The Real Question Behind When to Start Social Security (It’s Not 62 vs. 67 vs. 70)

The Real Question Behind When to Start Social Security (It’s Not 62 vs. 67 vs. 70)

Author: James Conole, CFP® May 3, 2026 Duration: 15:05
Most people think deciding when to take Social Security is a math problem. Run the numbers. Find the breakeven age. Pick 62, 67, or 70. Done. But that approach misses the point. This is not a math decision. It is a risk decision. In this episode, James reframes how to think about Social Security timing by focusing on what each choice actually protects you from. Claim early and you protect against the risk of a shorter life. Delay and you protect against the risk of living longer than expect...

Charting a path toward retirement often feels like navigating without a map, filled with complex terms and a fear of making the wrong move. Ready For Retirement, hosted by certified financial planner James Conole, aims to replace that uncertainty with clarity and actionable insight. Each episode breaks down a specific aspect of financial planning, from investment fundamentals and tax strategies to navigating healthcare costs and defining what a secure future actually looks like for you. James draws on his professional experience to translate daunting concepts into practical steps, avoiding generic advice in favor of discussions that address real-life complexities and questions. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a straightforward conversation with a knowledgeable guide who prioritizes your long-term peace of mind over financial industry jargon. The focus is consistently on building not just a portfolio, but confidence in your decisions, empowering you to move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared. Whether you're decades away from retirement or it's on the near horizon, these conversations provide a steadying framework for making informed choices about your money and your life.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ready For Retirement
Podcast Episodes
3 Investments That Should Never Go In Your Retirement Portfolio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:08
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We're 62 with $2M: Retire Now or Wait? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:27
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10 Ways Retirement Has Completely Changed in 30 Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:32
Forget the gold watch and glide path to the couch. Retirement has been rewritten. In this episode, James walks through the 10 biggest shifts redefining life after work—and how to replace outdated rules with a plan that’s…
$10M+ Net Worth Case Study: What to Do First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:48
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The 3 Worst Retirement Mistakes I See All the Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:25
Think your tax bill disappears in retirement? Think again. It may drop for a few quiet years, until RMDs, Social Security taxation, and Medicare IRMAA kick in. That “low-tax retirement” dream can close fast. Learn the re…
The BEST Retirement Advice (From 909 Real Retirees) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:36
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Duration: 19:47
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Duration: 12:59
Most people stay with the wrong financial advisor far too long: out of loyalty, inertia, or fear of starting over. But the cost of sticking with the wrong person can be measured in dollars, stress, and lost years you can…
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Duration: 18:39
Ever wish your 80-year-old self could give you a nudge today? After years working with clients in their 70s and 80s, three lessons rise to the top: treat wealth as money, time, and health, know your financial independenc…
Roth vs. Traditional IRA – Which One Really Saves You More? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:32
Is a Roth IRA really better than a traditional IRA? The truth is... it depends on your tax situation. In this video, you’ll learn why your current tax bracket versus your retirement tax bracket should drive your decision…