The Secure Retirement Method Podcast

John H. Curry
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  • Investing

Discover stories from real people who are living out their definition of a secure retirement.

  1. Feb 4

    The Ultimate Guide to Retirement Planning for FRS Members

    Retirement can feel like a confusing maze—especially when the stakes are high, and the choices are permanent… What if you could transform your retirement planning from overwhelming to effortless? In this episode, April Schoen walks FRS members through the most important decisions and strategies for making retirement planning easy, secure, and tailored to your life. You’ll discover… The 4 freedoms you must consider before choosing your retirement dateA shocking pension option detail most retirees missHow timing your DROP payout could save you thousands in taxesThe Social Security strategy that may boost your lifetime incomeTwo costly pitfalls that can trip up even the most prepared retirees

    36 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    How to Structure Retirement Income for Lower Taxes and More Flexibility

    Most retirees are shocked by how much of their hard-earned savings goes straight to taxes—are you prepared? Discover the strategies that can help you keep more of your money in retirement and avoid the most common tax pitfalls. In this episode, April Schoen reveals how smart tax planning can dramatically impact your future income and financial freedom after you stop working. You’ll discover… Why many retirees end up in higher tax brackets than they ever expectedThe “three buckets” framework for easily understanding your tax exposureHow your mix of assets can make or break your income in retirementThe hidden risk of required minimum distributions—and how to prepare for themA simple shift that could save you thousands in taxes and Medicare premiums

    38 min

  3. 11/12/2025

    Top Factors to Consider Before Starting Your Social Security Benefits

    Navigating Social Security can feel like running through an airport for a connecting flight—one wrong move could cost you thousands. Ready to make sure you don’t miss out on the benefits you’ve worked for all your life? In this episode, April Schoen breaks down the crucial Social Security decisions every retiree faces—and reveals the game-changing strategies to maximize your benefits. You’ll discover… Why your Social Security “full retirement age” is more important than you thinkThe surprising trade-offs between claiming benefits at 62, 67, and 70How working in retirement could shrink—or boost—your Social Security checksOverlooked spousal and survivor benefits that could change your income storyWhat looming Social Security changes in 2034 could mean for your retirement

    36 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    5 Signs You're Ready for a Financial Glow-up

    You’ve worked hard and checked every financial box—so why doesn’t it feel like enough? If you ever find yourself celebrating one moment and stressing over your bank account the next, you’re not alone. Discover the subtle signs that it’s finally time for your financial glow-up. In this episode, April Schoen, financial advisor at Curry Schoen Financial, unpacks the five signs that you’re ready for the next step in your financial journey—and reveals how mindset shifts, clear strategies, and intentional planning can help you enjoy the wealth you’re building. You’ll discover… The one habit that quietly erodes your financial progress even as your income risesWhy saving more doesn’t always mean moving closer to your goalsThe surprising reason you still feel financially “behind” despite doing everything rightHow to banish decision fatigue in a world overflowing with financial adviceThe single question that changes everything about your money strategy

    13 min

  5. 08/13/2025

    How to Weather a Financial Storm

    Storm clouds can form on your financial horizon at any time—are you truly prepared to weather the next crisis? Discover the secrets to resilience, clarity, and action when financial uncertainty strikes—without feeling overwhelmed or lost. In this episode, April Schoen walks you through the essential steps to weather any financial storm, blending real-world advice, proven frameworks, and a calming approach—even when life throws unexpected curveballs. You’ll discover… Why “financial storms” aren’t just market crashes—and how to spot their earliest warning signsThe real reason most people struggle financially (it’s not bad decisions)How to build an emergency fund that works for your unique situation—not just a generic rule of thumbWhen sticking to your investment strategy is the right move—and when it’s time to make tweaksThe step-by-step financial “hurricane prep kit” you need before a crisis ever hits

    37 min

  6. 07/23/2025

    Avoid These Three Mistakes With Your Retirement Plans

    What if your retirement feels more like a question mark than a dream come true? Most people think they’re prepared—until the freedom finally arrives, and with it, uncertainty. Have you forgotten to plan for what really matters after the alarm clock stops? In this episode, April Schoen helps you design a roadmap for the life you want—with clarity, confidence, and purpose—so your retirement isn’t just financially sound, but genuinely fulfilling. You’ll discover… Why financial security alone won’t guarantee a happy retirementThe one mistake that leaves many retirees feeling lost, even with a solid nest eggHow to uncover your hidden vision for life after work (and why it might surprise you)What most people get wrong about post-retirement spending—and the three phases you must considerThe proven framework to align your money with your dream lifestyle (and avoid regret)

    33 min

  7. 07/09/2025

    Retirement Planning Made Easy

    Retirement planning should feel empowering—not overwhelming. But what happens when you’re faced with a maze of options, perplexing pension choices, and high-stakes decisions that keep you up at night? In this episode, John and April unravel the complexities of retirement planning for Florida Retirement System (FRS) members—making it clearer, simpler, and surprisingly fun. You’ll discover… The story of two retirement decisions in one family—and how one choice changed everything for decades.Why DROP and pension options aren’t as “set and forget” as most people think.The shockingly common mistake that could cost retirees thousands in unnecessary taxes.How timing your Social Security and coordinating benefits could radically increase your income for life.The overlooked risk of forced withdrawals and how to keep your retirement savings working for you.

    55 min

  8. 06/04/2025

    The Truth About Tax Brackets and Your Future

    Think you’ll pay less in taxes when you retire? Think again. Discover why tax diversification might be the secret to keeping more of your money in retirement—and why most people get it wrong. In this episode, April Schoen unravels the surprisingly complex world of taxes in retirement and reveals actionable strategies for tax-efficient retirement planning. You’ll discover… A common retirement tax mistake that could cost you thousandsWhy your retirement income might be higher—and more taxable—than you expectThree critical types of investment accounts and how they each impact your future tax billThe power of Roth IRAs and cash value life insurance as overlooked tax planning toolsWhat one simple analogy can teach you about planning for a tax-smart retirement

    48 min
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Discover stories from real people who are living out their definition of a secure retirement.

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