Four Habits That Can Wreck Your Retirement (and How LGBTQ+ Retirees Can Avoid Them)

Retirement today looks nothing like it did for your parents or grandparents—and for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, the challenges are even greater. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host and fiduciary advisor Matt McClure covers why personalized planning is essential, the decline of pensions, Social Security uncertainties, and how to create your own “personal pension” with guaranteed income strategies. Plus, September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, so Matt breaks down why life insurance is about love, dignity, and financial security—not just a death benefit.  You’ll also hear from Dr. Julie Gralow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology about proposed federal budget cuts to cancer research, and why your voice matters in protecting funding for life-saving innovation.  Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call (855) 246-9211. Build the retirement you deserve—with clarity, confidence, and pride.    --  Schedule a free consultation: takeprideinretirement.com  Call Matt directly: (855) 246-9211  Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement -- Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host Matt McClure focuses on one of the most important aspects of retirement planning: creating guaranteed income streams. With pensions disappearing and Social Security facing uncertainty, annuities are making a comeback as a modern solution for financial security. Matt breaks down the different types of annuities—fixed, variable, MYGAs, and fixed indexed annuities—in plain English, explains how they can protect against market volatility, and highlights why they may be especially valuable for LGBTQ+ retirees. You’ll also hear a real-life case study in the Problem Solver segment and test your knowledge with a special annuity-themed edition of Right or Wrong. If you’ve ever wondered whether annuities could help you create a retirement you can truly take pride in, this episode is for you. Ready to explore whether annuities can strengthen your retirement plan? Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211. Confidence in your retirement starts with confidence in your income.   -- ✅ Schedule a free consultation: takeprideinretirement.com  Call Matt directly: (855) 246-9211  Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement -- Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host Matt McClure highlights four costly habits that can derail retirement dreams—and explains how they uniquely impact the LGBTQ+ community. Matt also dives into the realities of healthcare costs, Medicare basics, long-term care planning, and why annuities are the Swiss Army Knife of retirement. With real-life lessons, personal stories, and financial strategies tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, this episode is all about protecting your future and building a retirement you can truly take pride in. Schedule your free consultation today at takeprideinretirement.com or call (855) 246-9211. -- ✅ Schedule a free consultation: takeprideinretirement.com  Call Matt directly: (855) 246-9211  Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement -- Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Inflation eats away at the value of your hard-earned money—and for retirees, especially LGBTQ+ retirees living on a fixed income, it can be a real threat to financial security. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host and fiduciary advisor Matt McClure breaks down what inflation really means, why it’s such a challenge, and how you can protect your purchasing power without taking on unnecessary risk.  From strategies like delaying Social Security, diversifying investments, using annuities with inflation protection, and even lifestyle adjustments such as downsizing or shared housing, Matt covers the practical steps that help you stay ahead. He also explores unique challenges LGBTQ+ retirees face, including healthcare disparities, legal protections, and the impact of delayed financial planning due to marriage equality arriving later in life. Inflation is inevitable—but how you prepare for it makes all the difference. Don’t let inflation erode your retirement dreams. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Matt McClure today. Call (855) 246-9211 or visit TakePrideInRetirement.com to get your personalized retirement roadmap.   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Market swings are a fact of life — but they don’t have to derail your retirement dreams. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host and fiduciary financial advisor Matt McClure dives into strategies to help you protect your portfolio, safeguard your income, and keep your cool during turbulent markets. From the emotional side of investing to the practical tools — like diversification, guaranteed income streams, and rebalancing — Matt explains how LGBTQ+ retirees and those nearing retirement can build confidence no matter what Wall Street is doing. You’ll also learn about the often-overlooked “sequence of returns” risk, how to avoid costly emotional mistakes, and why a personalized written plan can make all the difference. Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already enjoying it, this episode will help you prepare, adapt, and thrive through market volatility. Don’t let market swings shake your confidence. Schedule your free, no-obligation retirement consultation today at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211 — and start building a retirement plan you can take pride in.   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Whether you’re single, married, partnered, divorced, or widowed, your relationship status plays a huge role in shaping your retirement plan—especially in the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, host Matt McClure breaks down how legal status can impact your Social Security benefits, taxes, estate planning, healthcare decisions, and more.  You’ll hear real-life stories, explore crucial legal documents you may need, and learn why proper planning is essential—especially if you're unmarried but in a long-term partnership. Matt also explains how to take advantage of survivor and spousal benefits, avoid costly mistakes, and build a plan that reflects your real life, not just what’s on paper.  Plus, learn about guaranteed income strategies with Nationwide’s Peak 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity. Whether you're flying solo or planning with a partner, this episode will help you build a secure and meaningful retirement you can take pride in.  ✅ Schedule a free consultation: takeprideinretirement.com  Call Matt directly: (855) 246-9211  Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Caregiving is an act of love — but it can also come with an emotional, physical, and financial toll. In this heartfelt episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host Matt McClure shares his personal caregiving journey and dives into the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when supporting loved ones. From reduced income and out-of-pocket expenses to the emotional weight of caring for chosen family, Matt unpacks how caregiving intersects with retirement planning. You’ll also hear about the financial tools available — including the Nationwide Peak 10 fixed indexed annuity — that can help protect your nest egg and provide a guaranteed income stream for life. Whether you’re currently a caregiver or planning ahead, this episode offers practical guidance, emotional support, and a message of gratitude for the unsung heroes in our community. ✅ Schedule a free consultation: takeprideinretirement.com  Call Matt directly: (855) 246-9211   Request your free RSSA Roadmap for Social Security optimization  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Financial stress is more than just numbers—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host and fiduciary advisor Matt McClure explores the powerful connection between mental health and money, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. From financial trauma to money scripts and everyday anxiety about the future, Matt opens up about the emotional weight that so many LGBTQ+ individuals carry when it comes to money. More importantly, he offers real-world strategies to help you take control of your finances—and your mindset. ✅ Learn how to create a spending plan that works for you ✅ Find out how clarity leads to confidence ✅ Discover how your financial “scripts” can be rewritten ✅ Get tips for lowering stress with automation and planning ✅ Understand the unique financial challenges facing LGBTQ+ households ✅ Learn why working with a trusted advisor is a form of self-care Quote of the Week: “True financial freedom isn't just about dollars. It's about peace of mind.” — Unknown   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.  Watch full episodes on YouTube: Take Pride in Retirement YouTube Channel  Follow on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, Instagram — just search Take Pride in Retirement

We're halfway through 2025—are you halfway ready for retirement? In this episode of Take Pride in Retirement, host Matt McClure returns from a whirlwind Fourth of July to share a powerful 12-step retirement readiness checklist designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in the retirement red zone—those five to ten years before or after retirement. Matt dives into: A midyear market update (hint: the rebound is real) How tariffs and inflation may impact your nest egg A breakdown of essential steps to prepare financially, emotionally, and practically for retirement The forgotten 401(k)—and why it's time to track yours down Whether you're dealing with catch-up contributions, debt payoff, long-term care worries, or just wondering where to start, this episode will help you take pride in every part of your journey to financial freedom. Book your free consultation today at TakePrideInRetirement.com Call: 855-246-9211 Follow Matt on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky @TakePrideInRetirement   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Legacy planning is more than documents—it’s an act of love. In this powerful episode of Take Pride in Retirement, Matt McClure explains why estate and legacy planning are especially vital for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. From understanding wills and trusts to ensuring chosen family and causes are protected, this episode explores how to create a plan that reflects your true self. Plus, Matt speaks with Joan Alker of Georgetown University about new research on how proposed Medicaid cuts could deeply affect small businesses—including LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. ✅ Learn how to structure your legacy ✅ Hear the difference between wills and trusts ✅ Discover how to transfer wealth tax efficiently ✅ Get policy insights on healthcare and small businesses Whether you’re planning for retirement or just starting your financial journey, this episode will help you protect your future—and the people you love most. Schedule your complimentary Social Security analysis and retirement consultation at TakePrideInRetirement.com or call 855-246-9211.   -- Schedule your free consultation: TakePrideInRetirement.com Connect with Matt: https://takeprideinretirement.com/#contact Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakePrideinRetirementShow Take Pride in Retirement is proud to be named one of the top Pride podcasts on the internet by FeedSpot. For more, go to https://blog.feedspot.com/pride_podcasts About Take Pride in Retirement:Take Pride in Retirement is a podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. Host Matt McClure, a licensed fiduciary financial advisor, shares strategies to protect your hard-earned money while pursuing market-like growth. Matt holds the RSSA® credential as a Registered Social Security Analyst®, helping clients optimize their Social Security filing strategies to potentially increase lifetime income. He’s also a Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®), a designation earned through a 135+ hour graduate-level program in fixed-rate and variable annuities from the Institute of Business & Finance. Based in Georgia with his husband and two dogs, Matt spent over a decade in New York City, working with The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, NY1, and WCBS Newsradio 880. A career highlight includes reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.