating. Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure sits down with Carly Roszkowski, VP of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP, to unpack how AI is reshaping the job market and what it means for workers over 50. They explore new research showing that many older workers are worried about job security and finding new employment — and why AI is becoming both a challenge and a powerful opportunity. Carly shares practical ways job seekers can use AI tools to research companies, tailor resumes, prepare for interviews, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce. The conversation also highlights the growing value of multigenerational workplaces and why experience still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, Carly points listeners to AARP’s free resources designed to help older adults navigate career transitions with confidence.If you’re thinking about career longevity, job security, or how technology is reshaping the future of work, this episode offers timely insights and practical guidance you can use right now. -- 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) - Finding a New Job with an AI-based Future(00:00:37) - Does AI Help Older Workers Find a Job?(00:03:48) - Seniors on the Job Search(00:05:39) - AARP's Carly Roskowski on Financial Resilience

    6 min
  3. FEB 20

    The 30-Minute Mistake: Why Your Retirement Income Strategy Deserves More Than a Quick Decision

    Most retirees spend 30 to 40 years accumulating wealth—but only 30 minutes deciding how to convert that nest egg into reliable income. That backwards approach can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and leave your retirement vulnerable to market volatility. In this essential episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin with AmeriLife of Central Florida breaks down the three pillars that determine whether your retirement income plan will stand the test of time: Social Security Optimization: When should you file? Bradley, a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA), explains why the timing of your claim affects not just your benefit, but your surviving spouse's financial security for life. He reveals the permanent cost of filing at 62, the advantages of waiting until age 70, and why up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable depending on how you structure your withdrawals. Income Gap Planning: Retirement isn't about having a large account balance—it's about replacing your paycheck with predictable income. Bradley introduces the three-bucket approach: the Growth Bucket for long-term investments that outpace inflation, the Protection Bucket for short-term emergencies, and the Income Bucket for generating reliable monthly cash flow. He demonstrates how to calculate your personal income gap and eliminate the dangerous "sequence of returns risk" that can derail your retirement if the market crashes early on. Portfolio Balance: Your portfolio should let you sleep at night. Bradley explains why money designed for income shouldn't behave like money designed for growth, and how purpose-based allocation protects you from both market volatility and inflation erosion. He offers a portfolio stress test to model exactly how a 20% market correction would impact your lifestyle. If you're asking yourself whether your Social Security is optimized, whether you know your income gap, or whether your portfolio could withstand a major downturn—this episode provides the clarity you need. -- 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
  4. FEB 18 · BONUS

    Podcast Extra: How to Build a Recession-Ready Budget

    Recession talk is back for 2026—it may not be in every headline, but the odds aren’t at zero percent. You need to be prepared for the scenario of a possible recession.Key Points Covered: Emergency Funds --- Start by building (or topping off) an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. Picking the Right Budgeting System – Whether old or new, using a budgeting system can help consolidate while keeping stress away. Configure your Financial Portfolio – Strategies to ensure your financial portfolio remains in a strong position. -- 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.

    2 min
  5. FEB 6

    Social Security Deep Dive: Timing, Strategy & Building a Strong Retirement Foundation

    In this Social Security–focused episode of Retirement Your Way, Bradley Hardin and co-host Matt McClure take a deep dive into one of the most critical pieces of retirement planning. They explain how Social Security can serve as a stable income foundation and why choosing the right claiming strategy can make a lasting impact on long-term financial security. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized planning, from evaluating when to claim to understanding how benefits change based on age, health, and household dynamics. Bradley also shares how comprehensive planning — including personal pensions and income coordination — can help fill the gap Social Security doesn’t cover, creating more confidence and clarity for the retirement journey ahead. -- 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
  6. FEB 3 · 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
  7. JAN 31

    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
  8. JAN 28 · 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

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.