Take Pride in Retirement

Matt McClure

Welcome to Take Pride in Retirement! A podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Hosted by Matt McClure, RSSA®, CAS® | During uncertain economic times, safety of your principal is key to planning a successful retirement. Our goal is to help educate you about ways to protect your hard-earned money while experiencing market-like growth at the same time. | LGBTQ people face unique challenges when planning for our retirement future. From legal barriers to a potential lack of family support, everyone’s situation is different. Tune in each week as we explore these obstacles and give you tips on how to overcome them so you can get on the road to success.

  1. 2d ago

    Mid-Year Money Reset: How to Get Back on Track Before 2026 Slips Away

    Have your financial goals slipped a little this year? If so, you're definitely not alone. A lot of people start the year feeling motivated and excited about saving more, paying down debt, or getting serious about retirement planning. But by the time summer rolls around, life happens. Vacations, unexpected expenses, busy schedules, and simple procrastination can make those goals feel a lot less urgent. In this episode, Josh and I talk about why so many people lose momentum on their financial goals by the middle of the year—and why June is actually the perfect time for a reset. We'll discuss how to review your retirement contributions, evaluate your investment strategy, make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date, and identify small improvements that can make a big difference over time. Most importantly, we'll talk about why progress beats perfection when it comes to building a successful retirement. No matter where you are today, there's still plenty of time to finish the year strong and move closer to the retirement you deserve. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    21 min
  2. 6d ago

    Before You Buy an Annuity: The Questions Every LGBTQ+ Retiree Should Ask

    June is Annuity Awareness Month, and in this follow-up episode, Matt and Josh focus on the questions every retiree should ask before investing in an annuity. Rather than starting with a product, Matt explains why it's critical to start with the problem you're trying to solve—and whether an annuity is actually the right solution. The conversation explores retirement income planning, longevity risk, market volatility, survivor benefits, liquidity concerns, and how annuities may address unique financial planning needs within the LGBTQ+ community. Matt also explains what "guaranteed income" really means, discusses potential drawbacks and fees, and highlights the importance of beneficiary planning for both traditional and chosen families. If you've been curious about annuities but aren't sure what questions to ask, this episode serves as a practical roadmap to help you make informed decisions. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    29 min
  3. Jun 5

    Annuity Awareness Month: Separating Fact from Fiction About Annuities

    June is Annuity Awareness Month, and that means it's time to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in retirement planning. Matt and Josh dive into the world of annuities, breaking down common myths, explaining the different types available, and helping listeners understand how these products may fit into a retirement income strategy. Are annuities all the same? Do they lock up your money forever? Are they only for wealthy investors? Matt addresses these questions and more while explaining how annuities can help create reliable retirement income—especially for LGBTQ+ retirees who may face unique financial planning challenges due to career interruptions, delayed family formation, or reliance on chosen family. Whether you've heard great things about annuities or horror stories, this episode focuses on education rather than sales pitches, helping you understand the facts so you can make informed decisions about your retirement future. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    32 min
  4. Jun 2

    Retirement Q&A Part 2: More Answers to Your Biggest Retirement Questions

    In this second installment of our listener-inspired retirement Q&A series, Josh is back with another round of some of the most common questions I hear from LGBTQ+ individuals and couples preparing for retirement. We tackle important topics including the biggest retirement mistakes people make, how often you should really be checking your investment accounts, what happens if one partner handles all the finances, whether you should pay off your mortgage before retirement, concerns about Social Security's future, and what a truly successful retirement actually looks like. Along the way, we discuss why retirement planning is about much more than investments, why communication between partners matters, and why retirement success is ultimately about creating a life you love—not simply accumulating the largest account balance possible. If you're looking for practical retirement guidance delivered in a straightforward and relatable way, this episode is for you. No matter who you are, where you come from, who you love, how you identify, or how much money you have, you deserve a retirement you can take pride in. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    29 min
  5. May 29

    Retirement Q&A: The Questions LGBTQ+ Couples Ask Most Often

    What are the biggest retirement questions LGBTQ+ individuals and couples are asking right now? In this special Q&A episode of Take Pride in Retirement, Josh puts me in the hot seat as we tackle some of the most common retirement planning questions I hear from clients and listeners. We discuss Social Security claiming strategies for married couples, how marriage equality impacts retirement planning today, how much cash retirees should keep on hand, estate planning considerations for people without children, the truth about annuities, and whether it's ever too late to catch up on retirement savings. Along the way, we explore some of the unique financial planning challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, including survivor benefits, chosen family considerations, and the importance of keeping estate documents up to date. If you've ever wondered whether you're making the right retirement decisions—or if you're worried you may be behind—this episode is packed with practical guidance designed to help you move forward with confidence. No matter who you are, where you come from, who you love, how you identify, or how much money you have, you deserve a retirement you can take pride in. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    27 min
  6. May 28 ·  Bonus

    Podcast Extra: Hearing Loss with Dr. Ryan Potter

    Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure speaks with Dr. Ryan Potter about the growing issue of hearing loss among first responders and why protecting hearing health is so important in high-pressure emergency situations. Dr. Potter explains that long-term noise exposure impacts an estimated 80% of law enforcement officers, 40% of firefighters, and 45% of EMS providers, creating challenges that can affect both job performance and quality of life. The conversation also highlights practical ways everyone can protect their hearing, from using hearing protection in loud environments to getting baseline hearing evaluations and taking a proactive approach to long-term hearing health. Dr. Potter shares the personal story that inspired his career in audiology and discusses how Hearing Life is helping people improve their hearing through assessments, treatment options, and special savings opportunities for first responders. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Chapters (00:00:00) - How hearing can help first responders(00:00:39) - What is hearing loss among first responders?(00:02:15) - First Responders: How to Protect Their Hearing(00:04:49) - What Inspired You to Dedicate Your Life to Hearing Loss?(00:06:25) - Dr. Ryan Potter Discusses Hearing Health for First Responders

    8 min
  7. May 15

    Why LGBTQ+ Retirement Planning Requires More Than Saving Money

    On this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, Josh and I dive into a new study from Goldman Sachs that found something incredibly important: people with a written, personalized retirement plan tend to feel more confident, save more consistently, and experience better financial outcomes overall. We talk about the difference between simply having retirement accounts and actually having a strategy — and why that distinction matters so much, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples navigating retirement without a traditional template. We also discuss the emotional side of retirement planning, the importance of financial confidence, and the role consistency and “financial grit” play in long-term success. If you’ve ever wondered whether your current retirement approach is enough — or if you’re simply “winging it” — this episode is for you. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    25 min
  8. May 14 ·  Bonus

    Podcast Extra - Beyond the Battlefield: Smart Money Moves for Service Members and Veterans

    May is Military appreciation month, a time to honor the men and women who serve and have served our great nation…And while we honor those associated with the military, members and veterans are fighting a different battle: finances, and purpose.Key Points Covered: Finding a purpose -  For many who leave the military, the biggest challenge isn’t just money — it’s finding purpose in a new civilian world. Financial Stability - With a solid financial foundation, veterans gain the freedom to chase meaningful work instead of just any paycheck. Financial Options - Several powerful financial vehicles are available specifically for former service members. -- Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization Watch full episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement --  Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement: Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

    2 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Take Pride in Retirement! A podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Hosted by Matt McClure, RSSA®, CAS® | During uncertain economic times, safety of your principal is key to planning a successful retirement. Our goal is to help educate you about ways to protect your hard-earned money while experiencing market-like growth at the same time. | LGBTQ people face unique challenges when planning for our retirement future. From legal barriers to a potential lack of family support, everyone’s situation is different. Tune in each week as we explore these obstacles and give you tips on how to overcome them so you can get on the road to success.

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