This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo addressed essential retirement planning topics in their signature plain-spoken style. They emphasized the importance of choosing high-rated carriers for annuities and guaranteed income products, warning listeners about the risks of lower-rated companies and the illusion of high upfront bonuses that don’t always translate to better long-term income. The discussion also highlighted the crucial role of working with true fiduciaries who provide access to a wide array of products, ensuring the client’s best interest. Victor and Steve shared stories to illustrate the dangers of poor planning, lifestyle inflation after sudden wealth, and the need for a sustainable withdrawal strategy.

The show also featured a conversation about the largest generational wealth transfer in history to millennials and cautioned against emotional spending or failing to prepare for the long term. Victor underlined the value of a solid retirement plan that focuses on generating reliable cash flow rather than chasing investment fads or market timing. The show wrapped up by addressing listener questions about Social Security spousal benefits, pensions, and making smart lump sum vs. lifetime income decisions.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and co-host Amy Sharp dedicated the hour to answering listener questions from their “mailbag,” focusing on practical concerns surrounding retirement. Victor applied nearly 40 years of experience to topics like the financial and logistical realities of retiring abroad, including the nuances of maintaining Social Security and pensions, the importance of health insurance, and the unexpected challenges of daily life in another country. He stressed that while living overseas can be appealing, retirees need to thoroughly research medical care access, local bureaucracy, and cost-of-living differences—emphasizing the wisdom in speaking with current expats before making big decisions.

The episode also addressed essential retirement planning considerations like ensuring a sustainable income, stress-testing financial plans against market downturns, and thoughtfully managing 401(k)s and IRAs. Victor underscored the importance of cash flow over simply accumulating assets, encouraging diversified strategies. On long-term care, he explored alternatives to traditional insurance, such as leveraging life insurance or using innovative annuity products, while warning about rising costs in conventional policies.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and co-host Steve Ringo dove into the financial challenges facing retirees and those planning for retirement in today’s economic climate. They highlighted the “financial vortex” that can erode savings, such as caring for both aging parents and grown children—the so-called “sandwich generation”—financial hardships, and lifestyle creep during peak earning years. Victor emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive retirement plan, warning against overly optimistic withdrawal rates and projections that ignore real risks like inflation, market volatility, and taxes.

Throughout the show, Victor stressed the critical role of clear, personalized planning, recommending regular portfolio “stress tests” and factoring in all possible expenses, from health insurance to family support. He offered practical advice on understanding Social Security and tax implications, and encouraged listeners to take advantage of resources like his book, The Common Sense Investing Guide to Retirement, and the “love letter,” a document to help organize financial wishes and minimize family conflict.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This holiday-themed episode of the Common Sense Investing Show focused on critical retirement planning issues as the year ends. Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussed the true pillars of retirement readiness—emphasizing not just how much you’ve saved, but how much income you’ll need to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. They unpacked rules of thumb, touched on alternative income solutions and stressed the value of building a resilient plan that protects both surviving spouses and overall legacy.

In the second half, legacy planning and charitable giving took center stage, with advice on Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs. Healthcare costs and long-term care were flagged as potential wildcards in later retirement years, with cautions about rising insurance premiums and suggestions for alternatives to traditional policies. The hosts encouraged listeners to take a holistic, math-driven approach—running the numbers, consulting professionals, and enjoying life’s experiences without jeopardizing their long-term plans.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo reflected on holiday traditions and the changing dynamics of gift-giving, sharing personal stories about family, memorable gifts, and the challenges of raising children in a world where material expectations are higher than ever. The hosts discussed the importance of planning for the future, highlighting resources like Victor’s book, "The Common Sense Investing Guide," and emphasizing the value of the “family love letter”—a practical guide for organizing family information, wishes, and essential contacts when unexpected life events happen.

The show transitioned into financial questions from listeners, addressing topics such as recent tax changes, pension planning options, optimal timing for long-term care planning, and the financial habits to instill in younger generations. The hosts stressed the benefits of regular portfolio stress testing, thoughtful consideration of options in retirement, and always involving both spouses in financial decision-making.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo took a reflective look back at some of 2025’s major financial headlines, examining how changing tax laws, trade disputes, and the longest government shutdown in recent history have impacted both retirees and those planning for retirement. The hosts highlighted the importance of adapting your financial strategy to current realities—emphasizing that with rising expenses and economic uncertainty, reducing spending and having a solid retirement plan are more crucial than ever. Key topics included the lasting effects of the “big, beautiful bill,” ongoing tariff debates, and the need to consider worst-case scenarios when calculating future returns, challenging listeners to prioritize mathematics and facts over market hype and opinions.

In addition to current events, the show revisited essential resources for financial preparedness, such as Victor’s “Common Sense Investing Guide to Retirement” and the “family love letter”—a comprehensive document that gathers all important financial, legal, and logistical information for loved ones. Victor shared personal anecdotes illustrating why such preparation matters, especially during challenging times or unexpected life events. The overarching message: real financial security comes from proactive planning, disciplined spending, and fact-based investing, not speculative market bets.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s Common Sense Investing Show, hosted by Victor McClure and Steve Ringo began with a lively post-Thanksgiving chat and quickly jumped into timely financial topics, including the latest Federal Reserve interest rate cut and its impact on retirees. Victor and Steve shared their decades of experience in wealth management to explain why planning for retirement stability is essential, especially with rising costs and market volatility. They stressed that robust retirement planning means more than just saving in traditional accounts: it requires stress-testing your portfolio, considering inflation, and creating income streams. Entertaining anecdotes and candid advice highlighted the value of experience in managing money and illustrated the shifting priorities people face as they move toward retirement.

The team emphasized that the biggest retirement fear—outliving your money—is real for 58% of Americans, with inflation, healthcare costs, and longer lifespans creating new challenges. They outlined how to build a solution-based retirement plan that focuses on spendable assets, smart Social Security choices, and not relying solely on home equity or risky investments. Questions from listeners reinforced the importance of understanding withdrawal strategies from 401(k)s, maximizing income buckets, and adjusting for changing tax rules. The overall message was clear: preparing early and having backup plans ensures financial security, allowing retirees to maintain their desired lifestyle no matter what surprises life may bring.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s Common Sense Investing Show delved into the practical realities of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of clear-eyed math and stress testing your portfolio. Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussed the critical concept of "sequence of returns," explaining how even a single down year can drastically alter retirement outcomes despite strong average returns. The show highlighted the psychological hurdles retirees face, especially the anxiety of living off assets versus a paycheck, and stressed the value of cash flow and secure income sources. Listeners were encouraged to take advantage of resources like portfolio stress tests and Victor’s book, Common Sense Investing Guide to Retirement, to help avoid costly mistakes and ensure both confidence and comfort in retirement.

The team also addressed timely topics such as the end of the Windfall Elimination/Government Pension Offset. Drawing from recent retirement studies, they noted how more people are retiring earlier—sometimes by choice but often due to health or employer changes—and discussed the financial and emotional implications of such transitions. Throughout the episode, Victor and Steve underscored the necessity of having a written, regularly updated retirement plan that factors in taxes, inflation, market volatility, and changing personal circumstances, so listeners can chart a stable and satisfying path toward their retirement dreams.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo tackled some of the biggest financial headlines, including the government shutdown’s end and the historic retirement of the penny. The hosts discussed how these and other economic shifts—like rising insurance costs—affect retirees and their planning. They emphasized the importance of adapting retirement strategies to changing market conditions and the necessity of stress-testing portfolios to ensure resilience in turbulent times.

The show also explored questions from listeners worried about retirement readiness and unforeseen life events. Victor and Steve reminded listeners that retirement planning should go beyond just crunching numbers; it's vital to account for inflation, evolving expenses, and varied scenarios like loss of a spouse or long-term care needs. They recommend running “test drives” of retirement budgets and using comprehensive planning software to visualize future income and costs. Above all, they urged listeners to avoid guesswork: start with sound math, stress-test your plan, and work with trusted professionals to secure a financially confident retirement.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's episode opened with Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussing the generally optimistic outlook among financial advisors despite ongoing concerns like inflation, taxes, and market volatility. The group emphasized the importance of financial planning and preparation, drawing on personal anecdotes and current trends in real estate and home ownership. Victor stressed the value of starting retirement savings early, particularly through 401(k) contributions, and offered practical advice for young savers and those navigating tax implications in home buying. He highlighted the significance of consistently monitoring spending, running the numbers, and regularly reassessing financial plans to bolster confidence in an uncertain economic environment.

The conversation also covered timely topics like Medicare open enrollment, the impact of recent interest rate cuts, and strategies for maximizing retirement income and Social Security benefits. Victor explained the complexities of Medicare and cautioned listeners against delaying enrollment, while also responding to listener questions about working in retirement and mitigating the risks of market downturns as retirement approaches. The show wrapped up with a reminder for regular portfolio "stress testing," diversifying investments to manage risk, and seeking professional financial advice for long-term success.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s CSI Show welcomed listeners with special guests Raymond McClure and Logan Wakamoto, paraplanners at McClure Capital, stepping in for host Victor McClure to join Steve Ringo. The team covered timely topics such as the impact of changing interest rates, recent large-scale layoffs, and market volatility, emphasizing the importance of always having a well-constructed, stress-tested retirement plan. Drawing on a recent Yahoo Finance report, they explored the habits of upper-class retirees, such as proactively managing lifetime tax bills and planning for long-term care. The conversation highlighted that successful retirees don’t just focus on the current year—they plan decades ahead—making the case for diversification, risk profiling, and thoughtful income strategies.

Additionally, the show touched on the dangers of online financial scams, sharing a cautionary story of a client who fell victim to a crypto fraud but found stability thanks to their robust retirement plan. Personal finance discipline, legacy planning, and creating positive cash flow were recurring themes, with real-life anecdotes, including Logan’s experience as a newlywed navigating joint finances.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week's show with Victor McClure and Steve Ringo focused on the importance of financial planning in October—the official Financial Planning Month. Victor shared his experiences from recent travels and highlighted how life priorities and financial challenges shift as we age. The team distinguished between general financial planning and the more specialized retirement planning, emphasizing the unique needs of retirees who must navigate market volatility, inflation, and the critical "sequence of returns risk." They stressed that successful retirement isn't just about how much is saved, but about keeping spending in check, anticipating future healthcare costs, and building strong, reliable cash flow.

The conversation turned to the unpredictabilities faced in retirement, such as rising healthcare expenses, long-term care needs, and the psychological impact of market swings once a steady paycheck ends. Victor and Steve addressed frequent listener questions about managing old 401(k)s, the role of professional advisors, and making sure both spouses are prepared for unexpected events. They encouraged listeners not to rely on outdated financial rules, and advised seeking experienced and trustworthy guidance for creating a resilient plan.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing show, Victor McClure and co-host Steve Ringo dove into the fundamentals of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the unexpected and ensuring your savings last. Drawing on decades of experience, Victor encouraged listeners to look beyond flashy sales pitches and bonuses, instead focusing on working with highly-rated financial products and advisors who prioritize clients' best interests.

The team also addressed practical topics such as beneficiary designations, the evolving rules around required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the impact of inflation and healthcare expenses on retirement. Throughout, the advice was clear: focus on generating reliable income, routinely review beneficiaries, plan ahead for life's surprises, and demand comprehensive services from your financial advisor to truly protect yourself and your loved ones in retirement.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo tackled the increasingly critical issue of healthcare costs in retirement. Drawing from new Fidelity research, they discussed how a 65-year-old retiree today faces an estimated large amount in medical expenses over their retirement, with that figure doubling for couples and excluding key out-of-pocket costs like dental, vision, and long-term care. The hosts emphasized the importance of robust savings and proper planning to handle unpredictable expenses and inflation. They highlighted that many retirees fail to anticipate these costs, potentially leaving even diligent savers at risk of being caught off guard.

The show also covered a new Goldman Sachs study illustrating broader financial challenges facing Americans, especially younger generations. With nearly half of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X living paycheck to paycheck and a growing portion of affluent households failing to save, Victor and Steve stressed the dangers of “lifestyle creep” and inadequate preparation. They explained how major life events and debt can derail savings and warned against prioritizing college funding over retirement. The bottom line: achieving a comfortable, stress-free retirement requires disciplined saving, realistic income replacement goals, and the willingness to confront tough choices—possibly with professional guidance—to prepare for both anticipated and unexpected future expenses.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s CSI show kicked off with the team discussing the recent government shutdown and its practical implications for retirees and the broader public. The hosts encouraged listeners not to panic, noting that the stock market typically responds with resilience during shutdowns, and advised against making hasty investment changes based on short-term headlines. Instead, they advocated maintaining a diversified and properly allocated portfolio, highlighting the importance of having separate buckets for growth, income, and reserves to safeguard retirement plans against market volatility and unexpected events.

The show shifted to the topic of "financial malpractice," where Victor outlined common yet costly mistakes made by some advisors, such as discouraging 401(k) contributions or universally recommending Roth conversions. The hosts stressed the importance of individualizing investment strategies and using third-party, professional managers—like Daniel Snover—to optimize risk management and portfolio construction. Daniel explained why traditional 60/40 stock-bond allocations often fail to provide true diversification, advocating instead for strategies that incorporate alternative assets and risk parity methods.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

Victor McClure and his team at McClure Capital tackled timely topics in retirement and investing, starting with a candid discussion of today’s volatile stock market and record-high valuations. Victor highlighted the importance of understanding metrics like the CAPE ratio and the Buffett Indicator, both pointing to an overvalued market. Throughout the show, he emphasized smart asset allocation—urging listeners to rebalance portfolios, avoid emotional decision-making, and think strategically about risk, especially for those near or in retirement. He also introduced innovative managed programs that deliver market returns with reduced risk, and stressed the value of professional, ongoing investment management over set-it-and-forget-it strategies.

The episode also dove into the frequently debated topic of Roth conversions. Victor broke down the math and tax implications and underscored the importance of individualized, stress-tested retirement planning, particularly when considering healthcare costs, long-term care, and end-of-life expenses. Listeners’ questions were answered on topics like retirement savings strategies for those ten years out and funding long-term care, with practical guidance centered on maximizing 401(k) contributions, maintaining liquidity, and preparing for unexpected expenses.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s Common Sense Investing (CSI) radio show focused on the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut and its impact on retirement planning, investments, and overall financial security. Victor McClure and Steve Ringo discussed how the Fed’s quarter-point reduction—bringing rates to a 4–4.25% range—may influence CDs, borrowing costs, and annuities, especially for those nearing or in retirement. They emphasized that while rate shifts often trigger headlines and short-term market anxiety, long-term investors should concentrate on locking in favorable rates and ensuring sustainable income streams. Victor shared practical examples about planning for the financial well-being of surviving spouses, underscoring the importance of personal pensions and stress-tested retirement plans regardless of political or market volatility.

The team also dove into behavioral finance, exploring how emotions and biases—like fear, greed, and familiarity—can lead to poor financial choices and overconfidence, particularly after extended bull markets. They cautioned against concentrating too heavily in sectors like technology or real estate, highlighting the cyclical nature of markets and the necessity of diversification. Mental accounting was discussed as a useful tactic when paired with a comprehensive, written retirement plan. Ultimately, the show stressed the value of maintaining a balanced portfolio, managing risk, and continually reassessing one’s financial strategy, with cash flow and income buckets as top priorities.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week’s episode of the Common Sense Investing Show focused on answering listener questions from the mailbag, covering topics many retirees and soon-to-be retirees face. Victor McClure used his decades of experience to explore the complexities of moving abroad in retirement, explaining that while pensions and Social Security are generally portable, crucial considerations like healthcare access, residency, and everyday conveniences can be much more complicated overseas for those interested in retiring outside of the United States.

The show also tackled practical issues like consolidating multiple retirement accounts after changing jobs, planning for long-term care, and managing inflation risk in retirement. Victor stressed that income—especially reliable, guaranteed income—is the foundation of a happy retirement. He recommended stress-testing your retirement plan, not simply relying on optimistic averages, and considering annuities and other income-producing investments.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure was joined by Steve Ringo and special guest Daniel Snover from PMV Capital for an insightful discussion on managing risk in today’s volatile markets. The team emphasized the importance of attention to detail, both in client service and investment strategy—drawing analogies from military precision and office culture. Victor and Daniel explained why traditional diversification may not be enough, and how their approach blends options to offer better downside protection and risk-adjusted returns, rather than trying to simply "beat the market" through stock-picking or market timing.

Daniel detailed how more sophisticated strategies, including leveraged ETFs and non-correlated asset classes, can help investors match or exceed market returns while significantly reducing risk. The conversation highlighted why professional management and institutional asset managers add value, especially compared to generic approaches like simply holding the S&P 500.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/

This week on the Common Sense Investing Show, Victor McClure and Steve Ringo focused on the importance of year-end financial strategies as we enter the latter half of 2025. The team emphasized stress testing retirement portfolios and urged listeners not to be complacent but to routinely evaluate their plans, particularly looking at asset allocation, tax harvesting, and income strategies ahead of 2026. The discussion highlighted the difference between accumulation and distribution phases, noting that while the stock market excels at growing wealth, retirees need reliable income streams and the right asset mix as they approach retirement.

The show also covered critical end-of-year deadlines, including Medicare’s annual election period, required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, and charitable gifting, all of which must be addressed by December 31st. Victor and Steve stressed the importance of understanding healthcare and state tax implications when relocating in retirement, reminding listeners that costs and coverage can vary greatly depending on location. Audience questions covered topics such as evaluating portfolio performance and considering moves between financial advisors or relocating states.


For more information about Victor McClure, Steve Ringo and the McClure Capital team, visit https://mcclurecapital.com/