Are you nearing retirement and wondering whether you’re truly ready to leave the workforce? In this episode titled “How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Retire? 5 Benchmarks You Shouldn’t Ignore,” Phillip offers professional guidance to help late-career professionals (ages 55-65) assess their retirement readiness.

This essential episode covers five critical benchmarks, from savings milestones and budgeting considerations to debt management, emergency funds, and emotional preparedness. Learn how to test-drive your retirement budget, explore dynamic withdrawal strategies, and minimize tax exposure with effective risk and portfolio management. If you’re looking for clarity on retirement timelines, estate planning, or cash flow optimization, this episode provides actionable insights to help you better prepare to retire with confidence.

Episode Chapters
• Introduction (0:00)
• Savings Milestones (1:36)
• Budget & Cash Flow (3:38)
• Debt Management (4:51)
• Emergency Fund (6:29)
• Emotional Preparedness (8:20)
• Action Steps (9:43)

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes packed with tailored advice for people nearing retirement across the U.S., primarily focused on serving Oregon residents.

Tune in and begin to cultivate a resilient retirement plan.

#RetirementPlanning #RetirementHelp #RetirementSavings #FinancialPlanning #Retirees

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Curious whether you should pull all your money out of the market during turbulent times? In this episode, financial planner Phillip Smith of Tidepool Wealth Strategies (Oregon) provides clarity for late-career professionals (ages 55–65) who may be feeling uneasy about market volatility.

Discover why knee-jerk reactions, like selling off your stocks and going to cash, often do more harm than good, and how history shows that patient investors typically fare better in the long run. Phillip breaks down the hidden costs of sitting on the sidelines, including lost potential gains and the eroding effects of inflation.

When things are volatile, people often wonder if it is better to move investments to cash when the market is unstable, or find themselves asking, "What should I do with my 401(k) during a market crash?"

Learn how a well-crafted retirement plan that incorporates diversification, risk management, and defined “guardrails” can help you stay steady and protect your financial future. If you’re concerned about sustaining your cash flow, aligning your portfolio with tax and estate planning, and safeguarding your long-term goals, this podcast episode offers practical insights you can immediately put into action. Don’t let fear guide your decisions. Tune in to understand why remaining invested, with a thoughtful approach, could be the key to lasting financial confidence.

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Roadmap of the Episode
3. Why Current Market Volatility Feels Scarier Than Ever
4. What History Says About Cashing Out During Crises
5. The Cost of Sitting on the Sidelines
6. How a Thoughtful Plan Can Keep You Steady
7. Action Items
8. Closing

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Wondering if you should retire early or keep working longer? In this episode of “The Perfect Retirement Plan?”, Phillip explores both options. Uncover hidden costs like health care gaps and potentially reduced Social Security benefits, and learn how working longer can boost financial security. Phillip also shares tips on maintaining purpose and community through passion projects, social connections, and meaningful pursuits beyond your career.

Discover how to align your retirement timeline with personal values like freedom, fulfillment, and security. Whether you crave morning coffees in your bathrobe or a few more years of professional growth, this conversation helps you decide. Phillip’s insights cover compounding growth, Social Security strategies, health care considerations, and designing a vibrant post-work life. If you find value here, subscribe and turn on notifications to stay connected! Let’s see if early retirement is truly worth it—or if extending your career could open doors to higher benefits, stronger finances, and deeper purpose.

Each scenario carries financial risks and lifestyle rewards—what matters is finding the balance that fits you best. Phillip helps you weigh your unique goals and budget. Tune in for a fresh perspective on a retirement plan that resonates with your vision.

#retirementplanning #financialadvice #retirementadvice #financialplanning #whentoretire #retireearly #retirewithpurpose #retirementaccounts #PERS #pension

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.