Take Pride in Retirement

Matt McClure
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4H AGO

    Stop These Financial Mistakes Before It’s Too Late

    What are the biggest financial mistakes that can quietly derail your retirement? In this episode, Josh and I break down some of the most common bad money habits I see—and how you can avoid them before they cost you. We talk about why emotional investing—especially during market downturns—can do more harm than good, and what to do instead. I also walk through key decisions around Social Security, including when it might make sense to delay benefits and how that impacts long-term income, especially for LGBTQ+ couples navigating spousal and survivor benefits. We also dive into the everyday habits that can make or break your financial future—like not saving first, avoiding a budget, carrying high-interest debt, or overspending on housing. And most importantly, we talk about the biggest mistake of all: not having a plan. As always, we bring it back to the unique realities of the LGBTQ+ community—from chosen family dynamics to planning without traditional support systems—and why having a personalized strategy matters more than ever. If you want to build a retirement you can truly take pride in, this episode will help you identify what to fix—and how to move forward with confidence. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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

  2. 3D AGO

    Forget the “Magic Number”: How to Actually Prepare for Retirement

    How much do you really need to retire? You’ve probably heard the latest “magic number”—$1.46 million—but in this episode, I’m breaking down why that number might not matter as much as you think. Josh and I dive into what’s driving that number higher, including inflation, longer life expectancy, and uncertainty around Social Security. But more importantly, I explain why retirement planning shouldn’t be focused on hitting one big savings goal—it should be about creating reliable income that lasts for the rest of your life. We also talk about where people actually stand today (and why many feel behind), what younger savers can do right now to set themselves up for success, and how those closer to retirement can still make meaningful progress. And as always, we highlight the unique challenges and opportunities within the LGBTQ+ community—from career disruptions to chosen family planning and the importance of getting your legal and financial ducks in a row. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or discouraged about your retirement savings, this episode is designed to shift your mindset—and give you a clear path forward. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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.

    31 min

  3. APR 14

    Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Retirement

    Financial Literacy Month continues, and in this episode, I’m focusing on something that doesn’t get talked about enough in retirement planning—fraud and scams. After dealing with a fraud situation myself recently, this topic hit close to home. Josh and I break down why fraud is one of the biggest threats to your retirement, how scammers operate, and what you can do to protect your hard-earned money. I’m also joined by Kathy Stokes from the AARP Fraud Watch Network, who shares eye-opening insights from a new study showing just how widespread fraud has become—and why it can happen to anyone. We’ll cover the most common red flags, practical steps to safeguard your accounts, and exactly what to do if you ever find yourself targeted. Because retirement planning isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about protecting it. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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.

    37 min

  4. APR 10

    Retirement Blind Spots That Could Cost You Thousands

    April is Financial Literacy Month, and in this episode, I’m breaking down some of the biggest retirement blind spots I see all the time when working with clients—especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Josh and I walk through the risks that often go unnoticed: living longer than expected, underestimating healthcare costs, misunderstanding taxes in retirement, and relying too heavily on savings without a real income strategy. These aren’t mistakes people are intentionally making—they’re gaps in planning that can quietly reshape your retirement if left unaddressed. We also talk about how these issues can uniquely impact LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, from aging without traditional support systems to navigating Social Security and healthcare decisions. If you want to build a retirement plan that gives you clarity, confidence, and income you can count on, this episode is for you. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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

  5. APR 8

    Approaching Retirement? Don’t Miss These 6 Critical Steps

    If retirement is on your radar—even a little bit—this is one of the most important conversations you can hear. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, Josh and I are diving into what’s known as the retirement red zone—that critical 5 to 10-year window before you retire, plus those first few years after you leave the workforce. And let me tell you… what you do during this time can truly make or break your financial future. We walk through six key steps you should be taking right now to strengthen your retirement plan—from building your “human capital” and creating a Social Security strategy, to making sure you have a solid safety net and protecting yourself from sequence of returns risk. And as always, we bring it back to our LGBTQ+ community—because many of us are navigating retirement without traditional support systems, pensions, or generational wealth. That makes planning ahead not just important… but essential. This episode is all about taking control while you still can—so you’re not scrambling later. If you’re within a decade of retirement—or already stepping into it—this is your roadmap. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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

  6. APR 7 ·  BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Saving strategies in a High-Cost Environment

    Happy "America Saves Week!" Guest: Shikha Narula, Head of Consumer Deposit Products at Bank of America Key Takeaways from the Interview Saving remains a priority—but it’s challenging: ~52% of Americans say saving is a top priority ~72% say inflation and cost of living are impacting finances Automation is one of the easiest wins: Tools like debit round-ups (e.g., “Keep the Change”) Recurring automatic transfers to “pay yourself first” Balance saving with lifestyle (don’t eliminate joy spending): Cut back—not cut out—small treats Identify “joy spending” categories and prioritize intentionally Use the 50/30/20 framework: 50% needs 30% wants 20% savings Make big goals more achievable: Break savings goals into smaller milestones Set deadlines and celebrate progress Use separate accounts for specific goals (reduces temptation) Free up extra cash with small adjustments: Review subscriptions Reduce unnecessary spending (rideshare, etc.) Small changes can compound over time Helpful resources mentioned: America Saves Week BetterMoneyHabits.com Bank of America Life Plan tools Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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.

    7 min

  7. APR 6

    Don’t Panic: Smart Strategies for Navigating Market Volatility in Retirement

    Market volatility is something we all hear about—but if you’re close to retirement or already there, it hits a whole lot differently. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, Josh and I break down what’s really going on when the markets get shaky—and more importantly, what you can actually do about it. Because this isn’t just about numbers on a screen… it’s about your income, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind. We talk through the real risks retirees face—especially something called sequence of returns risk—and why timing matters more than most people realize once you start taking withdrawals. Then, we walk through five practical strategies to help you stay in control, even when the market feels anything but predictable. From building a cash buffer to adjusting your investment mix, being flexible with withdrawals, avoiding emotional decisions, and creating reliable income streams—this episode is all about preparation over panic. And as always, we bring it back to what matters most for our LGBTQ+ community. Many of us are building retirement on our own terms, without traditional pensions or safety nets—so having a smart, personalized plan isn’t just helpful… it’s essential. If the market has you feeling uneasy right now, take a deep breath. You’ve got more control than you think—and we’re here to help you use it. Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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

  8. APR 1 ·  BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Financial Literacy Month

    April is National Financial Literacy Month. It started back in the early 2000s when Congress realized too many Americans were leaving school without the first clue about how to manage a paycheck, a credit card, or a financial future.  Fast-forward to 2026, and the problem hasn’t gone away. Nearly half of U.S. adults still give themselves a C-minus or worse on money knowledge… Key Points Covered: Review one monthly bill and see if you can cut, renegotiate, or cancel it Set one small savings goal — even twenty bucks a paycheck counts Learn just one new money concept — like how compound interest works for you instead of against you Sit down with your partner or your kids and have one honest conversation about money. No judgment, Just real talk Schedule your free financial consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. -- 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) - April is National Financial Literacy Month

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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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