Take Pride in Retirement

Matt McClure
  • 5.0 (8)
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  • 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. 14H AGO

    100 Episodes of Pride: How to Create Tax-Free Retirement Income with Life Insurance

    Welcome to Episode 100! I can't believe we've reached this incredible milestone together. Thank you for being part of this journey as we help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build retirements rooted in clarity, confidence, and pride. For this special episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most powerful retirement strategies available: tax-free income using life insurance. This is Part 2 of our life insurance series, and today we're getting tactical about taxes—specifically, how to create income streams that Uncle Sam can't touch. I start with a reality check for LGBTQ+ retirees: many of us are single later in life, we have fewer tax shelters, and we face higher income tax exposure than the general population. That's why tax strategy isn't optional—it's essential. And one of the most misunderstood tools in retirement planning is the Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. I introduce the three-bucket strategy that every retiree needs: taxable accounts, tax-deferred accounts (like 401(k)s and IRAs), and tax-free assets (like IULs and Roth accounts). For LGBTQ+ retirees specifically, we face what I call "invisible tax risks"—higher likelihood of being single later in life, loss of married filing advantages, and the widow's penalty (where one spouse passes and the surviving partner faces a similar income with smaller tax brackets, leading to significantly higher taxes). Tax-free income sources can help offset these risks. I also address life insurance as a volatility buffer – and I bust four major life insurance myths. Bottom line? Retirement planning in the LGBTQ+ community has never been one-size-fits-all. It requires flexibility, thoughtful strategies, and intentional protection. Life insurance can be a protection tool, a tax strategy, a legacy vehicle, and a source of confidence all rolled into one. Thank you for 100 episodes of this journey. Let's keep building retirements we can all take pride in. 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) - Take Pride in Retirement(00:00:58) - Take Pride In Retirement(00:01:41) - Taxes and Retirement: How to Plan Your Life(00:04:01) - Retirement Tax Strategy: Life Insurance Policies(00:10:51) - LGBTQ+ Retirement Risks(00:13:24) - 3 Bucket Strategy for Retirement(00:19:48) - Life Insurance: Four Myths debunked(00:24:15) - LGBTQ Retirement Planning: Take Pride in Retirement(00:28:09) - Sponsored: Take Pride in Retirement

    29 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Living Benefits, Legacy Protection & Why Life Insurance Matters More for LGBTQ+ Retirees

    Life insurance isn't what it used to be—and that's great news for your retirement plan. Today's episode is all about how life insurance has evolved from a simple death benefit into a powerful financial asset that can protect you while you're still living. I break down the fundamental difference between term and permanent life insurance using a simple analogy: renting versus owning. Term insurance is like renting—it's temporary, inexpensive, and great for specific needs like income replacement when you're raising kids. But it expires right around the time you start thinking about legacy planning. Permanent insurance, on the other hand, is like owning—it builds cash value over time and becomes an asset you can actually use. For LGBTQ+ retirees, this distinction matters even more. Many of us didn't have access to spousal benefits for decades, changed jobs frequently, or didn't build traditional safety nets. That makes protection later in life more important, not less. And the question isn't just "do you have life insurance?"—it's "does it protect you and your loved ones for the life you're actually living?" The bottom line? Life insurance today is about independence, dignity, and protecting the people who matter most—no matter who they are. And in next week's episode, I'll show you how to use life insurance to create tax-free income in retirement. Stay tuned! 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) - Take Pride in Retirement(00:00:53) - Take Pride In Retirement(00:01:53) - LGBTQ+ Retirement Planning(00:05:01) - Life insurance for LGBTQ retirees(00:08:51) - Life Insurance Basics: Term vs Permanent Insurance(00:17:47) - Living Benefits in Life Insurance(00:27:01) - Life Insurance for Retirement Income(00:27:51) - To Take Pride in Retirement

    29 min

  3. FEB 24

    Control What You Can Control: Healthcare Decisions That Define Your Retirement

    This is part two of our healthcare series, and today we're shifting from awareness to action. Here's a statistic that might surprise you: nearly seven out of ten people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care. And here's what really catches people off guard—Medicare does not cover long-term care. With nursing home costs easily exceeding six figures annually, where is that money going to come from? For my LGBTQ+ listeners, this conversation is especially critical. Many of us are likely to age alone or rely on chosen family for caregiving. Planning early isn't just about finances—it's about protecting your dignity, maintaining control over where you receive care, and ensuring you have options rather than being forced into situations by financial necessity. I break down several strategic options: standalone long-term care insurance, hybrid life insurance solutions with living benefits, and annuities that double your monthly income when you're in a long-term care facility. We also tackle the major decision between Medicare Advantage and Medigap—Medicare Advantage has lower upfront premiums but can surprise you with co-pays and network restrictions, while Medigap offers better predictability and provider flexibility. This choice matters even more for LGBTQ+ folks who may relocate in retirement or need access to inclusive providers. Finally, I reveal one of the most underrated planning tools: Health Savings Accounts. HSAs offer triple tax advantages—contributions may be tax deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses are tax-free. After age 65, you gain even more flexibility with these funds. The bottom line? Healthcare planning shouldn't be driven by fear. It's about building a retirement where you feel prepared, protected, and confident. Remember: control the things you can control—and healthcare decisions are absolutely within your control. 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) - Take Pride in Retirement(00:00:58) - Take Pride in Retirement(00:02:13) - Retirement Healthcare Costs(00:02:56) - Take Pride in Retirement: Get Your Plan Done(00:04:18) - Long-Term Care in Retirement(00:11:41) - Choosing the right Medicare health care plan for retirement(00:14:44) - Healthcare Planning for LGBTQ Couples

    20 min

  4. FEB 20

    The Healthcare Shock: Why LGBTQ+ Retirees Need a Different Strategy

    Healthcare costs are one of the biggest sources of anxiety for people heading into retirement—and in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to know to prepare without panicking. I dive deep into Medicare's alphabet soup (Parts A, B, C, and D), revealing the costly mistakes that can haunt you for life—like late enrollment penalties that never go away. I also introduce you to IRMAA, those income-related surcharges that can double or even triple your Medicare premiums based on a two-year lookback. If you're within five years of turning 65, this timing discussion is absolutely critical. For my LGBTQ+ listeners, I address the unique dynamics we face: single retirees dealing with higher per-person costs, the reality of chosen family versus traditional caregiving structures, and the uneven access to employer benefits many of us have experienced throughout our careers. These factors make strategic healthcare planning even more essential for our community. I'm also joined by Carly Roszkowski from AARP, who shares invaluable insights about older workers navigating today's challenging job market. We discuss how AI is transforming the job search process—both as a challenge and as a powerful tool—and what resources are available for those looking to work longer or return to the workforce. This is part one of our healthcare series, and in the next episode, we'll tackle long term care coverage and other critical decisions you need to make. Don't miss it. Remember: you can control the things you can control—and healthcare planning is definitely one of them. 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.

    30 min

  5. FEB 17

    Your LGBTQ+ Inflation Action Plan; Plus Prescription Drug Costs w/Antonio Ciaccia of 46brooklyn

    In the last episode, we talked about why inflation still matters — especially for LGBTQ+ retirees. In this episode, we move from awareness to action. I walk through real strategies you can use to protect your retirement from rising costs, including how Social Security cost-of-living adjustments actually work (and where they fall short), how to build income streams that keep up with inflation, and why diversification and disciplined planning are critical over the long run. We also dive into one of the biggest drivers of healthcare inflation: prescription drug costs. I sit down with Antonio Ciaccia of 46brooklyn Research to unpack the hidden role pharmacy benefit managers play in drug pricing — and why it matters for your retirement plan. If you want to protect your purchasing power, build a resilient income strategy, and create a plan designed for real LGBTQ+ life experiences — this episode is packed with insights to help you take the next step. 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.

    30 min

  6. FEB 14

    Inflation and Your LGBTQ+ Retirement: Why the Stakes Are Higher

    Inflation may not dominate the headlines like it did a few years ago — but make no mistake, it’s still reshaping retirement outcomes in a big way. In this episode, I break down why inflation remains one of the biggest long-term threats to financial security, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community. From healthcare and housing to groceries and travel, rising costs don’t just impact your budget — they impact your independence. And for LGBTQ+ retirees who may be more likely to be single, rely on chosen family, or have faced career or legal barriers in the past, inflation can quietly shrink the margin for error even more. I’ll walk through how inflation compounds over time, why your personal inflation rate matters more than national averages, and how to stress-test your retirement plan so it holds up in uncertain economic conditions. Plus, we feature a recession-readiness report with practical steps to stay prepared no matter what the economy does next. If you want a retirement plan built specifically for your life, your identity, and your goals — 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.

    31 min

  7. FEB 10

    Smart Tax Planning for LGBTQ+ Retirees; Plus, Emergency Funds with Rod Griffin of Experian

    In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, I’m diving into a topic that can quietly do more damage to your retirement than market volatility: taxes. We talk about “tax drag” — how even small inefficiencies can reduce your income over time — and why it matters especially for LGBTQ+ retirees who may face unique planning challenges around filing status, survivor planning, and income strategy. I break down how required minimum distributions (RMDs), Social Security taxation, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges can all impact what you actually take home in retirement. We also talk about Roth accounts, rollovers, and the importance of having a personalized tax strategy instead of relying on one-size-fits-all advice.  Plus, I’m joined by Rod Griffin from Experian for an important conversation about building an emergency fund. We discuss why so many Americans struggle to save, and simple ways to get started — even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck.  This episode is all about helping you keep more of what you’ve worked so hard to earn and building financial confidence for the future. 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.

    30 min

  8. FEB 6

    Are Fees Stealing Your Future? What LGBTQ+ Retirees Need to Know

    In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, I take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked threats to long-term financial security: hidden investment fees. Even small percentages — 1% here, a fraction there — can quietly compound over time and cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement. And for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who may have fewer traditional safety nets, those costs can have an even bigger impact. I walk through where fees tend to hide, including 401(k)s, mutual funds, advisory structures, and workplace plans. We talk about how expense ratios work, why high-cost investments can reduce long-term growth, and how compounding can either help you build wealth — or work against you. Most importantly, I explain what you can actually do about it. Because retirement planning isn’t just about how much you save… it’s about how efficiently your money is working for you. If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement plan is truly optimized, this episode will help you take a closer look under the hood. 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
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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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