The Free Retiree Show

8 Strategies to Combat Inflation w/Lee Murphy

Welcome to a compelling episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into a topic that’s on everyone’s minds these days: inflation. Join us as we explore why inflation has proven to be a persistent challenge and discover effective strategies to combat its impact on your finances.

The Free Retiree Show gives insights into managing inflation and its effects on your financial journey. Tune in to hear expert advice on tackling inflation, ensuring a secure retirement, and optimizing your financial decisions.

In today’s episode, we unravel the complexities of inflation and its current state in the United States. We explore the contrasting impact of inflation on services and manufacturing sectors, showcasing historical trends and how rate hikes tend to affect these industries differently. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating your investment choices during inflationary periods.

While we explore various strategies to combat inflation, we also share insights into investment options that don’t fare as well during these times. We take a candid look at the performance of these investments and offer a balanced perspective on their viability as inflation-fighting assets.

While no one can predict market movements, arming yourself with knowledge and patience can empower you to make informed decisions that position you for success in the future.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of inflation’s intricacies, effective strategies to navigate its challenges, and actionable insights to protect and grow your wealth. Remember, in the world of finance, knowledge is the key to success. Subscribe to The Free Retiree Show for more insights to help your financial future.

What You’ll Learn:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of inflation and its current state in the United States.
• Explore the contrasting impact of inflation on services and manufacturing sectors, with historical trends and insights into industry response to rate hikes.
• Discover strategic investment choices to combat inflation’s erosive effects, from real estate and stocks to Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).
• Delve into the role of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as a safeguard against inflation, offering a secure haven for your cash.
• Learn the art of negotiating earnings as a powerful tool to counter the purchasing power erosion caused by inflation.
• Uncover the significance of reducing bad debt to alleviate the financial strain inflicted by inflation.
• Gain insights into investment options that may not fare as well during inflationary times, with a candid look at the performance of precious metals.
• Empower yourself with knowledge and patience to make informed financial decisions that navigate inflation’s challenges and position you for success.

#InflationInsights #FinancialStrategy #InvestmentTips #EconomicNavigators #NavigatingInflation #SmartFinanceMoves #RetireeShowPodcast

Coping with Grief at Work: Embracing Mindfulness and Resilience w/Carina Hellmich

Welcome to The Free Retiree Show, a dedicated platform supporting individuals in leveling up their careers and achieving financial independence. Join wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy and interview coach Sergio Patterson as they engage in an insightful conversation with Carina Hellmich, a top life voice on LinkedIn and a professional coach, on the challenging topic of dealing with grief in the workplace.

 

In this episode, they explore various aspects related to this issue, touching upon the concept of mindfulness and its practical application in daily life. Carina, an expert in grief management and resiliency, provides valuable insights on becoming more resilient, empowering listeners to overcome adversity and heal from devastating loss. Moreover, she shares strategies for supporting others who are experiencing challenging times.

 

Carina emphasizes the importance of expressing emotions and seeking understanding and empathy from coworkers during the healing process. She also discusses the significance of taking breaks when needed, allowing emotions to surface and be processed effectively.

 

Throughout the conversation, they assure listeners that experiencing a wide range of emotions during the grieving process is natural, urging them to be patient with themselves and to embrace the healing journey without judgment.

 

Carina’s expertise in stress management and resiliency leads the conversation into the power of embracing mindfulness. She encourages listeners to check if their workplaces offer resources for practicing mindfulness or meditation, as it can provide inner strength and navigation through grief. By staying present and centered, individuals can significantly improve their coping skills during this challenging period.

 

Carina brings a unique perspective to the show, having traveled to 109 countries and resided in Shanghai for seven years. Her personal experience with significant loss, losing both parents to cancer within a relatively short time, makes her insights invaluable as they explore ways to heal and grow stronger.

 

What You’ll Learn:

 

• Explore the concept of mindfulness and how to apply it to your daily life.

 

• Discover strategies to become more resilient and overcome adversity and devastating loss.

 

• Gain insights on supporting others going through difficult times.

• Understand the importance of sharing your emotions with coworkers during grief and loss.

 

• Learn the significance of taking breaks and allowing emotions to be processed.

 

• Discover the benefits of seeking support outside of the workplace through counseling or support groups.

 

• Emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and communicating the need for space.

 

• Explore self-care practices, including rest, nutrition, and comforting activities.

 

• Learn to focus on what truly matters at work without overexerting yourself.

 

• Understand that experiencing a range of emotions during grief is natural and practice self-compassion.

 

• Discover the power of embracing mindfulness as a coping tool and navigating through grief with inner strength.

 

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode! Subscribe and share The Free Retiree Show on iHeartRadio, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and Elevation Radio. Join us as we learn from Carina’s wisdom, uncover the power of mindfulness, and discover strategies to overcome grief and thrive. Remember, you are not alone, and with mindfulness as your tool, you can push forward with resilience and strength. 💪

 

#Podcast #Mindfulness #Resilience #GriefSupport #SelfCare #CareerGrowth #TheFreeRetireeShow #CarinaHellmich #NewEpisodeAlert #SubscribeNow

Debunking 10 Common Misconceptions About Money & Wealth

Welcome to The Free Retiree Show, episode 180! In this episode we’re diving deep into the world of money and wealth to debunk 10 common misconceptions that might be holding you back from achieving your financial goals.

Throughout life, we often encounter false assumptions and beliefs about money that can hinder our financial progress. In this episode, we’re setting the record straight and revealing the truth behind these myths, empowering you with the knowledge and strategies to build a more secure and prosperous future.

So, join us as we uncover the reality behind the most prevalent misconceptions about money and wealth. From understanding the correlation between money and happiness to grasping the significance of open communication about money problems, we’ll explore each misconception and provide valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.

In this episode of The Free Retiree Show, you’ll learn:

• The truth behind the belief that more money equals more happiness.
• Why a big income doesn't guarantee financial security and what truly matters for long-term financial freedom.
• Why relying solely on a bank might not be the best way to grow your money.
• How to distinguish between good and bad debt and make informed financial choices.
• The importance of discussing money issues openly and building a support network to achieve your financial goals.
• How investing is accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, and the power of consistent contributions.
• Strategies to overcome the fear of investment risk and embrace diversified approaches.
• The significance of estate planning for protecting your assets and fulfilling your wishes.
• How to balance paying off student loans with the desire to buy a home.
• The pros and cons of buying versus renting a home and factors to consider in the decision-making process.

Don’t miss out on this eye-opening episode as we dispel these common misconceptions about money and wealth. Tune in now to gain valuable insights that will empower you to make better financial choices and pave the way to a brighter future. Subscribe and join us on The Free Retiree Show! Let’s embark on this journey together towards financial freedom!

 

#TheFreeRetireeShow #FinancialSuccess #MoneyMyths #WealthWisdom #FinancialFreedom #InvestmentInsights #EstatePlanning #StudentLoans #Homeownership #FinancialDecisions #PodcastAlert

Career Growth and Opportunities: Knowing When It’s Time for a New Role

In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of knowing when it's the right time to search for a new job or role in your career. Joining us as our esteemed co-host is Sergio Patterson, an expert in talent development, with a remarkable background working with industry giants like Google, LinkedIn, Amazon, and Airbnb.

 

Recognizing the signs that indicate it might be time for a change is vital for personal and professional growth. Sergio's extensive experience in human resources and talent acquisition provides invaluable insights into identifying these signs and understanding the importance of taking proactive steps towards new opportunities.

 

Throughout the discussion, we delve into the various indicators that suggest you might be ready for a career change. Whether it's feeling bored and unchallenged in your current role, experiencing anxiety and dread before going to work, or having recurring nightmares about your job, these emotions can be compelling signals to consider exploring new avenues.

 

Sergio shares practical advice on navigating the complexities of career transitions, helping you align your values and aspirations with the right role. Drawing from his experiences at top-tier companies, he provides real-life examples and best practices for assessing your situation and making informed decisions.

 

Understanding when to search for a new job or role is crucial for achieving fulfillment and growth in your career. Sergio Patterson's expertise, combined with our engaging discussions, will empower you to take charge of your professional journey and seek opportunities that resonate with your true potential.

 

Join us in this insightful episode as we uncover the art of recognizing the perfect moment to embark on a new job search. Don't miss out on the wisdom and advice shared by our esteemed co-host, Sergio Patterson, and remember to subscribe and share the show to stay connected with us on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and Elevation Radio. Together, let's navigate the path to a more rewarding and satisfying career.

 

#TheFreeRetireeShow #CareerTransitionExpert #CareerGrowth #NewOpportunities #JobSearchTips #CareerChangeAdvice #KnowWhenToMoveOn

Escaping Credit Card Debt

Welcome to “ Escaping Credit Card Debt,” a special edition of The Free Retiree Show. In Episode 178, we dive into the pressing issue of credit card debt, exploring the factors contributing to its rise in the US. Join us as we share valuable tips and tricks to avoid falling into the credit card debt trap and provide expert advice on breaking free from it. Whether you’re currently facing credit card debt or not, this episode is essential for anyone looking to achieve financial freedom and secure a prosperous retirement. 

 

What You’ll Learn:

 

1. Why credit card debt is on the rise. .
2. The impact of post-pandemic life: soaring inflation, and fluctuating interest rates on the surging credit card debt balances.
3. Learn effective strategies to tackle credit card debt, including the importance of open conversations with loved ones, creating a personalized budget, and implementing the snowball or avalanche debt repayment methods.
4. Gain insights into negotiating with credit card companies for reduced interest rates or hardship programs to make your repayment journey smoother.
5. Understand the potential savings by considering balance transfers to credit cards with lower interest rates, including the allure of 0% balance transfer cards.
6. Explore the option of low-rate personal loans to expedite debt repayment and pave the way to financial independence.
7. Gain insights into income-boosting opportunities like side jobs or freelance work, providing additional funds to accelerate debt repayment and achieve your financial goals.

 

Subscribe now on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Elevate Radio.

2023 Mid-Year Economic Report Unveils Key Factors for the Second Half

Join wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy, career advisor Sergio Patterson, and attorney Matt McElroy in this engaging episode of The Free Retiree Show. In this mid-year economic report, they analyze the economic conditions of the first half of the year and provide insights into what the second half may hold.

 

Drawing from JP Morgan’s mid-year economic report, Lee, Sergio, and Matt explore key factors that impact the economy and provide valuable information for listeners to consider. They begin by discussing the challenges of reducing inflation, which has been influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the timeline for vaccine distribution.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 

• An overview of the economic conditions for the first half of the year based on data from JP Morgan’s mid-year economic report.

 

• Insights into the factors influencing inflation and its current trends, including year-over-year CPI inflation and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes.

 

• The impact of interest rates on mortgages, core goods inflation, and the significance of PCE core inflation in understanding overall inflation patterns.

 

• Predictions for future interest rate hikes and the potential timeline for their implementation.

 

• Analysis of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measurements and projections for the economy in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

 

• Examination of supply chains, including improvements in shipping costs, container ship capacity, and delivery times, and the potential impact on the prices of goods and services.

 

• Insights into the stabilization of the housing market, including housing starts, existing home sales, and home builder sentiment.

 

• Discussion on lending growth in regional banks, their reduced forecasts, and the challenges they may face in the current interest rate environment.

 

As the episode concludes, Lee, Sergio, and Matt invite listeners to like, share, and subscribe to The Free Retiree Show. They encourage listeners to send in their financial questions to ask@thefreeretiree.com. Tune in to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your finances and retirement plans.

 

#MidYearEconomicReport #InflationUpdate #InterestRates #EconomicForecast #FinancialInsights #TheFreeRetiree #FinancialFreedom #Retirement #InterviewTips #RetirementStrategy 

 

How to Perform a Financial Wellness Check

Join hosts wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy, career advisor Sergio Patterson, and attorney Matt McElroy on The Free Retiree Show as they delve into the crucial topic of performing a comprehensive financial checkup. In Episode 176, you’ll gain valuable insights and expert tips to assess your financial health and make informed decisions for a secure future.

 

With their extensive experience, the hosts guide you through the essential steps of a financial checkup. They cover various key areas, including emergency funds, reducing excessive cash holdings, retirement savings strategies, budget review, debt management techniques, credit report assessment, insurance coverage evaluation, and estate plan review.

 

Discover the importance of maintaining a robust emergency fund and explore different avenues such as CDs to maximize your savings potential. Learn why excessively holding onto cash can be a costly mistake that hampers your ability to combat inflation effectively.

 

The hosts emphasize the significance of retirement savings, highlighting the utilization of company matches and recommending a minimum savings and investment percentage. Dive into budget review techniques to identify recurring expenses that can be reduced or eliminated, and explore effective methods for paying off high-interest credit card debt, including the debt snowball and debt avalanche approaches.

 

Get invaluable advice on checking your credit reports from the three main credit reporting agencies and how to obtain free copies of your credit report annually. Gain insights into reviewing insurance coverage, including life, disability, health, and umbrella policies, to ensure you have adequate protection for your financial well-being.

 

Lastly, the hosts discuss the importance of estate planning: covering wills, trusts, and beneficiary reviews.

 

Don’t miss Episode 176 of The Free Retiree Show, where Lee Michael Murphy, Sergio Patterson, and Matt McElroy equip you with the knowledge and tools to conduct a thorough financial checkup, empowering you to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

 

What You’ll Learn:

 

• The importance of maintaining an emergency fund and strategies to save 3-6 months’ worth of expenses.

 

• The risks associated with holding excessive cash and how to optimize your cash holdings.

 

• Tips and techniques to maximize your retirement savings, including taking advantage of company matches and setting savings goals.

 

• Effective budget review methods to identify and cut unnecessary expenses on a monthly and annual basis.

 

• Strategies for paying off high-interest credit card debt, such as utilizing the debt snowball or debt avalanche approach.

 

• The significance of checking your credit reports annually and how to obtain them for free from the main credit reporting agencies.

 

• Key considerations when reviewing insurance coverage, including life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, and umbrella policies.

 

• An overview of estate planning essentials.

 

Listen to this enlightening episode on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

 

#TheFreeRetiree #FinancialCheckup #MoneyManagement #RetirementPlanning #DebtManagement #CreditReports #InsuranceCoverage #EstatePlanning

Crafting the Perfect Resume: Strategies for Effective Job Applications

Tune in to Episode 175 of The Free Retiree Show, where hosts wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy, career advisor Sergio Patterson, and attorney Matt McElroy dive into the topic of "Crafting the Perfect Resume: Strategies for Effective Job Applications." In this insightful episode, you'll learn valuable tips and techniques to optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

 

The hosts will guide you through various aspects of resume writing, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and avoiding a cluttered layout. Discover the power of a concise and impactful summary that captures the attention of potential employers. They also stress the significance of tailoring your resume for a specific job, showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.

 

With their expert guidance, you'll explore the art of highlighting your accomplishments and explaining the results you achieved in previous roles, rather than simply listing every task you've performed. They'll teach you how to focus on your top career achievements to make a lasting impression on hiring managers.

 

Furthermore, the hosts will share valuable insights on incorporating job description aspects into your resume, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the requirements of the position you're applying for.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies to avoid a cluttered resume and present your information in a clear and concise manner.
• The importance of crafting a short yet powerful summary that captures the essence of your professional profile.
• How to tailor your resume for a specific job, showcasing your relevant skills and experiences that align with the position.
• Techniques for effectively highlighting your accomplishments and explaining the results you achieved in previous roles.
• The significance of listing your top career achievements instead of overwhelming your resume with every task you’ve performed.
• Insights on incorporating aspects of the job description into your resume to make it more appealing to potential employers.
• Proven methods to optimize your resume and increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

 

Don't miss this knowledge-packed episode of The Free Retiree Show, Episode 175, as Lee Michael Murphy, Sergio Patterson, and Matt McElroy equip you with the tools to create a compelling resume that grabs attention and propels your career forward.

#TheFreeRetiree #FinancialFreedom #Retirement #InterviewTips #RetirementStrategy #CraftingThePerfectResume #JobApplicationStrategies #ResumeOptimization

Retirement Account Blunders Unveiled: Avoiding Costly Mistakes!

Are you ready to uncover the biggest retirement account mistakes? Join hosts wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy and career advisor Sergio Patterson in Episode 174 of The Free Retiree Show as they shed light on the common pitfalls to avoid when managing your retirement accounts.

 

In this lively and informative episode, Lee and Sergio walk you through the seven retirement account mistakes that can derail your financial future. From neglecting to fund your retirement accounts to being too conservative or aggressive with your investments, they leave no stone unturned.

 

But that's not all! Discover why understanding retirement plan benefits and saving enough for retirement are crucial steps towards a secure future. Gain valuable insights into the dangers of having friends or coworkers choose your investments and the significance of seeking professional advice.

 

What you'll learn in this episode:

- The importance of funding your retirement accounts and not relying solely on Social Security.

- The seven most common retirement account mistakes and how to avoid them.

- Strategies for saving enough and maximizing your retirement plan benefits.

- The perils of being too conservative or too aggressive with your investment choices.

- Why seeking professional advice is essential for a well-balanced and successful retirement journey.

 

Tune in to Episode 174 of The Free Retiree Show and arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your retirement accounts. Don't miss out on this upbeat and educational discussion!

 

#TheFreeRetiree #FinancialFreedom #Retirement #InterviewTips #RetirementStrategy #Episode174 #RetirementAccountMistakes #AvoidCommonPitfalls #SecureYourFuture

Effective Communication Strategies: Engaging Juniors, Peers, and Leadership for Success

Join hosts wealth manager Lee Michael Murphy, career advisor Sergio Patterson in this engaging episode of The Free Retiree Show. Discover valuable insights on effective communication strategies that can enhance your professional relationships with juniors, peers, and leadership. 

 

In this episode, Lee and Sergio  dive deep into the art of communication, providing practical tips and actionable advice. Learn how to treat juniors as equals, recognizing their valuable perspectives and accomplishments. Discover the power of active listening, fostering a culture of learning from those who are new and younger. Effective communication with peers is explored, emphasizing the importance of building trust and maintaining authenticity in your interactions.

 

When it comes to communicating with leadership, the hosts discuss strategies such as clearly articulating your needs and seeking help where necessary. They highlight the significance of respecting their time and being genuine in admitting your lack of knowledge or mistakes. Additionally, the importance of presenting solutions alongside problems is emphasized, promoting a proactive approach in professional communication.

 

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Treating junior co-workers as equals and valuing their insights

- Active listening and learning from younger colleagues

- Building trust and authenticity in peer-to-peer communication

- Strategies for effectively communicating with leadership

- Articulating your needs and seeking help where necessary

- Admitting mistakes and learning from them

- Presenting solutions alongside problems for effective communication

Tune in to Episode 173 of The Free Retiree Show and unlock the secrets to mastering effective communication in the workplace. Achieve financial freedom while cultivating a rewarding retirement strategy. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and actionable tips.

 

#TheFreeRetiree #FinancialFreedom #Retirement #InterviewTips #RetirementStrategy #EffectiveCommunication #ProfessionalRelationships #CommunicationStrategies #WorkplaceSuccess