Shows / The Red Zone Retirement Program
The Red Zone Retirement Program
In football, the Red Zone is where a team has to make small adjustments to ensure victory. As you approach retirement, you also need to make small adjustments to ensure success. Join John Mears of Mears Money Management each episode as he helps you understand the most important strategies that will help lead you to financial and retirement success. John has more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive planning services to families throughout the Santa Clarita, California area. On…
Episodes
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
A New Bill Would Lower the Social Security Retirement Age… for Some
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net A new bill in Congress would let some workers claim full Social…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Fall 2026 - The State of the Economy: What's Really Going On Right Now?
Mortgage rates are climbing, bond yields are hitting levels we haven't seen in decades, and gas prices are still up. Despite the numerous negative headlines…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Conversation Starters: Questions Worth Asking About Your Financial Future
Talking about money can be hard for some people, and sometimes it just takes the right question to get things rolling. John and Tim go over a few today that he…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Q&A: Early Inheritance & Strategic Debt
John is joined once again by special guest Tim Higgins to tackle listener questions about receiving financial gifts from parents and deciding when carrying…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What Does "Safe Money" Actually Mean?
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Everyone says they want their money to be "safe," but almost…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
An Oscar-Nominated Film About Retirement That's Worth 7 Minutes of Your Time
There's a 7-minute animated short that got nominated for an Oscar this year called Retirement Plan. It's free on YouTube, narrated by Irish actor Domhnall…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The 4% Rule vs. the 8% Rule: What's the Right Withdrawal Rate for You?
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Dave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What To Sell Before Retirement – Reacting to YouTube's Most Watched Retirement Video
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Over the past year, one retirement video on YouTube pulled in 3.7…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The IPO Buzz- What Hopeful Retirees Actually Need to Know
SpaceX. OpenAI. These and other names have been dominating the headlines. The IPO market is heating up, and clients are asking questions. Today we're keeping…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Protecting What You Care Most About
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Nobody likes talking about death, insurance, or estate planning…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
From Intro Call to Full Retirement Plan: Inside John's Process
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net John pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
My Investments Underperformed the Market - Should I Fire My Advisor?
We got a great question from a listener: "My investments didn't do as well in the last 12 months as the overall market has done. Should I be re-evaluating my…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Volunteering: The Best Investment You Might Make In Retirement
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), let's talk…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What People Really Google About AI and Retirement (and What's True)
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net AI headlines are everywhere right now, mostly bold predictions…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Tax Season Hits Different When You're Retired
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Should You Sell Your Business to Retire?
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Selling a business is one of the biggest financial decisions…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Inheriting a House? Here's What You Need to Know About Taxes
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Inheriting a home can feel like a blessing, until the tax…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Would You Trade $600 a Month to Protect Your Spouse?
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net John tackles a listener question that feels like a red-zone…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What's Changing in 2026 (And Why It Matters To Your Money)
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net What's new in 2026 for retirees & pre-retirees? John covers…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Year-End Mailbag: Your Biggest Retirement Questions Answered
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Join John as he wraps up the year and answers some of the biggest…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
I'm 62... Should I Claim Social Security?
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Celebrate our 100th episode as John tackles the ever-important…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Why Better Questions Build Better Retirements
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net You've heard the saying, "There's no such thing as a bad…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The Giving Playbook: Smart Moves for Lasting Impact
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net In football, every great play starts with a solid game plan, and…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Fidelity's 2025 Report: Health Care Costs Just Jumped Again
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Fidelity just released their 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Year-End Strategic & Tactical Planning Meetings
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Retirement isn't just about saving money—it's about strategically…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Reacting To Unfiltered Retirement Takes from YouTube
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net In this episode, John steps onto the field and reacts to…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The Hidden Medicare Penalty You Might Be Paying
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Football & Finance: Don't Panic, Stick to the Plan
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net In football, one bad play doesn't decide the outcome. A fumble…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Mailbag: Renting, Dividends, and Social Security
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net When it comes to retirement, the toughest calls aren't always…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Gain an Edge in Investing with the 3 Factor Model
🏈 Don't fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at http://bookachatwithjohn.net Retirement planning isn't about flashy plays- it's about…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Big Beautiful Bill Myths Debunked
Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you're getting a $40K deduction just for breathing…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Target-Date Funds: Smart Strategy or Lazy Investing?
Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They're now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Football & Finances: Details Matter
Football is often called a game of inches, and the same can be said for retirement planning. Winning on the field and winning in retirement both come down to…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Hiring Your Spouse & Kids: Big Opportunities and Big Mistakes to Avoid
Today, John's answering a question from a viewer about hiring a spouse, or children, in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Football & Finance: Simulated Pressures in Retirement
Retirement can feel a lot like facing a defensive blitz. Just like in football, when six defenders line up and the offense doesn't know who's coming after the…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Mailbag: Volatility, Rebalancing, and Buying the Dip
Retirement planning isn't that different from calling plays on game day. When the market's throwing curveballs and the scoreboard doesn't look great, you don't…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What Should You ACTUALLY Do When The Market Drops?
What should you actually do when the market drops? In this episode, John breaks down the recent market volatility and offers a steady voice amid the noise…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Key 2025 Tax Breaks & Adjustment Opportunities
Tax season is here, but filing your 2024 return is just one piece of the puzzle. Now is also the perfect time to take advantage of new tax rules for…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Bracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners
We're ready for the return of March Madness and the craziness that will unfold over the next three weeks. We can't give you any tournament picks, but we can…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Presidential Wisdom For Your Retirement Plan
Presidents aren't just leaders of a nation. They're decision-makers who navigate uncertainty, make tough calls, and plan for the future. Today, we're looking…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?
The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Social Security Claiming Tips for Unique Situations
Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
How To Change Your Money Attitude In 2025
As we kick off 2025, a lot of people consider what they want the year to look like and how to put their best foot forward, especially financially. Think: "new…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The Art of Rebalancing
Do you rebalance at the end of the year, beginning of the new year, or when something happens in life? Rebalancing is an artform of sorts…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Most Americans Are Forced to Retire Early - Are You Ready?
Did you know most Americans retire earlier than planned, often due to unexpected health issues, job changes, or financial surprises? These challenges can force…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Unlock Your Potential by Working With A Professional
Unlocking your financial potential and ensuring a successful retirement is not something that happens overnight. It requires strategic planning, expert…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Mailbag: Inherited IRAs and 401k Investing
It's a mailbag edition of the show this week as we'll tackle questions about inherited IRAs and investing in 401k. Plus, John's football season as a head coach…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Could Big Changes Be Coming To Social Security?
Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. There's plenty of speculation about what actions the…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Kim Kardashian's Advice Could Save Your Retirement: Unlikely Financial Wisdom
You wouldn't necessarily expect Mike Tyson, Kim Kardashian, and Snooki to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you'd probably…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
5 Common Regrets Retirees Have in Their 70s
A video with the simple premise of exploring five regrets from retirees blew up to more than a half-million views on YouTube, and it doesn't surprise us that…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The Magic 8 Ball's Guide to Retirement Planning
Remember the thrill of shaking a Magic 8 Ball to get answers to your childhood questions? Would we ace that math test? Would we be famous someday? Well, today…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Your Guide To Medicare's Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! But what does this mean for you? How does the process work, and who should be paying close…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
The 'How Do You Know?' Questions in Retirement Planning
Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
What the Heck is a HECM?
What is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase? This financial tool, often referred to as a reverse mortgage, is designed to help you leverage the…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
College Financial Planning Insights For Grandparents
Paying for college has become increasingly harder with rising costs. Starting early for your child's or grandchild's education can make a big difference and…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Retirement Travel Planning Tips & Strategies
One of the more exciting parts of the retirement planning process is dreaming about the lifestyle you want to enjoy. For many retirees, travel is a big part of…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Yogi-isms: Retirement Wisdom from Yogi Berra
Former New York Yankees great Yogi Berra might be better known for what he said rather than how he played, and these humorous yet insightful "Yogi-isms" have…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Long-Term Care and Life Insurance: The Basics You Must Know
While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it's also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Retiree Health Insurance: The Basics You Must Know
While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it's also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance…
- The Red Zone Retirement Program
Steering Clear of Retirement Stress
Retirement is often portrayed as a time when worries and stress fade away. However, psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful…