Retirement GPS - Navigated by Zynergy

Zynergy Retirement Planning
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The Retirement GPS Podcast helps you navigate the road to and through retirement with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, President of Zynergy Retirement Planning, and Zane Belcak, Associate Planner, each episode breaks down the most important financial topics. From tax strategies and income planning to Social Security, investing, and estate considerations, we cover the issues that matter most—without the jargon. Our goal is simple: give you the tools and guidance to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay on course for the retirement you deserve. Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead, consider this your personal guide to a smarter, more intentional future. Learn more at zynergyretirement.com and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Also, look out for our Mile Markers blog series that corresponds to the podcast episode you just listened to.

  1. 1D AGO

    Retirement, Answered — Investing After You Retire: How Much Risk Is Enough?

    Retirement changes the rules of investing.   In Episode 31 of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane answer a critical question: How much risk is appropriate after you retire?   They break down the difference between risk capacity, risk tolerance, and risk need, and explain why focusing only on market volatility can lead to costly mistakes. You’ll learn how sequence of returns risk impacts income, why maintaining a proper cash runway matters, and how diversification and rebalancing help protect long-term sustainability.   Using Zynergy’s three-bucket framework, this episode outlines how to balance stability for today with growth for tomorrow, so your portfolio supports both income and longevity.   If you’re retired (or close to it), this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.   Stay connected by subscribing to the Retirement GPS Podcast and following Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for timely planning reminders and strategies.

    26 min

  2. FEB 24

    Retirement, Answered — NJ Tax Relief Guide: Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and What to Do Now

    New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, but there are programs designed to help retirees stay put.   In Episode 30 of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane break down the three major New Jersey property tax relief programs: Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and StayNJ. These benefits can stack together and, in some cases, reduce property tax costs by up to 50%.   You’ll learn: • Who qualifies for each program • How the Senior Freeze “base year” works • Why income planning matters for eligibility • Key filing deadlines and application tips • How these programs can influence your decision to stay in New Jersey   If you’re 65+ or approaching retirement in New Jersey, this episode is a must-listen. Proper planning around these programs can make a meaningful difference in your long-term cash flow — and may even eliminate the need to relocate for tax reasons.   If you’re 65 or older (or receiving Social Security Disability), you’ll want to file Form PAS-1 (2025) — New Jersey’s combined property tax relief application for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ — available HERE.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast for weekly retirement planning insights, and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement to keep your retirement on course.

    18 min

  3. FEB 23

    Retirement, Answered — How Much Can I Spend Each Year Without Running Out of Money?

    How much can you safely spend in retirement—without running out of money?   In Episode 28 of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane break down how to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream that supports your lifestyle while protecting long-term portfolio longevity. They explain why distribution planning is often harder than saving, and how the right withdrawal strategy can help you stay confident through market volatility.   You’ll learn how the 4–5% distribution range works as a guide (not a rigid rule), how to think about monthly spending targets, where your retirement income should come from first, and how taxes, RMDs, Medicare premiums, and Social Security all fit into the bigger picture. Using real-world examples, this episode walks through how thoughtful planning can help you avoid common “rookie mistakes” and stay on track—even during tough markets.   If you’re approaching retirement or already living off your portfolio, this episode gives you a practical framework for spending with confidence instead of fear.   For ongoing insights and planning guidance, subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more insights to help you stay on course.

    24 min

  4. FEB 17

    Retirement, Answered — Social Security Timing: File Early or Hold Out?

    When should you claim Social Security, and what does that decision really cost you over time?   In this episode of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane break down the strategy behind claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70. This isn’t just about getting your money sooner. For married couples especially, Social Security is often a survivor income decision, not a “right now” decision.   You’ll learn: How early claiming permanently reduces benefits Why the higher earner often benefits from delaying How survivor benefits actually work How Social Security interacts with Roth conversions and taxes What common mistakes can cost a household thousands over time   The goal isn’t to guess when you’ll pass away—it’s to use probabilities, tax strategy, and household planning to maximize lifetime income and protect the surviving spouse.   Supplemental Resources Access your personal Social Security statement here: https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action When reviewing your statement, confirm: Your earnings history is accurate Your estimated benefits at 62, full retirement age, and 70 How your projected benefit fits into your retirement income plan   To access a sample Social Security statement (like the one referenced in this episode), click HERE.   For ongoing insights and planning tips, subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep your retirement on course.

    26 min

  5. FEB 3

    Retirement, Answered — Mortgage in Retirement: Pay It Off or Let It Ride?

    Retirement isn’t just about stopping work, it’s about redesigning your cash flow.   In Episode 27 of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane tackle one of the most common and emotionally charged retirement questions: Should you pay off your mortgage or keep it in retirement?   Rather than relying on rules of thumb, they walk through a decision framework designed to help you evaluate how your mortgage fits into your overall retirement plan — including cash flow, taxes, investment risk, and peace of mind.   This episode focuses on: How to evaluate paying off your mortgage versus keeping it The role interest rates, liquidity, and flexibility play in the decision Common tax mistakes that can turn a “simple” payoff into a costly one When low-rate mortgages may be worth keeping — and when they aren’t How mortgage decisions impact retirement income, taxes, and long-term security   Stay connected by subscribing to the Retirement GPS Podcast and following Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for timely planning reminders and strategies.

    29 min

  6. JAN 27

    Pleasure, Passion, Purpose – The Blueprint for a Joyful Retirement

    Retirement planning often focuses on numbers, but fulfillment doesn’t come from finances alone.   In this episode of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane explore what truly drives happiness in retirement through the Pleasure, Passion, and Purpose framework. They discuss why pleasure fades, passion engages, and purpose provides the long-term direction many retirees don’t realize they’re missing after work ends.   Using real-life experiences and behavioral insights, this conversation helps reframe retirement as more than a financial milestone and encourages listeners to think deeply about what gives their next chapter meaning.   If you’re preparing for retirement or already there, this episode offers a valuable perspective on building a life that feels rewarding beyond the balance sheet.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more insights to help you stay on course.

    24 min

  7. JAN 20

    Medicare – What They Don’t Tell You at 65

    Medicare can feel confusing, especially when you’re have so many options such as Part A, Part B, Part D, Part C, and Medigap.   In this episode, Ryan and Zane break Medicare down into a simple framework so you understand what each part covers, what it costs, and what decisions matter most as you approach age 65. They also cover enrollment windows, late penalties, common mistakes (including long-term care misconceptions), and why income can affect premiums through IRMAA.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn  @ZynergyRetirement to keep your plan on course.

    24 min

  8. JAN 13

    Retirement Landing – Navigating the Transition into Retirement

    Retirement isn’t a single event, it’s a transition.   In Episode 24 of the Retirement GPS Podcast, Ryan and Zane break down Zynergy’s Retirement Landing framework, a structured process designed to guide retirees through the final weeks before retirement and the first months after their last paycheck.   They walk through the most important financial and emotional steps from confirming income sources and health insurance to handling benefits, distributions, and post-retirement purpose so nothing gets missed during this critical transition.   This episode focuses on: Why structure matters in the final phase of retirement planning The key steps to take before and after your retirement date How to replace your paycheck with confidence Avoiding common retirement transition mistakes   Stay connected by subscribing to the Retirement GPS Podcast and following Zynergy Retirement Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for timely planning reminders and strategies.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Retirement GPS Podcast helps you navigate the road to and through retirement with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, President of Zynergy Retirement Planning, and Zane Belcak, Associate Planner, each episode breaks down the most important financial topics. From tax strategies and income planning to Social Security, investing, and estate considerations, we cover the issues that matter most—without the jargon. Our goal is simple: give you the tools and guidance to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay on course for the retirement you deserve. Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead, consider this your personal guide to a smarter, more intentional future. Learn more at zynergyretirement.com and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Also, look out for our Mile Markers blog series that corresponds to the podcast episode you just listened to.

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